Charting The Course to College College Planning Workshop July 15, 2011

Warning Signs for Parents… (resource: Put the high school college counselor’s home number on speed dial. House-hunt in North Dakota to enhance child’s “geo” appeal Change license plate to read “650CR/610M” on family car

Warning Signs for Students… (resource: Message on cell phone notes you are on the honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society Demand that your family only communicates with you using SAT vocabulary words You memorize the Tier I and Tier II institutions of the U.S. News national rankings

COLLEGE

Values for the Voyage Why do I want to go to college? What excites me most about college? What scares me? What are my strengths? Weaknesses? What type of student am I? How do I prefer to learn – in small group discussions or larger class lectures?

Values for the Voyage What are my educational and career goals? Academic interests? What activities mean the most to me? What excites me most about college? What scares me? What makes me special? What talents or insights can I contribute to a campus community? What experiences help to make me a bit uncommon?

Back to the Basics Academic Plan: Challenge yourself (you may surprise yourself) Pursue your passions – it’s about quality, not quantity Ask people you know & respect for referrals

Back to the Basics Start with a map! Check out the web resources Individual college websites Make the time – 1 hour each week

Back to the Basics Get organized! - Read, assess, file & recycle -Not interested? Let the college know -Interested? Respond to requests -Create a timeline of important dates - Application deadlines (6-8 schools) -Financial aid & scholarship deadlines -Test dates -Open house or HS visit opportunities -Start a journal or pro/con list for each college choice (continually assess/refine your college list)

Back to the Basics Avoid being a “stealth applicant” -Initiate contact -Respond to paper/online requests -Connect at your high school or local fair -Alumni interviews -Campus Visits

Demonstrate Interest Make reference to distinctive characteristics of the college and how those qualities fit your abilities, personality and style particularly well. Pay attention to the entire application – College Application Supplements ( Keep note of admission decision notification dates. If the dates have passed (or close to the date), contact the office to inquire about your file’s status with the admission committee. If wait listed at your top choice, be sure the admissions office is aware of your interest. Send a letter of interest to the director. If capable, visit to speak with a counselor.

Back to the Basics Clear, thoughtful and accurate communication is key -Create a connection (counselors, teachers, college professionals…and your parents!) - Read the instructions - Do it yourself

Charting the Course to College College Planning Workshop July 15, 2011

Final Thoughts…for Parents Recognize that gaining admission to college is merely one step in a process of education. Resist doing for your students what they are capable of doing themselves. Resist relying on rankings and college selectivity alone. Realize that researching, selecting and applying to colleges does not have to be an expensive process. Keep this process in perspective.

Final Thoughts…for Students Be confident! Take responsibility. Be deliberate! Be realistic and trust your instincts! Be open-minded! Use a variety of resources for gathering info. Be honest; be yourself! Limit applications to a well-researched number Know that what you do in college is a better predictor of future success than where you go.

“It is your future and no one else should prepackage your approach to the process.” - College Unranked