English Handout for College Workshop (Yuba City)

10/18/2009

1

+

High School and the College Application Process

Yuba City – October 18th 2009

Saanjh College Workshop

+Why Go to College?

Helps you discover your calling

2

Helps you discover your calling

Increase your understanding of the world and community around you

Gives you the skills to be successfulCritical ThinkingCritical ThinkingCommunication Skills

+Why Go to College?

Monetary value

3

Monetary value

Median earnings for someone with a:HS Diploma $32,500Associate’s $42,000Bachelor’s $53,000$ ,Master’s $63,000Advanced (PhD, MD) $100,000+

+Types of Colleges

Community Colleges

4

Community Colleges

4 Year UniversitiesPublicPrivate

Trade Schools/VocationalTrade Schools/Vocational

Military

10/18/2009

2

+Community College

Public 2 year schools that grant certificates and Associate’s Degree

5

Examples - Yuba College, DeAnza College, Ohlone College

After completing Community College, some students transfer to a 4 year university.

Pros Cons•Inexpensive•Convenient Locations (Closer to Home)•Smaller Class Sizes•More interaction with professors

•Easy to get stuck and lose time•Smaller variety of courses/majors•Difficulty transferring credits

+Community College

Must be the step towards a Bachelor’s Degree

6

p g

+Public University

4 year publicly funded. (90% of funding comes from state)

7

Examples -UC System- Berkeley, UCLA, Davis, Irvine, San Diego, Riverside, MercedCSU - Hayward, Sacramento State, Fresno State

Pros ConsAffordable TuitionDynamic Atmosphere (Social, Diverse)FlexibilityNumerous MajorsKnowledgeable Professors

Very large student populationsAccess to informationLack of availability of class seatsLack of access to Professors

+Private University

4 year privately funded universities that differ substantially in

8

academic standards and mission statements

Examples -Ivy League- Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Penn, Cornell, DartmouthCalifornia - Stanford, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, University of Pacific

Pros ConsPros ConsAcademic ExcellenceClose-knit communityStudents tend to be more involved academicallyClass SizeOffer Merit Scholarships

Less diverse student populationCost of Tuition

10/18/2009

3

+Target is a 4 year University

A Bachelor’s Degree is the goal.

9

A Bachelor s Degree is the goal.

You can achieve this by:

Attending a 4-year University after High School

Attending a Community College for 2 years and transferring to 4-year University after your second yeary

+

How High School Works

+What you need to know about HS

How long does it take?

11

How long does it take?

What do their grades mean?

What do they do there?

What help and assistance can they get?

How are they prepared for getting into college?

+High School Timeline

4 years to complete

12

y p

Student starts when they’re 14 years old

Freshman - 9th grade

Sophomore - 10th grade

Junior - 11th grade

Senior - 12th grade

10/18/2009

4

+High School Class Schedule

Yuba City High School

13

y gTraditional Schedule- Student takes 6 classes per day for the entire year - option of taking prep. period before school starts

River Valley High School Block Schedule

Student takes four 1 ½ hour classes per day from - Student takes four 1 ½ hour classes per day from Aug.- Dec.- In Jan., student begins four new classes- Total of eight classes per year

+Grades

Grades assigned by letter.

+/- also used to distinguish i.e. B+ is between 87-90%

14

Teachers have different grading scales for various classes, but this scale is usually the most common:

A 90% - 100% ExcellentB 80% - 89% GoodC 70% - 79% AverageD 60% - 69% Below AverageF 59% and below Failing

+Grade Point Average (GPA)

Numerical representation of grades

15

Nu e ca ep ese tat o o g ades0.00 to 4.00

All A Grades - 4.00 GPA

All B Grades - 3.00 GPA

Report cards and grades are mailed h / il bl lihome/available online

Go online to see your child’s current progress

+Sample Report Card

Subject Grade

16

Subject Grade

Biology 1 A-

Algebra 2 B+

English 2C B-

Physical Education A

Total GPA 3.5

10/18/2009

5

+Average GPA at Colleges

UC Berkeley - 4.34

17

y

UCLA- 4.36

UC Davis - 4.03

+Class Rank

Each student is given a ranking

18

Each student is given a ranking relative to their fellow students

Valedictorian - First in class

Salutatorian - Second in class

+Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities help students gain

19

Extracurricular activities help students gain responsibilities and refine focus

Sports and Activities

Student Government

Community Service Clubs

Academic Clubs

Work Experience

+Sports

Football

20

Volleyball

Baseball

Track

10/18/2009

6

+Student Government

Class and school government

21

g

Students can be officers for their classes and school

Student can get involved immediately at any grade

+Community Service

Key Club

22

Interact Club

Red Cross Club

FBLA

FFA

C b f d th hCan be found throughSchoolLocal and Community OrganizationsHospitals

+Academic Clubs

Mathletes

23

Mathletes

Decathalons

Biology Club

+Work Experience

Working part-time during the school years

24

g p g y

Summer work and internships

10/18/2009

7

+Parent Teacher Conference

Questions to ask during the conference

How has my child performed so far this year?

25

What skills and knowledge will my child be learning in your class?

Will my child complete any major projects or term papers this year?

How do you determine grades on assignments? How do you determine his or her overall grade for the class?

If my child needs help, is tutoring available?

If my child is a fast-learner how can you and the school make sure he or she is challenged?

Is this a college-track class? How does this class help students build skills to succeed in college?

What resources are available at school to help my child with your class?

How can I help my child succeed in your class this year?

What resources would help my child do his work better? Are there additional books or resources available at school or in the community that would help him or her?

+High School Resources

H.S. Counselors

26

Academic advisors who help students pick classes, register for SAT/ACT, apply to different colleges, and find activities

Career CenterHelps students find info on colleges, tests, and scholarships/financial aid

Avid ProgramProgram focused on students who are going to be first generation in their family to attend college

Help with admissions processAssist with finding scholarships

+Planning your HS Classes

Meet with your counselor as early as possible

27

y y p

Come up with a 4-year plan

Review College requirementsEx. UC/CSU A-G requirements

Select a challenging course load

+

College Admissions ProcessOctober to January of your Senior Year

10/18/2009

8

+What it takes to get into College

Good GradesDiffi l f l i i l d

29

Difficulty of course selection is also measured

Test ScoresSAT and ACT

Involvement in Extracurricular ActivitiesPassionate involvement and leadership

Essays and Personal StatementClearly communicate what your goals areClearly communicate what your goals are

Letters of RecommendationPick teacher and people who know you the best

Standing outLeadership and being unique

+Finding the Right College

Students should fill out the College Questionnaire attached to this

30

gpresentation.

Determine what matters to you and your student (size, costs, location etc)

Come up with a list of choices

Determine which choices are practical

Resources (Princeton Review and College Board)

http://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings.aspx

htt // ll h ll b d / h/ d t f h lhttp://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool.jsp

+Grades

Difficulty of course selection is regarded as one of the most

31

y gimportant factors in admissions

For more competitive colleges, students need to take AP/IB and honors courses

+Average GPAs

UC Berkeley - 4.34

32

y

UCLA- 4.36

UC Davis - 4.03

UC Santa Cruz- 3.76

10/18/2009

9

+SAT and ACT

Standardized Test that all College Applicants take

33

g pp

SAT Reasoning Test - 2400 points

800 Points Critical Reading800 Points Critical Reading800 Points Mathematics

800 Points Writing

+SAT and ACT

ACT test

34

Scored on a 36 point scale

Math, English, Reading, Science Sections

Some Schools prefer either SAT or ACT

For more competitive schools, students generally take both SAT and ACT

+Average SAT Score

UCLA- 2004

35

UC Berkeley- 2034

UC Davis- 1887

+SAT and ACT Test Dates

SAT Test Test ACT Test Dates

36

Dates 2009-10

November 7, 2009

SAT & Subject Tests

December 5, 2009

SAT & Subject Tests

January 23, SAT & Subject

ACT Test Dates 2009-10

September 12, 2009

October 24, 2009

December 12, 2009y ,

2010 j

Tests March 13, 2010 SAT only

May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests

June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests

February 6, 2010

April 10, 2010

June 12, 2010

10/18/2009

10

+Essays

Most colleges require some sort of essay or

37

Most colleges require some sort of essay or personal statement

CSUApplication does not require an essay

UCApplication requires two personal statements. Usually about your background and goals

Private SchoolsRequire several essays or short answer responses on the application

+Essay Prompts

Prompt #1

38

pDescribe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Prompt #2Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and q y p y phow does it relate to the person you are?

See that attached worksheet, “Personal Statement Tips” to learn about how to write a thorough and compete personal statement.

+Letters of Recommendation

A personalized recommendation from a teacher, counselor,

39

p , ,coach or another person on behalf of the student

UC and CSU do not require letters

Private Universities usually require several letters of Recommendation

+Letters of Recommendation

Over the years, you have been in many classes and have

40

Over the years, you have been in many classes and have had many teachers. Out of all of them, which ones have you connected with the most?If a school would like two recommendations, it is ideal to choose one teacher from a social science department and one from an either math/science department.If a school asks for one, pick the one in which you have

f l ti ithmore of a personal connection with.Try to pick teachers that know you outside of the classroom and can remember specific things about you and the relationship you have with one another.

10/18/2009

11

+Brag Sheet

It is important to gather all your extra curricular

41

It is important to gather all your extra curricular activities and/or honors together on paper and categorize themThis process is called the Brag Sheet and takes form in a document that summarizes one's accomplishmentsIt makes it easier for the common application as

ll th UC li ti b thi i i well as the UC application because this exercise is basically what is on the applicationThis is particularly helpful during interviews as well as "additional information" sectionsSee the attached document

+Meet Harjit Kaur

Grew up here in

42

Grew up here in Yuba City

Dad and Mom work in the Sunsweet factoryy

Junior in High School

+By the End of Junior Year

Maintained good study habits

43

g y

Participated in Extracurricular Activities

Took challenging courseworkAdvanced Placement courses (AP)

Started attending college fairs and identifying schools to visit

+Summer after Junior Year

Harjit gets a job for the summer working at the supermarket.

44

j g j g pThis helps her save some money for college.

She spends the summer studying for the SAT test.Takes a SAT prep course

Buys SAT prep books from the bookstore

10/18/2009

12

+Summer after Junior Year

Harjit decides that she wants to visit some colleges she’s

45

j ginterested in attending.

She and her parents go to see Berkeley and Stanford University Campuses

Harjit starts working on her personal statement

+September of Senior Year

Harjit meets with her guidance counselor to

46

Harjit meets with her guidance counselor to make sure she is taking all of the required courses.

She chooses a challenging set of classes

She picks 10 colleges that she wants to l t d d l h li ti lapply to and develops her application plan.

Harjit notes all of the application deadlines and sets up an application filing system.

+October of Senior Year

Harjit plays on the varsity volleyball team

47

Harjit plays on the varsity volleyball team and her team has been doing well.

Harjit takes the SAT I and receives a great score!

She has been drafting her college essays d i th ith h l d and reviews them with her counselor and

english teacher.

She asks her Biology teacher and counselor to write her recommendation letter.

+November of Senior Year

Harjit submits her application to the UC schools because the

48

j ppdeadline is…

Continues to maintain her grades and excel in her classes.

She continues to complete her community service hours at the hospital

10/18/2009

13

+December of Senior Year

Harjit submits applications for Stanford, etc on December 15

49

j pp ,

She obtains financial aid forms from http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Takes her finals and does well.

+January of Senior Year

Harjit meets with her guidance counselor and reviews her

50

j ggrades

She submits applications for the following schools:Stanford

Berkeley

Davis

Harvard

Sacramento StateSacramento State

University of Pacific

Harjit submits her completed FAFSA forms

She begins searching from scholarships

+February of Senior Year

Harjit starts looking for summer work.

51

j g

Continues to look for scholarship money

Responds to requests from colleges for additional information

+March of Senior Year

Harjit receives Student Aid Report (SAR) from the

52

Harjit receives Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Student Aid Program and reviews for accuracy.

Harjit receives acceptance letters from 4 schools where she applied.

Stanford, Berkeley, Univ of Pacific, Sacramento State

She can’t decide amongst these schools and so she plans to visit her top 3.

10/18/2009

14

+April of Senior Year

Harjit begins receiving financial aid awards letters from the

53

j g gcolleges that accepted her.

She talks to her parents about the options and gets ready to make her decision before the May 1st deadlines

+May of Senior Year

Harjit decides to attend Stanford!

54

j

Harjit makes loan arrangements and reports all of the private scholarships that she received as well.

She notifies the colleges that she won’t be attending.

She sends thank-you notes to the teachers and counselors who advised and assisted her.

+

High School Plan Checklist

+ 9th GradeMeet with your counselor to begin talking about colleges and careers.

Make sure you are enrolled in the appropriate college-preparatory or tech-prep courses.

Get off to a good start with your grades. The grades you earn in ninth grade will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank.

Explore your interests and possible careers. Take advantage of Career Day opportunities.

56

opportunities.

Get involved in extracurricular activities (both school and non-school-sponsored).

Talk to your parents about planning for college expenses. Continue or begin a savings plan for college.

Look at the college information available in your counselor’s office and school and public libraries. Use the Internet to check out college Web sites.

Tour a nearby college, if possible. Visit relatives or friends who live on or near a college campus. Check out the dorms, go to the library or student center, and get a feel for college life.ge ee o co ege e

Read a lot. Consider spending your free time reading the following classic works

http://bestsellers.about.com/od/readingrecommendations/tp/SummerReading.htm

Investigate summer enrichment programs.

Center for Talented Youth (Johns Hopkins - http://cty.jhu.edu/)

Educational Program for Gifted Youth (Stanford -http://epgy.stanford.edu/)

10/18/2009

15

+10th Grade

Fall

In October, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice. When you fill out your

57

test sheet, check the box that releases your name to colleges so you can start receiving brochures from them.

Ask your guidance counselor about the American College Testing program’s PLAN (Pre-ACT) assessment program, which helps determine your study habits and academic progress and interests. This test will prepare you for the ACT Assessment next year.

Take geometry if you have not already done so. Take biology and a second year of a foreign language.y g g g

Become familiar with general college entrance requirements.

Participate in your school’s or state’s career development activities.

+10th Grade (cont)

WinterDiscuss your PSAT score with your counselor.The people who read college applications aren’t looking

58

p p g pp gjust for grades. Get involved in activities outside the classroom. Work toward leadership positions in the activities that you like best. Become involved in community service and other volunteer activities.Read, read, read. Read as many books as possible from a comprehensive reading list.Work on your writing skills—you’ll need them no matter what you do.what you do.Find a teacher or another adult who will advise and encourage you to write well.

+10th Grade (cont)

Spring

Keep your grades up so you can have the highest GPA and class rank possible.

59

Ask your counselor about postsecondary enrollment options and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Continue to explore interests and careers that you think you might like.

Begin zeroing in on the type of college you would prefer (two-year or four-year, small or large, rural or urban).

If you are interested in attending a military academy, such as West Point or Annapolis, now is the time to start planning and getting information.

Write to colleges and ask for their academic requirements for admission.

Visit a few more college campuses Read all of the mail you receive from Visit a few more college campuses. Read all of the mail you receive from colleges. You may see something you like.

Attend college fairs.

Keep putting money away for college. Get a summer job.

Consider taking SAT II Subject Tests in the courses you took this year while the material is still fresh in your mind. These tests are offered in May and June.

+11th Grade

Fall

Meet with your counselor to review the courses you’ve taken, and see what you still need to take.

Check your class rank. Even if your grades haven’t been that good so far, it’s never too

60

Check your class rank. Even if your grades haven t been that good so far, it s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.

If you didn’t do so in tenth grade, sign up for and take the PSAT/NMSQT. In addition to National Merit Scholarships, this is the qualifying test for the National Scholarship Service and National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program.

Make sure that you have a social security number.

Take a long, hard look at why you want to continue your education after high school so you will be able to choose the best college or university for your needs.

Make a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria (size, location, distance from home, majors, academic rigor, housing, and cost). Weigh each of the factors according to their importance to you.

Continue visiting college fairs. You may be able to narrow your choices or add a college to your list.

Speak to college representatives who visit your high school.

If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, start the certification process. Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.

If you are interested in one of the military academies, talk to you guidance counselor about starting the application process now.

10/18/2009

16

+11th Grade (cont)

Winter

Collect information about college application procedures, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, room and board costs, student activities, course offerings faculty composition accreditation and financial aid The Internet is a

61

offerings, faculty composition, accreditation, and financial aid. The Internet is a good way to visit colleges and obtain this information. Begin comparing the schools by the factors that you consider to be most important.

Discuss your PSAT score with your counselor.

Begin narrowing down your college choices. Find out if the colleges you are interested in require the SAT I, ACT Assessment, or SAT II Subject Tests for admission.

Register for the ACT Assessment, which is usually taken in April or June. You can take it again late in your junior year or in the fall of your senior year, if necessary.

Begin preparing for the tests you’ve decided to take.

Have a discussion with your parents about the colleges in which you are interested. Examine financial resources, and gather information about financial aid.

Set up a filing system with individual folders for each college’s correspondence and printed materials.

+11th Grade (cont)

Spring

Meet with your counselor to review senior-year course selection and graduation requirements.

Discuss ACT Assessment/SAT I scores with your counselor. Register to take

62

y gthe ACT Assessment and/or SAT I again if you’d like to try to improve your score.

Discuss the college essay with your guidance counselor or English teacher.

Stay involved with your extracurricular activities. Colleges look for consistency and depth in activities.

Consider whom you will ask to write your recommendations. Think about asking teachers who know you well and who will write positive letters about you. Letters from a coach, activity leader, or an adult who knows you well

t id f h l ( l t k t t) l l bloutside of school (e.g., volunteer work contact) are also valuable.

Inquire about personal interviews at your favorite colleges. Call or write for early summer appointments. Make necessary travel arrangements.

See your counselor to apply for on-campus summer programs for high school students. Apply for a summer job or internship. Be prepared to pay for college application, financial aid, and testing fees in fall.

Request applications from schools you’re interested in by mail or via the Internet.

+11th Grade (cont)

Summer

Visit the campuses of your top-five college choices.

After each college interview, send a thank-you letter to the interviewer.

T lk t l k h h tt d d th ll i hi h

63

Talk to people you know who have attended the colleges in which you are interested.

Continue to read books, magazines, and newspapers.

Practice filling out college applications, and then complete the final application forms or apply online through the Web sites of the colleges in which you’re interested.

Volunteer in your community.

Compose rough drafts of your college essays. Have a teacher read and discuss them with you. Proofread them, and prepare final drafts. Proofread

fi l t l t th tiyour final essays at least three times.

Develop a financial aid application plan, including a list of the aid sources, requirements for each application, and a timetable for meeting the filing deadlines.

+12th Grade

FallContinue to take a full course load of college-prep courses.

Keep working on your grades. Make sure you have taken the courses necessary to graduate in the spring.

64

Continue to participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Demonstrate initiative, creativity, commitment, and leadership in each.

To male students: you must register for selective service on your eighteenth birthday to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Talk to counselors, teachers, and parents about your final college choices.

Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.

Check resource books, computer programs, and your guidance office for information on scholarships and grants. Ask colleges about scholarships for which you may qualify.

Give recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen, along with stamped, self-addressed envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges. Be sure to fill out your name, address, and school name on the top of the form. Talk to you recommendation writers about your goals and ambitions.

10/18/2009

17

+12th Grade (cont)

Fall (cont)

Give School Report forms to your high school’s guidance office. Fill in your name, address, and any other required information on top. Verify with your guidance counselor the schools to which transcripts, test scores, and letters are to be sent. Give

l f t l t t k b f th d

65

your counselor any necessary forms at least two weeks before they are due or whenever your counselor’s deadline is, whichever is earlier.

Register for and take the ACT Assessment, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests, as necessary.

Be sure you have requested (either by mail or online) that your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice.

Mail or send electronically any college applications for early-decision admission by November 1.

If possible, visit colleges while classes are in session.

f f O C i i i iIf you plan to apply for an ROTC scholarship, remember that your application is due by December 1.

Print extra copies or make photocopies of every application you send.

+12th Grade (cont)

Winter

Attend whatever college-preparatory nights are held at your school or by local organizations.

Send midyear grade reports to colleges. Continue to focus on your schoolwork!

66

y g p g y

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, if necessary, PROFILE®. These forms can be obtained from your guidance counselor or at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to download the forms or to file electronically. These forms may not be processed before January 1, so don’t send them before then.

Mail or send electronically any remaining applications and financial aid forms before winter break. Make sure you apply to at least one college that you know you can afford and where you know you will be accepted.

Follow up to make sure that the colleges have received all application information, including recommendations and test scores.

i if i f iMeet with your counselor to verify that all applicable forms are in order and have been sent out to colleges.

+12th Grade (cont)

Spring

Watch your mail between March 1 and April 1 for acceptance notifications from colleges.

Watch your mail for notification of financial aid awards between April 1 and May 1.

Compare the financial aid packages from the colleges and universities that have accepted

67

Compare the financial aid packages from the colleges and universities that have accepted you.

Make your final choice, and notify all schools of your intent by May 1. If possible, do not decide without making at least one campus visit. Send your nonrefundable deposit to your chosen school by May 1 as well. Request that your guidance counselor send a final transcript to the college in June.

Be sure that you have received a FAFSA acknowledgment.

If you applied for a Pell Grant (on the FAFSA), you will receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) statement. Review this Pell notice, and forward it to the college you plan to attend. Make a copy for your record.

Complete follow-up paperwork for the college of your choice (scheduling orientation Complete follow-up paperwork for the college of your choice (scheduling, orientation session, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms).

Summer

If applicable, apply for a Stafford Loan through a lender. Allow eight weeks for processing.

Receive the orientation schedule from your college.

Get residence hall assignment from your college.

Obtain course scheduling and cost information from your college.

Congratulations! You are about to begin the greatest adventure of your life. Good luck.

+What Parents Should do

Communicating

Give positive feedback and show appreciation for teachers and principals.

68

Keep a positive attitude and an open mind when dealing with school personnel.

Share expectations and set goals for your child with his or her teacher.

Attend parent-teacher conferences make appointments as necessary to discuss your child’s progress.

Understand and reinforce school rules and expectations at home.

Attend PTA or parent meetings, education fairs, and other special events at the school.

Read classroom or school newsletters, and visit the school’s web site.

Notify teachers of any significant changes that have taken place in your child’s life, such as a death in the family, loss of income, or the divorce/separation of the parents.

Meet your child’s friends and get to know their parents.

Assist in developing parent support groups and programs.

10/18/2009

18

+What Parents Should do

Student Learning

Discuss your child’s school day and homework daily.

Know your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.

69

y g

Know your child’s learning style to better understand HOW your child learns. Use the student Learning Style Quiz here in Education Planner.

Provide a quiet, comfortable, well lit place with basic school supplies for studying and homework.

Develop a consistent daily routine for studying and homework.

Help your child avoid distractions by restricting telephone, television, and computer use during studying and homework time.

Help your child break down big homework assignments into smaller, more Help your child break down big homework assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Assist with homework, but avoid doing it for your child.

Provide your child with books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials and encourage regular reading, especially reading for fun.

Provide encouragement and praise for your child’s efforts.

+Story of the Application Process

Student has taken challenging courses(AP, Honors)

Student has been in involved in the community and extracurricular

Student studies for the SAT

70

Student takes SAT

Prepare your application

Write the essay

Get recommendation letters

Decide what major you want

Prepare Financial Aid Application

Colleges receive the application and begin processing

Colleges make choices based on

Academic Qualifications

SAT

Grades

Diversity of student population

Essay

Send acceptance notices in March and April

Financial Aid sent in April to May

+Online Resources

www saanjh org

71

www.saanjh.org

Email: [email protected]

+What Next?

Questions?

72

College Questionnaire for Students:

Please consider the factors below and mark the level of importance it has in regards to your college decision process.

Factor: ExtremelyImportant

Very Important

Neutral Somewhat Important

Not Important

Closeness to home Size of college/university

Selectivity ratio/prestige

Athletics/Intramural Sports

Professor to Student Ratio

Greek Life Financial Aid Coed/Single Sex School Large Sikh Population

After you ponder the factors above and come up with a list of colleges that might interest you, make sure take it to the next step by answering the questions below:

Basic Questions:

1. Where is this college? Is it too close/far from home? Are you comfortable with the weather there?

2. How big is the school? Are you comfortable with the size of undergraduates attending the school?

3. Is this a coed or single sex school? Does it have any religious affiliation? If so, how do you feel about this?

4. What is the graduation rate? Do people normally graduate in 4 years? 5 years?

5. Do you know what major you are interested in? Do any programs in particular interest you?

6. How much is it to attend? Is financial aid available?

Going beyond the basics:

1. What are some of the strong academic programs offered at this college? 2. What characterizes the social life? How many students join fraternities or

sororities? How do you feel about this? 3. Do you feel you will be able to take the courses you want with ease? 4. Will it be easy for you to explore different academic interests? Will you be

able to change your major with ease?

Is it a possibility?

1. What are the average SAT or ACT scores for this college? How do you compare?

2. What are the average GPAs of the most recent incoming freshmen class? How do you compare?

3. Are there any other qualifications you must have in order to apply?

Personal Statement Tips:

Writing your personal statement can be a very overwhelming task, but by taking small steps, you will find, it’s very simple!

A few questions to think about before writing:

1. What are some important experiences I’ve had in my life? Is there anything that comes to mind when I think of a challenge I had to overcome?

2. What is something I am passionate about? Can I think of any activity that I have spent a great deal of my time doing? How has this contributed to who I am as a person?

3. Is there anyone who has greatly influenced me? How has this person changed my thought process? How am I a better person now, in comparison to when I first met this person?

4. What are your goals in life? How do they relate to a possible career choice? What have I done to explore this interest of mine?

5. Is there a particular quality that I posses that makes me stand out? How have I displayed this in my everyday life?

It is important to remember that although you may think certain things you have been through or do on a day‐to‐day basis are “normal” or simply ordinary, other people think the contrary. Your experiences, thoughts, and personalities traits are what make you unique. College admissions personnel want to hear about you – they want to hear about the little things that make you who you are. Don’t be afraid to talk about something because it is different. Being different allows you to be noticed amongst the thousands of other applicants. Be daring and most importantly, be yourself!

A few tips to remember when writing:

Be specific: You do not have a lot of space to answer a question. Therefore, be concise and say what matters most. Do not ramble on or go off‐topic!

Answer the question: Often times, you get caught up on a particular event or issue and you spend most of the essay explaining what happened, rather than answering how this particular event relates to you. Make sure you clearly state the answer to the question the prompt is asking.

Write about something you know: Do not try to pretend to be someone you are not. It is best to write about something you are comfortable with and feel confident about. Don’t think you have to write about something because you think a college admissions officer wants to hear about it.

Write in your own voice: Although it is important to keep a sense of professionalism in your essay by not using slang, try not to use words you do not know the meanings off. Although it is tempting to search a word in a thesaurus, try to use words you know. College admissions officers know when you awkwardly trying to use an overly complicated word.

Avoid clichés: By all means, do not use clichés! If you want to be a doctor, do not write that you simply want “to help people”. Go beyond that thought. What do you want to do? Why does it matter to you?

Open with a hook: Try to engage the reader with an interesting sentence to open your personal statement. Make them want to read your essay. If you are bored while writing this personal statement, what makes you think someone will have fun reading it?

Check grammar and spelling: Make sure you have someone proofreading your personal statement to make sure you avoid any spelling or grammatical errors. These are the easiest mistakes to prevent!

Ask others to read your personal statement: The best way to improve your personal statement is to have others critique it. Don’t be shy!

Brag Sheet

Name:

School Activities:

Activity Year 9 10 11 12

Accomplishments

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Service Activities:


Organization Supervisor

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Leadership:


Accomplishments

X X X X X X X X X X X

Recognition and Awards:

Recognition and Awards Year 9 10 11 12

Organization or Activity

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

EVALUATION SHEET

1. Why did you attend this workshop? quhwfw ies vrkSwp ivc ihsw lYx dw kI kwrn hY?

2. What did you find to be most valuable in the entire workshop? ies vrkSwp dw ikhVw ih~sw quhwnUM sb qoN

PwiedymMd ligAw?

3. What did you feel could have been included and was not? quhwfy iKAwl nwl, ies vrkswp iv~c ikhVIAW kmIAW

rh geIAW?

4. Can you suggest some ways in which the workshop can be improved? ies vrkSwp nUM hor vdIAw krn leI qusI

kI suJwA dy skdy ho?

5. Any further comments? qusI Apxy hor koeI svwl jW ivcwr ilKo [

Please circle your response to each statement. St

rongly

Disagree

Disagree

Neu

tral

Agree

Strongly

Agree

Not

App

licab

le

The workshop covered what I expected it to cover.

vrkSwp ivc myrI aumId muqwbk jwxkwrI idqI geI[

1 2 3 4 5 0

The workshop content was helpful.

vrkSwp myry vwsqy bhuq PwiedymMd sI[

1 2 3 4 5 0

The content of the workshop answered most of my questions.

ies vrkSwp ny myry bhuq swry svwlW dw jvwb idqw[

1 2 3 4 5 0

The Facilitator was clear and effective.

vrkSwp kwrn vwilAW ny cMgI qrw smjwieAw sI[

1 2 3 4 5 0

The supporting materials provided were relevant and useful for me.

vrkSwp qy idqy gey n~QI nots bhuq PwiedymMd sn[

1 2 3 4 5 0