Applyingto College PowerPoint

Clair Briggs, Claremont McKenna College '10Lincoln Campbell, University of Minnesota '09

Greg Dohmann, University of Maryland '08Holly McGarvie, Princeton University '09Carolyn Rippe, Dartmouth College '10

Applying to College: a Ninth Grade Perspective

Directions for today… (3 minutes)

As you move through the Powerpoint, make sure that you are answering ALL of the questions as you go along to receive full credit for the assignment (Worksheet Provided!).

An estimated timeline is provided for you on each slide so that you can see generally if you are ON TRACK as you move through the lesson.

From this point on: Anytime that you see the lightening bolt symbol, know that you are required to answer the questions shown!

Do Now (5 minutes) – Activity 1Think about the term “success.” What

does success mean to you? Reflect on your answer in 5-6 lines.1.2.3.4.5.

How might college help you become successful? (I don’t know is NOT an option here!)

Objective (2 minutes)By the end of today’s lesson, students will

be able to:Articulate why education (high school and

college) is important for his/her life goalsDescribe the basic requirements and timeline

of the college application processSearch for college profiles using the internetFormulate concrete actions he/she will need

to take to be on track when it comes to college applications in a “Success Action Plan”

Framing the lesson (1 minute)

Today’s lesson has 4 major objectives (shown on the previous slide)

The content today is extremely important as it affects YOU, your HOPES and your SUCCESS.

Agenda (2 minutes)Do Now and Lesson Set Up (10 minutes)Why is your education important? (5 minutes)Class of 2005 reflection: what actions and

behaviors lead to success in high school? (15 minutes)

College applications: What do colleges actually look for? (5 minutes)

High school timeline activity:(5 minutes)Looking for the right college: (15 minutes)Success action plan: (5 minutes)

Total expected length of lesson: (1 hour)

Why is your education important? (5 minutes)

What trends do you notice? What changes based on the degree you receive?

Why is this true?The higher your education level, the more

money you will make. Why do you think this is true?

Take 2 minutes RIGHT NOW to brainstorm some ways in which college prepares you for a real job… record on the stop and jot section!Writing skills

Speaking skills teamwork skillsProblem-solving skillsLove of learning

InitiativeCool under pressureAttention to detailTeam managementHonesty

What happened to the Class of 2005? (15 minutes) – Activity 2

Go to this video link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/interactives/dcschools/cardozo/index.html

Stephon, Anthony and Rocael were both students who attended a local DCPS school (like many of you!) Listen to their stories and respond to the following question in at least 5 sentences, using thoughtful examples to back up your responses. What specific actions or behaviors did the students

exhibit? How did these actions or behaviors impact their future?

Although college may seem far away at the moment, what actions and behaviors do you think you should exhibit to reach your goals?

So, what do colleges actually look for in an applicant?A challenging scheduleGood gradesHigh standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)Extracurricular activities Strong application essaysTeacher letters of recommendationOther factors: athletic ability, interesting

work experience, etc that make you stand out!

Source: http://www.ecampustours.com/collegeplanning/applyingforcollege/whatcollegeslookfor

Check for understanding!Test yourself: try to list at least 4 things

colleges look for in their applicants without looking back at the last slide.

Think about your own status: If you applied to college tomorrow, what might be some of the weaker parts of your application? Would you have everything that colleges look for?

HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE ACTIVITY!

Try to put together (in order) the various steps of the college application process on the timeline below.

Enroll in AP Classes

Take the SAT

Complete college application forms

Complete college application formsVisit college campuses or listen and ask questions to recruiters who visit your school

Conduct a thorough college search

Develop a list of traits you’d like to see in college

Apply for financial aid

Join extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles

Request teacher recommendation

Complete personal statements

Prepare for the SAT

Freshman year

Sophomore year

Junior year

Senior year

HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE ACTIVITY!

Check your work – did you come up with similar responses?

Enroll in AP Classes

Take the SAT

Complete college application forms

Complete college application forms

Visit college campuses or listen and ask questions to recruiters who visit your school

Conduct a thorough college search

Develop a list of traits you’d like to see in college

Apply for financial aid

Join extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles

Request teacher recommendation

Complete personal statements

Prepare for the SAT

Freshman year/ Sophomore year

Junior year

Senior year

The college search (15 minutes)

Can be overwhelming!!!There are so many colleges to choose from

and many different factors to consider

College Search: Factors to think about… (Activity 4)

1) Rank the following in order of importance to you when picking a college:

A. Size B. Location C. Ranking D. Cost 2) Would you rather go to a school that has:

a) more than 20,000 students

b) between 10,000 and 20,000 students

c) between 5,000 and 10,000 students

d) between 2,000 and 5,000 students

e) fewer than 2,000 students

3) Do you have any location preferences? 4) How competitive would you like your college to be? 5) What specific majors or programs should your school

have?

Look up some college profiles using the College BoardKeep the factors you came up with in mind.

Step 1: go to: http://www.collegeboard.comStep 2: Click on “Students” and then “College search”

Step 3: Click on “College matchmaker” Step 4: Enter your preferences (click “no

preference” if you do not have a preference or you are not sure)

Step 5: A list of potential college matches will come up. Browse through and pick 1 college you are interested in.

Your college profile should look like this:

Click on the TABS to explore the college in detail!

College profile search result:Fill out the following information about one

college of your choice!

College name:Location:Cost per year:Average SAT score:Average GPA:Student population size:Why does this college appeal to you?

SUCCESS ACTION PLAN! Activity 5

What do college look for?(What are the main qualities

colleges look for in an applicant?)

My Plan of Action(What concrete actions will you take

to make sure that you have all of these things by the time you are a

senior?)