University High School, January 26, 2016, 6-7pm Building Bridges to Post-Secondary Success Session 5: How do I get into College: Process to Select a Major and Apply to College

Goals To increase understanding of the steps required to transition from high school to post secondary education, how to consider programs of interests and the application process

Essential Questions  What are the steps to choose a college program/area of study? How do I choose which one?  What are important processes to consider as I start to apply to college?  How do I know if I am on track? What material do I need in the process?  How can you help?

Introduction of Guests  Dr. Scott McClanahan, Director, Office of Advanced Academic Studies, WISD  Ms. Isabel Lozano, College and Career Readiness Counselor, University High  Ms. Shawntee Reed, College and Career Readiness Counselor, Waco High  Ms. Marlayna Botello, Project Coordinator, ProjectLINK, University High  Ms. Brittany Davis, Project Coordinator, ProjectLINK, University High  Ms. Gil Hall, Executive Secretary, Office of Advanced Academic Studies, WISD

Facts from the College Admission Process  The U.S. does not have a centralized admissions process. You can apply to as many universities as you want.  Many colleges give the ability to apply early decision. Apply and be accepted at an earlier date.  U.S. colleges employ a holistic admission process  Students need more than just good grades  SAT or ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal statements and essays, leadership activities  U.S. colleges offer a variety of majors  Depending on school, can attend university as an “undecided” major up to end of second year in some cases.

Common Myths?  It’s seller’s market!  Essays don’t really matter…  Interviews don’t really count…  Asking for financial aid always hurts…  Early decision is only for legacies and kids who are absolutely sure where they want to attend.  You better have an impressive list of extracurricular activities and community service  Admission officers are never going to check my Facebook page  Forget the “top” colleges; they’re way too expensive

How to decide on a major?  What are some things you feel you do well? Talents, ask a friend or family member.  What challenges you? Areas of study you want to excel in and move toward.  What do you like to do for fun? Activities, common strengths with peers.  What’s something you’ve always wanted to try? Consider the reason for wanting to do this.  What’s your favorite class?  What do you read in your free time?  If you could do any job for a day, what would it be?

2 Paths to a Degree and a Career Liberal Arts Majors and Career-Oriented Majors Liberal Arts Majors  Range of subject matter  English literature  History  Sociology  Economics and philosophy  Course requirements  Major in liberal arts curriculum  Bachelors degree in history or English literature  Career planning  Future lawyer; law school  Educator Career-Oriented Majors  Range of subject matter  Courses in subject matter are specific to major e.g. engineering, business, computer science  Take a lot of required courses  Course requirements  More courses in career field  Bachelors degree in engineering e.g. math, physics, chemistry and other lab science courses  Career planning  Career path is based on major

Major and Career Search You have choices…take your time to research the best option!!!

How to Build a College List  Create a free College Board Account  Use college search tool to find right college for you based on college major, cost, size, type and location  Search using filters based on your preferences to populate results  Compare and explore different universities Get all the details and compare!!!

College Application Process  Select your top 3 – 5 college choices  Research and keep track of admission application deadlines (early action, regular action)  Request high school transcript to be sent to college choices  Take ACT / SAT / TSI  Create a Brag Sheet (resume)  Select teachers and counselors to submit letter of recommendations  Prepare draft essays for review  Prepare for interviews  Send and track your college application  Financial Aid  Application Decision

Actions Parents Can Take to Increase Success 1.Monitor your child’s grades and attendance and encourage student to know GPA/Graduation Requirements. 2.Encourage your child to communicate with his or her teachers and counselors to build relationships. 3.Check in with your child about college application deadlines. 4.Help your child research scholarships. 5.Attend college fairs and financial aid events. 6. Help your child make summer plans to visit colleges they are interested in.

Thank you for joining us! Please remember to attend our upcoming sessions! Next session: Session 6: What I learned in high school: How NOT to forget the lessons you learned and to be successful This session will focus on reminding students about the most valuable lessons learned during high school so that they may apply that learning to the college environment, including establishing a good study plan, staying active on campus, monitoring and maintaining good grades, prioritizing, and building solid relationships with other students. Target audience: Seniors and their parents. Date: May 19, 2016 Time: 6:00-7:00pm Location: Waco High School, 2020 N 42nd St. Speakers: Scott McClanahan, Robin Wilson, Dan Pfleging (UHS), Abby Garner (Baylor), Kathryn Hopkins (WHS)