College Bound Toolbox Cynthia Tognotti

Mission Guide students through the college application process. Facilitate communication between students, parents and school. Break the process down into simple steps and provide free resources to help navigate. When students know where to find college data, source scholarships, etc., it relieves parents of the burden of research and puts the student in the “Drivers Seat” Cynthia Tognotti, Founder, UpSkill

The Toolbox The College Bound Toolbox is a series of lessons, videos and resources designed to guide students through the College Admissions Process. The simple step-by-step lessons help students discover their interests, identify their college criteria and find the college that best fits their unique interests, learning style and needs.

College Bound Toolbox Modules 1 Identify Interests, Criteria and College Fit 2 College Research & Admission Chances 3 Communicate - Parents, Mentors, School 4 Refining College List & Application Prep 5 Apply, Interview, Evaluate, Decide, Accept

Student leading the college search The Missing Link The Student leading the college search The most important piece of the college puzzle is the student leading the college search process. Parents need to let go and allow their students the opportunity to plan and build their own future

College Application Process Applying to college should not overwhelm students. Embrace the process, step-by-step, begin early, and communicate with your support team. Identify Communicate Define Apply Interests Criteria Success Factors Support Build Resume Students Parents Counselor Teachers Mentors College Criteria List of Schools Acceptance Factors How To Prep Prep Early Write Essays Early Review & Revise Decide ED, EA, Regular Decision

Join a Club , Sport and Volunteer Volunteer, Enrichment & Reading Freshman Year Extra Curricular Activities Document Success and Work 9-12 Summer Enrichment Academics & Test Prep Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Join a Club , Sport and Volunteer Study Consistently Build Your Resume Volunteer, Enrichment & Reading

Sophomore Year Gain Leadership Experience, Volunteer Study, Focus on GPA, Test Prep, Subject Tests Extra Curricular Activities Document Success and Work 9-12 Summer Enrichment Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Gain Leadership Experience, Volunteer Take PSAT, Study Consistently. Test Prep Subject Test Build Your Portfolio SAT/ACT Prep, Internship

Junior Year Continue Extra Curricular Activities Study, Focus on GPA, Test Prep, Subject Tests Extra Curricular Activities Document Success and Work 9-12 College App Preparation Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Continue Extra Curricular Activities Study, Study Groups, SAT/ACT Fall & Spring, Subject /AP Tests Update Resume/Port. Essays – College App & Scholarships

Senior Year Complete Applications Evaluate & Accept Scholarships and College Applications Document Success and Work 9-12 Summer-Fall Focus Example Text Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Complete Applications Evaluate & Accept Apply for Scholarships SAT/ACT in Fall, Study Consistently Finalize Portfolio Essays Get Ready for College!

Student Support Team Students need tools like SAT/ACT test prep, computer access, tutoring and guidance. Students need parental support & encouragement to dream. Students need time with their Counselor to plan academics and discuss college options. Students need trusted teachers and mentors to advise, coach and edit college essays.

Facebook Strategy Students create a private Facebook page to record their impressions of colleges and universities and share with their support team. Parents, High School Counselor, Advisor and Mentors are invited to view and share. This is meant to be shared only with the students support team.

Skype Strategy Group chat between students and their support team while traveling and touring colleges. Facilitates communication with traveling parent. Provides an alternative for college interviews and portfolio presentations when traveling to the college is not feasible.

Google Strategy Students create Google Drive Folders for College Profiles, The College Comparison Template, Essays, Pro-Con Lists, Scholarships and Financial Aid, all to be shared between between the support team and student Student shares essays to review with English teacher and parents as an extra set of eyes to check for grammatical errors. School Counselor may create Google Classroom Account for counseling specific assignments for all students.

LinkedIn Strategy Students may create a LinkedIn profile to share their resume and make connections. Before creating a profile, students should discuss privacy concerns with parents and seek their review prior to publishing. Facilitates networking with colleges admissions officers, college students and the support team. Provides an acknowledgement vehicle for accomplishments and developed skill sets.

Implementation Students subscribe to College Bound Toolbox Lessons are emails with links to videos and tools. Easy to update and share For more information, please contact Cynthia Tognotti at UpSkill 650-271-1900 or upskillyourlife@icloud.com