The Blackman Collegiate Academy (BCA) offers an extra cord for your graduation gown, preparation for your college workload, and a compelling addition to your college applications. The height of a BCA students’ workload consists of a highly researched project that includes a visual, written and spoken element called Capstone. Given how essential the Capstone course and project are for BCA seniors I have gathered the best tips for success from this year’s senior and Capstone students.
“Go ahead and start thinking about an idea,” said BCA senior Caroline Smith, explaining that having an idea in mind that you are passionate about is one of the biggest keys to success. But don’t just have the idea in mind she also says it’s important to do some preliminary research: “Go ahead and look at some news articles, find some opinions [on your topic], figure some research out before you go in.”
Smith further emphasized the importance of research in Capstone.
“The research is definitely the hardest part… make sure you find something you want to research so that when you research, and when it gets hard, it’s almost interesting.”
In concluding her interview, Smith stressed the importance of managing one’s stress through time management.
“You’re gonna get stressed. It’s gonna happen. There’s gonna be points where you are like ‘do I stay up all night and work on this or do I get some sleep…’ Time management was a definitely struggle for most people. Know how you manage time best.”
Another Capstone senior, Abigail Hord sang a similar tune about the importance of time management.
“For capstone, I definitely think the time management and keeping up with the calendar is the most important part.” But don’t stress! When it comes to presentations, “As long as you really show that you care about Capstone, and you keep up with it and you do what you’re supposed to do, their questions are really nothing.”
When it comes to Capstone, though it’s a notoriously daunting task, most Capstone alumni agree that it was a fun and fruitful experience in the end, better equipping them with skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. The Blackman Voice staff wishes all rising BCA seniors’ luck in their busy year ahead.
