Women Of A Slave Girl By Harriet Jacobs - 1256 Words

Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl allows Harriet Jacobs, speaking through the narrator, Linda Brent, to reveal her reasons for making public her personal story of enslavement, degradation, and sexual exploitation. Although originally ignored by critics, who often dismissed Jacobs story as a fictional account of slavery, today it is reported as the first novel narrative by an ex-slave that reveals the unique brutalities inflicted on enslaved women. Gabby Reyes Am. History Dr. Cole 11/20/2014 Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl: A Harrowing Escape from Abuse During the Antebellum period, our young slave girl, in Harriet Jacobs’s novel Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, seeks release from the horrors of a â€Å"cruel, sadistic white plantation owner† (vii) in a cruel, sadistic world that sees her as nothing more than property. The psychological tribulation Harriet Jacobs endures makes her a sympathetic character for the abolitionist movement spearheaded by the north. She is faced and burdened with the issues of self-identity, self-preservation, and freedom, yet she is unrelenting in her determination to secure a life in which she has sole control. The outdoors gave the young protagonist, Chris McCandless, in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild, room to explore and find himself before his untimely death. His qualities make him an admirable character (though he was sometimes naà ¯ve in his actions), and his death makes him a martyr to the causeShow MoreRelatedWomen Of A Slave Girl By Harriet Jacobs1540 Words   |  7 Pa gesHarriet Jacobs in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl uses clear detail, except when talking about her sexual history, to fully describe what it is like to be a slave. Jacobs says that Northerners only think of slavery as perpetual bondage; they don t know the depth of degradation there is to that word. She believes that no one could truly understand how slavery really is unless they have gone through it. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl do not only tell about the physical pains and hardRead MoreWomen Of A Slave Girl By Harriet Jacobs1540 Words   |  7 PagesIn the novel Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet Jacobs presents what life was like living as a female slave during the 19th century. Born into slavery, she exhibits, most likely to people living in the North who thought slaves were treated fairly and well, how living as a slave, and especially as a female slave during that time was a heinous and horrible experience. Perhaps a lot harder than it was if one had been a male slave, as female slaves had to deal with issues, such as unwantedRead MoreWomen Of A Slave Girl By Harriet Jacobs911 Words   |  4 Pagesnovel Incidents in the Life of a Slave girl by Harriet Jacobs, is the story of Harriet Jacobs under the pseudonym Linda Brent. It tells the life story of Linda and her life as a slave, her battle of freeing her children, and her journey to freedom. The majority of the book is set in a North Carolina small, close knit community in the early 1800s on Dr. Flint’s plantation, Linda’s master and owner. It begins when Linda is a child. Her parents are free and the slave owner who possesses Linda and herRead More Slave Women in Harriet Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and Toni Morrisons Beloved1596 Words   |  7 PagesSlave Women in Harriet Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and Toni Morrisons Beloved Slavery was a horrible institution that dehumanized a race of people. Female slave bondage was different from that of men. It wasnt less severe, but it was different. The sexual abuse, child bearing, and child care responsibilities affected the femaless pattern of resistance and how they conducted their lives. Harriet Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, demonstrates the different roleRead More Mary Wollstonecrafts A Vindication of the Rights of Women and Harriet Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl3226 Words   |  13 PagesVindication of the Rights of Women and Harriet Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Although Mary Wollstonecraft and Harriet Jacobs lived almost 300 years apart from one another, the basic undercurrent of both of their work is the same. Wollstonecraft was a feminist before her time and Jacobs was a freed slave who wanted more than just her own freedom. Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and Jacobs’ Incidents In the Life of a Slave Girl, Written By Herself wereRead MoreThe Role of Mother for Slave Women in Harriet Jacobs ´ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl and Harriet Beecher Stowe ´s Uncle Tom ´s Cabin3385 Words   |  14 Pagesthats not the case for everybody. The dehumanizing acts of slavery are eminent in many novels, such as Incidents in the Life of Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs and Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. In these novels, slave women were not suppose to enjoy the role of mother. It was either physically taken away or their mother instincts were brutally effected. Slave mothers had to face many consequences and sacrifices for their life and the life of their loved ones. When reading Stowe andRead MoreEssay Harriet Jacobs Life of a Slave Girl1322 Words   |  6 Pages Harriet A. Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl: Jacobs’s construction of black female empowerment despite the limitations of slavery Harriet A. Jacobs Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is an autobiography written under the name of Linda Brent. This autobiography is a detailed account of her life or lack thereof. I use the term lack thereof because Harriet Jacobs was raised by her grandmother due to her mother dying at a young age. Harriet was taught to readRead MoreHarriet Jacobs’ Fight Against Intolerance713 Words   |  3 Pageson his side; I had determined will. There is might in each† a statement from Harriet Ann Jacobs reflecting her will to overcome the standards of society (97). Harriet Jacobs’ life revolved around slavery from birth to death. Jacobs was a mother of two with determination and insight to make choices to change the way of life for her children. Harriet Jacobs was the first African American women to have her slave narrative published retelling her life story exposing the years she spent escapingRead MoreHarriet Jacobs s Story : The True Meaning Of A Slave s Quest For Freedom1682 Words   |  7 PagesHarriet Jacobs’s story informs the reader of her experiences and transformative tribulations she had to undergo from childhood to adulthood. No one in today’s society could come close to comprehending the amount of heartache, torment, anguish, and complete misery women had to suffer and endure during slavery. However, we can all learn from Jacobs’s heartbreaking story to understand the true meaning of a slave’s quest for freedom and the inalienable bond a mother has for her children. Life was toughRead More Slavery and the Life of Harriet Jacobs Essays1074 Words   |  5 PagesSlavery and the Life of Harriet Jacobs It is well known that slavery was a horrible event in the history of the United States. However, what isnt as well known is the actual severity of slavery. The experiences of slave women presented by Angela Davis and the theories of black women presented by Patricia Hill Collins are evident in the life of Harriet Jacobs and show the severity of slavery for black women. The history of slave women offered by Davis suggests that compulsory labor overshadowed

Renewable Energy Generation In Pakistan Environmental Sciences Essay Free Essays

Pakistan has rich energy beginnings but unluckily these rich beginnings of energy have non been utilized so far. To run into this Remedy Government of Pakistan ( Ministry of Power and Development ) formulized a scheme named â€Å" Policy for development of Renewable energy beginnings † . This policy made Pakistan usage of its energy beginnings in a efficient manner in its first stage widening up to June 2008. We will write a custom essay sample on Renewable Energy Generation In Pakistan Environmental Sciences Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Sing the benefits being gained of this policy, it is further divided into its 2nd and 3rd stages severally and this stage would farther find the use of renewable energy sourced blessed to Pakistan by nature. Important characteristics of this policy are: 1. This policy contains assorted of import chances that attract investors from the assorted private sectors. i.e.. It provides an chance of acquiring one stabilized in his ain independent power undertakings that could either be used for one ‘s ain intents or it can be made to make others in return of the net incomes of your investing. 2. An investor bring forthing electricity utilizing renewable energy beginnings at one location, at the same clip can acquire an equal sum of electricity for any sort of usage at another location conveying electricity through grids at his ain disbursals. 3. Via use of Renewable energy beginnings, it allows to bring forth electricity and manufacturer can sell excess sum of electricity and at the same clip, he can have electricity from another grids and this production and receiving of electricity can be solved by net metering and charge which this policy has introduced, therefore rendering big benefit to little scaly productions and besides enhanced the efficiency of bing installed systems. 4. This policy is significantly of import for micro, mini hydro and solar based electricity production undertakings. 5. The complex techniques of Duty Determination have been simplified following transparent and apparent rules laid down by the policy of renewable energy beginnings. 6. An model characteristic of this policy is the decrease of hazards associated to power buyers as it used to be found in the yesteryear. Therefore it can be said that the policy with its salient characteristics discussed above can play a cardinal function in beef uping the economic system of our state every bit good as it can stabilise the economic system of assorted power undertakings being run by figure of private investors. Introduction: Our state Pakistan is comprised of more than 150 million people therefore using immense energy. This high demand of energy is impossible to be met if we depend on planetary energy fuels of high monetary values. So, to run into this job Government of Pakistan has introduced the policy of use of renewable energy beginnings pulling the private investor ‘s along with covering with high demand of energy use. With the turning demand of energy beginnings and visual aspect of new engineerings in the planetary universe would find the reaching of more and more policies originating from this really core policy of renewable energy beginnings in Pakistan. Power Sector Institutions: Following are the power sector establishments in Pakistan: 1. Ministry of Power and Water development: This establishment is supposed to cover with all the issues originating of the affair of energy production and ingestion. This sector besides with other related independent and independent establishments of energy beginnings. 2. National electrical and power ordinance authorization ( NEPRA ) : NEPRA provides the policies, regulations and ordinances to guarantee safe and choice production of electricity and besides safe transmittal of electricity to consumers. 3. Alternative energy development Board: AEDB is designated to implement the assorted programs rendered by Government of Pakistan related to the use of energy beginnings in Pakistan. It besides covers advertisement to make consciousness and ease the energy ingestion in Pakistan. Renewable Energy Resources: Following are the renewable energy beginnings in Pakistan. Hydro Potential: So far, no exact appraisal has been brought in related to hydro power potency in Pakistan but if we take mean, this possible comes out to be 45000 MW. This possible includes power ingestion in all the walks of life and hydro power workss. Status 2006: The hydro power capacity of Pakistan so far assumed is 5928 MW of big ( gt ; 250 MW ) 470 MW of medium ( gt ; 50 and lt ; 250 ) And 253 MW of micro ( lt ; 50 MW ) workss. Now it makes the amount of 6608 MW, which barely covers 15 % of entire identified hydro potency in Pakistan. Wind Potential: Wind power undertaking resources exist in assorted parts of the state including southern Sindh and Coastal countries of Pakistan with monthly norm wind velocity of 6-7 m/s at some sites. Status: Unfortunately there is no air current power undertaking commercially working in Pakistan. However micro wind power undertakings have been tested. Solar and Thermal Potential: Pakistan is blessed with immense solar energy resources. Most sites of Pakistan receive big sum of solar energy in the universe that extends to 2 MWh/m2 or 3000 hours of sunlight. Status: This big sum of solar energy is being ignored. So far now solar and thermic power undertaking has been installed in Pakistan. Biomass Potential: Pakistan being an agricultural state contains big reservoirs of biomass in the signifier of residue harvests, animate being wastes and rice chaffs etc. Status: This big reservoir of biogases is being utilized in Pakistan at assorted low degrees and frequently at high degrees. This sector is besides allowed to sell excess power other than of its ain required usage to sell to grids at the rate of 700 MW. Strategic aims of Policy: There are four cardinal aims that formulate the policy of development of renewable energy beginnings: Energy Security: Energy is the chief demand of today ‘s modern civilisation. Following the importance of use of energy by the modern societies has risen up the monetary values of fuel and oil in the planetary market. The use of renewable energy beginnings by which our state is blessed would guarantee us the energy security and we would be less dependent on others to run into the demand of energy. Economic Benefits: Renewable energy beginnings if used decently in any state can be really helpful in profiting the economic system of that peculiar state. As use of energy from other beginnings would ensue in energy losingss and wastage of money to an unexpecting bound, nevertheless, utilizing the renewable energy beginnings of our ain state, we can salvage the big sum of our economic system which is spent on importing the energy beginnings from other states to our ain usage. Social Equity ; As discussed earlier, that utilizing the renewable energy beginnings of our state can do us able to salvage the economic system and salvaging the economic system would straight intend prosperity of the state that can profit the people of our state by eliminating poorness rate and guaranting security of societal rights among all the citizens of our state. Renewable energy beginnings can besides cut down the labour work as it can replace the human attempts in field by machineries which are non being utilized because of high monetary values of fuel in the international market. Environmental Protection: Use of local energy beginnings is the confidence of environmental protection as it lowers the hazard of air and environmental pollution which is frequently threatened to the society by utilizing the natural and fuels of hapless quality being imported from other states. Policy Goals and developmental scheme: Following are the ends that lead the state to explicate the policy of development of renewable energy beginnings: 1. Maximal use of energy beginnings of our state that can ease the lives of our people by supplying electricity through all the parts of the state. 2. Renewable energy beginnings can do the state meet the turning demands of people populating in it. 3. An investing friendly environment is created in the market therefore pulling private sectors and enabling them to advance friendly and economical environment for the investors in the sector of renewable energy beginnings. 4. Deriving of economic benefits is besides one of the primary ends meant to acquire achieved via this policy. Scope of Policy: This policy leads to the use of different renewable energy beginnings. Micro hydro Solar polytheist hydro Wind power undertakings Municipal waste and landfill methane recovery Biomass Gasification Crop residues Etc etc. Road Maps for policy development and Execution: Keeping in head the important of renewable energy beginnings, a strategic policy specifying the fundamental laws has been formulized. This policy is divides in three stages and each stage, if implemented good can do us succeeded in accomplishing the aims. Short term stage. Short term stage includes indulgent policies in order to make an economic friendly atmosphere throughout the concern countries of the state and take the bing barriers impeding in the manner of our concern sector.This stage focused allot on little hydro, solar and wind power undertakings for immediate commercial development. This stage helped in pulling the private sectors to put in commercial markets for renewable energy beginnings. This stage developed regular frame work, develops markets, assessed the resources, swayers development programmes and finance development for renewable energy beginnings and ease the markets to renewable energy beginnings in the state. Average Term: Following the enormous success of the policy of renewable energy beginnings in its short stage, another comprehensive stage set on with more effectual policies and nonsubjective that would widen up to 30th of June 2012. This stage emphasized on developing the inclination of competition among assorted renewable energy engineerings application class. One such illustration is the use of Grid connected air current farms. It besides developed the market and inclination in people for utilizing the spread Renewable energy beginnings such as solar place systems. Long Term: The execution of the policy of renewable energy beginnings will come in the long stage every bit shortly as average term ends, to acquire the coveted aims. This stage will to the full develop the competitory ambiance in the market among assorted initial RETs. It will be lead under the â€Å" compulsory sweeping Wheeling † . Supplying an investor with full options of using any of the available renewable energy beginnings and competition to a full swing to do usage of each and every resource that is easy available. How to cite Renewable Energy Generation In Pakistan Environmental Sciences Essay, Essay examples

Social status Essay Example For Students

Social status Essay Throughout an inspector calls, many types of power are explored, ranging from physical to persuasive. Each character shows a different form of power, which helps define their personality.  In my opinion, Mr Birling has no power other than his reputation, which he hides behind. He shows fear at the first sign of disruption, for example, when he fired Eva Smith, he made no effort to compromise or seek explanation but instead removed her immediately. Neither does he show any signs of power when the inspector questions him; he attempts to avoid an interview by bribery and use of social status. Mr Birling seems to be a character that is confident in an environment where he is not questioned or opposed, but is easily exposed when placed in a position, which threatens his reputation. He attempts to cover weakness by using strong words and bold assumptions, which reveal the small man hiding behind a wall of false impressiveness. Sheila also uses the power of reputation to get what she wants; she has very little self-discipline and uses her status to get her way. She has the power to make others feel guilty rather than accept her own responsibility. Throughout the play she tries to make others involvement seem worse to cover her own. She claims to feel extremely guilty about having Eva dismissed from her job a second time but this could be an act so both her family and the reader feel less inclined to blame her. Sheilas power is the ability to avoid responsibility, make herself seem more vulnerable and inflict guilt upon others. The inspector holds most power, using intimidation to extract information from others yet not giving anything away himself. He has the ability to make the Birlings say things that he can use to his advantage. For example, when Mrs Birling lays all blame upon the father of Eva Smiths unborn child, the inspector does not inform her that it was infact Eric, instead he allows her to dig a deeper hole. He also has the power of respect, although the Birlings dislike him, they do answer his questions and know that he has the power to expose them and their secret to the public and destroy their reputation. Mrs Birling used her own power as a high-ranking member of the voluntary group, to manipulate her colleagues into agreeing with her decision to turn Eva away. She also uses intimidation to a certain extent. She is intelligent and not easily caught out until the inspector corners her.  Eric used physical power to force Eva into a relationship she clearly did not want. Eric-like his sister- has very little self-discipline and is unable to control his actions. He does not use his name or social status to gain power; instead, he used wealth and gave Eva money. He appears to give her money to support her but it seems he may also be doing it so he feels he has power over her and she is in his debt. Eva Smith herself had a large amount of power in the form of influence. She has changed the relationships within the Birling family and has had an impact on each member individually. She managed to expose a completely different side to the well thought of family with seemingly innocent children.  This play showed many forms of power, hidden within each family member and the other characters. The play demonstrates what we all know about human beings, that first impressions are not always accurate and some people are more powerful than we first think.

INDUSTRY STUDIES Essays - Educational Psychology, Pedagogy

INDUSTRY STUDIES QUESTION 1. (a) Student -centred learning could be described as student-independence learning. The student has to some degree the ability to choose the time and place of study, the methods and order of studies and can vary his pace of study as well as the length of his studies to suit his needs. Student-centred learning puts the students needs to a large extent first. Having a learner-centred approach gives students options in the pace of study, the method of delivery of courses (e.g satellite, mixed mode, tutorial support classes), order of study, composition of courses to suit individual needs. Open by dictionary definition means: unconfined, without barriers, accessible. By broadening student input to learning under the guidance of teachers and the industry assisting students to make informed decisions the system is ?opened' and can provide the following benefits: Access is no longer confined to a narrowly defined group The time and place and mode of study are determined by the student The student knows progressively how he is going and what his weak points are (competency-based assessment). The student largely determines what is studied and how learning occurs as he is given more learning responsibility. (Student is urged to: seek out reference material, ask further questions, relate principles to his circumstances, try different styles of answering questions) Recognition of prior learning both as industry experience and other outside studies will enhance Oten courses as feedback from student to teacher in answering questions will refine existing courses. Student ?centred learning must be incorporated to remove traditional barriers and hence allow an Open Learning environment to flourish. The more a student becomes involved in his learning process the more likely he is to stick at it. Open learning is about being available to everyone no matter what his or her disposition! (b) There are many factors, which will determine to what extent student-centred learning can be achieved within an institution. The material being studied- Many courses requiring licensing, the meeting of industry standards or courses leading to tertiary qualifications such as the Higher School Certificate offer limited open learning possibilities. Industry- The willingness of industry to be more flexible so that curriculum requirements can be met by a variety of pathways. The teachers- their ability to guide, nurture and advise students on appropriate matters such as: urging students to seek out reference material, prompting additional responses from students by asking questions additional to the assignment, communicating well with students to the point where specific principles of a lesson can be related to the specific circumstances of the unit. Resources- Student-centred learning will inevitably require a higher ratio of teachers to students (as compared to face to face teaching). These teachers have to be available in the numbers required and be suitably qualified. Existing courses- Many of Oten's courses are adaptations of courses originally designed for face-to-face teaching. Some will require mixed mode delivery because of either the complexity of a particular subject or certain aids required to complete a particular course. (e.g Networked computers may be required for certain computer strands) Enrolments- Obviously to fully open up courses it would be ideal for many students to enroll for courses at any time throughout the year. This however would make forward planning as to staff requirements and the availability of facilities such as examination centres, tutorial classes etc virtually impossible. Students- A high degree of student-centered learning requires students with a high level of training and teachers with a high level of expertise so that students can be guided into making informed decisions. As the object of Open learning is to make courses more accessible then students with varying levels of expertise, experience and training will be undertaking these courses. By accepting such a variety of students the degree of student centred learning will be limited by the students ability to take on board such principles and the skills of the teachers in developing and encouraging these principles. QUESTION 2. (a) Here are as I see it some of the major differences in tools, aids and techniques used in face-to-face and external teaching. Face-to-face teaching Tangible items can be shown and demonstrated in class (e.g firefighting equipment, smoke detectors, fire installation panels) to reinforce learning. Blackboards, whiteboards, overheads and other visual aids can be used to to clarify principles. Feedback is rapid.

Introduction Essay Examples - Use Self Introduction Essay Samples To Improve Your Writing Skills

Introduction Essay Examples - Use Self Introduction Essay Samples To Improve Your Writing SkillsYou may have noticed how easy it is to pick up self introduction essay samples. They are available in the internet or you can get them at your local bookstore. It is a good idea to learn how to craft your own introduction to make it different and personal. This will help you make your job easier.You do not need to spend lots of time to search for specific examples. You can begin by reading some blogs or magazines. Read about introverts or about people who are shy. You can find interesting ones that may help you. They will inspire you.The stories that are included in introvert books often contain comments from people who are around them. It helps the readers to understand the personality of the writer and the style of writing. It also gives insight on how the person writes their words and in what way they express themselves. It is a good source of information.It is very important that when you choose self introduction essay samples, you look for writers who write in a similar manner. This will help you a lot because you will be familiar with them. You can read some of their works and take notes on how they write their words.Some self introduction essay samples will contain examples of writing. These examples will help you a lot. They will include questions and answers, and they will be written in a similar manner. This makes you more familiar with the style and words used. So you do not need to rely on some tips from others.You will find many websites that are dedicated to giving you quality introduction essay samples. There are also ways you can look for your own samples online. There are lots of sample pages on the internet. These sample pages are free to use and it is important to make use of them. They give you a wide variety of writing styles and formats.You can use this method of using essay samples to improve your writing skills. The benefits are many. You can improve your confidence levels and make sure that you are able to express yourself without being overblown. You will not have to worry if you are talking about something relevant in your work.

Computers Have Brought a Lot of Ease to Our Life essays

Computers Have Brought a Lot of Ease to Our Life essays Computers have brought lot of ease to our daily life Time has brought many revolutionary changes over the last few decades. If we look around ourselves, we can see countless inventions which are now an essential part of our life. Think about the life of people about 100 or 150 years ago when there were no luxuries of life. There were no cars, trains, aero planes, TVs, cameras etc. All these technological advancement have been done during the last 20th century. The most important of these inventions is computers. Computers have directly or indirectly influenced our life by a great deal. Some of us might not have noticed but now we cannot even think about surviving without computers because we are now totally dependant on it in some way. Many old people believe that computers have replaced man power in many industries and departments and it is creating massive amount of unemployment. I believe that those who have any kind of computer skills are getting better jobs and are enjoying much better life standard. Look at other businesses which are flourishing because of them. Trading done in stock market is much more than before because of the fact that people are doing trades from their homes. The trend of online shopping is on the rise and it has helped the postal services and many other courier services. Many people have access to their email accounts. Most of them check their emails up to 10 times a day. It has become one of the most important mean of communication superceding pagers and in some cases postal mails and faxes. If a student has to register for his classes in his/her school, he or she doesnt have to stand in front of registrar office for several hours. All they have to do select the courses sitting in their homes and even pay the bills right over the internet. They can buy the books online virtually from any where, any edition. So, at the end of the day we can save lot of time which can be utilized anywhere. ...

National Merit Finalist - How to Win the Scholarship

National Merit Finalist - How to Win the Scholarship SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Many students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year. What a lot of students may not notice is the full name of the test is PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Thus, the PSAT is not just good practice for your SATs. It’s also the first step in becoming a National Merit Finalist and hopefully, earning a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). In this article, we’ll discuss what steps you need to take to become a National Merit Finalist and compete for a scholarship. We'll also give you advice on how to write a strong application and maximize your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar. Here’s how the numbers break down: Each year, about 1.6 million students take the PSAT. Of the juniors who take the exam, about 16,000 earn scores that qualify them as Semifinalists (that's around 1%). This group is narrowed down to 15,000, who become Finalists. Of this group, about 7,500 are awarded scholarships of $2,500 a year (that can be renewed each year you're in college). This article will explain the three key steps you need to follow to win the National Merit scholarship, from meeting the entry requirements, to scoring well on the PSAT, to submitting a standout application. Step 1: Meet the Entry Requirements The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) requires you to have a few qualifications to even be considered for the scholarship: You must be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation. You must plan to enroll full time in college starting the fall following high school graduation. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident planning to become a U.S. citizen. These requirements will be checked with a few questions at the beginning of the PSAT. Step 2: Score in the Top 1% of the PSAT Becoming a National Merit Finalist is competitive and requires a top score on the PSAT. Although it varies from state to state, most students must score above 1400 (out of 1520) to qualify as a Semifinalist, which means they can compete to move on to Finalist standing. How can you achieve a top 1% score on the PSAT? Prepare with high-quality materials. Identify your weak points and work to improve them. If the Reading section confuses you, spend the majority of your time practicing those sections. If math isn’t your thing, commit yourself to drillingPSAT Math problems.The National Merit competition usesa Selection Index that is based on yourReading, Math, and Writing test scores, so mastering all three sections is key. Take control of your learning and study with practice questions and sample tests. This practice will also pay off later when you take the SATs in the spring of your junior year and fall of senior year. Bonus: Aiming for a National Merit Scholarship? If you're not sure you can self-study your way to a qualifying PSAT score, you'll love our PSAT prep program, PrepScholar. We designed our program to learn your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics and customize your prep to be as effective as possible for you. When you start with PrepScholar, you’ll take a diagnostic that will determine your weaknesses in over forty PSAT skills. PrepScholar then creates a study program specifically customized for you. To improve each skill, you’ll take focused lessons dedicated to each skill, with over 20 practice questions per skill. This will train you for your specific area weaknesses, so your time is always spent most effectively to raise your score. We also force you to focus on understanding your mistakes and learning from them. If you make the same mistake over and over again, we'll call you out on it. There’s no other prep system out there that does it this way, which is why we get better score results than any other program on the market. Check it out today with a 5-day free trial: For more info on prepping for the PSAT, check out ourdetailed guide to attaining National Merit Semifinalist status. Step 3: Submit an Excellent Application Complete the NMSC application requirements by fall of your senior year (usually early October). This application allows 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists to move on to Finalist standing. If you don't become a Finalist or don't qualify, you may still get word that you're a Commended Student or remain as a Semifinalist, which are great distinctions that will stand out on college applications. However, only Finalists are eligible for National Merit Scholarship awards. The online NMSC application is the same as your college application in some ways and different in other ways. Similarities You must submit the following: Your academic record (transcript) SAT scores* Information about your activities and leadership roles A personal essay *You have to take the SATs on approved dates, usually in the fall of your senior year, and make sure to send along your score report to NMSC. They need to receive your scores by December 31st of your senior year. While there is no strict cutoff for SAT scores, they must be competitive like your PSAT scores (usually around 1400 or above) so they know your PSAT wasn't a fluke. Differences You must submit the following: A recommendation from your high school principal or someone the principal designates as a school official Information about your school’s curricula and grading system Let's dig into each component to maximize your chance of building a strong application to win the National Merit Scholar title. Academic Record and SAT Scores The National Merit Corporation is first and foremost looking to award academic achievement. There is no strict cutoff, but a competitive GPA (3.5 and above) and high SAT scores (approximately 1400 and above) are recommended. Your academic record should also show that you challenged yourself with honors and AP classes. When you're a high school junior, there isn't much you can do about this, other than continue to excel in your classes. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today! Extracurricular Activities and Community Service The NMC is also looking at the skills and accomplishments shown in your application. Demonstrated leadership goes a long wayfor example, leading in Student Council or other student organizations. Your activities should reveal your passions and interestsit is usually better to show â€Å"depth over breadth.† In other words, get deeply involved in a few activities you’re passionate about rather than showing minor participation in every club, team, and organization your school has to offer. Almost all activities are valuable if they show your commitment, leadership potential, and ability to work with and help others. Recommendations Recommendations go a long way. Cultivate good relationships with your teachers, counselor, and principal and provide a â€Å"brag sheet† for them with the qualities and accomplishments you would like them to include in your recommendation. Your brag sheet may include the following: What six adjectives best describe you? What do you consider your greatest accomplishment(s)? What are your strongest goals for the next five years? What is a meaningful experience you have had during high school? These anecdotes will make writing a lot easier, and they'll thank you for this. Make sure to ask for your recommendation at least three weeks in advance of the deadline, and follow up with your writer to make sure it'll be submitted on time. The earlier you notify them, the more ahead you'll be of your classmates, most of whom will need college application letters. Personal Essay The personal essay adds your voice to your application materials. Your essay is the place where you can share your unique story and perspective and make your application materials come to life. Here is an example of a past National Merit essay question: To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided. The space allows for about 500 - 600 words. You should focus on two important components of the essay. First, the NMC wants to see that you can express yourself clearly and powerfully through writing. Make sure to proofread, edit, and revise for any spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or weaknesses in syntax and diction. Second, your essay reveals how you think about yourself, your accomplishments, and your goals. What do your experiences mean to you? What do they reveal about your identity? Spend some time brainstorming before you decide what aspects of your identity are most important to share with the NMC readers. For example, did a group science fair project show you the power of collaboration in making new discoveries? Did a Student Council debate reveal the complexity of perspectives on a single issue? Did Lisa Simpson teach you the importance of sticking to your principles, even if your family may not always agree? The topics are endless, and there is no best answer, but whatever you choose should reveal something significant about who you are. Once you have your first draft, ask a friend, family member, counselor, or English teacher for feedback on what worked and what didn’t. It’s a short essay, so make sure every sentence is there for a reason and important for telling your story. In Conclusion Staying motivated and committing yourself to all these goals will put you in the best position toward becoming a National Merit Finalist. Remember, only 15,000 students ( 1%) are chosen as Finalists, and of those, only about 7,500 students receive scholarships. On a percentage basis, it's even more competitive than getting into the Ivy League, so even with all your hard work, you’ll still need a certain amount of luck! NSMC notifies students if they have become finalists in February of their senior year. Scholarship notifications go out in March. By that time, most of your college applications will be done and submitted. Now you just have to try to relax and wait for the decisions to come! If you complete all the steps mentioned above, you can be confident that you’ve done all you can – now hopefully the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will recognize all your hard work. What's Next? Want more tips on how to get a top PSAT score?Check out our guide on how to get a perfect PSAT score for all the info you need to know. Are you striving for perfection on the SAT?Read our detailed guide by our resident SAT full scorer. Aiming to get intoa top-tier school? Check outour article: What's a good SAT score for the Ivy League? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We have the industry's leading SAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible. 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