1. College Bound Toolbox
Cynthia Tognotti

2. 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

3. 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.

4. College Bound Toolbox Modules1
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Implementation Students subscribe to College Bound Toolbox
Lessons are s with links to videos and tools.
Easy to update and share
For more information, please contact Cynthia Tognotti at UpSkill or