Greetings my new History Minions!
It's a new year and new opportunity to succeed! I am excited to see what you can do!
Here's how the Blog works. Each week you submit a substantial post, using what you have learned to support your opinion. Then you read your peers' blog posts, and select at least one to reply to. You then post a (respectful) well-reasoned reply to a classmate. Do not copy or repeat what have already been said; contribute something new.I will moderate all discussions. I'd do the blog posts early because sometimes when students procrastinate, it is difficult yo think of things that have not been said already.
Let's start things off with a class discussion about...class. Why is it we all hear how important college is, but so few (especially in low-income areas) go to--and finish--college degrees? Are students unprepared for college, and if so, then why? How much responsibility should be placed on the student, the family, the teachers, the school system, and the government? What concerns, if any, do you have about getting accepted into the college of your choice, AND what are your thoughts about what you expect college will do for you? What do you wish MacArthur (or your individual teachers) would do more of to help you get college ready?
College is indeed important because it directs your knowledge and interests towards a favorable degree and career of your choice. However, only a handful of students finish their college degrees because hardships, laziness, and discouragement impede them from finishing. All college students have the potential to graduate, but some seem to not know the material taught in class, possibly from being instructed in a mentality that is not college material. It is unfair to say the same for those who have learning disorders.
ReplyDeleteThe student holds just about half the responsibility, for they are the ones that have to focus on completing their schoolwork to gain knowledge. The teacher is equally as responsible as the student is, for they have to, at least adequately, teach the criteria to the student so they are able to comprehend the subject. Parents only hold the slight responsibility of encouraging their children to stay in school and finish their homework. The government and the school system have about the same responsibility, possibly even less than the parents because education is free in this country until the 12th grade and the school merely enforces what the government mandates on education.
I fortunately have no concerns for being admitted into the college of my choice because I am very confident about having a bright future ahead of me. I only expect college to correctly educate me so I may one day start my career as an electrical engineer. My current school has a good teaching standard, but I wish it would focus more on what college requires of me.
Edgar, i agree with you on everything else you've said, except when you stated that parents only hold a slight responsibility of encouraging their children to stay in school. Parents are our very first teachers in life, and just like school teachers, they play a big role during our school years. Basically, they're as responsible as our school teachers, or even more.
DeleteAna Mendoza
Edgar, you have said it all. I really agree with you. Honestly, everyone is capable of doing the impossible, but not too many do, because of the reasons you have said. I couldn't have said it any better, Edgar.
DeleteSome students can argue and state that you don't need college live a financially and an emotionally good life. However, it is CRUCIAL that young adults who live in low income areas so they could do something with their lives. So they could turn nothing, into something. It's crucial because they need to do something for their lives. How can you find a good paying job that doesn't require a Degree? You cant just be in the top 30 percent in your class and expect to be a doctor without going to medical school. That's unfathomable. Everyone taking this class has the ability to do something great in their lives, if, and only if, they go to college and get their degree of their choosing. College is very important if you want to become of something. If you want your name to be known, you must go to college.
ReplyDeleteStudents should not be unprepared for college. By their senior year, they should be more than college ready. They have past students who went on to college to come speak to us about the college life and what to expect. We hear it from our teachers and faculty what to do and what not to. I believe that students are more than prepared for college.
The school system should have the most responsibility to get their students ready for college. Then it's the students, family, and finally the government. Students and their families should have responsibility by filling out scholarships, and taking their SAT's, while the parents make sure they do what is needed to get their kids into college The government shouldn't have much to do in the child's life for getting them ready for college; that is the school's job. The school should have the most responsibility because every school wants to have those types of kids who go make something for themselves. The schools should be "College-Active", where you see posters and flyers about tuition for four years and the SAT scores you need to get into that college; that might appeal to people. Where you get students and professors from the University of Texas or Baylor to come and speak with the high school students. The school has a lot of weight on its shoulders if they want to be producing, "The Nation's Best".
I have some concerns about getting into the college of my choice. One of my biggest concerns is just plainly not getting accepted into it. Others being the work load and will I be able to pay off the loans and grants after college is over. But besides that none. I expect my college to let me grow, mentally, maturity-wise, and emotionally.
This year I don't really expect my teacher to do as much as getting me college ready, but just help me get through this year. I would love to have a high SAT score and have my rank in the top 20% of class. I wish to pass all of my AP tests with at least a 3. This junior year will be important than any other year for me. So if my teachers could help me with anything to make my high school career not such of a hassle, they have done more than enough for me.
Joe Umana
Joe, I agree with your responses to the asked questions, except for your views on how a student's name can only "be known" if they attended college and how you placed the amount of responsibilities on the student and the groups mentioned above. I agree that many college graduates can be renown for their knowledge, like a doctor, however, a celebrity or a music artist does not require a college education to gain the same recognition. Secondly, I believe that the student has more responsibility than the school system because they should take advantage of a free quality education. Additionally, I believe that the teachers also share about the same responsibility as the student because they are the ones accountable for educating the student, so the student's intellect may best reflect the teachers' efficiency of instruction in the classroom. Lastly, I believe that each individual teacher is responsible for getting the student ready for college, not the school system.
DeleteJoe, I think that your resposes to the questions were great but the one that agree with you the most is the on about whos has the most responsibiliy of getting the a student college ready. Like you said I think that the school's system has the most responsibility by the simple fact that if the school is not doing a very good job on getting the students ready for college how would they expect they student to succeed. Then comes the students, parents and the government which I also think doesn't have a huge impact on the students college readiness.
DeleteWell I think that the reason that some of us don't make it to college is because we as teens now lack responsibility. We've been so used to getting things handed to us that we've been detached from what hard work is required from the real world. Therefore we don't strive to succeed on our own.
ReplyDeleteSome students and people to their best and make it through college i think. That is why we have doctors, lawyers, teachers etc., I think that only some students lack responsibility. This is only my opinion.
DeleteNot really Ceaser. I mean that in a way as we dont have our hands being held all the time for us to go to the next classroom. It's not that we lack responsibility, but perserverence. We teenagers get caught in all this other activitities, that our priorities become mixed up and we fail to see the which belong on the top and vise versa. Overall, it's not that we are not unable to pass college because of the responsibility, we are just lazy. Plain and simple as daylight.
DeleteIn many ways it could be the teachers fault, the schools systems fault or even our own fault but there is some many reasons why students do not reach college or even graduate college. In my opinion the school system is to lenient. We give to many chances and many students do not care. we give retest and it's a second chance we won't be getting in college. So when it comes up to college they are unprepared. And as for teachers they can do bear minimum for there students to graduate and it will be enough but they are also not prepared. Students will do just enough to get into college and they struggle when schools begins. So when i think about getting students to college, schools just focus on numbers now. They will say yes we graduated 600 seniors but truly how many of them go to college or How many of them graduate college. Schools that are more strict academically yes have a small graduating class but look how many people get through all of college. They get prepared a lot better. And its just not only that we cant put the school system or teachers at fault because at the end of the you yourself have to give 100% show some commitment and then will you be helped. It's a two way straight.
DeleteI agree with Cesar some highschool students are way to used to having things handed down to them and therefore lack the responsability to do things for themselves. Many teens slide by through highschool not doing their work or procrastinating. For those the first year of college is a huge wake up call. You cant not do your work or turn in late assignments and expect to get by in college. Its just not possible. I think thats why many people dont even finish college
DeleteI agree. We are used to parents paying our bills making us food and even reminding us to do simple things. Also gettig things.handed to us at school we get retest and etc. But its the students responsibility to make themselves independent and work for the things handed to them.
DeleteI agree. If more students would take take more responsibiliy and not just look at things handed to them they would most likely go to college and become very successful.
DeleteYeah there are many factors that play a role in us graduating or not but in the nede it is us who will deal with the consequences. We have to put in the work.
DeleteEveryone I think gets pounded with a lot of information once they're in middle school and especially in high school about college. Even though they get this constantly pounded into their head they still decide not to go for a few basic reasons. These reasons are money and lack of readiness. I don't think anyone just pays for college right out of their checkbooks, everyone needs help. Some people that choose not to go to college just focus on the money. They feel like they're going to get in debt once they graduate so instead they just find jobs. Another reason is lack of readiness. So many people don't even know how to apply or where to start for having anything to do with college. They'd rather just get a job so they can focus on the present, usually what happens in low income areas. In school a lot of people fool around and don't get anything done. They focus too much on the present than in the future. Therefore, they don't end up going to college.
ReplyDeleteYes, students are unprepared for college, at least the ones that don't focus on their future. Like I said before, they focus too much on themselves and everything going around them except college. Also, some teachers, family members, or their peers just don't encourage them enough to put an effort into going to college. A lot of responsibility should be placed on the family, teacher, school system, and government. Every single one of these components has a big impact on kids and their future. They should focus on promoting education and not other things. Families should have talks with their little teenager on what they want to do and talk about how college is important. Teachers should educate every single one of their students on how to apply for college, standardized tests, personal expereinces, things like that. Also, they should challenge their students a little bit more. I'm not saying give them a whole bunch of worksheets that are due the next day but slowly pile more work on them, offer assistance, and make sure they're learning. The school system I'm assuming means the aldine district. If so, they should really improve the schools. Making a new school is going to get rid of some students in the really over crowded schools but yet they're still crowded. Aldine should improve all the older schools, offer more classes, better food, etc.. Doing this will help students actually want to show up to school. In order to do this the government has to stop spending money on so many other things. Education is important in this country and it should stay important. I believe the student has to be more responsible but I think if everything I just listed gets fixed then the student will take hold of their education.
For me, my biggest worry is I won't be good enough to go to any of the colleges of my choice. I feel like maybe my grades aren't high enough or I'm just not doing enough activities in my spare time. I do plan to change that though by getting more involved and doing all my work. I think college will teach me more responsiblity since I'm planning on not going to college here in the Houston area. It will teach me to handle my time better and learn to do things without having my mom and dad or anyone to have to guide me through everything. I think Macarthur teachers should just make sure everyone is learning the material. My teachers are doing a good job of teaching all I need to know though.
Thanks Minions! You are off to a good start.
DeleteIn my opinion i'd say that we always hear how important college is because it is the only thing that can get us a good paying job in our future. Kids in low income areas may not finish out college because of financial problems, or sometimes they may have to even stay and help their families. A big reason i hear alot also is that students are to lazy and find college way to difficult to handle.
ReplyDeleteI believe some students are prepared but it's less likely than the ones who are not prepared. Alot of students are unprepared because they do not challenge themselves enough in high school. They choose to take the easy route and regular classes. Once they get to college it is so hard for them to keep up because of how slow they were used to going.
All responsibility should be placed on the student because they are the ones that are living their own life, and no one else can do it for them. Their family plays a big part, but all they can really do is tell them and help them get the things they need to succeed. If the student chooses to go a different way it is all their fault. The teachers have a big responsibility of giving us work that will help us later, they should talk to us about college and how it can be. The school system and government dont have that much responsibility but i think they should cut some slack on the prices of the things students need for school and college. Than maybe more students will want to get the things they really need, and actually try college out.
The only concerns i have about getting accepted to the college i want is if my credits will count. Also i play sports and I am hoping to play for college, but i think it will be a more difficult thing to handle than just any normal college student. I expect college to get me my degree to be the pharmacist that i want to be and eventually own my own business. Im thinking it will help me grow as a person and make me wiser and stronger as a person.
I wish Macarthur itself would put posters of colleges and financial help. It would catch the students attention. The teachers should talk to us more about how college life is and how difficult it will be. My teachers so far have done a good job at trying to give me as much information as they can. I thank them for that, because it helps me think and really work hard now, so i can be used to all the work i will have in college. I know high school work is not college work but it is getting me ready.
I agree 100% Crystal. I also feel that most students feel obligated to help their family after graduating, that then leads them to have such little time to focus on themselves. But its all based on their own decision making for their own life. Like Mr.Fons says "College isn't going to come knocking to your door and ask for you to get your education.."
DeleteI agree that teachers should talk more about college and financial help just to remind us we have to do something about it.
Many students beleive college is not needed after high school. However, collge prepares us for the rest of our lives doing what we wish to do for our career, gives a greater deal of knowledge, and helps financially for our individiual lives.
ReplyDeleteFew low-income area students don't go to college because of poverty. That is, in fact, not the only reason. If a student wishes to attend college, then they will find a way to get there. With the help of others as well I beleive a student has the power to do what they wish and to achieve anything.
I personally know many students who are unprepared for college. Mainly these students come from regular classes and have no dicipline. These students do not value their education. They also are uncertain about what their plans after high school would be. Students do not know what it is going to be like after high school.
Taking responsibility to get to know more about college and other needs is something everyone in the country should take a part of. Everyone everywhere should take part in learning more and teaching others about college. More scholarships and loans should be given.
My concerns about getting accepted into the college of my choice is my grades and scores on tests. I know I need to focus and study a lot more. I expect college to prepare me more and make me an expert on the career of my choice. If my teachers keep doing what they do now, I know I will succeed!
I agree with you when you say everyone everywhere should take part in learning more about college. Even parent need to be educated in what their child is wanting to do with their life!
DeleteHowever, when you say more scholarships and loans should be given out, i have to disagree. Their are MANY scholarships already being offered! It is up to the student to take it upon themselves and look for the scholarships and apply! If a person really wants to earn a scholarship they will do whatever it takes to get that scholarship!
I love your positive attitude Elida and I with everything you said. I am also concern of my test scores and grades but all we can do is try as hard as we can and we will get our dream.
DeleteMichelle Espinoza
ReplyDeleteSince we were little kids they told us that college was an important part in our life.
The fact that some students go to college and don't finish depends on how the student is, every student is different. Some may not finish college degrees because of financial problems,but that's just the most common reason.
Like I stated before you can't just look at a person and determine if they're prepared for college or not.Most of the students though are not prepared but that's just my opinion,and the most reasonable reason why students are unprepared is because all throughout high school they slept through all of or most of their classes.
The student holds more than half of the responsibility, us as students we have to balance school work,and home life.We also have to cram in a lot more stuff in especially if we're considered AP students. The family has the responsibility to make sure their kid/kids go to school and encourage them to make their best effort.The teacher's responsibility consists of making sure his/her students are making their best effort on their class,and if anything seems out of the ordinary to contact the school and the parents.The school holds the responsibility of making sure it's a safe learning environment,that the teachers are doing their job, and that the students are at least trying. The government holds the responsibility of making sure the school staff and the school itself it's going in the right path.
My teachers are doing their job in teaching me what I need to know this year,but it's a bit stressful sometimes since I have all advanced classes, stuff just keep piling up.MacArthur states that all of their students are college-ready, if they would slow a bit down with all the work and just give us a little more time would be better, but all the AP,GT,and DC students are more pressured than anybody else.
My concern about not getting into the college I want to is the fact that I feel if I'm not getting high A's I'm not going to be able to go to my desired college. It's a bit stressful already but this is the path I chose.That is why this year I'm only focus on school and start looking at what colleges most care about.
It is very true that some students go to college and don't finish depends on how the student is, every student is different.
DeleteActually not many of the students in regular class are unprepared,some of the students in regular classes are smart but they're not ready for that little extra work that advanced classes give out.They should be challenged though in my opinion because to me regular classes are way to easy they should challenge them once in a while
ReplyDeleteThat is very true but in the end they should make the personal push to attempt to do be better for themselves. If they want it then they without a doubt they would go for it.
DeleteWell in my opinion very few people in low income homes go onto college because they simply don't have the support from their parents or peers. A lot of times parents lack education and the knowledge and importance of college. Also, lack of income forces the student to start working to help support the family and home expenses. Most students are not prepared for college because not all high school teachers actually show what college is actually about. The student has very little exposure to what actual college work is. In high school you are being babied. Teachers extend deadlines and are constantly reminding you to do your work. It's not like that in college. In college they tell you one time and you better have it in on time! Students, teachers, and parents are responsible for the children's success. It's a students job to do their work, a teachers job to educate them and help prepare them for college, and a parents job to support their son or daughter in there college goals!
ReplyDeleteI have many worries about not getting into the college of my choice. I worry about not having the grades, the SAT score needed, or simply just not being ready for any of it at all! I am expecting college to prepare me for the real world. To prepare me for the career of my choice and teaching me new life lessons.
I would love for my teachers to treat us like college students. Yes, it will be hard and challenging, but it is something that will help me excel in college.
I really like how you mentioned the fact that teachers in high school extend deadlines and constanly remind us to get out work done because that makes us lazy.
DeleteWe hear so much about how important college is for our lives and our futures, but certain students already have their mind set on how they think things are. Many kids grow up with the mentality that there will be second chances for everything and someone to constantly remind them of what needs to be done. Unfortunately, that is never the case and these students are stuck with that habit. I honestly believe that students are unprepared for college. Although many teachers do try and make their classes as close to a college class, there are many factors that differentiate the two. I believe the student has full responsibility for the most part. Like I said earlier, they simply did not learn or taught the right habits. Many don’t have their priorities straight and are unfocused on what is outside of high school. The school system though, should make more changes when it comes to deadlines, rules and leniency. As a student, we get offered too many opportunities that we don’t get in college. When time comes to make decisions, many feel overwhelmed and decide to wait a while before starting college. But what seems a semester, usually turn into years. A lot of students just don’t take care of their business with time and procrastinate till the last minute.
ReplyDeleteMy only concern for college would have to be deciding on what to major in and having the scores required. I obviously want to be accepted in any of the best colleges around, but I know that will come with how much I actually try. College will hopefully help me shape up a stable mindset on my studies and what I want for my life. Hopefully I loose many bad habits by the time I get to college, if not earlier, and learn what else is outside of high school.
-Guadalupe Robledo
Very few students out of high school get scholarships or lots of financial aid, but there is the many who aren't so lucky. College is expensive regardless of where you go. There's so many families who have many problems sending their kids to college. It's not that they don't want to but rather that they can't. Many kids who don't have the money for college "take a break" and work to save up. Usually the ones who "take a break" never go back. While in school kids take college as a joke. They don't believe that it will be hard or that their baby days are over. Professors don't bother you constantly to turn in work. They don't remind you to read everyday. Once you start college you have to take responsibility for everything you do or don't do. I worry about not getting accepted into the college I'd like but that's why I have back up options. Honestly any college is good as long as they offer your major. Education is the point of applying so in the end where you apply is irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. That's why some college professors Ive talked to say high school baby's us but everyone has the same opportunity. It's not like the people got scholarships because they were good looking. It's just some people want it more than others.
DeleteIf they treat us like college students right now while we're still in school,in my opinion it would stress out more than we are already.
ReplyDeleteOur teachers are just giving us a little taste of how college is,in my opinion we're okay the way we are being taught, well until now.
With all do respect I dont think teachers give us a taste of college life. Being able to redo your test and make up work even turning things in late, our college professors arent goin to give us so many chances. Yes it is beneficial and i understand teachers care and want to help as much as they can but in relity college proffesors arent going to care nor will they want to take time out of their day to give us makeup test or anything of that nature. we have due dates and we should meet them. This is only my opinion of highschool.
DeleteA university degree is essential in this nation to get any type of respectable job, to make an acceptable income, and to provide for yourself and/or for a family. Most individuals knowing these facts, strive for achieving these goals, regardless living in an urban area such as this or anywhere similar, as myself and many of my peers. Though, I can state there actually are many students who don't know this information. Mainly due to the lack of exposure to the necessities to make it to college. A major part why students don't make it to a university with a back round such as Aldine is because of the financial issues we come across. Sure, financial aid and scholarships are there, but they can only help so much. Preparation for college is solely based of the student their self, and how well high school challenged the individual. Yes, many times regardless of how well the school preforms, students fail to make it through college only because they didn't take things as serious as needed; an issue they will be held accountable for. As for where the responsibilities lie, I would say mainly of the students and how well the teachers attempt to prepare them. The student should know and take into account how profound what you learn in high school is and how much it will benefit you if they choose to get a higher education. As for the teachers, they know they're preparing them for something better so should enforce any and every assignment that will better them. The school system as well as the government can not be stingy with money that will provide an apparent and better education for high school students. EX) better text books, more computers, high tech technology etc. My only concern about getting into the college of my choice is deliberating which one I choose. My procrastination is major issue , but I know what I'm capable of to get to where I need to go. When I actually start attending the university of my choice, I'm expecting to be shocked. I know it will be tough, but I'm sure my expectations are in no comparison to the real thing. I'm positive college will frighten me immensely, but will definitely prepare me for the real world. One thing I'm so adamant about is how Mac Arthur administration should be more selective to whom they place in AP and DC courses. Not stating anybody isn't prepared for it, but there are others who profoundly exhibit they're up for the challenge these classes require, while others dwindle on the C's and D's to get by. Many strive for the best and take pride in the work they've accomplished for so many years to get where they are now. Other than that, yes cliche, but we are babied at MHS by many teachers thinking we need the extra help. That won't help when we're in college and are expected to do that on our own. They need to make us grow up and realize what will be expected of us in the near future.
ReplyDeleteToday in my physics class, we were discussing on the importance of attending college. I responded by saying that going to college opens doors to a better future. All of us in class said they are going to college, but in reality, some of us will not.There are many reasons why students do not attend or finish college. It can be family obligations, the huge workload of their classes, or, especially for low-income families, the lack of money to pay the overbearing tuition. Sure, there are many students who are unprepared for college because they do not receive the preparation, encouragement, or simply because they do not work hard enough, thinking that it will not affect them later on in life.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the responsibility should be placed on the students. There is no point in trying to help them out if the students will not put the effort. The path to a good life should always start out with the one who desires it. The family should be there to support their loved one in decision making and should encourage him/her to try their best in everything s/he does. Some of the responsibility should also be placed on the teachers. They should also encourage the student to try his/her best, and to teach the necessary material. The school system should provide more information on different colleges and how to pay for them, and more encouragement to apply for college. The government should also share some responsibility and provide the most efficient and effective curriculum to help prepare schools, even the public ones.
My personal concerns with college is actually getting accepted to one, how to fund my education, and how to fill out applications. I am also concerned on how to keep my applications neat, I have a tendency to wrinkle my papers. I expect college to provide me with a brighter future and the opportunity to obtain a degree that will get me a wonderful career. I wish that my teachers would help me fill out my applications for college, and to give me tips on how to be successful in college. I also wish for all of the MacArthur teachers and staff to try their best to teach the necessary material, to challenge the student body, and to encourage them to work hard and apply for many colleges. I believe that this will prepare them for a successful college life.
I remember that discussion in Physics, i was thinking the same thing as well! Family really does play a big part in the path to college. Yajaira your extremely smart probably the smartest person i know, i honestly don't think you'll have any problems getting accepted into the college of your choice!!
DeleteCollege a very important topic that we began to hear probably in intermediate school and will continue to hear about until our senior year, but yet eventough we constantly hear it very few students go on to finish a college degree especially in low income areas. The reason why so many people don't finish college is probably because of financial problems, they find it way to hard, laziness, and once some people start working they see money and think that is a lot but is not. College will prepared you for a better future so you don't have to work in Macdonalds, HEB, etc. it is they key to sucess by giving you the knowledge on the topic of your choice to be able to earn a degree.
ReplyDeleteI think that unforunatly most students are unprepared for college because I've seen many students not take advantage of the things that will make them college ready like taking AP and/or DC classes they are just to lazy or think that is too hard. Also most ignore the times when college students come by and talk about college life and do the same thing when the counselor talks to them. But in the end there is the minority of the students who are college ready and are more likely to achieve sucess.
To begin with I think that the school system has the most responsibility for getting students college ready because if there is not a well establish school system that babysitts students too much how would they expect for the students to proceed. Second I think that the students have the resposibility to make sure that they are college ready because there is a lot of thngs that have to be done like filling out scholarships, college applications, grants, etc.Then next the parents have reponsibily by supporing the students one-hundred percent on his or her decisions about college. And last the government but I don't think that they really have any responsibility for making the students college ready, probably only on making the overall school laws.
Right now I currently have one concern about being able to get in the college of my choice and that is to be able to score high on my SAT test which will be a hard but not impossible task to do. I expect college to increase my maturity, make me ready for the outter world, and let me be more independent.
I wish that MacArthur and its teachers would make sure that not just me but the whole class understands and knows how to do the work before moving on and for me that would be more than enough.
I agree with Gustavo's statement on how students do not take advantage of these college ready opportunities. I've seen students that have so much potential to take AP or DC, but settle for less. School isn't a place where you center your decisions on what's easier for you. It's much better for you to challenge yourself rather than bore yourself to death with easy classes.
DeleteThere are lots of people who are unprepared for college. For instance he/she doesn’t know what to major in and then ends up changing their classes which wastes lots of money because the person was not thinking about their future. There should be placed lots of responsibility to students for they can learn from their mistakes and try to avoid the same ones. The responsibility for the family and school system should be fair. However, the responsibility for the teachers and government should be high because they are the ones who help most of the students get into college. A concern of mine about getting into college is my rank and finding the right college for myself. The things college will do for me is make me a more time developed schedule doer. Even though it hurts me to say that a little more homework won’t hurt but that’s for some teachers.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there should be more responsility placed on the teachers and governments. They are the ones that supply students with information and money. Everyone has a college of their dreams, you'll find yours soon enough, just keep looking and studying!
DeleteI don't neccessarily agree with the amount of responsiblilty you say should be put on the school system. Mainly because if the school system isn't responsible then the teachers don't have a certain expectation to live up to and with out that we as students don't learn or do as much as we should.
DeleteSince little I would hear that college was a must and I had no choice but to go, because my parents were always pushing me for better and bigger things that they had never had a chance to experience. With the push and influence from my parents I feel as if it's my time to make them proud and set a new standard. Students who live in low-income areas and have no push or support from their parents really don't see the importance of going to college. They see it as a waste of time and it's better just to go straight to work and forget about school because it was uninteresting to them or a waste of time. The students don't see the big oportunities they have to make a change just by going to college. Also money is a big issue for lots of students for not going or finsihing college, but I think if you honestly want something with all you have its worth to work hard and find a way to get to the point that you would want to go and never stop until you reach it.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think students are unprepaired for college just because in high school we are babied so much and reminded of so many things and deadlines are extended for the procrasinators, when really students should be independent and think on their own to better themselves.
The responsibility is a huge for a parent and school system because they are the major influences on students for wanting them to move on to college since it is still continuing on education. The parents play a huge role on if their student goes or not to coolege because they know their student and if they don't pressure them into college then no one will. If they don't support their student on whatever they would like to do then no one will.
I think college will open up new experinences and change my mindset on lots of things too. It will prepare me for what the real world is like and teach to become independent and confident people. Also, it will teach to work hard and focus more on things that are more important.
I wish the school would treat us more like college students, and teach us to work hard and never give up, because once we learn that everything isn't just so easy and we all have to work for everything we want it would prepare us for bigger and better things.
I couldn't have said it any better. Yes, my parents are the same way. They have ALWAYS pushed me for the same reasons. People with low-incomes go straight to work because at that point, they have always had financial struggles and prefer to help themselves. But like you said, if they really wanted it they would try and make it work at whatever cost.
DeleteI personally think that students that think their not prepared for college is because their not ready to give up their life where their parents or guardians hand everything to them. Many low income students that don't go to college usually say because of money but their is a lot of scholarships ,grants and loans out there. There fear is being in debt and not being able to pay back. However college is a good investment sure once your done your going.to have a ridiculous amount of money that you need to pay back but at least you have an education that will give you a better paying job than McDonald's . Honestly what I would want teachers of macarthur to help us with is inform us about scholarships open for juniors. My biggest fear of college is not frying accepted to the college I want to go or be on a wait list.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kimberly completely on the fact about not being ready to let our parents go. They do baby us because they are our parents but I think that missing them shouldn't be the reason why we don't even apply to college. Like she said, we are going to have to pay back what we we're given, but once we get a successful job due to our college education, that wouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, some teachers do provide information about scholarships, so I don't think that is a problem. If for some reason you have a teacher that doesn't provide information on that, then there are many adults to talk to about that matter.
DeleteI think some people don't go to college because they dont prepare for college until last minute. By then its to late so they don't bother to try to again. Some students are not prepare for college because its not their priority. Their concerns are just things that are just things that are happening in the moment. Responsiblity shouldn't just be placed on students. Family,teachers,school systems, and government shouid have the responsibilty to help and guid the students. At the moment I don't any concerns about getting accepted to a certain college because I'm still looking at colleges.The teachers that I have are helping me get for college,so I think they shouldn't change anything.
ReplyDeleteThe reason i think many people dont finish college is because they either are so use to getting by through highschool without really trying and freak out with all the work actually required in college or the lack of income. Some students are really lazy mainly because not much is expected from some teachers. Some teachers dont really prepare their students for the real world. Accepting late work or incomplete just makes students not really even try to get the work in or done. Teachers lowering down their expectations for us just makes us lower down our expectations. Now many of us are of low income families were paying for college out of your own pocket can be hard. For us getting scholarships and working our way through college is the only option we have. Some decide not to work through college and just give up. I dont see why though. In the end for me it will all be worth it. I know college will give me a better future that is why i dont plan to slack off through highschool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Elizabeth. Many classes do allow us to turn in work late. They allow us to slack off and not take things seriously. That is why many students procrastinate because they know they will still be able to turn in the work some classes give out assignments with due dates that are too long,it is unnecessary.
DeleteWow Lizzie, I really agree with what your saying! Some people do slack off most of the time and some teachers do let them get away with it and its not fair to those who really do their work on time. I like what you said about college too. I think they should have more scholarships out there for the kids who really want to go to college and will Graduate from it. For me, I also know college and GOD will make my future better! :)
DeleteI agree with Elizabeth because teachers are making things to easy for us to get by through school. After some teachers see how lazy some of the students are they lower their expectations for everyone else and I feel like that is unfair. Those who come from low income families and really want a bright future feel that getting scholarships is the only possible way to get to college because there families donot earn enough money so if students dont get those scholarships the pressure of having to waste so much money gets to them so they just quit.
DeleteI completely agree, Elizabeth. The fact that so many teachers give us the option to turn in late work(which at times, I'm guilty to be grateful for) is a key issue as to why we don't attempt to even turn in the work at the original due date. We;re not comprehending that this type of work ethic isn't acceptable in a university. Entering one, we realize it's quite a lot to handle, with all the finances as well as the work, we're not used to doing.
DeleteElizabeth, I completely agree with you on the fact that some teachers do not push us to work hard, but there are some teachers who actually challenge us in school. Also, the blame should also be put on the students. Just because some teachers may be lenient, does not mean we should slack off. Work is work, and we should get it done on time. I also agree with you about the fact that income affects our college dreams.
DeleteWhen I was younger I would never really hear about college . No one in my family had ever attended or graduated from college so it wasn't such a big deal for my parents. Until I move to the US , that's when I first heard in school that it was important to have a college degree . I feel like schools are pushing students to strike for much more than a high school diploma because there's a few that actually do so mainly because of the money . The government and as well as other organizations do help alot by giving out loans and scholarships , it's just not many students take the time to look for it . Students are not unprepared for college they just lack interest on having to study some more after finishing highschool . Most graduates feel like it's more important to "live their young life" while they can and then study later , which is not such a good idea . Responsibility should be held in one self . Only the students can make the decision of attending college or not . Of course family support and encouragement it's important but it does not necessarily mean it's their responsibility to make their "children" keep on going to school . My only concerns on attending the college of my choice is missing my family . I sometimes wonder if I will be able to be away from my parents for such a long time . But I know it will be worth it on the long run because I expect for college to give me the career of my dreams and be able to afford my happiness and not just a "boring job" that will help me pay my bills . I feel like highschool (not only MacArthur) "hand feeds us" , it doesn't allow us to see how the real college world really is . That's why many students drop out of college after the first semester because they are not able to handle the work , they are so used to slacking off and still passing . That's in my opinion , of course .
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about how there are organizations that help us. The students are just lazy to look for them. That's why they think it's "hard" but really they just don't want to work to find them. School should encourage us to look for help
DeleteSince I have been little I have always been told that education is important and that it is the key to success. My parents have always encouraged me to go to college. They always told me that money was not a problem and for me not to worry about it. But the truth is it is! Money is a huge problem. There are many students that want to go to college but it is expensive. There is even kids that don"t even consider of going to college because their parents could never afford it. Yes, there is scholarships but even with that the money is a great amount. All my life i have been told go to college, a university, apply for scholarships, do great in school. I have pushed myself so hard but even now I still think money will be a problem. My brother goes to the University of Texas at Austin and thankfully my family hasn't had to take out loans.There are students that it is their first year and they have already taken out a loan. We are very fortunate but what will happen when i go to college? There are community colleges but is their education really equivalent to a university's? Teachers, the government, the school system encourages us to go to college but why is it that to go to a college here is so much more expensive than to attend a college in Europe or South America? If education is so important why make it so expensive?
ReplyDeleteThe whole year I feel like it is preparation for one test, one exam the "TAKS." I feel like my school focuses so much in this one exam that they don't take the time to teach us more material. The test is called The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. It is basic exam. I feel like the we shouldn't be so worried about the exam because if the teachers actually teach us the material we will pass that test easily. Then, the school district has the policy where they are made to give us like 50 chances, well three but it feels like 50 to pass all exams and test. That does not prepare us for college life. In college you only get one shot for everything, NO second chances. In life you don't get second chances. That is why i like the AP and DC program at our school because they teach us and try to show us how college life will be and i really want to be prepared for that.
My main concern is not being ready for college. I feel like I am truly not prepared for it.The education we are being provided is so much lower than other schools around the world. The requirements to graduate are so much lower and i am Barely finding things like these out. Did you know that our schools are only requiring us to take one foreign language while in France they require AT LEAST two? Their level of learning is so much higher than ours. Kids in Japan attend school all year! Imagine how smart they are. I just don't want to be the kid who struggles in college and can't make it through.
I believe it is the government and schools boards job to prepare us completely for the college life. I would like teachers to prepare us also by being like a college professorial because everyone need education and encouragement to get an education.
I agree with you Alejandra, I think that we all should be pushed more to learn different languages and to catch up with other schools. Our school isn't really preparing us for college life with us doing having to do miminum requirements to other schools. I think that we should allbe treated like college students to have more of a feeling what to expext and not be so surprised when we actually get there.
DeleteFrom a very early age, we start to hear how important it is to go to college. College is the beginning of your adult life, and whether or not you do well while you're there says a lot about who you are as a person and the things you'll be able to do later in life. Depending on what you want to do as a career, you'll most likely need at least some sort of college education. While most people know the importance of getting further education, not all can go. College is incredibly expensive, and scholarships may be hard to come by. This is especially true in low-income areas, because sometimes having the motivation just isn't enough.
ReplyDeleteMany high school students aren't prepared for college because the expectations are entirely different. You have to take your education into your own hands, studying course materials even when you don't have class that day. I believe that it is mainly the responsibility of the student to do well in school. While the teachers and the school itself have some part in keeping us on track, at the end of the day you're the only one who can pick up a pen and write that essay or answer those math problems. The government should make it easier for students to get financial aid. We are the future of the nation. By not letting students who actually make an effort in school get into college and better themselves, they are, in a way, paving the way for self-destruction.
I sometimes worry about not getting into the college of my choice. I try my hardest in all of my classes, but sometimes I just feel completely inadequate. I know that I'll get accepted into college, and although it may not be my number one choice, it will help me get to where I need to be. I think teachers should help us become college ready by treating us like adults instead of children.
I completely agree with you Angel. The student should be responsible for them self because nobody is going to be there to hand them their own successes. They must get it on their own. I also agree that we really are the future of our nation, and it would be very helpful if college funds were a little less.
DeleteI completely agree with you Ana. We as students should work harder in our classes and start being more responsible. After all it is our lives at stake, and we are the only ones who can either make it better or worse. I also agree that we should stop procrastinating and being lazy. I strongly believe that those are the top problems when it comes to preparing for college. By fixing those problems, we will probably enjoy college more later on.
DeleteWe all know that college is a big opportunity for us to improve our lives. This especially applies to people that live in low-income areas. Most of the time, students decide to procrastinate and set their responsibilities aside. This usually becomes a habit that follows them through college, which, in many cases, ends up being their “dead end.” In my opinion, any student could be prepared to attend ANY college of their choice. They just have to refrain from their laziness and accomplish whatever they’re aiming for. Also, many students believe that everything will be done for them, which is a lie. Responsibility is something that should be taught to everyone throughout childhood by the parents, teachers, and school. This way, when the time to attend high school and/or college arrives, they will be well-prepared. During high school, most of the responsibility should be placed on the students, of course. It is them who will confront college and life in the future. Teachers have already accomplished their college goals, but some of the responsibility should also be placed on them. They’re the motivators who guide and prepare students for college. The student can not be fully prepared without some sort of help. My personal concerns about getting into any college would be financial help. I have the determination to achieve my college goals, but In order to do so, I need to get into college. I expect college to be challenging. Therefore, I will be more hard-working and responsible. I know that college will open many great opportunities for wonderful careers! One thing that I would love for MacArthur teachers would be to expand our knowledge about careers and give descriptions about them often. That would help me and many other students decide what we want to aim for in our futures.
ReplyDeleteAna Mendoza
I totally agree with you, Ana. I'm such a procrastinator, and I know most students are. It's the advanced kids, who have coasted through school with everything being handed to them because they're the top of the class that might even be the biggest procrastinators. We should definitely be given more responsibility in high school so that we can be better prepared for college.
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ReplyDeleteI always here about college at my house so it's a must for me to go. Especially that my sister went to UT and set the bar that high. But my personal mindset has already been to go to college and after I want to go to grad school. That has been my main goal. I have narrowed my choices on what schools i would like to apply too but since we are a low income family i do have to think about money issue. But recently I talked to my architect teacher and he is already working with me and preparing myself to get scholarships and i that support really helps me. College will be my opening to the real world and actually show what i'm about because as soon as i enter college i won't be holding back. You should not be scared to enter college. So that brings up a students mindset, unfortunately most students mentally prepare themselves but there is many that don't and they enter college unprepared so school starts to become stressful and they drop out. As much as it is the schools responsibility to get you prepared you have to want it yourself most of all. And all those obstacle that are in way you will surpass them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Josue. My sister has been the first to even go to college. She goes to school and works while all together keeping here grades where they need to be. I come from a family where no one has gone to college, most didn't finish high school but I know what that I have to go because that's the only road to a better future. I also agree that a student must want to keep learning in order to make the best grades & stay in school.
DeleteI agree with you Josue. My sister has been the first in my family to go to college. I plan to do the same, college or no college isn't an option.
DeleteI’d have to say that all of these responses basically sum up all of the reasons why many of the graduates from MacARTHUR aren’t college ready or simply just don’t make it. In all reality getting into a good college or just any college isn’t easy and the thought of all the expenses that will need to be made doesn’t make it any easier.
ReplyDeleteMany of the students aren’t financially ready for any part of their future. Most are satisfied with just getting their high school diploma. I’d say that a large number of the students settle for the easy way out like just getting their diploma and keeping their part time jobs. What those students don’t over look is what their future is going to look like.
There’s also those cases where students have absolutely no support with the decision they plan or have already made. Many Hispanic families count on their children to not only get a better education but to also provide a little for the rest of the family. In other Hispanic household the overall lesson is learning how to be independent. So it just depends on how focused the student is on becoming something important in their own life and in others as well.
I myself believe that no else is to blame other than the student on their decision making. Success is determination!
• College is very important because its just another step before coming and independent adult. College teaches you responsibility and the consequences that are given when you dont take things seriously. I think that the reason all these people, including those in low income areas, don't finish or even go to college because before reaching their last years of highscool that take life as a joke. They do not see the importance of college until its too late and then they are too lazy to even try anymore because of all the pressure of school.
ReplyDelete• I feel that kids are unprepared for college because of how the classes are in schools. Some classes are too easy and some teachers just pas kids for doing nothing and sometimes because they simply get along with the students again. This causes the kids to be lazy and makes them think that because they had it so easily before that the rest of there school years will be the same, and realize how important school is at the wrong time.
• I think that most of the responsibility should be placed on the students, family, and the school systems. I believe this because there are students who want to be intellectually challenged more but are not given that opportunity because of students around them that are not on the same level. Especially because the level of Pre-AP and AP used to be given to only those who deserved it but now it seems that anyone can have that title to them.
• The only concerns that I have about getting into the college of my choice is that i used to be one of the kids that i have already described that didnt take school seriously and now i know how important it actually is. I feel that my GPA wont be high enough and that I wont know all that I have to to be ready for studying in my major.
• I wish that the teachers and MacArthur would put the students in classes that they belong in and should intellectually challenge the kids who want it. I also think that teachers should treat us like college students so they can actually prepare us for whats to come instead of making things easier for us by giving us so many chances.
Many students don't know what college their going to and how they are going to apply for it. In my opinion the reason why so many of us aren't able to go to college is because many of us don't take it in consideration once we begin high school. Many students begin researching for the right college before high school but many wait until the last minute and join any organization in hopes that it would look good in their college application. Many students don't start to worry about their grades until they are juniors because they think that it is enough time to catch up and improve their GPA beginning their junior year continuing their senior. I believe that students should be informed about what a GPA before they enter high school so they can know that every single grade counts and any bad grade can harm their GPA. Students should also be advised to look into colleges and find out what the requirements are to qualify into it before they are junior and seniors.
ReplyDeleteFor some, colleges are too expensive, so they decide to go to a community college. Being cheap and still providing good courses that you can transfer to other colleges, you can get a degree in the field of study of the choice. As many students from MacArthur and other Aldine schools do attend them and graduate with their basics, but some don't go further and just drop school.
ReplyDeleteThen there are some kids who don't even try to go to college after graduating high school. To some it may be too hard and want to just find a job and start making money. A college education is not in the future of everyone.
As most teachers in MacArthur try to make us College Ready, which is helping us a lot, some students can't handle the pressure from all the classes. What most teachers do is give you a "taste" of college with a lot of reading and a lot of work to do. What they don't see is that most of the classes we have for the rest of the day do the same. Getting us ready by giving us a taste of the workload is a great way for some students to be college ready, but a great way to inflict fear of college into some. Being college ready is very crucial to the students to succeed.
What MacArthur teachers should do is meet up with different departments to see what work will be assigned on what days and due on which days. I think Block schedule next year will be a great solution to the problem with a kids personal schedule and a solution to longer classes and will give it a more collegy feel and environment.
I agree about the workload some teachers give on students. That it could help students prepare, but indeed it may cause some students to fear college. I also believe bock scheduling will help.
DeletePeoples priorities are not in the right place. They are more concerned about their social lives then their furture. Many students believe due to the high expenses of college they will not be able to further their education past high school. But that is not the case. If students in high school would apply themselves they would be able to possibly earn scholarships and grants.
ReplyDeleteAll teachers should be able to encourage their students to go down the right paths. A lot of people may not have good role models or strong authority figures, so if the school staff got more involved in students lives they may be able to give them that extra push they need to be successful.
I personally am excited to go to college. College will be able to open up many oportunitites to help me fulfill my dreams and become successful in life.
It's not really about the students' wanting to apply themselves, it's mainly about the them not being interested and motivated in the studies. As many kids in high school ask, WHERE ARE WE GOING TO SEE THIS IN LIFE? they don't see the importance in their studies.
DeleteI think if students really wanted to go to college and graduate from there, they would. I know money is a big problem and a reason why kids don't go to college, but that's why we must work hard during high school so in college it won't be as hard. I know some people that make it and were from low income. I mean, it's possible but its not easy. That's why this year I must do the best that I've ever done. However, if we as students must start thinking and working like college students, we must be taught like college students. Some teachers only teach the basics to get to the next grade and only pass TAKS. TAKS is like the easiest exams ever made and the school shouldn't make that their priority because we SHOULD make commended. I know most teachers go beyond that but not all. We must always push for more and everyone should have they mindset. College is possible for anyone and everyone. I think money will always be a problem to some but hopefully as time progresses less and less. Hopefully the government falls into place in the next couple of years fixing that problem. But like I said, if we would want it, we would achieve it. Nothing should stop us from succeeding. We must have the ambition!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you luis because there are so many people that have gone of to college and they came from a low income home. So yes if u have the intellegence and mindset to achieve your dreams you should go for it and never stop.
DeleteI think many people would relate and say that college is extremely important. Without an education, you won't have a successful future ahead of you. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why people do not go to college. I believe the number one reason why people do not go to college is because of their financial needs. I have actually had a friend tell me she doubted she'd get accepted because of that. Of course there are loans and scholarships, but I do think that intimates them as well. Another reason could be having to take care of a family and simply not having the time for college. Many people end up finding a job that doesn't require a college education just to get by. So, yes, there are many reasons that people do not go or even apply to colleges simply because they don't believe they can. I believe students have an equal amount or responsibility as their teachers. Of course, as a student you have to do everything you can to reach the top. Teachers have the responsibility of actually teaching. I have heard many cases of teachers not "fully" teaching, or simply passing kids to the next grade when the child is obviously behind. Parents should have the responsibility to encourage kids to actually go college, and I think the government and the schooling systems have less of a responsibility simply because they are already providing free education.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not have any MAJOR concerns about not getting accepted into a college, but I do sometimes have doubts that I will not make it into top 10% of my class. Not reaching that goal will possibly then lead to getting into a college that wasn't my first choice. I do believe MacArthur is doing a good job at keeping their students "college ready" especially because they provide many AP classes, have "Upward Bound" and keep their students informed about the SAT and scholarships.
I think if students really wanted to go to college and graduate from there, they would. I know money is a big problem and a reason why kids don't go to college, but that's why we must work hard during high school so in college it won't be as hard. I know some people that make it and were from low income. I mean, it's possible but its not easy. That's why this year I must do the best that I've ever done. However, if we as students must start thinking and working like college students, we must be taught like college students. Some teachers only teach the basics to get to the next grade and only pass TAKS. TAKS is like the easiest exams ever made and the school shouldn't make that their priority because we SHOULD make commended. I know most teachers go beyond that but not all. We must always push for more and everyone should have they mindset. College is possible for anyone and everyone. I think money will always be a problem to some but hopefully as time progresses less and less. Hopefully the government falls into place in the next couple of years fixing that problem. But like I said, if we would want it, we would achieve it. Nothing should stop us from succeeding. We must have the ambition!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that its possible to go to college even if you live in a low income area. All students must work hard during school and outside of school to get into a good college. All it takes is dedication and hard work.
DeleteYeah its true if you really want to go to college you will always be able to move on without not stoping you.
DeleteIt is all about what you see yourself doing in life. Most teenagers feel the need to work and others the need to learn. I usually ask most of my friends if they are going to college, majority of them say yes but those who say no feel they are not financially prepared for it. Then there are those who are just too lazy to even bother with College. Honestly, the word college can be very intimidating because you don’t really know what you got yourself up against. Teachers speak of how hard college will be and it can sometimes make you a little uneasy about it, but college is really for those looking for a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThere are two types of students, those who are eager to learn and those who are forced to be there. So to answer your question of are students prepared for college, I can’t necessarily choose one because then I would be categorizing all students, all of whom are different. To be honest, the only thing I am concerned with is getting accepted into the college of my dreams; it is the only thing that is of importance to me. I very much look forward to continuing my education all the way to Grad school. I could be 40 and still be studying! I am hoping to go to Penn State *Fingers crossed*! After college, I am hoping to see life in a different life; I also expect college to provide me with much more opportunities than I had before. What MacArthur can do for me and maybe the school, is to provide us with more educational extracurricular activities, and possibly drive out those who simply do not know how to keep quiet during lectures!
My sisters are always telling me to join this, join that because they know that it's extremely important and takes a huge part in helping you get into a good college/uni. I always hear the college speech from each and every one of my family members. I think it's up to you to become college ready. You must listen to those who encourage you. Some people choose not to listen and end up at some low paying job. You personally have to have the determination to succeed. Not all students aren't prepared for college. There are those who strive to become the best they can and take the challenging courses. Most of the responsibility is put on you, because you make the choices for your life, they don't. Teachers, parents, siblings, the gov't and the school system only affect your opinion on what is right and what is wrong. The only concerns I have are keeping my grades high. Students procrastinate and are very lazy. I put a lot of things off, but I always come through and do my best. I expect college will challenge me and my methods of learning. I will most likely learn how it is out of high school when you do not have someone to tell you when to turn assignments in, and how to write something.
ReplyDeleteI AGREE!People should listen more and have more determination when it comes to getting college ready.Key to sucess is Looking at Your Goals!And achieving them.
DeleteI agree that so many people try to get us ready for college but in the end its up to us when we want to get ready for college
DeleteCollege is a topic we have been being exposed to more recently. That is because it is right around the corner and it is continuing to get closer and closer. It is a major priority we must begin to pay more attention to. I believe the reason why the rate of students who do not go to or finish college is due to the fact that they do not take enough responsibility for themselves! In order to become successful in something, one must go out and get it, it will not come to you. Students who slack off and do not take the time to become prepared will not make it. The student should take time now to begin planning for their own future. We are now given plenty of opportunities to take so that we will be more prepared for college, but it is up to one to actually take advantage of these opportunities. Laziness will get you nowhere. Although, for some, it may be difficult to meet financial needs, but there are ways, such as grants, loans, etc. There is always a way.
ReplyDeleteI believe the teachers and the schools should take more responsibility in guiding and fully explaining to them how it will be when we get to college. It could help open the eyes and minds of the students, and also stress the importance of preparation for college. I am worried about college because I know it is a totally different environment from high school and it will be extremely difficult, but I will work hard to make sure I stay on track.
I think we need more experience of what college is really like. Maybe more field trips to college campuses could help. Also, we should be treated more like college students and not like high school students to help us get a feel of what it's like.
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ReplyDeleteWe are told that if we go to college we will be sucessful. Anybody can go to college. Only those certain people that actually want to be sucessful graduate from it. That's why I believe most people from low income areas don't go to college. They don't want to work for it. They would rather take the easy way out and get some average job. Students are unprepared for the reality of life. In school, most teachers give second chances or let students turn in their work late. Although, once you get to college, the teachers aren't as merciful. You either turn in your work on time, or you fail. The teachers are not preparing us for the reality. The students should be completely responsible for themselves as well. They have to push themselves and want to be succesful in life. We need to stop being lazy and actually get the work done. As for our parents, they should support us on our hopes and goals. They should always encourage us to do our best and to never give up. My only concern is about paying for my tuition and other fees. I wouldn't want my mom to help me because I know she can't. That's why I need get scholarships so I can pay for most of my financial needs. Hopefully when I get to college, it will mature me and prepare me for the real world that's waiting for me. I know that if I push myself and if I have the support and help from others, I can be succesful in life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the fact that it's up to one self wether to be successful or not . Many people do take the easy way out and are okay with an average job.
DeleteWhy do we hear about College? College is the gateway to the future. In school, we hear about college because they actually want us to apply what we've learned and pursue a career in the field in which we love. A college degree acts like a building's pillar: it keeps someone standing. Students in the low-income area who actually attend college and drop out, probably never have had the push they needed by a teacher, parent, or even friend. Or, perhaps, they drop out because times are rough for their families, and studying for 4-12 years won't bring in quick money. So instead of actually studying a career in which they love and could guarantee to bring in the buckets $$$, they quit. Some students are unprepared for college, because the teachers they ave encountered prior to college. If you get a teacher who sucks at what they do, and shows no interest in the subject they teach, then they sit there, not knowing what's going on. However, that statement may be untrue for all people. Maybe if they encountered teachers like that, then it will actually motivate them to do it themselves, since college is about being independent, but living in the college environment with a study, for what you love, in hopes of it creating harmony with who you are.
ReplyDeleteResponsibility should be placed more on the student, but have an equal amount of responsibility on the parents and teachers. Responsibility should be primarily placed on the student because its THEIR choice they're making. When its time for them to die,no one is gonna die for them. Therefore, they should make great decisions about their education beyond high school. And parents should be held liable for providing a positive attitude in the home environment, and actually showing interests in their children's studies and grades, and actually mention college to them. And with that being said, im gonna go back on what i said. Teachers have sort of a less responsibility than parents. Yes, they emphasize college. Yes, they push us. But, no, they dont go home with us and notice how real our lives can get.
My concerns about getting in college are not that bad. I want to pursue a career in music, hospitality, or teaching. Im a great aspiring musician with hopes to inspire many of my young, naiive students, to pursue a career in music. The same applies for teaching.
Throughout our life, we are bombarded by people telling us that college is the most important thing to do in life, so of course, people are going to strive for college. However, people that live in low-income areas struggle to get into college. It's not because they lack the intelligence, but because they lack the funding in order to pay for college, causing them to miss out on their education and not being as successful as they could have been.
ReplyDeleteMost students that actually WANT to go to college are prepared to go. They want to go to college, so they spend their high school careers preparing for college. Nevertheless, there are the students that want to go to college, but have been slacking off during high school. Those students tend to not be as prepared as the students who have been working hard during high school, and they may drop out because of all the work and stress college can put on you.
My main concern about getting into the college of my choice is actually getting in. I would love to get into Stanford University, but it is one of the most difficult universities to get into, and even if I was to get accepted into Stanford, I don't think that I would be able to pay for it since it's also one of the most expensive universities. I hope that college would help me prepare for my dream career, being a surgeon, and also give me a wake-up call that life will not be as easy as high school was. Sure, it WILL be difficult, but if I do make it through, then I might just be set for life.
What do you wish MacArthur (or your individual teachers) would do more of to help you get college ready?
In order to feel more college ready, I think MacArthur should create more of a college environment than a high school environment. Of course, people will complain and debate with me about my desire. However,it's my personal opinion, and I feel that that could help prepare for college even better.
-Samuel Luna
I agree with your comment and macarthur should have more of a college environment because this is nothing .compared to what we are going to see in college
DeleteI have to agree with Iban's comment because it is true that no one's the same. We all have different perspectives about college and the future. For me i hope college does change my future unlike some people who think it's a game. I really believe u can achieve anything with college but not everything.
ReplyDeleteThe reason most do not attend or finish college in low-income areas is because they either do not care or can not afford it. Students are unprepared for college because they do not the time necessary to prepare for college or they just blow it off and say, "I will have plenty of time to prepare for college after high school" , and then when the time to start college does come around they freak out and do not what to do. Equal responsibility should be placed on all, BUT more should be placed on teachers, the school system and the government. All they do is talk about how important college is and "persuade" us to wanting to attend colllege, but in reality do not actually give us the information that is REALLY NEEDED in order to prepare. I mean sure teachers give us work and say, " This is college work and will prepare for what you have to do in college", but anybody can give us work and say, "This is college level work". I remember my teachers in 7th & 8th grade would give us work and say, " This college level work guys", so now I am in High School and I hear the same things from some of my teachers and I have my doubts about what "college work" really is. No offense to any teacher though, if so I apologize. The only concerns I have are whether my test scores will be elgible enough in order for me to attend my college of choice and whether I will be able to afford that college or will I have to depend on loans? Finally, I think that teachers at Mac Arthur could be a little harder on us and actually push us by assigning more complex challenges to us, instead of trying to develop closer bonds with us, as I have seen most teachers at Mac Arthur do. Regardless, these are just my thoughts and in the end I am content with the way things are. I do think we can improve/change some things though.
ReplyDeleteGerardo P posted via email:
ReplyDeleteAs students we hear that college is important because it opens a door to a better way of life. A way to mentally prepare yourself is by saying '' If my older sister/brother can do it, then why can't i?'' If you are the oldest then you get to be the one to set the example. If you ask me, some kids don't finish or even plan to go to college because their parents make low income and they don't think they will get enough financial aide or because they are just plain out lazy (like me). As much as it's going to kill me to put in all this effort,teachers are who take part in a lot of the responsiblility. They are the ones who have to read and grade our work, not to just hand out a score but to correct our mistake so that we keep improving. My concern about going to college is that i won't be able to keep up, this is my first year taking a AP or Pre-Ap class and in my opinion it has been going by too quickly.
Luis C posted via email:
ReplyDeleteI think if students really wanted to go to college and graduate from there, they would. I know money is a big problem and a reason why kids don't go to college, but that's why we must work hard during high school so in college it won't be as hard. I know some people that make it and were from low income. I mean, it's possible but its not easy. That's why this year I must do the best that I've ever done. However, if we as students must start thinking and working like college students, we must be taught like college students. Some teachers only teach the basics to get to the next grade and only pass TAKS. TAKS is like the easiest exams ever made and the school shouldn't make that their priority because we SHOULD make commended. I know most teachers go beyond that but not all. We must always push for more and everyone should have they mindset. College is possible for anyone and everyone. I think money will always be a problem to some but hopefully as time progresses less and less. Hopefully the government falls into place in the next couple of years fixing that problem. But like I said, if we would want it, we would achieve it. Nothing should stop us from succeeding. We must have the ambition!
I think low income areas dont get to go to college because they have financial problems.Students this days are unprepared for college because our highschools are not forcing them to turn work in as they would do it in a college setting.Teachers in Macarthur put more Force on students to turn their in on time!Responsability needs to be Greater!I think teachers should put a bigger responsability on highschool students than they actually do to really prepare them for college.
ReplyDeleteThey could apply for Scholarships. My sister and I live in a low income area and she is now a junior in college because of all the scholarships she applied for.
DeleteCollege may not be for everyone. There are a great many people who are very successful without a college education. However, I strongly believe that everyone should make an attempt at having a college education. There are so many great opportunities that come hand in hand with college degrees. Jobs that only exist in our dreams or jobs we lack the imagination to think up are in our reach. We all possess the ability to reach new heights or to step on uncharted territory. There is not one person who I believe is hopeless.
ReplyDeleteLow income is not an excuse. We attend a title 1 school; the government is only happy to give us money. We aren't required to pay for AP classes or AP exams beyond a five dollar fee. We recieve wavers for SAT and ACT exams. We can make the best of our education. Just reach out and take the wheel! Scholarships are thrown our way all we need to do is apply. Getting an education is necessary. Knowledge is power and it is our responsibility to make it happen.
Teachers to play a vital role in our goal, but they can only do do much. Much of the work must come from us, as students. If we want to be prepared for college, we must seek challenges! We must push ourselves beyond our limits. Pick up books we weren't forced to read. Learn for the sake of learning.
I only ask that my teachers help me quench my thirst for knowledge. Lead me in the right path.
I don't really feel that college entry will be a hard task. More so I feel that being excepted to an IVY league school will be a challenge but I have a goal and I know in my heart tha I can achieve it!
The reason why most people, mostly kids, don't attend college from low-income or any income family is because they don't have any responsibility, they procrastinate, or they simply just don't care about college. Schools also don't push the kids enough to prepare for college. Kids in high school also need more work because if the kids get challenged now by the time they get to college it would be easier for them. Yeah sure it might be difficut but the real world is not a "walk in the park" either. The more we get challeged at a younger age the more we will be able to deal with later in life. Also, if the kids have more work to do, the kids that procrastinate will fall to far behind and will have to do their work to keep up. Also, few kids don't care about school and think it is not important.If the school is pushing us more they will realize that school is worth going to because they will be able to deal with life challenges.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Luis C. MacArthur tends to have the problem of passing TAKS as a priority instead of SAT. We constantly train for these seemingly incompetent exams instead of fucusing on college readiness. I feel that we should have more timed exams. Higher level thinking style questions. We should be puzzled. This is how we will begin to prepare for college. The school should help us pace ourselves for SAT and ACT exams so that we may recieve any scholarship we desire. If we can pass an SAT exam, I am positive we can pass TAKS. LET US RAISE OUR LEVEL EDUCATION! Stop making TAKS our number one goal. This is school mentality that needs to be changed. Come on MacArthur!
ReplyDeleteDaisy A posted via email:
ReplyDeleteI remeber being in the 6th grade and my classmates and i had a guest speaker talk to us about college. At the time the topic meant very little to me,i mean i was only like 11? Now i understand what she was trying to do. She was trying to plant an idea in our minds with the hope that it would grow,and boy it sure did. Ever since then i have dreamt about goin to college and refuse to let any obsticle stop me. I live with my single mother and two younger brothers, i know for a fact that money is going to be an issue. Its going to be hard but i know it's possible. It is up to me to be responsible and give school every last bit of effort i have. I do worry that i won't be accepted into the college i want because there is alot of tough competion out there. I like a good competition though. I have my mind programed to know that college isnt an option, its a must and i think every student should think this way.
Wow this is pretty deep. Back when we had guest speakers at my school. No one really paid much attention because college seemed so far away at the time
DeleteOur teachers always tell us to go to college so they can hope we have a better future than our parents. However in low-income areas this is nothing but a pipe dream because their parents can't afford it, and those who do usually flunk out because they were unprepared for it. My fear is that even if i do make it into college, Would i be able to pass? and what about the financial issues even if i do pass? The only thing i wish school would do would be that they if they could teach you how to apply for scholarships. I just freak out when i see all the paperwork being thrown at me. If only there were an easier way?
ReplyDeleteYou could go and talk to your counselor, they usually help in the area of scholarships and items of that nature. If that doesn't work you could always go online and check out the websites that are made for that particular reason.
DeleteAndres, I agree with you but if the student/learner is determine to finish college, they will be able to graduate in spite off everything they have been through.
DeleteWe have been told by many people, especially by our parents and teachers that the most important thing after highschool is going to college, and it is true. College is where we learn how to be independent, and even though we are unprepared we all can do it. We alll need the support of everyone, that may includes family, friends, and techers. Many people that dont finish college or dont even start may not have the support of someone, someone that will give them the push that they need. I agree with most of you all especially with Jennifer, everithing is up to us, we are the ones responsible for our acts an only us have the future in our hands, it is alll up to us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you bianeth i too think that college is an exprience that helps us be independent and strive for a better future. Even though we are on our own we still need support or encourangment from others. If we want our future to be better its on our own hands to make the diffrence.
DeleteI think some schools don't prepare students enough to be ready for college. It's basically like going from 5th grade to 9th grade in one year. So many students drop out because they think its too hard and they are right, they were underprepared by their school system, goig frm not having to study and pass, to struggling to keep up. If more students took the AP or DC classes we weould have less rop outs in the College system. Also, in High School, you can get secnd chances if you don't like your grades, and you can do extra credit or re-tests, in College, some professers simply think you should have done well enough your first try, and if you don't, well, then thats your fault. Even comming from a low income household only makes the college experiance even harder, trying to keep up with scholarship papers, class work, and jobs its almost too much for one person. But, I think schols should at least at students junior year, should start acting and mayb teaching the classes like a college course so students have some kind of idea what its like to be there, and maybe havea better chance in graduating.
ReplyDeleteI disagree, simply because there are programs out there like Upward bound which offer college and school help in general. Now these programs may not be advertised as well, but if a student were raised to look forward and prepare for college as much as they should be, the proplem would not exist.
DeleteI think we hear that college is so important because for many of us that want a career it is an important step, but a lot don't finish due to the fact that they might not want to put in the work. In a many occasions students aren't prepared to go into college, because many just slacked during high school and weren't pushed to do their best. Our responsibility as students is to put in the time and effort, our families are to support us through it all, our teacher's responsibility is to teach us all we need to know, the school systems job is to make sure that the teachers get all they need to teach us right, and the governments job is to support the school system finacially. I can't think of any that would prevent me to get into the college of my choice, and I expect that college will give me all the tools neccessary to do well in my career.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that alot of students aren't prepared for college! I actually think that our school should prepare the students more for college and not for TAKS!
DeleteWe hear about College in every class; how its so important to go and get an education so you can come out successful in your future. But really, when you tell some kids that they don't like to hear it, they just roll their eyes and don't pay attention. I think some of them act like that because maybe when they were growing up people would tell them; "Oh your not good enough!" "Your stupid!" "You can't do Nothing in life!!" When you tell kids this they grow up believing that and don't try to succeed in life. To me all that stuff is a lie!! The Truth is we can do All things through Christ who gies us Strength!! (Philippians 4:13) With God we can do anything that means you Can Graduate from High School & College if you Believe in your self and Trust God!!
ReplyDeleteSome of you may say, "Well I don't have the money for College.." thats a lie from the devil because if you just have Faith and Believe for whatever you need, then God Will provide it for you. For example I at one point thought I would never get a scholarship to any college. Until I put my trust in God, and last year when I was a Sophomore I did get my first Scholarship!! That was such a Blessing to me, it was a Full Ride Scholarship to Tampa Bay Bible College in Florida! I Belive that is just the start and there is many more coming my way. So I say if I can do it with God so can you! :)
Does MacArthur help me prepare for College?
In some ways yes, because we can take college cources when we're there. It also prepares us by giving us more responsibilities with school work. What I like the most is when the teachers sometimes take time to talk to us about what it's like as an adult and how it was in college.
In my future College is going to be very important. So I plan on going to College right after I graduate for MacArthur!
Sayra Torres commented via email:
ReplyDeleteIf students were prepared for college, they would go and finish their college degrees, but the lack of money, documentation, and teacher's attention impedes them from doing so. Therefore, students are unprepared for college. Students do have most of the responsibility, but responsibility should also be placed on their family, teachers, and counselors. Their family should support their kids in all their decisions. Teachers are responsible for making sure that the students understand the material. School counselors also have the responsibility to talk to the students about what they want and what help they need to go to college. I wish MacArthur would treat all students equally and not just focus on the AP students. They should give SAT tutoring to ALL students. They should also have college level classes for regular students after school to help them be college ready!
I believe that one main reason for less and less people attending college is financial status. Yes you can get help with scholarships but your are not the only one that needs the scholarship. You are in a serious competition once you start applying. People just tend to tear themselves down when they come across a life altering decision. We all deserve to reach our true potential.We just need a helping hand to get there. As far as MacArthur they do plenty to help us students get ready for college. Some of us just dont bother looking into it. We can have our hand held throughout the whole way but in the end its up to us to choose what we think is best for ourselves and our future.
ReplyDeleteI think yhe reason most people do not finish high school is because of many things. I believe high school does baby us in a way that we excepect so muvh and do very little. Students often settle for the minimum, barely passing and they think "o well as long as im passing right" wrong! We should never settle for less than what we know were capable of doing. Many students have there priorities messed up, on the other hand some students do know what comes first whether your an athlete, academically smart or just someone that wants yo be done with school. Everyone has a chance to be something great, it what we as students do with it that will alliw us to make it through college or not.
ReplyDeletei agree with lisa. Most girls feel like they can't go to college after having a baby. they feel like they need to work to give their child a better life. little do they know that, going to college with give the baby the best life it can possibly have.
DeleteI think the reason why most people don't finish college is because they're either not prepare for collego or they have economical issues. Some of the high schools graduates attened didnt give them the training for basic college life. The responsibility is all on the students because it's their decision if they want a better life. Teachers give you the choice of achieving. One concern i have about getting accepted into college is that my GPA is not going to be high enough to get accepted into the college i want. I expect college to prepare me for the "real life." I would like for MacArthur to give us more challenging classes and make sure that we are prepared for college. other than that, everything from the staff to the assingments are legit.
ReplyDeleteWe always hear why college is important because it's the last step to our education. The reason why most people don't finish college is because the stress of having to pay for it and confident issues like they're not good enough for it. The students are prepared for college, but it's a mental thing to stay focus and finish college. Anything is possible if they have the right mindset. The concerns I have with applying for colleges is what if they don't look at my whole application overall but they look if I am a citizen or not. It's going to be difficult for someone like me to make it into any college period. I'd hope that MacArthur would have consolers who care and would make the effort to getting us scholarships and for the teachers to do the same.
ReplyDeleteWe hear that college is very important, but so few go because they believe it is too difficult, and it is too expensive. The ones that do go but quit are the ones that never really cared about doing the work and think that it will be easy like school was. It's not that students are unprepared for college, it's just that most never really cared enough to try to prepare themselves. I believe the responsibility should be placed on the student because they had the resources and the opportunities to try and help themselves but didn't.i believe i will be accepted into a college, but my concern is being able to get to the college of my choice for my major. I expect college will be able to help me further my education in the process of law so i can move up through the ranks easier. I wish we could be able to learn a little bit more about time management instead of just giving us a lot of homework and telling us to figure it out on our own.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point Alex shool should help us prepare for the problems that will follow us through college. Instead of meaningless work that gives us little to no help to the path that we will take in the future.
DeleteI believe that the amount of successful students who chose to attend college and further their education, their choices are influenced by the environmental and culture they are raised in. Many of my peers do not set goals for themselves in education because they have not had the motivation to do so. The college prep is there and offered to all, however many do not chose to take it because they fear what will happen when not everything is handed to them.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, family and the environment can have a HUGE impact on a child's choices. I know my Mom is always pushing me to do better in school and is always telling me to do whatever I can to improve myself. She also explains how College will be WAY different than High School. Either way, I know my Mom will always support me and encourage me.
DeleteAlmost every teacher, form middle school to high school, talk to us students about college and how important it is to be successful. And some of the reasons why students don't attend college is because the way teachers describe college. Every teacher says its difficult and challenging and thats why some students think about it twice before they attend. They wouldn't want to end up paying for their college and end up dropping out so they think about taking that big step towards education. Another big reason why students don't attend college is because of financial needs. My brother actually has a friend that doubted he was going to get accepted because of that. I believe students have to do everything they can to reach the top. Parents should have the responsibility to encourage kids to actually go college. I personally do not have any MAJOR concerns about not getting accepted into a college, but I do sometimes have doubts that I will not make it into top 10% of my class.
ReplyDeleteStudents have the responsibility to learn all that they can and also use all their resources to their full extent. While the school system helps the student receive the sufficient amount of knowledge that they need to graduate with what they need to apply themselves in real life situations. Teachers give the student the experience that they will need when a student goes to a college of their choice. The governments role is to support the school system and fund the school with the amount of money that is needed for it to make the brightest college students they are able to.
ReplyDeleteIF a teen goes to college or not it all depends on the ganas (the effort) the teen puts on it. Its all in the mind of one. If one wants to college he or she will work hard for it if not well they will just do nothing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it really does depend on how much effort someone puts in their studys, if you don't try you won't succeed.
DeleteLooks like I didn't even do the first blog. It is very important to go to college after school. It doesn't really matter if you don't have the money to go to college, there are many things that could help you pay for school, grants, bank loans, scholarships ect. Never let money get in the way becasue in a long run, money won't be an issue with your education.
ReplyDelete