1. College Myths/Realities

2. What are Colleges really looking for????

3. College/Career Planning focus by grade level
College Admission what are my best options? Details very important
College/Career Research what is out there? Details important
Self-Exploration – strengths, interests, values, and how they relate to careers
High School Skills – study skills, time management, communication w/ teachers

4. I should know what I want to major in in college
Myth #1
Myth
Reality
I should know what I want to major in in college
It is likely more important to know what your strengths, skills, and interests are and how they apply to various majors.
But… Recent trend in college admissions being “direct to major” for certain selective fields (mainly Comp Sci, Engineering, Nursing, Business)

5. Myth #2
Myth
Reality
High SAT/ACT scores will substitute for low academic performance
Recent Trend in deprioritizing Test Scores ~ 1,100 colleges will be “Test Optional” this year
Colleges primarily evaluate based on overall academics, strength of curriculum, course selection based on college major, strong junior/senior year
Test-Prep (self-study, online, class-based up to 25 hours does help)
Recent trend: <40 require or recommend SAT Subject Tests, <30 require SAT/ACT + Essay

6. Traditional SAT/ACT testing timeline
(choose one)

7. Myth #3
Myth
Reality
I should pay attention to “I HEARD THAT COLLEGES LIKE…” statements
I should worry about “I KNOW SOMEONE WHO SAID THAT THEIR CHILD/NEIGHBOR’s CHILD, etc” stories
If it doesn’t apply to you (your major, your college, etc), don’t worry about it!
Verify intel directly w/ intended college
Verify intel directly w/ your counselor!

8. Myth #4– I don’t know what my chances are of getting into a certain college (hint: don’t worry about this until summer before Senior year!)
Seattle U Example:
University of Washington Seattle example:
But…
“High Reach” colleges are an uncertainty for every student
Admissions statistics will vary for “direct admissions” programs

9. Other Common Concerns
How long will College Apps take to complete?
What Activities will “look good” to colleges? Is there a “magic formula or amount/type of Activities colleges want?
Less months/weeks than you think
More hours completing each app than you think
Activities that “look good” are only and always those that you find meaningful, or make sense towards your future trajectory
Colleges prefer meaningful “depth” in extra-curriculars
Colleges use your activities list to get an idea of what kind of student you’d be on their campus