Photos, Facebook, and more

SAGErs,

I apologize for the lack of updates on this blog, but SAGE now has a new Facebook fan page! We'll be updating that more frequently than this blog, so make sure you add yourself as a fan to get the latest news and information.

We've also updated the college photos with USC, Yale, Boston University, Bucknell College, Lafayette College, Northwestern University, and University of Chicago, so be sure to check those out!

Our next meeting will be Wednesday the 13th, which will be about scheduling and course information. SAGE officers will tell you about their experiences with a variety of different AP and honors classes, and will also be taking questions.

Finally, the image bug has been fixed, and all of our photos have been moved over to our new Picasa account.

Dominic

Update: 2009-10 School Year

Hey,

Just a reminder to keep checking this blog for new content. We've revamped the blog for this new school year, and have also uploaded photos of California Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, and Stanford University to our photos (link on left)!

Dominic

Mentorship Reminder!

Hey Mentors,

Please remember to e-mail your mentees weekly. With finals and AP tests fast approaching, there should be a lot to talk about! Don't forget to send a copy to me at iridescentbubbles@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Lauren Zack
Mentorship Coordinator

Apology

SAGERs,

If you received an email regarding a new post that was not SAGE related, sorry. A entry was accidently posted onto the wrong blog. Sorry!

Clubs: Get Involved!

SAGE,
We have over 40 great clubs available to you at DV! Get excited and involved in something you're passionate about. All the information you need is on the online club database (here's the link: http://www.tuhsd.k12.az.us/dvh/Activities/clubs.htm). Remember, academics isn't the only thing that is important in looking attractive to colleges. Extra-curricular activities are important as well, and they'll provide you with a "well-balanced" application (which is essential in today's competitive world). Of course, if you would like to start your own club, that's also very easy. Get started by talking to Mr. Snyder. What are you waiting for? Find something you like and get involved!
-Victor

Do YOU Know Who Diana Brown Is?

It is a long fabled tale of a desolate room faraway across from the bookstore, that is filled with people to help you.

BREAKING NEWS: It’s real!! And it’s called the Counseling Office!!

I know the idea may be strange but your counselors are there to help you during your high school career!! It’s their job!! Please, please take advantage of all the benefits that the counseling office offers such as college visits, meetings with your counselor, and much more!

I would like to talk to you (as Career Fields of Study Coordinator) about one lady named Diana Brown the career specialist.

Once again, her job is to help you, especially in finding or choosing the correct career that may be right for you. Tests like the ASVAB tests are available in the counseling office. One test that takes about 45 minutes on the computer can study your interests and subsequently tell you careers that may be of interest to you!

So if you’re confused at all in what you want to do with your life, there is help—and it’s name is Diana Brown :]

Why You Should Bother Taking AP Tests

We all know the College Board is after our money. I mean, seriously, it costs 45 dollars to take a standardized test that all colleges need in order to consider you for admission, and 89 dollars for an AP test...but considering the rising tuition costs just about everywhere, if you get credit for your AP test, it might be a good deal.

But if you were accepted to a school that doesn't accept AP credits, what will you do? Is there a point for you to take the AP test?

There really is no right answer. If you're a senior that's already been admitted to Stanford, Yale, or the like, you might be a little lazy when it comes time to sign up for AP, and think: "Oh, but they won't accept my credits...no point in taking the test." But colleges like Stanford and Yale like seeing you challenge yourself. They believe that challenging yourself by taking AP exams demonstrates your rigor and focus. Take AP exams anyway. It's the last time you'll ever have a chance at getting cheap credit hours...and besides, even if you are lazy, it will feel good when your scores come back and you get that 5 on AP Chemistry or AP Government. You will actually feel somewhat accomplished even if you slacked off your second semester...

If you are not a senior, please do take AP tests, because it will help you get into college, even if it might not guarantee you credit. They are really worth it, because the worst thing you can do is take an AP-labeled class and not take the AP test, because colleges expect you to have a score when they look at your transcript and see that you have taken AP Chemistry. It also demonstrates your dedication to the highest level of challenge and rigor because AP exams and classes are considered to be college-level by universities. It's a good thing.

And for those that don't want to take an AP exam, nobody can force you into taking it. That statement has the backing of the counseling department at Desert Vista. Nobody can threaten to fail you if you refuse to take an AP Exam.

So happy AP exams, and remember, the last day to sign up is next Friday, February 13! You can also pay for exams using tax credit money...