Preparing for CollegeChrystal D. Porter, Ed.S.College Strategies LLC 2006

I think I want to go to college!

The Benefits of Attending College

1. Employability

The Benefits of Attending College

1. Employability

2. Personal Goal

The Benefits of Attending College

1. Employability

2. Personal Goal

3. Education

The Benefits of Attending College

1. Employability

2. Personal Goal

3. Education

4. Salary

MORE EDUCATION can equal MORE INCOME

Professional $114,878Doctorate $93,033Masters $67,073Bachelors $51,568Associates $36,021Some College $30,173HS Grad $28,631HS Dropout $19,473

< 9th Grade $19,041

Average Yearly Income 2004

Source U.S. Census Bureau

Plan now?! We have plenty of

time.

Elementary School

• Complete Homework• Learn to study• READ• Ask for help• Equate education with

career opportunities• Career role playing

Middle School

• Take classes in:– Language– Math– Science– Social Science

• Further develop skill set

High School

• 2/3 of 8th graders plan to finish college

High School

• Only 1/3 of High School students take college prep courses

High School

• You CANNOT enter college without college prep courses

Recommended College Prep Courses

• English 4 years• Mathematics 3 years (Algebra & above)

• Natural Science 3 years (with lab experience)

• Social Science 3 years• Foreign Language 2 years (same language)

• Other-visual arts, music, theatre, drama, computer science, etc.

In Addition…

• Learn keyboarding• Learn to take good notes• Learn to correct/ revise written work• Develop test-taking skills• Develop a daily homework schedule• READ• Talk with family and friends about career plans (&

find opportunities)

Throughout High School

• Rigorous academic courses:– English– Foreign Language – Mathematics (Algebra or higher)– Laboratory Science– Social Science

Throughout High School

• Read as much as possible• Plan summer “experiences”• Create filing system for college materials• Attend college fairs• Visit 1-2 colleges during the summer and/or

spring break

High School Freshmen Year

• Explore extracurricular activities• Begin recording accomplishments• Begin saving best papers and art

High School Sophomore Year

• Take practice PSAT or PLAN– Concentrate on weaker areas

• Assume leadership role in extracurricular activity

High School Junior Year

• Continue extracurricular leadership roles• PSAT in October• Begin attending college rep sessions at your

school• Register for SAT/ACT• Meet with Guidance Counselor

High School Senior Year• College list identified• Early applications done by November 1• Arrange overnight visits & on-campus interviews• Register for SAT/ACT• Letters of recommendation • Essay edited• Financial Aid• Attend “admit” programs• Submit deposit by May 1st

The Admission Process

• Grade Point Average (GPA)– Unweighted and Weighted

• Class Rank• SAT/ACT Scores• Recommendations• Activities/Awards• Personal Essays• Interviews

How College Applications Are Reviewed• Instructions were followed

– No abbreviations for addresses– Deadlines were honored– All supplementary information was included

• No typos or spelling errors• Authentic essays• Sincere interest in the institution

How College Applications Are Reviewed (cont.)• Extracurricular Involvement

– Concentrated on 1-2 activities– Leadership or Competitive involvement

• Explanation about poor grades • Indication the student can be an asset

– Unique skill or ability

• Challenge themselves academically– AP courses or accelerated courses

Final Tips

• Do careful research on colleges• Good applications take time to prepare• Know all deadlines• Proofread everything• Apply online if possible• Consultant a professional

Contact Information

Chrystal D. Porter, Ed.S.

President/Educational Consultant

College Strategies LLC

t. 630-499-9836

www.CollegeStrategiesOnline.com

www.Blog.CollegeStrategiesOnline.com