How to Choose the Right College World Journal and McDonalds Education Expo September 29, 2013 Guest Speaker: Amy Kao 高艾玫 Chinese Dollars for Scholars Recipient 2008

Agenda Introduction Amy’s Journey to College Choosing the Right College  Step 1: Reflect on Who You Are  Step 2: Determine what is important & prioritize  Step 3: Research schools and create a wish list Applying to College Key Dates & Recommended Timeline Contact / Questions

 Education: o Carnegie Mellon University 2012 (full scholarship) o Oxford University − Major: Business Administration − Minors: Policy & Management and Chinese  Career: o Deloitte Consulting o Citigroup o Wells Fargo o Liberty Mutual  Awards: o Chinese Dollars for Scholars Award Recipient 2008 o Goldman Sachs Scholar o Andrew Carnegie Scholar About the Guest Speaker Background Amy Kao 高艾玫 Age: 23 Hometown: Edison, New Jersey Fun Facts: National Peace Corp Volunteer, Miss New Jersey National US 2013

Amy’s Journey to College ScholarshipsMusicPageantry New Jersey’s Junior Miss 2008 Miss Teen International Achievement Ambassador Academics Top 10 in Class Honors and AP Courses No focus area/track Extracurriculars President, Class Council Executive Committee, Student Council President, International Club Performed and hosted concert in China, Italy, and France Andrew Carnegie Scholarship Chinese Dollars for Scholars Best Buy $10,000 Award AXA Achievement Enrollment Enrolled in Carnegie Mellon, Tepper School of Business Fall 2008 Performed at Carnegie Hall on piano and viola Member of NJ Regional and All-State Orchestra, Viola President: JPS Orchestra

Choosing the Right College Step 1 – Reflect on who you are What do I love doing? What is most important to me and why? What are my favorite classes? What do I want to do with my life? What are my favorite hobbies / extra-curriculars?

Choosing the Right College Step 2 – Determine what is important to you and prioritize  General academic reputation / prestige  Specific academic pursuit (e.g., Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon)  Geography and environment (e.g., urban, college town)  School environment (e.g., studious, fun, balanced)  Financial considerations (e.g., tuition, scholarships, financial aid) HML HML HML HML HML Once you have prioritized on criteria important to you…  You can start to research and create your wish list!

Choosing the Right College Step 3 – Research schools and create a list Using the criteria of what is important to you... Level 1 Research Level 2 Research Create a Specific List Go to school websites Read school reviews (e.g., US News, Princeton Review) Speak to current students or graduates Visit the school Dream school(s) Reach schools Safety schools

 Ask two teachers from school who know you well to write strong recommendation letters that comment on both personal and professional growth  Supplemental recommendations (as necessary) Apply to College Take the necessary standardized test Ask for Recommendation Letters Visit Campuses  SAT, ACT  SAT Subject Tests  Visit college campuses during school start, spring break, or vacation  Summer may not be the best time to visit colleges  *This can also be done during the research phase  Most colleges take the common application – start preparing!!  Start preparing for your college essays EARLY, as the same college essay should not be used when applying to different schools Fill out Common App and Prepare Essays

Key Dates and Contact Information Contact InformationKey Dates & Recommended Timeframe Key EventDate Take necessary college entrance exams Junior Year Research Schools / Identify college wish list Junior Year / Early Senior Fall Prepare common app and essays / Ask for recommendations September - December Timeframe Submit Application Early Decision: November 1 Regular Decision: January 1 Financial Aid Deadline: March 1 Decide on College / Campus Visit April – May Reply Date: May 1 Enroll in your dream college! August Amy Kao’s Website: Amy Kao, Carnegie Mellon University Amy Kao, Deloitte Consulting Thank you – Any Questions?