Are you attending a dropout factory? You are if the graduation rate at your school is lower than 60%.
Students who attend poorly-funded schools face an uphill battle when it comes to getting into college, especially since they are forced to compete with students who attend safer, more affluent schools. Better-funded schools offer better books and programs.
While this disparity is unjust, it is not impossible to overcome. Determined students can even up the playing field with a little creativity. Here are a few ideas to consider if you’re stuck in a dropout factory:
Visit the library to find books that complement your textbook. Schools with big budgets can afford to offer students a variety of resources for each topic. Struggling schools can’t. You can even the score with kids from other schools by doing a little extra reading.
Find a tutor that can give you a new angle on a difficult topic. There are many types of tutors, and some of them are free. Why? Students who attend struggling schools often qualify for free tutoring through the No Child Left Behind Act. Check out sites like Brainfuse for more detains. You can also ask your guidance counselor for help finding an affordable tutor.
Get organized. Sure it sounds simple—because it is simple. Good organization skills can improve your learning quotient and your grade average. For example, when it comes time to study for a test you’ll be much better off if your notes are organized and labeled. Sloppy notes lead to poor test results.
Create your own extracurricular activities. Poorly-funded schools can’t afford to offer sports and academic clubs. If you’re really ambitious and determined, you can start your own club and make yourself stand out among college applicants.
Read difficult books. There are many reasons for reading novels, historical books, or technical books that challenge you. You will learn valuable information, you’ll increase your vocabulary, you’ll absorb complex sentence structure techniques, and you’ll exercise your brain.
If you attend a school that could be labeled a dropout factory, you deserve to attend a great college later in your educational experience. You can do this if you are really determined! It takes some hard work and initiative, but those don’t cost a thing!
