1. WELCOME TO NEW HAVEN REACH! New Haven’s resource for college application and financial aid mentorship

2. MEET YOUR MENTOR! If you haven’t been paired with a mentor yet, please sign up after our meeting today or visit newhavenreach.com.

3. What is REACH? A Yale student-run mentoring program whose goal is to provide resources, information, and guidance on applying to college Founded by Wilbur Cross graduates from class of 2011 About access to higher education Also cover financial aid, scholarships, and transitioning to college Launching new College Prep Program for high school juniors

4. Our Goals for YOU Help you get into your dream college! Give you all the resources and information you need in applying to college, selecting which to attend, and succeeding there Provide financial aid information and opportunities Open a network and community of high school seniors and college students working together Connect with Yale students, especially your mentor!

5. How to Succeed Stay on top of deadlines! Work on your applications at home Come to Saturday Sessions Be sure you are meeting with your mentor every week Communicate with your mentor regularly Seek answers, ask questions!

6. Who are we? Introducing the REACH executive board!

7. College Search Process Picking the schools to which you will apply and eventually ATTEND! Your list: Variety Reach, Match, Very Likely 7-10 schools

8. Where Do I See Myself? Size Big schools – more options, less help Small schools – less options, more attention Location Would you benefit from leaving New Haven? Look at schools far away Environment Country – more isolated, get to bond w/ your classmates City – lots of cultural opportunities, jobs, BUT distractions

9. Who Do I See Myself With? Think about the student body? Extracurricular scene Social scene Residential colleges Greek life Demographics Visit the campus for the best feel for this!

10. What Do I Want to Study? School type Liberal Arts Pre-professional Technical school Majors/academic programs Lots of academic support networks and opportunities? Can you change your major easily? Are there professors you want to work with? Academic opportunities and resources?

11. How Much Will It Cost? Check out the school’s financial aid policy Remember, most students do not pay their university’s sticker price! Colleges are generous about financial aid, so don’t be afraid to apply Usually, private schools give more financial aid Look for merit scholarships, honors scholarship programs

12. How to Search: Use collegeboard.org Use Naviance Use reference books The Princeton Review Fiske Guide to Colleges Talk to family, friends, guidance counselor, teachers

13. Applying Early Early action vs. early decision Advantages A school you love Narrow down list of schools to apply to Disadvantages Less time to work on materials Early Decision is binding Rolling admissions

14. QUESTIONS?

15. WWW.NEWHAVENREACH.COM Student Resources Section Info@NewHavenREACH.com