College application Process

Agenda “What should I be doing right now?” Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process College Visits College Entrance Essays Q and A

“What should I be doing right now?” 9th and 10th grade 11th and 12th grade Course selection (MMC, AP courses, Honors courses) Narrowing down career interests A list of colleges/universities you are interested in. Extracurricular activities, clubs, community services, etc.. Course selection (MMC, AP courses, Honors courses) College visits Scholarship searches/applications Exploring financial aid options SAT/ACT preparations

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Be purposeful in your searching -Do not just apply to a lot of colleges. -Make sure that the colleges/universities you apply to has the resources you need to accomplish your goals. -Weigh all the factors that are important to you. a.) Geographical location b.) Early decision/regular decision c.) School size/population d.) College prestige www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Work toward a short list -Establish a date when you want your list of college choices narrowed down. -Usually at the beginning of your senior year at the latest. -How many? 8 or fewer a.) You want a short list so that you can effectively focus on “making a case” on why you should be accepted. b.) You want to demonstrate to the institution that you “get it.” www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process College Campus Visits -Do not wait to visit college campus until you have been admitted. The best way for you to know what you are getting into-and for the college to have confidence in your level of interest-is to visit college’s campus. - When visiting, slow down and be INQUISITIVE!!!! - This where you will spend the next few years of your life. www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Application requirements for colleges of interest -Make sure you are researching the types of high school courses the college would like to see in an applicant’s high school transcript. -Testing requirements, essay topics, and submission deadlines -Common Application, SENDedu, etc.. a.) Early decision b.) Regular decision www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Develop a Resume -Building up your marketability (clubs, accomplishments, community services) -Compiling these accomplishments will give you a better idea of what you have to offer the college. -You can then identify what messages about you that you want to convey in your application. -It is a good reflective exercise. www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Identify Key Messages you Want to Point out in your Application -Selective colleges are very deliberate in choosing who they want. -You need to make sure they know who you are and what they will get if they admit you. -Compiling your resume will definitely help you in the process. -Begin thinking about how you will convey key messages about yourself as you apply for admission. www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Letter of Recommendations -You will need to check with the institution you are applying to in regards to what it is needed. -Give your teachers/counselors time to develop a letter for you. -MGLVA: http://mglvahs.weebly.com/letter-of-recommendation-request.html -Do not wait until a few days before an application deadline to ask!!! www.usnews.com

Eight Strategies for Starting your College Application Process Investigate financial aid options -Investigate scholarships -Make arrangements to speak with financial aid offices at the colleges you will apply to. -The more you know about actual costs at the front end of the process, it will be easier to identify target schools that are likely to admit you and give you the assistance you will need. www.usnews.com

Campus Visits This is very important! -Visiting the campus can give you a better idea if the college is the right fit for you. -Ask meaningful questions *What if I cannot visit right now? Are there alternatives? -Online campus tours -College websites or college social media pages -College email list

Which picture symbolizes your essay? Entrance Essays How will you stand out? -Genuine and authentic responses that are indicative of who you are Which picture symbolizes your essay?

Avoid Over-used Essay Topics “How community service taught me the importance of helping others...” “Hard work always pays off,” and other life lessons learned while playing sports. “How my trip to another country broadened my horizons…” “How I overcame a life challenge (that wasn’t really all that challenging…)” http://www.wiselikeus.com