get prepped & polished and ready for college
DESCRIPTION
Prepped & Polished, LLC shows you the steps one needs to take to get ready for college.TRANSCRIPT
Get Prepped & Polished and Ready for College!
Prepped & Polished, LLCWayland, MA 01778
Founder of Prepped & Polished, LLC: Tutoring, College Counseling, Test Prep Bachelors in Science from University of Michigan Masters in Counseling Psychology from University of Wisconsin Certified Guidance Counselor Pre K-12 A full-time Private Tutor since 1999 Tutored and counseled over 500 Boston-area studentsSAT, ACT, and GRE Test Prep tips featured in
About the Speaker: Alexis Avila
What to do Freshman and Sophomore Year
Take Challenging Courses
Join Clubs and Extracurriculars
Volunteer
Plan Productive Summers
Take SAT Subject Tests
What to do Junior Year
Fill up holes in your portfolio
Take challenging courses and keep grades up
Come up with a school list
Take the SAT and AC
Visit Colleges
What to do Senior year
Do well in school still!
Re-take standardized tests Write your essay before school starts
Apply early
Visit your guidance counselor weekly
How to choose a great school FOR YOU:
Geographic Preference
Large or Small College?
Single Sex or Co-ed
Special Services?
Will it be academically challenging
Are your Grades and SAT/ACT scores good enough?
Does it match up well with your interests
Three Myths about Small Colleges
Myth 1 "I won't have enough alumni connections" Myth 2 "Small schools are less efficient"Myth 3 "I'll have fewer opportunities at a small school"
Consider a small college if ... You crave a sense of community Close relationships with faculty and professors Small Class Sizes Considering graduate school
Three Myths about Big Colleges
Myth 1. Big Colleges don’t have small class sizes.
Myth 2. Big Colleges have an out of control party scene.
Myth 3.
You won’t meet anyone at a Big College.
Consider a big college if ... Crowds excite you. You typically reach out to find friends. Adept at learning in large lecture courses. Wide Variety of majors and courses Well-funded sports programs
5 Things to do on a Campus Visit Tip 1. Visit the college either in the Fall or Spring.
Tip 2. Spend the night in a Dormitory.
Tip 3. Eat a meal at the dining facility.
Tip 4. Take a Class in your academic area of interest.
Tip 5. Engage with other college students.
6 Things that make a great college portfolio
1. Have a well-written essay 2. Have extracurricular activities 3. Have Volunteer Experiences 4. Have Strong ACT or SAT scores 5. Have Solid Grades 6. Have strong letters of recommendation
Common Application: Keep in Mind
1. Make the common application your backbone to filling out ALL college applications 2. If time is of the essence, pick an ADAPTABLE essay 3. Keep track of the common application supplementals = more essays? 4. Do all of your schools accept the common application? Check! https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/Members.aspx
3 College Application Insider Tips
1. Make the most out of your high school experience. 2. Don't take the SAT more than 3 X. 3. Make sure your application is not confusing.
Early Action vs. Early Decision vs. Regular Decision
1. Regular Decision gives you more time to complete and submit your application.
2. Choose Early Action Schools non-binding to get an answer faster3. Have a dream school? Consider Early Decision binding
Interview Techniques 1. Do your research 2. Be on Time 3. Dress Professionally 4. Be engaged and come armed with questions 5. Send a thank you note
Financial Aid Timeline
Fall Senior YearAttend financial aid eventsTalk to your counselor about College Scholarship Services (CSS) ProfileLook for scholarships and merit aid
Winter Senior Year
Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting January 1, (can submit CSS Profile earlier)
Spring Senior Year
Compare your awardsTalk to financial aid officers
Helpful Financial Aid Sites Fin Aid:
http://www.finaid.com
Fast Web: http://www.fastweb.com
FAFSA:
www.fafsa.ed.gov
Pin Number Needed for FAFSA: www.pin.ed.gov
CSS Profile:
https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp
ACT vs. SAT
ACT = A Candid Test because it has a more straightforward format
The SAT is more coachable because you can learn strategies to help overcome the guessing penalty obstacle
ACT, SAT: The Gameplan
1. The earlier you take it the better. Start late winter or early spring Junior year. 2. Take it multiple times because most colleges offer score choice or will superscore your best results. 3. Remember to give yourself time to study in between tests.
SAT Subject Tests: The Inside Scoop
1. Take the SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate subject mastery and strengthen your college portfolio. 2. Take SAT Subject Tests at the end of 9th, 10th, 11th grade 3. Take a practice test for different subject tests to determine which ones are best for you to take.
SAT/ACT Materials Must Buys:
1. SAT Official Study Guide by College Board 2. Official Guide for All SAT Subject Tests by College Board 3. ACT Official Study Guide 4. Word Smart 1 and 2 by Princeton Review
Take home tips
1. Apply Early
2. Try to get SAT ACT testing out of the way by May
3. Stay organized
4. Stay motivated for all four
years
5. Reach for the stars = apply to dream colleges
We are here to help you EVERY step of the way!
If you have ANY questions ...
Prepped & Polished, LLCTutoring and Test Preparation