1. Session 26: Getting Ready for College Applications

2. Announcements Make-up ACT 3/17
Transition to sessions focused on completing end of year tasks

3. Line up across from a partner in two lines
Speed Dating
Line up across from a partner in two lines

4. If you were a vegetable, what kind of vegetable would you be, and why?
Speed Dating q1
If you were a vegetable, what kind of vegetable would you be, and why?

5. What is something that you recently discovered is a thing?
Speed Dating q2
What is something that you recently discovered is a thing?

6. Speed Dating q3
Johnny Depp is about to make Pirates of the Caribbean 6. As his therapist, who cares about his well-being, what do you tell him to get him to stop making Pirates movies?

7. What book character would you want to be your child?
Speed Dating q4
What book character would you want to be your child?

8. What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
Speed Dating q5
What is the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?

9. Where would be the most awkward place to have a date?
Speed Dating q6
Where would be the most awkward place to have a date?

10. Speed Dating q7
You can immediately become best friends with a famous person. Who do you choose and why?

11. College Applications: What do you need?

12. There are 5 essential parts to a college application
With your partner: Brainstorm what you think those 5 parts might be!

13. 5 Essential Parts Application Form Resume Letters of Recommendation
Essays and Writing Samples
Transcripts and Test Scores

14. 5 Essential Parts What is the purpose? Info it provides?
What is missing?
Application Form
Basic Info – keep track of student
Basic info
What will this student bring? How would they do here?
Resume
Glance at experiences, skills, accomplishments
Commitments, jobs, responsibilities
Academics, personality
Letters of Recommendation
Outside perspective on student from teacher or community member
How do others see this student?
How does the student see their own strengths?
Essays and Writing Samples
Insight into student’s personality and motivation for college
How does the student see themselves?
What are their strengths?
How do others see the student?
What do they mean to the community?
Transcripts and Test Scores
Highlight a student’s academic ability, strengths, and achievements
Can this student handle college-level academics?
What kind of person is this student?
What motivates them and drives them?
How do they interact in community?

15. End of School year list Draft of at least 1 college essay
At least one recommender confirmed (your coach will be a recommender as well)
Participation in a summer program
An updated resume
A list of at least the first five colleges that you are planning to apply to

16. Knowing who you are: Tree of life activity
Roots – your values
Ground – the present, who you are now
Trunk – skills and abilities
Branches – your future, your dreams, who you hope to be,

17. MSU – Moorehead + Concordia Moorehead
BREAK
Campus Visit RSVPs
Due by 3/8 – Trip on 3/17
MSU – Mankato
MSU – Moorehead + Concordia Moorehead

18. Letters of Recommendation
What are Letters of Recommendation for?
What are some things that you should look for in a recommender?

19. Things to look for in a Recommender
Can follow through and meet deadlines
Knows you well and has a high opinion of you
Can speak to your character and personality
Can write a high-quality letter
Someone admissions reps can trust to be objective (sorry but your mom doesn’t count)

20. A Few more thoughts on recommenders
Challenging class vs. good grades
Can talk about your work ethic, intellect, ability to deal with adversity
Multiple activities – teachers that know you not just in the classroom
Recent teachers – your 7th grade teachers don’t really count
Gratitude – Following up with a recommender can be a really nice gesture! They put time into recommending you so you can put a little time into thanking them!

21. Asking for a Letter of Rec...
Ask in Person → best way, more personal, more likely to remember you asked
Ask via → professional, clear, concise, have explicit details

22. Practice writing a “Letter of Recommendation” request
To: (Correct person’s address)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation
Body of the Hello (Person’s name), I am applying to (specific college/internship/scholarship/etc). This application requires a letter of recommendation. I was wondering if you would be willing to write one for me? They have asked that the letter include (list everything the application asks for such as GPA, activities involved in outside of school, leadership skills, etc.). I have attached my resume* that includes my contact information and other information you may find helpful when writing the letter. The letter is due (state due date). If you are unable to write one at this time, I understand. Let me know what you decide. Thank you for your time!
Best, Your Name
Practice writing a “Letter of Recommendation” request
*be sure to attach your resume before you hit send

23. Role Play
Choose a partner with whom you can practice asking for a letter of recommendation
Be specific – what program, when is it due, why are you applying

24. Worktime
Check out your worksheet for what you should accomplish by the end of session!