GET ORGANIZED!Career Center College Organization Seminar

October 28th, 2010

YOUR TIME LINEFALL….RIGHT NOW!

• Meet with your counselor to discuss grades and if you are on track to graduate and meet college admissions.

• Take the SAT and/or ACT.• Make a CALENDAR (dates and deadlines).• Apply to the colleges you have chosen…PAY

ATTENTION TO DEADLINES!!!• Request letters of recommendation EARLY!• Apply for SCHOLARSHIPS!

YOUR TIME LINE CONT’D

WINTER• Submit Applications (deadlines Jan.1-Feb.15).• Send your transcripts if required.• Prepare to apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and

get a pin at www.pin.ed.gov • Encourage parents to complete income tax forms.• Contact colleges – make sure they received

everything.• As soon after January 1st, complete and submit

your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). www.fafsa.ed.gov

• Continue to complete Scholarship Applications.

YOUR TIME LINE CONT’D

SPRING• Visit colleges that have invited you to

enroll (accepted you).• Review your college acceptances and

compare financial aid packages.• Once you decide what school you want

to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit.

• Many schools may require this commitment and deposit by May 1, 2011.

FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT

Will I be satisfied academically?Will I be fulfilled personally?Will I be happy socially?Will I be at ease on campus?

FINDING YOUR COLLEGE FIT

Do you want a 2 or 4 year institution? Co-ed or single sex campus/dorms? What size school? What programs of study are you considering? How far from home do you want to be? Do you want to participate in extracurricular

activities or athletics? Do you want rural, suburban, or urban

environments? Do you require special services (e tutoring, TDD,

interpreters, not takers, etc.)

10 TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

1. Take coursework beyond minimum core requirements

2. Finish your senior year STRONG and in an upward grade trend

3. Write a STRONG personal statement

4. Showcase your positive difference (i.e. volunteerism, leadership)

5. Demonstrate sustained involvement

10 TIPS CONTINUED…

6. Convey your potential

7. Express your pride and appreciation for diversity

8. Take a risk

9. Follow instructions

10.Make contact directly

10 ESSAY TIPS1. MONEY - If you fill this out you could win $1000.

Why not do it!

2. Answer ALL parts…be thorough…be concise…answer each component.

3. Understand the criteria!

4. QUANTIFY your service! Expand on what you have done!

5. Use the descriptions of the awards, grants, scholarships to help YOU document YOUR accomplishments.

10 ESSAY TIPS CONT’D

6. Have someone else look over your applications and essays.

7. Select a STRONG nominator, reference or recommender. Pick the right people.

8. BEAT THE DEADLINE! Life Happens!

9. Communicate with you support systems (counselors, teachers, administrators, coaches, supervisors, parents, advisors).

TIP # 10 FOR ESSAYS

Focus on Long Term Goals vs. Short Term. Show them that you PERSERVERE and you DON’T GIVE

UP Show them you CHALLENGE your self Show them you use your SUPPORT SYSTEMS (none of

us get here alone) Show them you can NAVIGATE a system/Problem Solve.Example Question: Give an example of how you were treated unfairly?

OTHER TIPSHave a folder for each separate application.Apply in order of deadlines.Ask for all letters of recommendations EARLY (3-4 weeks).Apply on-line (faster, some application fees waived, cleaner, no missing pieces).Follow up…make REAL contact once you have submitted your application. Make a follow up call (1-2 weeks after submitted).

OTHER TIPSApply for 1-2 scholarships per week. Many times your “already done” college essays can be used for scholarships.Set goals for your self and make “to do” lists.Ask for HELP!BE EXCITED….You have so much to look forward to!

TAKE A LOOK AT THE PACKET PROVIDED TO YOU TODAY AND USE IT TO YOUR

BENEFIT!

ALSO CHECK OUT THE CAREER CENTER WEBSITE:

http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/1988201021808180/site/default.asp

THANK YOU!