#College Admission Strategies

[theinvoguelife]

Crafting Futures: A Counsellor’s Odyssey | The Invogue Life

The weight of the golf club represented the goals of my teenage years. As I lined up for my first shot of the season, I remembered my coach’s words: "It’s not the strength of the swing but the quality of the impact that counts

[edwisefoundation]

Top Strategies to Make Your US University Application Stand Out in 2024

When applying to US universities, it's essential to make your application stand out, especially when targeting top schools. From submitting early applications to crafting a compelling personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing extracurricular activities, several key strategies can boost your chances of acceptance. Highlight unique achievements and tailor your application to each university for the best results. For a detailed guide, visit How to Make Your Application Stand Out.

[wcat2023]

Strategies for Graduates in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering to Navigate the Employment Market

[eliteprepsat]

In my last article, How to Improve Your Vocabulary for the SAT & ACT, I wrote about improving your vocabulary. In this article, I want to dive more deeply into how vocabulary is tested on the SAT Reading test and explore techniques to solving the types of questions you can expect to appear.

On the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT, there is a subscore for questions that fall into the category known as “Words in Context.” These questions test your ability to detect both the meanings and the functions of common words and phrases in various circumstances. There’s a fairly even distribution of Words in Context questions throughout the test (about two per Reading and Writing passage), and approximately 20% of your total Reading and Writing score will come from these types of questions. There is specifically one type of question that tends to frustrate students endlessly: Vocabulary in Context.

I often hear my students argue that you could make a case for each of the answer choices on vocabulary in context questions. Sometimes, students present sound reasoning for why they thought an answer choice could have been correct; other times, students present the “it sounded right” argument.

So how do you actually decide between the four answer choices? You put on your analytical thinking cap! Since these questions require you to be sensitive to a word’s connotations and pay attention to the way a word is used in the moment, it is important to understand the way language is connected. To see what I mean, let’s explore a couple of examples.

1. The first and more commonly seen type of vocabulary in context question deals with using context clues to determine the meaning of a word or phrase in a particular instance (vocabulary in context).

    “See!” he said, after a moment, “isn’t that 25     mist or something, over there to the right     —away in a line with that great piece of rock?”     And he indicated with his hand.     As used in line 26, “great” most nearly means     A) wonderful.     B) powerful.     C) extensive.     D) large.

The word in question is “great,” a frequently occurring word with multiple meanings. All four answer choices are definitions of the word “great.” To determine the answer here, reread the context (generally the sentence in question and the sentences above and below it) and try to fill in the word in question with your own word. You should also examine these sentences for any clues that may point you in the right direction. In this instance, the speaker is referring to a “great piece of rock” and indicating a direction with his hand. The description of the rock is being used in a physical context, so we want an answer that has something to do with size. If I were to replace “great” with my own word, I’d choose something along the lines of “huge.” Now let’s look at the answer choices.

Choice A doesn’t work because the word “wonderful” is subjective. What may be wonderful to you may not be so for me.

Choice B is incorrect because “powerful” doesn’t exactly describe a rock and has nothing to do with size.

Choice C does deal with the physical aspect, but it’s not a precise fit to describe a rock.

Choice D is the correct answer. If someone were pointing out a “great piece of rock,” you would likely look in the direction of the biggest rock around.

Occasionally, you will come across an answer choice that is not synonymous with the word in question. You should delete such a choice immediately because it is not answering the question (even if it “sounds good” when plugged into the passage). For example, if the word “sphere” (a circular object) is in question and one of the answer choices is “box” (often rectangular), you can safely bet it will not be a correct response.

2. The second type of vocabulary in context question deals more with how the author’s use of words affects the passage’s meaning or tone (purpose of vocabulary in context)

This event was caused by the merger of two black holes, one with a mass estimated at 36 times the mass of the Sun and the other with an estimated mass 29 times the Sun’s. The result was a single black hole of about 62 solar masses. On December 26, 2015, gravitational waves from a second event were observed, once again from the merger of two black holes, though this time the black holes were smaller. Both events occurred approximately 1.3 billion years ago. How do the words “estimated,” “about,” and “approximately” help establish the tone of the paragraph? A) They create a skeptical tone that makes clear the team does not believe that the data are accurate. B) They create a hopeful tone that makes clear the team anticipates that more gravitational waves will soon be found. C) They create a tentative tone that suggests that the team cannot determine certain values with precision. D) They create a defiant tone that makes clear the team is aware that its results contradict widely held views.

On these types of questions, again revisit the context and look for a connection. The paragraph includes the phrases “mass estimated at 36 times,” “with an estimated mass 29 times,” “black hole of about 62 solar masses,” and “approximately 1.3 billion years ago.” Do you notice a trend? Each of these words has to deal with a prediction about measurements of mass or time; none of the claims are made with 100% certainty. Now let’s look at the answer choices.

A) “Skeptical” means doubtful, which could potentially work when making a prediction, but there is no clear evidence pointing to the data as inaccurate, so this choice is contradictory.

B) Within the context of the paragraph, there isn’t much in the way of hope being expressed, so this answer choice goes further than what is directly stated in the paragraph.

C) “Tentative” means uncertain, which matches the trend of the words in question. Also, “cannot determine certain values with precision” fits well with the numbers (36, 29, 62, 1.3 billion) next to each of the words in question. Choice C is the correct response.

D) “Defiant” means disregardful, which is much too strong given the context. Nowhere in the paragraph is there any justification for such a charged answer choice.

You may have noticed that each of the answer choices contains an adjective (skeptical, hopeful, tentative, defiant) followed by reasoning. It’s important to read the entirety of the answer choice to make sure both halves work.

These two examples demonstrate the types of vocabulary in context questions you can expect to see on the SAT Reading test. Practicing these questions can be difficult in the absence of a test, so here’s my recommendation: add “Professor Word” to your online bookmark bar and it will identify SAT/ACT vocabulary words on any website that you visit. When you come across a “tier-two” word (a high-frequency word that has multiple meanings), see if you can replace it with a word of your own then check whether your prediction is correct by plugging the original word into a thesaurus. If you get into the habit of practicing this technique, your ability to tackle vocabulary in context questions will become second nature.

As with anything that deals with the reading test, mastering vocabulary in context questions is a marathon not a sprint. If you follow the methods outlined in this article, you can expect your success rate on these questions to increase. Eventually, you may even reach a point where you can predict the answers to all vocabulary in context questions before even looking at the choices! Let that be your guiding goal.

[trekwiz]

If you're appalled by the Supreme Court's illegitimate rulings, you should understand that Biden had the opportunity to fix the problem and chose not to:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-calls-us-colleges-consider-adversity-during-admission-process-2023-06-29/

Biden told MSNBC in New York that the court "may do too much harm but I think if we start the process of trying to expand the court, we are going to politicize it maybe forever, in a way that is not healthy."

He decided he did not want to expand the Supreme Court to prevent harms like the recent decisions.

You might also remember this:

Which directly leads to:

Democrats. And Biden specifically. Find it useful for Republicans to do horrific things because it brings in votes. They've actively told us they have no incentive to fix these problems because the problems are useful.

Ignoring the threat posed by the Supreme Court's illegitimate justices was a campaign tactic; letting life get worse for us brings in more votes than fixing the problem does.

You're being manipulated. The very least you can do is demand a better candidate.

[seobstarr]

ON THE COURT— 020: why nobody gaf

smau + written!

Keeho and Y/N strolled through the college campus’ grassy walkway, the early evening air crisp and cool, tinged with the lingering warmth of the setting sun. The sky above them painted a breathtaking canvas of orange and pink hues as daylight slowly surrendered to the approaching night. The both of them walked in companionable silence, the soft shuffle of their footsteps mingling with the distant fading hum of campus life.

After a while, Y/N broke the quietness, her voice hesitant yet determined, "So, Cora..." She glanced over at Keeho, who visibly tensed at the mention of her name. His shoulders stiffened, and his usually relaxed demeanor was replaced by a hard edge, the tension rolling off him in palpable waves.

Keeho's expression darkened briefly before he managed a wry chuckle, the sound hollow and forced. "I almost forgot we were supposed to talk about her." His shoulders sagged with disappointment, a silent admission of the weight Cora's actions bore on his mind. "I'm sorry. I just can't be friends with her if she's done something to hurt you or Theo. You two were my friends first; it wouldn't be fair to either of you." Y/N nodded her opinion towards the taller, shifting her coffee cup from one hand to the other; the warmth seeping into her cold fingers. "Well, it's not so much Theo. He still thinks she's innocent, but I know what she's done." His voice was low, yet there was a firmness in the tone that spoke of his unwavering resolve.

Finding a nearby bench, Keeho sighed heavily as he sat down, the weight of their conversation pressing on his chest. He gestured for Y/N to join him, and she did, crisscrossing her legs tightly together for a comfortable position on the park bench. The wooden surface was cool against her skin, grounding her amidst the emotional storm. "You know how Cora used to be our high school manager," he began, his voice tinged with frustration and bitterness. "We had a fundraiser to get new uniforms for the new season and the new members of the team, but instead of handing the money we earned over to the coach, she spent it on herself—her wants and needs."

Y/N murmured sympathetically, her gaze fixed on Keeho instead of the distant horizon where the last traces of daylight were fading. Her heart ached at the betrayal he must have felt, her own feelings of indignation mixing with his.

"And then there was the year we made it to nationals," Keeho continued, his tone turning somber, each word a painful reminder of lost dreams. "It was everything to Theo and me. But during the match, it became so obvious that the opposing team knew our strategies and game plan flawlessly. Theo didn't catch on, but I did. During a break between matches, I went to find Cora and caught her messing around with the captain of the opposing team. She was willingly leaking our plays and tactics to them, and because of what she did, we lost our shot at the championship, and we haven't made it back since."

As Keeho finished recounting the betrayal, he gazed out across the campus, his eyes focusing on a distant point as if trying to remember every detail of that moment. He took a deep breath, his exhale filled with a mixture of lingering disappointment and unresolved frustration. "It shattered Theo to lose like that. He blames himself for being too lenient as a captain."

The campus around them had quieted further as evening settled in, the occasional murmur of students passing by fading into the stillness. In that moment, Y/N felt a surge of empathy for her friend, her heart heavy with the gravity of Cora's actions.

"That's just awful," Y/N murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief and compassion. "It's like she was only in it for how it would look on her college application." She shook her head, struggling to comprehend how someone could be so selfish.

Keeho nodded solemnly. "Yeah, it felt like she was playing a game and using us in the process." His words were laced with bitterness, a testament to the deep hurt he felt.

"I'll distance myself from her," Y/N declared softly, her tone resolute and unwavering. "I don't want to hurt you, and frankly, I wouldn't want to be associated with someone like her anyway." Her loyalty and sense of justice burned brightly, a stark contrast to Cora's deceit.

Keeho managed a small, appreciative smile, grateful for Y/N's unwavering support. "Thanks, Y/N. It means a lot." His voice softened, the weight on his shoulders lightening slightly with her reassurance.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment longer before Keeho's expression shifted, his brow furrowing with a mix of hesitation and concern. "There's something else you should know about Cora," he began slowly, as if unsure how to broach the topic.

Y/N turned to him, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" Her eyes searched his face, seeking the truth behind his troubled gaze.

Keeho took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Back in high school... Cora had feelings for Theo." His voice was low, each word heavy with the weight of long-buried secrets.

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. "You just keep on surprising me, huh?" She let out a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood but feeling a knot of unease forming in her stomach.

"Yeah," Keeho continued, his voice tinged with sympathy and regret. "She was pretty obvious about it, at least to me. But Theo... he never noticed. He was always so focused on the team. I think Cora saw the tournament as a way to get his attention, to make him jealous maybe." His words trailed off, leaving a heavy silence between them.

"So that's why she did the things she did," Y/N mused quietly, piecing together the puzzle in her mind. "She thought it would make him jealous..." Her heart ached for Theo, who had been oblivious to the turmoil around him.

Keeho nodded sadly. "I think so. But Theo was oblivious to her feelings. He never saw her that way." His voice was soft, filled with a mix of pity and sorrow for the pain Cora had caused.

Y/N sighed softly, feeling a mix of compassion and relief. "It's still no excuse for what she did. She could have handled her feelings differently." Her voice was firm, her resolve unshaken by the revelations.

Keeho glanced at Y/N gratefully. "You're right. But enough of this heavy talk, let's get you back to your dorm before Yunjin rips my head off for making you miss movie night." He attempted to lighten the mood, a small smile playing on his lips.

They walked in comfortable chatter for a few moments, the soft crunch of gravel underfoot accompanying their spoken thoughts. As they neared Y/N's door, she turned to Keeho with a determined look in her eyes. The flickering lights from the dorm's windows cast a warm glow on her face, highlighting the resolve in her expression.

"You know, Keeho," she said, her voice steady and resolute, "I'm going to get us to nationals. I don't care what it takes—extra practices, new strategies, whatever it is, I'll do it. You all deserve another shot, and Theo needs to see that you can still make it." Her words were filled with a fierce determination, a promise she intended to keep.

Keeho looked at her, admiration shining in his eyes. "Y/N, that's... that's brave of you but it’s really too much for me to ask of you. I told you these things because I couldn't stand Cora looking so happy after the things she did." His voice was gentle, touched by her unwavering commitment.

Y/N perked one of her eyebrows up in confusion, not listening to Keeho's declaration. "But–"

“There you are!” Y/N’s dormitory door swung open with great force, and there stood Yunjin, gleaming with delight at the sight of her best friend. “We’ll talk later, thanks for today though!” Y/N smiled sheepishly as she walked into the dorm, her heart lighter for having shared the evening with Keeho.

"Thanks for listening, Y/N. I really appreciate it." Keeho's voice was sincere, his gratitude evident.

"Anytime, Keeho," she replied sincerely, grateful for his honesty and friendship. With a nod and a final wave, Keeho turned to leave, the night air cool against his skin as he walked away, feeling a little less burdened and a little more hopeful.

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tags!: 🍰: @inthesunnn @nini-04 @hopeless-romantic-mentality @222brainrot @therealbobbyshloby @miyukisv @beommii @soobiverse @blossominghunnie @sleepyxxhead @vehaez @sulkygyu @x0llaz @soobnuuy @jjunie-0 @jilxe @captivq

keb notes: OKAY TRUST WE ARE IN END GAME NOW…I HAVE ALL THE CHAPTERS PLANNED AND DRAFTED I JUST NEED TO POST THEM!!! no more procrastination😈

[sarkariresultdude]

Tamil Nadu Board Exam Results: A Comprehensive Overview

 The Tamil Nadu Board Result of Secondary Education (TNBSE) plays a critical function in shaping the instructional landscape of the kingdom. The board is accountable for carrying out examinations for classes 10 and 12, which are pivotal in determining students' academic paths. The effects of these examinations are surprisingly anticipated every yr, impacting students' futures and educational choices.

Examination Structure

The Tamil Nadu board checks generally encompass principal levels: the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) for class 10 and the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) for class 12. The SSLC assessments usually take area in March, while the HSC exams observe quickly after. These tests cover various topics, such as Tamil, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, among others.

Importance of Results

The outcomes of these board assessments are enormous for several reasons:

Academic Progression: For magnificence 10 students, the SSLC outcomes determine their eligibility for higher secondary education. Depending on their rankings, students can select among diverse streams including Science, Commerce, or Arts in class 11.

Higher Education Opportunities: Class 12 students, however, need their HSC consequences for university admissions. Performance in those tests is critical for securing seats in universities and expert publications.

Career Decisions: The results additionally impact career alternatives. High rankings can open doorways to prestigious establishments and aggressive courses, while lower scores may also require college students to recall opportunity paths or remedial measures.

Psychological Impact: The strain surrounding board examination outcomes can considerably affect students' intellectual health. The anticipation of consequences can cause anxiety, stress, and, in some cases, sadness, highlighting the need for adequate counseling and aid systems.

Result Announcement Process

The Tamil Nadu board commonly publicizes the examination results in May or June, some weeks after the crowning glory of the exams. The results are made available online on the legit TNBSE website, along with different structures, making sure easy get admission to college kids and dads and moms. 

In recent years, the board has also delivered SMS offerings, allowing college students to access their results directly on their mobile phones. This initiative aims to ensure that students in far-flung regions have identical access to their results, thereby promoting inclusivity.

Performance Trends

Every 12 months, the Tamil Nadu board sees various performance trends based totally on several elements:

Overall Pass Percentage: The ordinary bypass percentage is a critical metric. In recent years, the SSLC results have frequently visible pass percentages in the variety of ninety-95%, while the HSC results can vary more widely, depending at the subjects and the general trouble of the exam.

Subject-Wise Performance: Typically, students perform well in languages and social sciences, even as topics like Mathematics and Science can also see a decrease in common ratings. This fashion regularly sparks discussions about the need for a curriculum evaluation and stepped-forward coaching strategies in these subjects.

District-smart Performance: The results also are analyzed at the district level, with some districts always outperforming others. These statistics is precious for policymakers and educators to become aware of regions desiring interest and assistance.

Post-Result Scenario

After the results are announced, the subsequent steps for students include:

Counseling and Admission Processes: Students ought to make crucial selections concerning their in addition schooling. Many faculties and colleges arrange counseling periods to help students recognize their options based totally on their ratings.

Re-assessment and Re-checking: Students who are disappointed with their effects have the option to use for re-assessment or re-checking of their solution sheets. This system is vital for individuals who agree that their overall performance is no longer correctly pondered within the initial grading.

Supplementary Exams: For college students who did not bypass, the board gives supplementary tests, normally performed a few months after the primary results are declared. This gives students a second chance to clear their subjects.

Challenges Faced

The board consequences method isn't without its challenges. Issues such as administrative delays, discrepancies in grading, and the high stakes associated with the exams can result in significant pressure for college kids and educators alike. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised issues approximately the preparedness of college students, as many had to adapt to online learning, which varies in effectiveness.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Technology Integration Education Research A New Era

Technology  Integration Education Research  era has revolutionized the manner college students examine and teachers coach. From interactive digital gear and virtual classrooms to artificial intelligence (AI) and information-driven insights, generation is reshaping schooling on a global scale. This transformation is going beyond replacing conventional chalkboards with smartboards or textbooks with capsules. It offers a extra dynamic, personalized, and efficient studying experience that prepares college students for the demands of the twenty first-century workforce. As we discover the profound effect of technology integration in education, we're going to have a look at its advantages, challenges, and the approaches it's far shaping the future of mastering.

The Evolution of Technology in Education

Historically, education has been characterized by using traditional techniques of practice, which include lectures, textbooks, and hands-on activities. While these stay treasured, the appearance of era has brought a wealth of recent tools and assets that enhance the coaching and learning manner.

Technology in education began with the introduction of computers and the internet in classrooms, but it has on account that advanced into an atmosphere that includes smart gadgets, academic software program, on-line gaining knowledge of systems, and virtual studying environments. Schools and universities now contain era in multiple ways, from mixed getting to know models to fully on-line courses. This evolution allows for extra interactive, bendy, and reachable schooling for inexperienced persons of all ages.

The Benefits of Technology Integration in Education

Personalized Learning:

One of the most huge benefits of generation in schooling is its capability to facilitate customized gaining knowledge of reviews. With the assist of AI and system gaining knowledge of algorithms, educational platforms can tailor classes, quizzes, and exercises to individual college students’ learning speeds and patterns. This guarantees that each scholar gets guidance at their own tempo, minimizing frustration and maximizing comprehension.

Tools like adaptive getting to know software program analyze a scholar's progress and offer focused content that addresses their particular wishes. For instance, a pupil suffering with math can obtain extra practice troubles, at the same time as a greater advanced scholar is probably challenged with higher-degree questions.

Enhanced Engagement:

Interactive tools including instructional games, simulations, and multimedia content material make studying greater attractive and fun for students. Visual and audio elements help explain complicated concepts in approaches that conventional strategies won't, making studying extra reachable to visual and auditory inexperienced persons.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also more and more being utilized in lecture rooms to create immersive studying studies. Students can discover historical civilizations, visit outer area, or dissect virtual animals, all with out leaving the study room. These gear captivate students’ interest and make gaining knowledge of more memorable.

Collaboration and Communication:

Technology enables collaboration amongst students, instructors, and even worldwide friends. Tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow for real-time communique, document sharing, and collaborative tasks. Students can paintings collectively on assignments, talk thoughts, and supply peer feedback, regardless of their physical area.

In addition to pupil collaboration, era permits instructors to hold higher communication with students and mother and father. Online portals and apps offer instant updates on grades, assignments, and attendance, allowing for more obvious and ongoing feedback.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

It  has the capacity to make schooling more inclusive via offering get admission to to resources for students with disabilities. For example, display readers and textual content-to-speech software help visually impaired college students, whilst speech recognition equipment help students with bodily or getting to know disabilities take part extra completely in elegance.

Online guides and digital textbooks additionally allow students from remote or underserved areas to get entry to high-quality education. With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), novices from around the arena can take publications from top universities without ever stepping foot on campus.

Global Learning Opportunities:

It  breaks down geographical limitations, allowing college students to connect to friends, teachers, and experts from around the sector. Through digital exchanges, college students can engage in cross-cultural projects, discussions, and studies. This international angle complements students’ expertise of various cultures and fosters empathy, crucial thinking, and worldwide citizenship.

Moreover, online structures like Coursera,  and Khan Academy offer college students get admission to to world-elegance schooling from pinnacle universities and establishments, regularly at little to no cost.

Data-Driven Insights:

Importance technology integration education   affords   educators with powerful equipment to collect and examine records on scholar performance. Learning control systems (LMS) and evaluation equipment generate unique reviews on student development, figuring out regions of electricity and people requiring in addition attention. This facts allows instructors to make knowledgeable decisions, adjust coaching techniques, and provide centered interventions to help student getting to know.

Predictive analytics also can help become aware of students who are vulnerable to falling behind, allowing instructors to interfere early and offer the vital help to preserve them on the right track.

[schraubd]

DeSantis' "Asylum" Offer to Jewish College Students

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency order waiving various requirements for prospective transfer students into Florida public universities "who are seeking to transfer to a Florida university because of a well-founded fear of antisemitic or other religious discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or violence" at their current colleges.* The "well-founded fear" language is borrowed from asylum law, so if I were a Jewish student considering this offer I'd have to be concerned that DeSantis' next step would be to traffic me right back out of the state via a one-way to a New England island. In all seriousness, I have to give DeSantis a very faint tip of the cap here, if only because a few months ago I had a similar thought about whether colleges in blue states should offer a form of "asylum" running in the opposite direction -- assisting admissions or transfers of students leaving Florida public universities in the wake of DeSantis' assault on academic freedom and the rights of sexual minorities. I've certainly noticed an at least anecdotal uptick in "red state refugees" on the faculty side of academia, and it wouldn't surprise me to learn there's similar pressure on the student side. And on the other side of things, I actually wondered back in 2022 if DeSantis might seek to expressly differentiate himself from Trump on the subject of antisemitism. He hasn't really done so -- the seemingly obvious need of a GOP challenger to challenge Trump continuing to founder on the absolute inability of any Republican of substance to say a bad word about the Supreme Leader -- but he has tried to make "antisemitism" a relatively large part of his presidential narrative. And so as DeSantis' presidential campaign continues to flounder in the most pathetic fashion, this reads like a theatrical attempt to capture some of the Stefanik-magic from last month. Of course, DeSantis isn't alone here. For whatever reason, Republicans have learned that fake performative concern about antisemitism is the easiest route for craven gutless mediocrities to become media starlets, at least for a few days. That it keeps on filling this role is maybe something that the Jewish community needs to ponder -- while on the one hand I'm not convinced it's actually Jews who are most impressed by these stunts, there does seem to be a repeated gullibility on this front that deserves closer interrogation. How has the GOP become so convinced that this play, in particular, is a winning strategy for them?  * Nominally, "other religious discrimination" encompasses Muslim students as well -- an interesting prospect as various Muslim and pro-Palestinian groups have begun adopting the broad understandings of "antisemitism" vis-a-vis discourse about Israel and Zionism promoted by some Jewish groups and trying to cross-apply them to similar broad understandings of Islamophobia vis-a-vis how university actors talk about Palestine and anti-Zionism. In practice, it's hard to imagine that will amount to much -- in part because of the vagueness surrounding "well-founded fear" of persecution, and in part because the sort of person who is concerned about that sort of Islamophobia is perhaps unlikely to find Florida an attractive destination to flee to. via The Debate Link https://ift.tt/WbQVEK9

[dailyanarchistposts]

The primary thought you must have firmly in your mind, keep in your minds forefront, when questioned by police is if they, your police interrogators, possessed a solid, airtight, open and shut case against you they would not be bothering to question you at all. When you are approached refuse to be question and immediately demand an attorney be present to advise you of your constitutional rights before any questioning takes place. In an ideal world, and by well, established law, at this point all questioning is supposed to stop but that does not always happen as “clever” ploys are used by police to get you to volunteer for questioning or be forthcoming with information that rarely benefits you, a suspect but furthers the goal of their investigation. Never answer any questions, no matter how innocent they sound, after you have invoked your right to an attorney. Do not respond to any question no matter how fucking tempted or how harmless you think it to be! When read the Miranda rights you were told anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law and that is precisely what it means. Anything you might say of even a microscopic incriminating nature will be interpreted as a major admission by creative minds which can and will be used against you. You can take that fact to the bank.

Police interrogators aren’t your friends! Don’t provide them with anything to use against you, only provide your basic statistical personal information such as name, age, address, birthday and social security! [Different states have different laws about what information one is required to give, check out you local laws.] They’re your enemy if questioning you! Volunteer nothing! Either you are a suspect, friends or comrades are suspects or they are attempting to gather information to be used against you or your associates in the future. Your best interests, for you as a person, is the last thing on their minds. They’re merely performing their government job. Don’t allow yourself to become frightened or worse still to be lulled into a false sense of security. If they assault you, you can practice the popular American martial art of “I Sue!” Politely listen to their games. Remain silent no matter how long questioning lasts and don’t allow yourself to be wore down with time, a favorite tactic employed by skilled questioners. Recognize their games and realize their societal job function is to lock you up, to clear a case file that may result in the destruction of your life, making you, your family and loved ones suffer, sometimes for months and in the worse scenario for years! Remain silent. Sooner or later they will give up questioning you altogether. They will move on to a weak willed person to manipulate into prolonged imprisonment.

There are two logical outcomes to interrogations. When questioning is done you are free to leave to join family, friends or comrades within the movement, a wiser, stronger willed soldier tested by fire, or you are locked up. If locked up, and you kept your mouth shut, as soon as possible as the opportunity presents itself after you request your one allowed phone call then call a bail bonding company or your lawyer. Your attorney will be pleased he/she has a client who remained silent and did not give a statement! Because of your wise silence your attorney may be able to perform the magic taught in law universities and colleges of law. Your attorney may be able to have the case dismissed in court later due to the lack of evidence at preliminary hearing if you are charged with a crime! If you have felt the need of confession other than to a priest then forget about lack of evidence dismissals. You volunteered so endeavor to enjoy your unique incarceration experience, dummy! Should there be other evidence against you (“Opps! Forgot my gloves! Fingerprints are Hollywood bull shit, right?!”) by choosing to remain silent you have expanded your lawyer’s defense strategy choices which may win your case in court in front of a jury made up of people of average ignorance. Those of you who immediately thought of the O.J. jury, shame on you!

Give up nothing! Give up nobody! Don’t let your mouth put your ass in jail! Retain your rights! Remember you have the right not to incriminate yourself! Say nothing you or your friends will regret later in court while facing a stern faced judge and anal retentive, irate government prosecutor!

If you stayed with me to this point, the following will be some shallow, laughable mind games they may try to play on you with all the intensity of a child examining the first insect they encounter! Remember the cops talking to you, cajoling you to bear your soul, clear your conscience, “make yourself feel better” by telling them what happened because they “understand” after you do will laugh in your face, later in their locker room howl with laughter with each other about how utterly naive and gullible you are, call you an ignoramus and various other things, pat each other and themselves on the back and then pleased with their day’s work go home to screw their wife, boyfriend or girlfriend and kick their dog, or vice versa.

After the interrogation is over as a just reward for your cooperation with these hardworking public servants who serve and protect the public, you will be led away to a filthy barren cell reeking with combined odors of sweat, body waste in liquid and solid form, stale tobacco smoke and hopelessness with dubious characters as your cell mates. You may have to fight to keep a food tray, a place to sit or sleep if you aren’t immediately bailed out, you may discover yourself in a struggle to retain your shoes, shirt or jacket from predatory social prisoners. Remember how you felt your privacy was violated when a bathroom door was accidentally opened by another person on you at home, office, workplace, or elsewhere? Well, prepare yourself to forfeit all privacy expectation when Nature calls and you must answer the call in the sight, presence or within arm’s reach of other hapless people! You may be forced to learn what it means to literally and figuratively stand your ground for the first time in your life in a jail or in prison. You may be forced to defend your sexuality, defend yourself against sexual predators or some people are forced to temporarily switch their sexual preferences becoming bisexual by circumstance to survive incarceration intact. Yell for help? None is forthcoming except in cases of extreme brutality or mutually combative situations as those who swore to serve and protect usually turn a blind eye to prisoners. If you confessed to police interrogators, aided with the crime investigation efforts, in an ill-fated effort to prove yourself intellectually superior to those questioning you stuck your foot in your mouth, you have condemned yourself with your own words, then you will in all likelihood, not pay the slightest attention to the following word of caution. Once booked, fingerprinted and slammed in a cell you should not talk about your case with those around you who may express interest in why you are locked up! Each prisoner willing to listen to your tale of woe is a potential threat of showing up in court to testify against you as a jailhouse informant or a cop put in the cell with you whose sole purpose was to gain confidence and solicit a confession! You may be a target so realize this fact and shut the fuck up! A classic example of this is years ago in the early 1980’s, a State prisoner in Tennessee named Gary Hartman confided to a cell partner, Raymond Frazier, about a murder in which he was involved. Frazier got with another prisoner, Kenneth King, and they, with the aid of prison officials, contacted the attorney general’s office and law enforcement, collected a $1,000 reward and Hartman was convicted and sentenced to death. After a decade plus on death row Hartman’s death sentence was overturned on appeal and he was sentenced to life in prison. Just like during W.W. I and W.W. II, loose lips sink ships!

If you made a statement you may as well be pleased with your lousy career, life and health choices since you have volunteered for a stint, however prolonged or brief, in your chosen hell by “cooperating” with police? Not exactly a Norman Rockwell picture, is it? I refuse to “sugarcoat” this description of a potential first confinement experience horror to save your sensitivity or cater to your squeamishness. I would rather shock you to serious thought by speaking truth motivated by love for my sincere activist brothers and sisters engaged in struggle against the monsters of the earth guided by their hearts and knowledge of what is right rather than let you find out the painful hard way and begin a nightmare which will rob you of your life, of your productive years, and the progress you could have made during those forever lost years to the struggle.

[pyrotechnicarus]

Odd question, what were some of the strategies you used on college applications to get into Princeton? Topics on essays, portfolio work, books you picked up useful skills from, any resources you learned from and had to your advantage. Anything’s on the table, I’m asking around to everyone I can reasonably get ahold of for information.

Hey! It's cool you're interested in Princeton -- best of luck on your college search! But I really think this is a better question for your college admissions counselor or someone who does this professionally - everyone's individual best college application strategy is unique to them, and tbh I don't remember all that much about the process since it was 5 years ago for me. College admissions are a crapshoot anyway, so there's no guarantee that even if someone else's application was exactly the same as mine they'd get in now anyway!

I guess my advice in general is to apply for as many schools (including some safeties, some targets, and some reaches) as you have the bandwidth & funds to, and then talk to current students there after you get in to figure out how accessible their resources are, anything students know that isn't on the website, what the campus is like, etc. And also that you can be happy at a lot of different schools! Colleges are often what you make of them, and if you explore and create there you'll have a great time no matter where you go.

Best of luck!

[slowdesire]

How do you write a college essay? Does the person fill out a questionnaire and a resume or something? Cause I’m guessing the essay has to be pretty personal

omg it's like genuinely crazy... yeah it definitely has to be personal! usually the students we work with have been with the company since around middle school so the college consultants know them really well and we have a lot of meeting notes on them. students write drafts for the prompts per university, and we work with the college consultants (who typically have meetings with the students--i don't, lol) to figure out the outline and content of each essay! so we write/edit based on the student's answers combined with whatever admissions strategy the company wants the particular student to go in (like for example if we should depict them as someone very into agriculture or whatever).. half of the time that means starting from scratch and ditching the kid's (usually terrible) drafts 😭 then every time we finish our edits we send the essays back to the family/kid for their feedback and it's a back and forth process until everything's fully ready for submission

[reasoningdaily]

Black students being “bused” to integrated schools, circa 1970. Photo: Denver Post

Friday was the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education that formally struck down state-enforced racial segregation of public schools as violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. An assessment of Brown’s legacy in the Washington Post, based on new public opinion research, made three salient points on how people view its impact today: (1) Retroactive support for the basic holding in this decision is at an all-time high; but (2) many Black Americans are disappointed by the educational benefits of desegregation; and (3) “large segments of the White population oppose strategies that would help make [integration] a reality.” Anyone with a good memory of the fraught history of conflict over desegregation knows that Black disappointment owes a lot to white resistance.

In reality, the full implementation of Brown has been hampered by wave after wave of what came to be known as “white flight”: first from integrated schools and then from public education itself. But even before that happened, the impact of Brown was frustrated by a proviso in the decision itself that desegregation should be dismantled “with all deliberate speed.” This was an amber light that gave southern proprietors of the “separate but equal” school systems Brown theoretically condemned abundant time to challenge more specific measures in the courts and in general drag their feet. This is why over a decade after the decision, I was attending an all-white public high school in majority-Black Atlanta, Georgia.

Eventually, desegregation occurred even in the Jim Crow South, but that didn’t mean actual integration. Even in multiracial jurisdictions, “neighborhood schools” tracking segregated-housing patterns provided one way of escape for white students whose parents didn’t want them in classes with Black peers. But as urban areas outstripped the boundaries of core cities, the ability to reconstruct majority- or even all-white schools in suburbs was a significant factor in “white flight” that perpetuated both residential and school segregation. The controversy over “busing” to overcome “white flight” by overriding school-district boundaries, as federal courts dictated in many urban areas around the country, dominated the politics of education in the 1970s and 1980s. A whole generation of white politicians in both parties — including, famously, the current president of the United States — cut their teeth on “anti-busing” movements, and by the end of the 1990s, the very federal courts that created “busing” threw in the towel and put an end to it.

But long before busing rose and fell, a second and more invidious strategy for fighting school integration was born in mostly rural southern counties with unitary public-school systems that couldn’t be resegregated by school-district or political boundaries: “white flight” from public education altogether. Born in the 1950s when segregationist pols flirted with closing public schools altogether rather than integrating them, white communities and their churches sponsored pop-up private schools, often quite inexpensive, that were universally and accurately known as “segregation academies.” In 1976 in a landmark decision nearly as important as Brown, SCOTUS ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned racial discrimination in private-school admissions. It was so heated a controversy that most historians now believe the threat to segregated church-sponsored schools (including colleges and universities) rather than legalized abortion was the genesis of what came to be known as the Christian right.

Though overtly racist public or private schools became unavailable by the end of the 1970s, white flight from public schools continued, usually accompanied by efforts to give private (and again, often church-sponsored) schools tax subsidies that in effect made them publicly sponsored private schools following religious doctrines and serving a select (and usually majority-white and middle-to-upper-class) clientele. Various and increasingly widespread experiments with private-school “vouchers” have been embraced by Republicans (and, to a more limited extent, by some Democrats) in the 21st century. Most recently, individualizing school subsidies has been a frequent by-product of the conservative “parental rights” movement in education, in which the very idea of public schools as a means of promoting racial, economic, or social equality is under attack. And while some school-voucher programs are marketed as a boon to Black students “trapped” in underfunded public schools, the historical record is that they ultimately produce racially and economically stratified instruction by taking the “public” out of public schools altogether.

The bottom line is that realization of the dream of an integrated public-school system has been frustrated by decades of delays, evasions, and outright opposition stemming from white political resistance — a resistance increasingly championed by today’s Republican Party as part of its pervasive Trump-driven mission of bringing back the “greatness” of America as it existed before the 1960s came along and spoiled everything. Perhaps the vision represented by Brown was always naïve, and the strategies adopted by courts and schools to implement it were sometimes ham-handed or even counterproductive. But just accepting segregated schools is inimical to civic and religious values much older than a 70-year-old Supreme Court decision. Marking 70 Years of White Flight From School Integration

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Erec Smith

Published: Jan 31, 2024

The historic Supreme Court ruling to end affirmative action in college admissions was one of the biggest events of 2023, but few acknowledged the ruling's inapplicability to military academies and, by extension, military recruitment strategies. Unlike public civilian institutions, military academies still face scrutiny for imposing quotas and skirting merit as a primary factor in admissions and recruiting. But affirmative action is only part of the problem.

As with other institutions, DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—is a volatile point of contention in the military. In fact, prominent figures in and around the military insist that DEI threatens national security. The issue is bigger than unequal admissions and recruitment. DEI writ large is eroding the integrity of the U.S. Armed Forces from the inside out.

Before I go any further, I need to clarify that I am not against diversity, equity, or inclusion in their original meanings. As a black man whose father has shared stories about racism in the Army during his 22 years of service (including two tours in Vietnam), I would like nothing more than to improve race relations in the military.

But the words "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion" have gone from obvious American virtues to vices in recent years, not because Americans have soured on racial equality, but because those words have taken on meanings that actually oppose their common interpretations. This new DEI, backed by an ideology of critical social justice, is the very opposite of the social justice values espoused by the civil rights movement.

To be clear, the ideology of critical social justice is not Martin Luther King's civil rights. King highlighted character, open-mindedness, and equality. Sadly, the critical social justice variety of DEI (Let's call it "CSJ-DEI") is about the primacy of skin color, intolerance of opposing viewpoints, and the inherent inequality between white people (fundamentally considered oppressors) and non-white people (fundamentally considered oppressed).

Former King speechwriter Clarence Jones agrees, insisting this ideology "would violate everything that Martin King and I worked for." In fact, because of the divisive and meritless nature of CSJ-DEI, the 93-year-old has said, "I am damn sure, at this time in my life, I'm not going to turn my back. This time is more urgent than ever."

[ WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: U.S. Sailors with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Color Guard present the colors during a ceremonial wreath laying at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on January 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. The ceremony is being held ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, 2024, to honor the civil rights leader on the anniversary of his birthday. ]

Righting the wrongs of the past does not necessitate new wrongs in the present. The systemically discriminatory U.S. Army of the past is gone, but contemporary DEI initiatives could do more to reintroduce differential treatment than end it for good.

CSJ-DEI is bad for everyone, especially in the military. It is notoriously divisive; but what is a national military without unity? It demonizes the virtues a well-functioning military cannot do without: hard work, action orientation, rational thinking, discipline, etc. Why? They are considered "aspects of whiteness."

So where do we go from here? How can we protect our military from CSJ-DEI while still embracing traditional civil rights? That is, how do we make sure DEI initiatives in the military are the kind that promote equality, merit, free speech, and, of course, unity?

Fortunately, members of Congress are starting to listen, and some are taking action. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) included an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act to put a hiring freeze on CSJ-DEI initiatives in the military so that the Government Accountability Office can conduct an audit of federal DEI-related employees to ensure that any initiative to improve race relations is done productively.

Sen. Schmitt's plan is simple: look and see for ourselves. "Every branch of our military has a duty to promote and exemplify cohesiveness within a unit, branch, and fighting force as a whole," Schmitt told the Washington Examiner. "Driving wedges between soldiers with DEI initiatives undermines the military's main purpose: ensuring the United States remain ready to confront adversaries with overwhelming force wherever they may arise."

Senator Schmitt is onto something. Sunlight is the best disinfectant; an audit could help determine which initiatives are or are not good for the overall functioning of the U.S. Armed Forces. No one is against diversity, equity, and inclusion in the original senses of those terms, but it looks like contemporary DEI training flies in the face of American values like merit, unity, and, most ironically, equality.

Erec Smith is a Research Fellow at the Cato Institute and Associate Professor of Rhetoric at York College of Pennsylvania.

[eliteprepsat]

Embrace your uniqueness–it's what makes you stand out

Standing out in the college admissions process involves showcasing unique qualities, experiences, and achievements. The point, however, is not simply to impress college admission officers with your accomplishments and achievements–it’s to show how you’ve invested time and energy to make a positive contribution to your community and the people around you. 

Here are some strategies high school students can use to distinguish themselves:

1. Pursue Passion Projects

Deep Dive into Interests: Engage deeply in a subject or hobby that genuinely excites you. This could be anything from scientific research, artistic endeavors, coding projects, or community service initiatives. Joining one of Elite’s LEAD Extracurricular Programs is a great way to explore and build your interests.

Showcase Achievements: Document your progress and accomplishments. Create a portfolio, blog, or website to display your work. Virtually all colleges ask students to list their accomplishments in their college application. In addition, some colleges allow students to submit an optional portfolio to showcase their talents and skills.

2. Leadership and Initiative

Start a Club or Organization: If your school lacks a club that interests you, start one. Aside from demonstrating leadership and initiative, starting a club allows you to dedicate time and energy to something you truly care about.

Lead Community Service Projects: Identify a need in your community and organize a project to address it. This shows commitment and the ability to lead and inspire others. While service projects are oftentimes done in person, you can also utilize technology to address a cause or issue–for example, provide online tutoring, build a website or app to educate the members of the public about a pressing problem and direct them to support organizations working to address that problem, or host a podcast or YouTube channel discussing an important issue.

3. Unique Extracurricular Activities

Develop Skills: Learn and excel in skills that are not typically taught in school, such as coding, entrepreneurship, or foreign languages. If available, obtain a certification that measures your competency or proficiency in the skills you develop. Certification typically involves passing an exam or test from a recognized organization.

Competitions and Awards: Participate and win awards in regional, national, or international competitions, such as science fairs, math olympiads, or writing contests. Showcase what you’re good at, and go as far as you can. Many students continue to participate in various competitions in college, and demonstrating a high level of interest and achievement will help you stand out from other applicants. 

Internships and Work Experience: Seek out internships and work experiences that provide unique insights or experiences related to your interests. These experiences will not only help you stand out from other college applicants but also help guide your choice of college major and possibly a career after college.

Artistic Creations: If you’re inclined towards the arts, create a substantial body of work, such as a short film, a series of paintings, or a novel. Applicants to fine arts, music, film, and theater programs in college are oftentimes required to submit a portfolio of their work.

Innovative Projects: Develop innovative projects that solve real-world problems, such as a tech solution for a local issue or an environmental initiative.

Cultural Contributions: Engage deeply with your cultural heritage or contribute to the cultural life of your community. Colleges want to build a class of students from diverse backgrounds, and demonstrating meaningful involvement in your community will allow colleges to see how you can contribute to the cultural life on campus.

4. Academic Excellence with a Twist

Advanced Coursework: Take advanced, honors, or college-level courses in subjects of interest. But don’t stop there: apply this knowledge in an activity or project to show its relevance and significance to your life. Enrolling in for-credit honors, AP, and dual credit courses through Elite is a great way to develop your intellectual interest during the summer and school year.

Unique Research Projects: Conduct independent research under the guidance of a mentor or through a research program. Colleges provide opportunities for students to engage in independent research as well as research with professors. Participating in research projects in high school will allow you not only to deepen your understanding of a subject you’re interested in but also to get a head start on research activities in college. 

5. Exceptional Letters of Recommendation

Build Relationships with Mentors: Form strong relationships with teachers, coaches, or other mentors who can write compelling, personalized letters of recommendation. Simply doing well and getting a good grade in the class is not enough, however–you should demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject through discussions and application of the information and ideas you learn in class.

6. Compelling Personal Statement

Tell Your Story: Write a personal statement that communicates who you are, your passions, and your unique perspective. Make it memorable and authentic by including stories or experiences that highlight your unique qualities and how they have shaped you. If you’re considering sharing personal stories of overcoming significant challenges or adversity, focus on your personal growth in overcoming the challenge, not simply on the challenge itself.

Final Thoughts

To stand out in the college admissions process, you should focus on the things that are truly important to you and demonstrate your values and interests. Not only will you be able to enjoy what you’re doing but you will also answer the key questions colleges ask when they review college applications:

How are you changing your world–whether it’s your family, school, or community–for the better?

How will you contribute to and engage with the other members of our college community in the classroom, in the residence hall, and on campus?

[antaxzantax]

Umbrella Pharmaceuticals - Chapter 31

I

Alexia Ashford and Mary-Anne Campbell were looking at a chamber portrait of Anne of Great Britain, the last Stuart queen of the United Kingdom. Their ancestor gleamed in a shimmering red gown trimmed with a simple ermine cloak.

“Someday you will be like her.” Mary-Anne stroked Alexia's fine hair, standing to her right. “A queen.”

II

Too much noise in the castle hall. Too much crowd. Alexia wandered among the excited adults trying to locate her father. She spotted Tony, Mary-Anne and Walter, some distant cousins of the Douglas clan she knew by sight, but not her father. Frustrated, she changed her strategy and began searching for shelter. By chance, she stumbled upon a forgotten armchair in which she curled up, wishing that the party in her honour for her admission to Harvard would end as soon as possible. If Alfred had been with her, they would have devised a way to sneak out of the room to spend the rest of the night playing in the gardens. But he wasn't, and neither was her cousin Auguste. There was no way out, and she had grown tired of hiding her discomfort at being surrounded by drunken relatives who kept shouting, singing and playing the bagpipes. She would have slipped off to the Stuart gallery, to enjoy better company with the mute portraits of her ancestors, but Mary-Anne had closed the door. In the end, she had no choice but to bear her despondency alone.

She closed her eyes to concentrate on her less chaotic inner world. She thought she would fall asleep until she noticed a hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes in fright.

“Are you all right, Alexia?” Tony pulled his hand away.

“Where's my father?”

“He's outside. On the balcony. With Aberdeen's cousins. Do you want me to call him?”

“No. I'll go.”

Alexia sat up. Tony walked halfway with her and then broke away. She crossed the stony threshold of the balcony to catch sight of her father sitting with the cousins. As soon as she poked her head out, one of them, the one smoking an oversized cigar, waved his hand for her to join them.

“There's your daughter, Lexia.”[1]

Alexander turned around. As soon as he saw his daughter, he patted his legs so she would sit on him. Alexia complied so she could tell him she didn't want to be there.

“How are you?” Alexander asked.

“How does it feel to go to college so early? Aren't you afraid, little one?” The other cousin interrupted Alexander. The cousin with the cigar took a puff.

Alexia didn't answer.

“She's looking forward to it. It'll be a matter of adjustment,” Alexander replied instead.

“How nice. The best Campbell, you'll see.” Both cousins laughed.

“Vader. Ik wil terug naar mijn kamer.”[2] Alexia whispered in his ear as the two cousins talked to each other.

“Oké.”

Alexander and Alexia got up.

“I'll be right back.”

Alexia walked ahead of her father. She needed silence.

[1] Alexia Ashford's family nickname.

[2] “Father. I want to go back to my bedroom” in Dutch.