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15 ways to survive college

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by Melanie Parrish

In light of the multitude of recent school shootings, many people are wondering how they can keep themselves safe in college. While you can not exactly stop a crazed gunman from bursting into your classroom, there are plenty of fairly basic things that you can do to keep yourself and your friends out of potentially dangerous situations. After asking several college students and graduates, I came up with a list of the top 15 things that you can do:

  1. Stay alert. Keep your head up and know what is going on around you. Do not walk around completely absorbed in your phone or iPod.

  2. Know your limits. If you find yourself in a situation that feels unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, do not hang around.

  3. Do not let strangers into the dorm. If your door does not have a peephole, consider getting one installed.

  4. Be indoors when you are supposed to be. Do not go sneaking out at two in the morning. If you have to sneak around, that’s typically a sign that you should not be doing it (unless it is April Fool’s Day. Then it’s just fun).

  5. Let a friend or roommate know where you’re going to be and when you expect to return if you are going out. Do not, however, post notes on your door, on their car, or in other public places.

  6. There is safety in numbers. Everyone has heard this before, but it’s true. You have a smaller chance of something happening to you if you are surrounded by friends than if you are alone.

  7. Stay sober, or have a designated driver and be aware of how much you are drinking. And hey, make sure you are 21 first.

  8. Watch your stuff. Don’t run the risk of taking a bathroom break and returning to find your phone or laptop gone.

  9. Lock the door and windows of your dorm room at night. Don’t prop open doors or put tape over locks.

  10. Choose your school wisely. A school with a reputation as a “party school” is likely to have more problems than a quiet campus will.

  11. Know how to defend yourself. Consider taking a self-defense course. If you don’t have the time for this, carry pepper spray or something similar. There are also products that combine the spray with an air horn. Don’t feel silly or paranoid for carrying it! Check to make sure that it is allowed on your campus first.

  12. Know what safety offerings your school has. If there is an emergency notification system (email/text alerts), use it! Some schools will also have an escort system or shuttles if you need to get home late.

  13. Put all emergency numbers in your phone.

  14. Stay in areas with a lot of people. A crime is less likely to happen in an area with a bunch of people around.

  15. Have enough money for a taxi and a phone call if needed. Don’t end up stranded somewhere. Keep your cell phone charged.

So there you have it. 15 pretty simple ways to take precautions against dangerous situations. Most of these won’t even involve a significant change in your day-to-day life, so there’s really not much reason not to do them! Like I said: you can’t stop some things from happening, but you can do something to prepare for if it does.

Baseball, Blake Dykes, Sports

Six baseball players extend career

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By Blake Dykes

For every athlete it is an accomplishment to be placed on the varsity team, however it is even more of an achievement to go beyond and play their sport in college. Six of the the seniors on this year’s baseball team will continue on to play in college next year.

Senior Kyle Neafus’ baseball career dates all the way back to age five.

Kyle Neafus

“I always wanted to get a college scholarship to play baseball. That was my dream. Once I got the offer I knew I had to take it.”

Neafus will be living out his dream at Campbellsville University in Kentucky as an outfielder.

“I’m excited to play in college. It will be a whole new experience and I’ll be able to say I’m a college athlete.”

Although there is pride that comes with being a college athlete, it will not be an extremely easy journey.

“It will be tough as far as balancing schoolwork with games and practices.”

Neafus also realizes all of the opportunities that comes with playing baseball in college.

“It’s going to be an awesome way to meet new people and that will make college a little bit easier.”

Throughout his experience as a dedicated athlete Neafus takes away one important lesson.

“As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned that you can’t be great everyday. You just have to learn how to be great that day to help your team.”

Another athletes that will be pursuing his dream playing college baseball is senior Derrick Despain.

Derrick Despain

“I first started playing baseball at the age of eight at Floyd Knobs Community Club.”

Despain will be attending Anderson University in Indiana and will be playing outfield.

Despain’s goals include being better than the he was the year before and to make the All-State conference team.

“I’m just really excited to play college baseball since it has been a goal of mine since I was about 13.”

To change things up a bit, senior Kyle Sipes will go onto play college baseball as a pitcher for either Hanover or Spalding.

Kyle Sipes

Sipes has been playing since he was six years old and has always aspired to be a college player.

“I have always wanted to play at the next level so it excites me to get the chance to play in college.”

Sipes agrees with Neafus and thinks that the practices, competition, and especially the conditioning will be more difficult.

“My goals haven’t changed too much. Playing college baseball has always been a goal, but when I was younger I didn’t worry about it as much.”

Another senior Cody Sunderhaus has had big ambitions for a long time.

Cody Sunderhaus

“When I was younger I dreamt of playing professional baseball, but not many players are able to make it to that level.”

Sunderhaus has been playing baseball ever since he could pick up a ball, around 15 years, and plans on going to Rose Hulman. His expectations for playing in college are not quite the same as some of his other teammates.

“I know that playing at the college level is a lot different, but I’ve always played with high caliber players and I think I will be prepared for it. I’m just going to need to work hard in the off season and get bigger and faster.”

On the other hand senior Jacob Snodgrass has more of a complicated journey.

Jacob Snodgrass

“I’m going to attend Olney Central Junior College this fall. After I committed I had to plan on my major in school and what the school has to offer. After I get done with Olney Central, which is a two year school, I will have to get recruited again to another school. I hope to attend a division one school to end my college career.”

Snodgrass has been playing the game since he was five. He will go on to play shortstop or second base.

“Being a college player means a lot to me. Baseball has been there for me all my life and I can’t wait to see how far it takes me. I’m excited to have the chance to extend my baseball career.”

The last senior that will be carrying on his career to college is Connor Curry.

Connor Curry

Curry will be going to the University of Southern Indiana and will play shortstop or second base. He has also been playing for a long time, since the age of five.

“At first I had more unrealistic goals, but after awhile I realized as long as I get a good education and am happy with where I’m at it’s all good.”

While being given the opportunity to play baseball in college is great, there are also some factors to consider.

“I’m just happy I get to play for four more years. It’s been a goal of mine the last couple of years. I’m happy I get to play at a good program close to home.”

McKenna Click, News, Uncategorized

Guide provides information on popular college choices

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By McKenna Click

Throughout high school many teachers stress the importance of making good grades to get into college, which leaves many students wondering what is next.  

For those wanting to attend Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), Indiana University Southeast (IUS), Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), University of Kentucky (UK), University of Louisville (U of L), Western Kentucky University (WKU), or Purdue, this guide should be helpful. It includes important dates, things to know, and deadlines.  It even includes government scholarships and scholarships offered by the University.

Each college listed has three categories: need to have, important dates, and things to know.  Every college requires an application, high school transcript, and SAT or ACT scores.

IUB
Need to have:
-$55 dollar application fee
–Counselor signature form
Important dates:
-Nov. 1 priority date for admission and deadline for automatic academic scholarships and selective scholarships
-Jan. 15 students who met the November 1st deadline may resubmit ACT or SAT scores for reconsideration in automatic academic scholarships
-March 10 deadline for FAFSA due.  All students are encouraged to apply.
-April 1 applications after this date will be considered on a space-available, case-by-case basis
-May 1 $100 enrollment deposit and intent to attend IUB due
Things to know:
-IUB’s SAT code is 1324 and their ACT code is 1210
-Essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, community service, and work experience as well as dual-credit, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Advance College Project (ACP) courses may be considered as evidence of academic motivation and maturity.
-For more information on the scholarships that IUB offers click here.
IUS
Need to have:
-$35 application fee
Important dates:
-Dec. 31 last day to enroll for the spring 2013 semester
-Jan. apply for scholarships
-early Feb. apply for financial aid
-early April STAIR sessions and registration
Things to know:
-Applications for admission and all supporting materials, including any required transcripts, must be received 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester in which enrollment will occur (seven days prior to summer sessions).
IUPUI
Need to have:
-a strong college-prep curriculum
– “Though no grade point average guarantees admission to IUPUI, we generally expect to see students with a “B” average when reviewing applications.  The most important factors will be the grades you earned.”
-$50 application fee ($55 for 2013 terms)
Important dates:
-May 1 fall 2013 applications due
-May 16 last day to submit materials
-Nov. 1 spring 2013 applications due
-Nov. 15 last day to submit materials
-Nov. 15 maximum scholarship consideration
-Dec. 1 Chancellor’s Admissions Scholarship consideration
-Feb. 1 Admissions scholarship consideration
-March 15 Guaranteed housing date
-March 10 FAFSA priority deadline
-May 1 enrollment deposit due
Things to know:
-If looking paying for college, look here for information about scholarships
-IUPUI’s school code is 1325 for the SAT, and 1214 for the ACT
UK
Need to have:
-academic letter of recommendation
-$50 application fee
Important dates:
-Feb. 15 deadline for fall term
-Oct. 15 deadline for spring term
-Feb. 15 deadline for summer I term
-Feb. 15 deadline for summer II term
Things to know:
-For the majority of scholarships offered click here.
-For other scholarship opportunities click here.
U of L
Need to have:
-$50 fee
Important dates:
-Feb. 15 deadline for fall term
-Nov. 1 deadline for spring term
-March 1 deadline for summer term
WKU
Need to have:
-One of the following
-ACT composite of 20 or greater, or
-SAT (math + critical reading) of 940 or higher, or
-Unweighted high school GPA of 2.50 or higher, or
-Achieve the required Composite Admission Index (CAI) score
Important dates:
-Aug. 1 deadline for fall semester
-Jan. 1 deadline for spring semester
-May 1 deadline for summer term
PURDUE
Important dates:
-Oct. 15: First Notification Guarantee – applications that are complete by this date are guaranteed to have a decision on December 7.
-Nov. 15: Firm* application deadline for Nursing and Veterinary Technology
-Nov. 15: Firm* application deadline for Purdue scholarship consideration
-March 1: Priority* application deadline for all academic programs other than those noted in Nov. 15 deadlines
Need to have:
-Good grades overall
-Taken classes related to your intended major
-Trends in achievement and class rank
-Core grade point average (English, academic math, laboratory science, foreign language, speech)
-Ability to be successful in intended major
-Personal background and experiences
-Time of year the student applies
-Space availability in the intended program
Things to know:
-Click for information on scholarships
-Purdue’s SAT code is 1631
-Purdue’s ACT code is 1230
BALL STATE
Important dates:
-March 1 deadline for the fall semester
-Dec. 1 deadline for spring semester
-April 1 deadline for summer and first summer session
-May 1 deadline for second summer session
-March 10 deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Need to have:
-Strong high school curriculum (including your senior year)
-Successful completion of four years of English; three years of college preparatory mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and geometry); three years of science (two with lab); and three years of social studies. Foreign language study is strongly recommended but not required.
Performance as measured by grades in the above courses or by GED scores. Ball State uses an academic GPA on a 4.0 scale based only on college prep and academic course work completed.
-Curricular patterns or grade trends in your academic courses
-Participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, performing groups, student government, student publications, civic, and charitable organizations, ect.
Good to know:
-Click for information on scholarships
Bailey Hussung, Features

Upperclassmen prepare for college

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by Bailey Hussung

There is no way to forget it: college creeps ever closer. College seems to be right on top of juniors and seniors, especially when email inboxes are flooded with college spam. With all the glossy leaflets and fancy fold-out posters showing up in the mail, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

For FC students, junior and senior year is college crunch time. Junior Garrett Jones is feeling the heat. “I am taking really challenging classes this year, and since I know I want to major somewhere in the physical sciences, I am taking AP Physics and chemistry to prepare myself.”

Along with being extremely involved in academics, Jones is maintaining his extracurricular activities he said, because he would also like to be involved in music in the college of his choosing. “Being able to take both science and music classes are both big factors in why I am looking at University of Illinois, Maryland and Purdue.” Jones said he is still intimidated by the application process, and will continue to keep college in mind while making decisions.

“I’m scared most about making the right choice,” said senior Mark Merk. He plans to attend IU, but is still keeping an open mind. “I like IU; it’s close to home and it’s a great school, but I haven’t committed to anywhere yet.”

Merk knows all too well the stresses of trying to choose the right college. “I think the most important thing I have done to plan for college is make a game plan, it really gave me direction and focus.”

Though all students are at different levels in regards to their preparation for college, the counselors are there to guide any student to the right college for them. “We will sit down with a student, see what the colleges are looking for and direct them toward the website. Everything nowadays is online, and colleges want you to complete most things online, so that is the best place to go,” said guidance counselor Kirk Hamsley.

Hamsley has plenty to advice to offer when it comes to searching for a college. “My best advice for juniors and seniors is to take challenging classes, take the SAT and ACT, visit as many campuses as you can and most of all, put some money away for college.”

Hamsley said that students sometime did not utilize their years in high school, so they were unprepared for the rigor of college academia.

Hamsley said that visiting colleges was one of the most important components of finding the right college. “When you visit a campus, don’t be overwhelmed by all of the information they throw out at you. Pay attention to the campus layout. Sit in on a class that you will take if you go there, and listen to the professor. Think to yourself, ‘Can I listen to this guy for the next four years?’; really think about it.”

Of course, there can be pitfalls to the process. “It never fails, every year, that seniors don’t want to write essays for scholarships. I mean, it’s one page for usually about $1000, if you think about it, that is about 100 hours of work to earn that money, it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Hamsley.

Graduate Rachel Sieg, who is in her second year at Hanover College as a Spanish and biology double major, said she wanted to keep her options open when it came to colleges. “Not only did I take challenging classes, I knew they were looking for more than that, something to make me stand out. So, I made sure I had leadership positions, volunteer experience, extracurriculars, and passions that made me unique and desirable to schools,” said Sieg. She also took advantage of all of her allotted college visit days both junior and senior year. “The visit days are what helped me most. They gave me the feel of the campus and I found the school that felt right to me.”

Graduate Tyson Woolf, however, used his junior and senior year to discover what he loves. “My senior year, I was juggling the idea of being a theatre major, so I really threw myself into theatre to decide if that’s what I wanted to do.” Now a second-year theatre major, he said he does not regret his decision. “I was trying to choose between IU and Ball state, and last minute I went with Ball State; it had the extracurriculars I wanted, and a stellar theatre program.”

College applications can be daunting, but everyone goes through it. And with all the opportunities that FC students have, along with the assistance of the counselors, it makes the seemingly gargantuan task a little easier to handle.

“Remember that it is never too early to start thinking about college, and the more preparation, the better,” said Hamsley.