The Mentorship philosophy Building the bridge between Islam & Education A tour of the college admissions process

Who am I?

m Goals

Fundamentals Core problems for Muslims Core problems in education Model & history Habits of effect & success

1)Philosophy & College Admissions 2)How to Make the Most of Your Summer 3)Academics & AP’s 4)Extracurricular Activities 5)College Visits & Being Muslim in College 6)Productivity & Presentation 7)Essays & The Common Application Essay 8)Letters of Recommendation 9)Interviews 10) Resumes, Forms, & Common App 11) Choosing a Major & Career Development 12) Financial Aid & Scholarships 13) Islam & Education

Research College Options Seek Advice / Visit Apply to Colleges  Academics and Research  Extracurricular Activities  Personal Essay  Recommendation Letters  Interview {

Answer questions about your needs & preferences: 1.What caliber (level) of student am I? 2.How competitive is the admission process? 3.How is the university reputation? Student life? 4.What do I want to study? 5.What is the expected cost of attendance? 6.Where do I want to live and study that works for my family? Create a list of colleges that meet these needs m can help

 MSA Mentors  Current Students/Alumni If you really want to…  School Counselors  Family/Friends  Online Articles  Faculty

MY NUMBERS GPA, Class Rank, SAT, ACT Pile A Pile B

1.Academics and Standardized Tests  Shows you can handle rigor, challenge, and consistency 2.Extracurricular Activities  Shine your uniqueness 3.Essays  Gives your application a voice  More than just your personal essay!

4.Recommendation Letters  Gives your application credibility 5.Interview  Gives your application credibility

 SAT / ACT  More than just your GPA  Did you challenge yourself?

 Academic / Career Related  Volunteer / Community Service  Athletics / The Arts  What am I learning? SKILLS  Since you HAVE to write/interview on your activity, make it extremely special to YOU

 Personal Essay  Painting a picture  Different writing approaches  Write, Revise…  Then REVISE…  Then REVISE!!!

 Where to get them from?  Variety  Familiarity with you as a person, not just as a student  How to approach teachers, coaches, supervisors, etc.

 Practice and prepare  Different perspectives COMMUNICATION

 All stems from PREPARATION  PREPARATION helps you perfect TIMING  TIMING makes your life easier and helps you stand out!  Get in the mind of Admissions Officers!!!  Be the BEST and if you’re not the best, be SUPER UNIQUE

1) Educating ourselves will be our primary weapon against extremism and Islamophobia. 2) Our religion is special because it doesn’t end at belief. It gives us the equipment and value system to actively improve ourselves and our world. 3) Religion does NOT always have to be on the tongue, but it must ALWAYS be in our heart.

4) Education is only half-baked without a value system. 5) Striving for top universities enriches the academic path and works directly towards breaking our cycle of economic, social, and political disenfranchisement. 6) We overlook ills in the Muslim community and try to tackle the easy and obvious.

8) Building bridges between the classroom and Islam can enrich our experience of both. 7) Communicating Islam requires both an understanding of the religion and an understanding of our audience. 9) Being a better learner ALL stems from building confidence and knowing our motivation.

10) Education provides the MEANS for learning, which in turn helps us improve as Muslims.