WHAT COLLEGE WANT, WHAT YOU WANT New Haven REACH

Mentor Check-in! Finalize application checklist with mentor Make sure all deadlines and requirements are correct

What do colleges look for? Students who: Demonstrate initiative Challenge themselves Are balanced Invest in their interests and passions What does this look like? Challenging course load Good grades, especially improvement Solid standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, subject tests) Quality involvement in extracurricular activities; DEPTH Community service, work experience

Colleges Seek Diversity Want to build a mosaic of a student body Show unique aspects of your personality Involvement in specialized extracurricular activity or experience Personal essays can set you apart Family background

APPLICATION PROCESS Overview of the application process, how to get started, and the resources available to you

Common App Create an account with a safe password! Profile Family Education (need transcript) Testing Activities (resume) Writing

Additional Documents Needed Education section: Transcript Testing section: Official score reports from the Collegeboard or ACT Recommendation letters from two instructors Counselor’s school report

Writing Essays Activities “blurb” Personal essay, 650 words

Recommendations Teacher recommendations Who to ask When to ask Guidance counselor recommendations Get to know your guidance counselor Explanation of your transcript – make sure they have information Coach/mentor recommendations Not all colleges will accept Can be useful

Payments College applications are expensive—average fee is $41, but can go from $10 to $90 NACAC fee waivers Fee waivers from Collegeboard Also get standardized tests waived

College-specific supplements Many colleges require! May be extra essays or art samples Often but not always on Common App Check the school’s application website Also check the deadlines for the supplements—often later Call school with any questions Consult guidance counselor or REACH mentor

Collegeboard College search resources Company that administers the SAT, AP, and subject tests

SATs and ACTs SAT vs. ACT What are subject tests? Many colleges don’t require Those that do often require two Collegeboard fee waiver When to take? How many times? How to prepare? Practice! Take a prep course Buy self-study books Ask guidance counselor and teachers for resources

Deadlines! Absolute deadlines Rolling admissions (i.e. Gateway CC) Check all deadlines – admission, financial aid, supplement Often January 1 st

Applying Early Early action vs. early decision Advantages: Hear back earlier A school you love Narrow down list of schools to apply to Disadvantages Less time to work on materials ED is binding! Financially bound too Early deadlines are usually November 1 st

RESUMES What is a resume? What do I include in mine?

What is a Resume? A summary of yourself! List of extracurricular activities, jobs, service experiences, clubs, etc. What do you spend your “free” time on? Shows colleges what you do aside from academics Have to decide what’s most important to you! Keep it within a page long—concise For college apps, use for Activities section or attach in “additional information”

Format Clear, organized, and concise—for a fast read! Group into sections: Education Jobs/Internships (Work Experience) Volunteering Clubs and Extracurriculars Honors and Awards Other Skills Write brief descriptions of each activity, including when you did them, leadership positions Want to include numbers, tangible facts Only include high school activities

Format Include contact info (name, , phone number) and your education info (high school, class rank if available) These should be at the top There are lots of ways to organize this nicely- find a template you like online! Download “Sample Resume Format 1” “Resume Worksheet” from previous years

Where to Start? Fill out the “Resume Sheet 2014” Make a list of everything you do or have done in high school Jobs/Internships Volunteering Extracurriculars: sports, clubs, summer programs, etc. Awards: honor roll, etc. Skills: computer, languages Keep it recent Both in and outside of school

What to Include Needs to fit on a page and be descriptive Pick the activities that are most important to you! What commitments define you? Emphasize leadership positions Demonstrate your work habits and strengths Reveal what experience/skills you have Organize your resume sections based on your “best” areas List your activities by the most important, most involved

Assignment Register for the SAT! Fill out Common App basic information sections Fill out resume sheet prior to independent meeting with mentor NOW: Start working on resume sheet

QUESTIONS? We’re here for you!

Student Resources Section