More Than a Test Score

They say, “War is hell.” For millions of students nationwide, so is the SAT. But the truth is preparing for the SAT doesn’t have to be the painful, depressing, and terrifying experience you keep hearing about. In fact, success on the mother of all tests is a lot easier than you think. Here are 5 helpful tips from a Harvard guru who has taken more than a 100 SATs and PSATs, helped instruct thousands of students and experienced first hand what a great score can do for your future.

Before you even begin to prepare for the SAT, remember that you are always more than a number on a piece of paper. You are the sum of your life experiences, and the SAT is only one part of the admissions equation. If you become obsessed with your score (or the scores of your friends), you are setting yourself up to go crazy. Honestly, the world is full of crazy people already and a meltdown with a number two pencil is just no way to go.

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It’s almost over. I promise.

Seniors – you have spent your entire high school careers studying, taking tests and writing essays all in the hope of getting into that dream school. And yet there are still SATs to take and scores to improve. Before you throw up your hands in frustration, break down and cry into your pillow, or decide that being a 6^th year senior is actually a cool idea, here are 5 essential things you can do to increase your chances of nailing a top score this fall.

Before we begin, you might want to know why on Earth you should take the advice of some guy you have never met. Well that’s a good question; I’m impressed. The funny thing is at this point I know many of you are desperate — if I said that the secret to a higher score was a diet of tarantulas and Red Bull some of you might just try it. But before you run out in search of killer spiders or try to sprout your own set of wings, take a deep breath. Trust me, I have worked with thousands of students, train teachers how to teach the SAT and still take the test myself (as sad as that may sound).

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We are matching so many scholarships over here at Zinch that we can barely keep up! Welcome Nadia Ahlborg to the list of winners. She’s going to be a freshmen at Ohio State University studying Materials Science and Engineering.

Where did you hear about Zinch and what made you start using it?
I heard about Zinch from a friend who used it and liked it better than other scholarship search engines. So, I decided to sign up and try it out.

What was your reaction when you found out you won the Alfred B. Glossbrenner and John Klusch Scholarship?
I was so thrilled! I called my mom in the middle of her meeting to tell her the news, then called my dad at work and ran around the house telling my brothers that I’d just won a ton of money.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m hoping to attend grad school and perform research. Right now, I am especially interested in biomaterials, which are special materials used in medical devices that can mimic human tissue.

What’s your favorite summertime activity?
I love hanging out with all my friends and staying up late!

What’s playing on your iPod right now?
“Violet Hill” by Coldplay

What advice do you have for those seeking scholarships?
Apply to as many scholarships as you can, even if you don’t think you quite qualify. Try to focus on scholarships given by local organizations or your parents’ work, because they will have fewer applicants. For some, you may only be competing with five or ten people, and that definitely improves your chances of winning.

How are you more than a test score?
While my test scores have gotten me far, they won’t help me make new friends or pass classes in college. What will help are all the experiences I’ve had in choir and on the cross-country team, my fun and open personality, and my passion for what I do.

Show us how you’re passionate by filling out your Zinch profile right now!

Even if you’ve barely been in school for a month, it’s not too early to start thinking about next year – really! Scholarship application deadlines come rushing at you faster than you’d imagine. Here are five quick tips from Scholarship America on how to stay on top of things.

• Make Time – Starting Now. If you’ve ever filled out a scholarship application before, you already know that they take more time than you think. (And if you haven’t, trust us.) With deadlines for major awards like the $50,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship and the Horatio Alger Association programs (for students in financial need) already coming in the next month, now’s the time to start setting aside a couple hours twice a week to research and complete applications.
• Fill The Time You Make. Everyone dreams of that full-ride scholarship, but don’t ignore the smaller ones available in your community. No deadline breathing down your neck for a week? Find scholarships to apply for through Rotary Clubs, Dollars for Scholars chapters, Chamber of Commerce outlets and more.
• Hurrying Is Bad News. Though you’ve gotta work fast, don’t go too fast. Get going well before deadline, particularly if you’re doing essay writing. Any essays you write will benefit from finishing them, setting them aside for a day, and giving them one more edit before you send.
• Don’t Overwork The Internet. If you’re filling out an online application for a scholarship, it’s tempting to wait until the last minute. Don’t. Lots of other applicants are going to have the same idea, and the more data rushing into an application, the more chances there are for a great application to run into computer gremlins.
• Grad School? Get Going! There’s even more of a rush if you’re planning on continuing school after your degree is completed. The biggest-name fellowships and grants – Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshall – have September and October deadlines, and many others follow suit.

And the winner is….Zaina Natour!!

Here is a little bit about her:

“I’m 16 years old attending Appomattox County High School and Central Virginia Governor’s School as a senior!! I attend Central Virginia Governor’s School in the morning and take CS, calculus, and senior seminar. At Appomattox, I take AP Government, College English, and Spanish. I’ve played on the varsity soccer team for 3 years and this will be my fourth and last. I enjoy running and listening to music. As a hobby, I solve rubik’s cubes and collect anything with the letter Z on it. My favorite color is purple, i love calf muscles, pokemon, and pickles. I am an ESTJ and love to be around people”

Congrats Zaina!!