UB Chronicle
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University
March 2026 Volume 5 Issue 7
Embedded Files
Why it is important to take Challenging Courses in High School
Why it is important to take Challenging Courses in High School
Taken from Big Future
Taking challenging classes in high school is a great way to build new skills. And it will serve you well when you get to college because you'll be more prepared for the work. In a recent survey of first-year college students, more than half of the students surveyed said they wished they had worked harder in high school.
Challenging classes, such as honors and college-level courses, also help you get into college. They are exactly what admissions officers like to see on applications.
There are other good reasons to switch classes in high school to honors and college-level courses. In the survey mentioned above, most students who took college-level courses as part of the Advanced Placement® or International Baccalaureate programs said that these classes were more worthwhile and interesting than others.
Experience a Different Approach
Experience a Different Approach
Honors and college-level courses differ from regular classes in various ways. Here’s a brief overview of some of the classes that may be available to you:
Honors classes usually cover similar material as regular classes but at a faster pace or more deeply than regular classes
College Board's AP Program offers college-level classes that help students develop and apply skills, such as reading critically, solving problems analytically, and writing clearly. More than 30 classes are available.
The IB program offers college-level classes that stress developing your thinking skills and an awareness of global issues.
College courses may be available for you to take while still in high school, either at your school or on a college campus.
Find Your Passion
Find Your Passion
Courses like these can introduce you to topics and ideas not covered in the regular classroom. For example, AP courses include Chinese Language and Culture, Environmental Science, and Psychology. This range of subjects allows you to explore your interests and develop new passions. You may even discover the subject that will become your college major or the focus of your career.
Build Important Skills
Build Important Skills
Honors and college-level courses can help you learn the skills and habits you'll need for success in college and beyond. They’ll allow you to develop:
Stronger writing skills
Problem-solving abilities
Time-management skills
Discipline
Good study habits
Prepare for College
Prepare for College
Showing that you're willing to push yourself by taking rigorous classes in high school can help when you're applying to college. The level of courses you take now is one of the first things colleges look at.
In addition, college courses, IB classes and exams, and AP Exams may lead to college credit, advanced placement, or both in college. This means you may be able to skip some basic college courses and move directly into interesting, advanced classes. This also may allow you to free up enough time to pursue a double major or study abroad.
Take the Plunge
Take the Plunge
Once you decide to challenge yourself with honors or college-level courses, talk with your school counselor, teacher, or principal. They can help you get information about a course's workload, any preparation you might need, and how to sign up for this type of class.
Riddle Me This! February Answer
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
Don't forget about your one hour (60 mins.) of tutoring each semester. You can access tutor.com using the icon above.
Don't forget about your one hour (60 mins.) of tutoring each semester. You can access tutor.com using the icon above.
You also need to complete tutoring if your grade in any class falls below a C average.
You also need to complete tutoring if your grade in any class falls below a C average.
Students Don't forget about your online activities that are due each semester. You can access them using the links below
Students Don't forget about your online activities that are due each semester. You can access them using the links below
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Class of 2028
Class of 2029
Class of 2029
Outstanding Student Awards
Outstanding Student Awards
Class of 2024: Kyera Wright
Class of 2025: Isaac Bocook
Class of 2026: Jacob Cunningham
Class of 2027: Braylon Basford
110% Awards
110% Awards
Congratulations to all of the students who received 110% awards in their classes this Summer!
Abby Kelly
Abigail Wright
Alley Barnett
Allie Kasarcik
Amberly Haynes
Aniyah Caldwell
Anthony Blevins
Anthony Lin
Braylon Basford
Breanna Highfeild
Cheyenne Bullock
Cheyenne Perkins
Cheyenne Pollitt
Christie Groce
Christopher Stephens
Christopher Weaver
Cora Honeycutt
Cynthia Dooley
Daisy McCarty
Diamond Sherman
Ebony Eckert
Elijah Glover
Elijah VanMeter
Envy Babbitt
Erin Moore
Estrella Vilches Montes de Oca
Evan Martinez
Jacob Billiter
Jacob Cunningham
Jamie Age
Kaitlyn Hughes
Kaitlyn Wambaugh
Kaylen West
Kendyl Webb
Kya Taylor
Kyla Henderson
Larissa Cunningham
Laura Delisle
Lisa Kamer
Lovada Faulkner
Lucas Adkins
Luke Collins
Madison Dickerson
Makayla Soard
McKenna Harris
McKenna Williams
Mea Puckett
Morgan Pollitt
Pedro Delapaz
Reese Moomey
Rochelle Eleazu
Sam Fairchild
Samuel Patrick
Sean Taulbee
Sebastian Dean
Shayla Perry
Skyler Bradshaw
Tayler Howes
Toby Perez
Treyton Thomas
Tyler Dennison
Whitley Huddleston
Wyatt Brandenburg
Zander Lowe
Zoey Martin
Zoey Stone
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are currently accepting new student applications.
9th, 10th, or 11th grade students at the following high schools: Bath, Bracken, Boyd, East Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Harrison, Johnson Central, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Paul Blazer, Robertson, Rowan, and West Carter High Schools, are eligible to apply.
Students can submit the Online Application through our recruitment site at join.moreheadub.org or students can obtain a paper application by visiting our website or their high school guidance counselor for assistance.
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation
a. Guidance Recommendation Form
b. Two Teacher Recommendation Forms
c. 2025 Taxable Income Information (IRS 1040)
Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Be first-generation, meet federal income requirements, and/or academic risk
Be College Bound
Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.
What Is Academic Burnout?
What Is Academic Burnout?
Academic burnout can be defined as a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school.
It is the culmination of many weeks or months studying the same material or working on the same project, or from continuous years of schooling. This is not to be confused with the occasional feeling of frustration when you have been studying for hours on end, or tiredness from pulling an all-nighter. It is rather more of a chronic condition from long-term study or school work.
Student Burnout Symptoms
Student Burnout Symptoms
Academic burnout symptoms are manifested in much more than just tiredness and feeling like you can’t attend another class. Burnout can cause real, psychosomatic problems such as headaches, insomnia and depression, which is why it is important to start taking steps to reverse burnout as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
Some common ways you can know if you have academic burnout are:
Feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, resulting in fatigue and insomnia
Lacking motivation to attend classes or start assignments
Lashing out at others and increased irritability due to frustration
Lacking inspiration and creativity to bring to projects and class discussions
Loss of confidence in academic abilities
Incapability to meet important deadlines
Increased pain and tension in your body, which can be manifested as headaches, sore muscle aches, or jaw tension
Higher frequency of illness due to stress and exhaustion
Increase in bad habits such as overeating, staying up too late, nail biting, or any other habit you tend to acquire when you are stressed or not taking care of yourself
Inability to concentrate on school work or lectures
Feeling bored or uninterested in aspects of school or areas of leisure that you used to enjoy
Feelings of anxiety or depression
How to Prevent Burnout in School
How to Prevent Burnout in School
If you start recognizing some of the symptoms above in yourself, it’s time to make changes before you experience full-blown academic burnout.
1. Make Time for Enjoyable Activities:
1. Make Time for Enjoyable Activities:
Schedule yourself breaks throughout the week. Allow yourself to have time where you can truly rest and do things you enjoy.You will start to feel more motivated to start your school days.
2. Get Plenty of Physical Exercise:
2. Get Plenty of Physical Exercise:
Try to exercise at least three times a week, stay hydrated and eat healthy to keep your mind and body active and healthy.
3. Get Outside:
3. Get Outside:
Studies have shown that time spent in nature can reduce stress levels so spend some of your free time in some greenery!
4. Make Time for Social Activities:
4. Make Time for Social Activities:
Not only do friends and family provide you with a positive support system, but time spent in fun social environments will make you happier and give your mind a break.
5. Develop Good Relationships with Professors:
5. Develop Good Relationships with Professors:
(and classmates!) This will make it so that you don’t feel like going to class or study hall is a chore.
6. Set Reasonable Goals:
6. Set Reasonable Goals:
And stick to them — use a calendar and daily reminders to stay motivated to achieve deadlines.
7. Avoid Procrastination:
7. Avoid Procrastination:
When you are feeling stressed, putting off assignments and projects is tempting, but ultimately this will lead to sleep deprivation, frustration and end in more stress.
8. Get Better at Time Management:
8. Get Better at Time Management:
This is a key factor in making sure you stay on track with deadlines, avoid procrastination and end up with a more positive relationship with your studies.
9. Take a Step Back:
9. Take a Step Back:
Look at your school situation as a whole. Ask yourself, have you chosen the correct field, school or program? Is there another direction you need to take to make this better align with your career path or interests?
10. Work-Life Balance:
10. Work-Life Balance:
Work-life balance is just as important for students as it is for workers. Set up your schedule for equal parts school and fun or social activities. And don’t forget to make time for just YOU.
After reading this guide, you may believe that you have academic burnout and are ready to make the move to recovery. Here are the ways you can overcome your academic burnout.
1. Seek Help:
1. Seek Help:
You may need the help of a professional. Speak to a guidance counselor, mental health counselor, school counselor or other professional to help you overcome school burnout.
2. Recognize Symptoms:
2. Recognize Symptoms:
Get to know the symptoms of student burnout and don’t ignore your mind and body. If you know you have the symptoms, it’s time to make changes.
3. Don’t Ignore:
3. Don’t Ignore:
Academic burnout will only get worse if you just keep pushing yourself forward and don’t get help.
4. Manage Stress:
4. Manage Stress:
Manage your stress levels and make big changes to reverse the burn out. Set aside time for yourself to decompress and reduce stress.
5. Make Important Changes:
5. Make Important Changes:
Practice mindful breathing, eating, socializing. Try mediation breaks throughout the day as well. Rearrange your schedule for a better work-life balance.
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Ashley Cooper (Associate Director UB Central)
Schools Served: Elliott, Morgan, East Carter and Magoffin
Gabby Johnson (Associate Director UBMS South)
Schools Served: Harrison, Robertson, Paul Blazer, and Nicholas
Gabe Markwell (Associate Director UB East)
Schools Served: Bracken, Boyd, Lawrence, and Johnson
Cheyenne Wilson (Academic Coordinator)
Schools Served: Fleming, Rowan, Mason, and West Carter
Nathan Woodward Taylor (Academic Bridge Coordinator)
Schools Served: Montgomery, Lewis, Menifee, and Bath
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Morehead State University.
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