If you’re like most students, you’re not exactly looking forward to the high stakes college application process. How do you write the perfect essay? How do you share with reviewers everything you want them to know about you? Will sharing your Native heritage help make your application stand out? Here are some tips for telling your Native story on a college application.

At some point during your educational career, you’ll need to figure out how to get where you’re going. Enter the academic plan — it’s the map to your educational goals. With a plan, you can see the path you need to take to get where you want to go. Academic plans can be incredibly useful in helping you stay on track, regardless of what comes your way. Since every student is different, every academic plan is too. Here are some ways to create an academic plan that works for you.

Virus or no virus, the end of the school year — with all its deadlines — is coming up fast. 
 
Chances are you're wrapping up the most challenging semester of your academic career. The many adjustments that schools have made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have closed campuses, displaced residential students, and moved face-to-face classes online. Courses are continuing for most students, but all the disruption and uncertainty are only adding to normal anxieties that come with finishing the academic year. 

Dominque Pablito grew up in the small town of Aneth, Utah, on the Navajo Nation, and in New Mexico on the Zuni Reservation. She lived in a four-bedroom house with 13 family members, sharing a bedroom with her mother and brother, and visited relatives for extended stays. “I spent time with my great-grandmother, whose house had no running water or electricity,” she says. Because her grandparents did not speak English, Pablito learned the Zuni and Navajo languages. Pablito says that her father, an alcoholic, came in and out of her life.

Former high school dropout Christopher Villarruel is about to graduate with a BS in forest hydrology. He gives a lot of credit for his personal turnaround to the grandmother who raised him. “My grandmother, Lillian Lego, was a very strong woman,”hes ays.“She was Ajumawiand Atsuge on her mother’s side and Madesi on her father’s side. She raised many of us grandchildren, and some of my first cousins are just like my siblings.” 

Have you ever looked at a student who’s known for getting As and wondered, “How do they do it?” When you’re not the A student — but you’re trying to be — every little insight can help. Top students don’t just inherently know everything, they’ve also refined their study skills and know how to use their time effectively. The best part is, you can learn the same study habits they use to get those straight As!

Science fair season is here! It’s a time when you can get creative, delve into a project you’re passionate about, and test your nerves while you talk to the judges. Here are some tips to help you be not just prepared — but ready to knock it out of the park.

College is a time for exploring new opportunities, meeting new people, and learning about new ideas. It’s also a time to start creating connections with people who can provide you with the support and guidance you need to move toward your ultimate career goals. Experienced and trusted advisors — or mentors — can be hard to find, but they are invaluable resources. Here are some ways to find the right mentor and make the most of the relationship.

Whether you’re in high school or college, there will be times when learning feels amazing, and times when it’s a humbling experience. But it will always be worth the effort. So what’s the secret to achieving your personal best? While there’s no simple formula, most teachers agree that certain qualities are essential for academic success. Here are some of their pro tips.

Show Up and Manage Your Time

New to campus or just finding it tough to plan your time? Check out these helpful tips to get your life in balance.