Greetings from the Maine Educational Opportunity Center!!

Please visit us online at http://meoc.maine.edu/

In this month's issue:

*Summer session class concerns
*List of upcoming workshops around the state.
*Study tip of the month - Finals Week
*Services offered by MEOC
*Staff listing
*Reminder about address corrections

I. Summer session classes

Thinking of taking a summer class? Does the thought of covering the same material in a shorter amount of time concern worry you? This is a common concern when one first considers taking a summer class. The idea of completing an entire course in 3-8 weeks is distressing. However, consider this: it will likely be the only class you are taking in that time. Some people may choose to take two. While you'll likely have much more work for the class during the summer than you would if you took it during the regular academic year, spread out over a semester, you won't have to split your attention between 4-5 classes. You can put all your energy into doing well in just that class. For this reason, many students find summer classes easier to manage; especially in subjects that they have trouble with.

II. Upcoming Workshops - call 1-800-281-3703 to ask questions or to register!

May 14, 2003 - Study Skills
3:00pm - 6:00pm
Counselor: Kristin Verbeck
Location: KATEC

May 21, 2003 - SAR Clarification & Corrections
8:00am - 12:00pm
Counselor: Kristin Verbeck
Location: KATEC

Above are only the workshops for those who have already attended the MEOC 101: Essentials of College Planning workshop. However, if you feel like you would benefit from re-attending MEOC 101, please call our office and find out which workshop site and time would be best for you. MEOC 101 is offered numerous times during the month all over the state. Also, all MEOC Advisors maintain drop-in times at most workshop locations around the state. Please contact your MEOC Advisor for assistance with your college-related questions and challenges, and for on-going college and career planning assistance.

III. Study Tip of the Month: Final’s Week Tips and Tricks

For those of you finishing up your first semester or year at college, this can be a very stressful time. Some things to remember to make your final's week go a little easier:

1. Sleep: You may need to cram for exams, but remember that you'll always do your best if you get a good nights sleep. Your brain needs the rest in order to function properly and remember all the information you learned for the exam!
2. Eat: Studies show that those who start their day with a healthy breakfast do better on exams. How can you concentrate with your stomach growling? It is best to begin studying within one hour of finishing a meal.
3. When studying for multiple exams, try to balance reading with other learning activities. When you find you're not absorbing the information you're reading, try to switch to writing notecards, reciting what you already know out loud, or just taking a break.
4. Take breaks: Studies show that students retain more if they take short breaks every half an hour or so in their studying. Walk around and think of something else, have a drink or snack, check your email,etc.
5. Testing: At the beginning of the test, look it over fully and answer the easiest questions first. Next, answer the questions that have the most point value. Lastly, answer the questions that are worth the least or for which you do not know the answers.
6. After testing: Do not spend time worrying about how you did on a test you have already taken. There is nothing that can be done about it after the fact, so concentrate your energy on those tests you have left to take.

Good luck and have a great final's week!

IV. Services offered by MEOC

Don't forget to call MEOC at 1-800-281-3703 if you need any of the following FREE services:
*Career Counseling
*College Planning
*Referrals/Advocacy
*College Admissions Assistance
*Financial Aid Counseling

V. Staff Listing

Please keep in touch with your advisor/counselor!

* Joanne Richards: joanne.richards@umit.maine.edu - serving Augusta, Rockland, Belfast, Thomaston, and Waldoboro areas.

* Christy Le: christy.le@umit.maine.edu - serving East Wilton, Norway, Bath, Lewiston, Auburn, Oxford, Brunswick, Lisbon Falls, and Rumford.

* Kristin VerBeck: kristin.verbeck@umit.maine.edu - serving Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, Old Town, and Millinocket.

* Elizabeth Patterson: elizabeth.patterson@umit.maine.edu - serving Bangor, Brewer, Waterville, Calais, Machias, and Skowhegan.

* Tina McDonald: tina.mcdonald@umit.maine.edu - serving the Portland area, Sanford, Windham, and Saco.

* Dena York: dena.york@umit.maine.edu - serving Caribou, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, and Limestone.

* Sally Daniels: sally.daniels@umit.maine.edu - serving Ellsworth.

* Sarah Paterson: sarah.paterson@umit.maine.edu - serving all clients who have entered into post-secondary education.

Don't be afraid to call on our advisors/counselors if you need some help. You can leave a message for them by calling 1-800-281-3703.

VI. Reminder about address corrections

Be sure to contact MEOC at 1-800-281-3703 if you:
- have moved/have an alternate mailing address
- have a new address due to 911 coding
- have changed your phone number
- have married/changed your name
- are going to be changing your email address and would like this newsletter readdressed!

Remember that we can't be of service to you if we can't find you!

If you have any questions/comments/concerns or suggestions for this newsletter, or if you wish to unsubscribe, send an email to sarah.paterson@umit.maine.edu.

Maine Educational Opportunity Center
5713 Chadbourne Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5713
1-800-281-3703
(F)- (207) 581-2532
http://meoc.maine.edu/