Q: For this project the materials are simple — you’ll need a 14” by 14” pillow form and two pieces of fleece that are at least 16.5” by 16.5”.  You will also need a good pair of sewing scissors. Each square of fleece has to be at least 16.5” by 16.5”.  Because the pillow form is 14” wide, the additional 2.5” will be used to cut strips to tie the two pieces of fleece together.  If you want strips longer than 2.5”, just cut the fleece larger than 16.5” by 16.5”. Once the two squares are cut, cut strips out of all four sides that will be 1” wide and 2.5” long. Make sure the two pieces of fleece are on top of each other, with the ‘right' sides of the fleece facing outwards.  (Most fleece doesn’t have a good and bad side, so it may not matter.)  Starting on one side, start knotting one strip from the top piece of fleece to one strip from the bottom piece of fleece.  Use a double knot. Complete knotting 3 of the 4 sides of the pillow case. Once 3 of the 4 sides are knotted together, slide the pillow form inside the fleece pillow case.  Once it’s inside, knot the 4th side of the pillow case strips together, also using double knots. This project is super-easy and can be completed by kids of just about any age.  If the kids are too young, you may need to do the cutting for them, but even young kids can practice tying knots.  Plus, you can buy pillow forms of any size as long as you also buy fabric that is 2.5” longer on each side for the knots.  Note that ONLY fleece works for a project like this because the edges do not fray. The same method can be used to make blankets, seat covers, pet beds, etc.
A: Buy the materials. Cut the fleece. Tie the fleece together. Put the pillow form inside the fleece. Enjoy your pillow.

Q: Ultimately, a controlling mother may try and run your life, but you are in ultimate control of things. Remembering this will help you take her "suggestions" in stride, and move out from under her control. Every discussion doesn't have to turn into an argument -- you get to choose what gets blown up and out of proportion as well. If the advice or controlling doesn't really affect you, try to politely nod and move on with your life. Instead of feeling like you need to heed her every word, start viewing her controlling statements as just another piece of advice. Acknowledge her words, and let her know you'll think about them seriously. Show her that you are listening and you care about her opinion by thanking her when she has a good idea or helps you out. This will also make it easier to politely turn down a suggestion or break from her "established" rules, as you can show that you are objectively heeding her good advice and ignoring the bad. You need a spot to go when you want to be alone, and you should use this space when you feel an unwanted fight brewing or need some time to run your own life. Separation is key to maintaining healthy, happy relationships of any kind, so make sure you have boundaries you can stick by. Setting boundaries is important when dealing with controlling mothers. If you want privacy in your room, ask for it and stand by your decision. Similarly, you mother should know the times you want to spend alone, such as with friends, and when not to visit. Talk to your mom from time to time. She may be controlling because she doesn't know what is going on in your life. Thus, she may overreact and try and control everything about you, hoping to become a major figure again as you're growing up. Talking to your mom openly and honestly about your plans, hopes, and goals is a great way to slowly break down the need to control you. Are there some things she controls and some she doesn't? Are there times of the day, like after work, where she seems stressed and hard to deal with? Remember, parent's have their own lives to deal with, and it is impossible to fully separate that work life from their home persona. So, notice what issues make her controlling, and the times of the day she is most demanding. Avoid these times, or find ways to make them easier for her and lower stress. Being a parent is hard, hard work. Moms are tasked with raising needy, clueless children into responsible, helpful adults, all while living their own lives as well. You mean the world to your mom, and her methods may seem controlling to you, but that is only because she wants the best life for her son or daughter. Recognizing that she comes from a place of love will make it easier to accept her for her controlling tendencies.
A: Remind yourself that you are in control of your life. Look at her comments as advice, not law. Recognize and thank her for good ideas. Carve out a personal space. Make your own desires clear and consistent. Notice the patterns of your mom's behavior. Remember that her desire to control you is based in love.

Q: Potential undergraduates at Columbia can apply to either Columbia College or Columbia School of Engineering. If you are unsure about your area of interest, or know that it will not involve engineering or computer science, you will want to apply to Columbia College. Columbia's admissions office will generally be unable to look at grades from the second semester, so grades from the first will weigh heavily on your application. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.5 to be considered, and the school strongly encourages a minimum of 3.5 in science and engineering courses for the School of Engineering. To transfer to Columbia, you must have completed, or be scheduled for, 24 credit points. Make sure you are taking, and have taken, transferrable credits. Columbia does not accept transfer credits from departments such as business, communications, and education, as the school does not have those departments. Colleges may count class credits differently. Review Columbia's requirements to make sure you are on the right track Columbia's admissions committee uses a "holistic" review process, meaning they take into account not only a person's academic marks, but also extracurricular activities. Columbia wants undergraduate students who can make an impact outside the classroom, and contribute to social and cultural life at the school. The Columbia Writing Supplement asks about books, newspapers, and magazines you have read, or films, concerts, exhibitions, and other performances you have seen over the prior year. If you are already attending a college, there will undoubtedly be a variety of opportunities to attend interesting and worthwhile events. If you have previously applied to Columbia, past materials such as test scores and essays will not roll over. Before resubmitting materials, such as your personal essay, try to review review and improve upon them, using on your own personal growth and input from others at your current institution. Columbia requires letters from college instructors. Letters should come from professors who are closely familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, character, and capabilities. If they are willing, take the opportunity to talk with your letter writers about why you wish to attend Columbia, which can help provide a more personalized letter that more strongly emphasizes your strengths as an applicant. Make sure you have all of your materials ready when you submit the Common Application. Review the Columbia-specific questions for the Writing Supplement, and prepare your answers within the guidelines provided. There is space on the Common Application to provide supplementary materials for work in science or the arts. If you have experience in these fields, include materials to help give depth to your application. Make sure to carefully review the correct types of materials, including formatting and file type.
A:
Choose the appropriate program. Do well in your first semester. Take enough appropriate classes. Develop extracurricular interests. Make sure your materials are up to date. Provide two good letters of recommendation. Fill out the application as completely as possible. Provide supplementary materials.