1. An Inside Look at College Admissions THE APPLICATION GAME

2. COLLEGE TODAY Strength of Applicant Pool Size of Applicant Pool Ballooning Costs In-State Focus

3. COMPONENTS OF A COLLEGE APPLICATION Personal Essays Test Scores Strength of Schedule and GPA Activities and Extracurriculars Recommendations

4. PERSONAL ESSAYS Types of Essays Common Application Essays College-Specific Secondary Essays Tips and Tricks Stand Out: Use of Descriptive Language Topic Selection: Unique and Personal Focus: Narrowing Down the Scope of an Essay Proofread Essays! Evaluation Criteria Writing Quality Essay Substance

5. STANDARDIZED TESTS The SAT’s New vs. Old Critical Reading and Math Writing Section The ACT Advantages and Disadvantages Studying and Preparation “The Tutor Trap” Self-Study

6. HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE Strength of Schedule Electives vs. Academic Core GPA Evaluation Criteria AP and IB Advantages and Disadvantages Selecting the Appropriate Courses

7. ACTIVITIES AND EXTRACURRICULARS Clubs and Activities Quality Over Quantity Be a Leader Athletics Division I and II Division III Recruitment Process The Harsh Reality Outside of RBRHS Volunteer Work Jobs and Internships

8. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Who to Pick Teachers Coaches Employers Mentors When to Request? ASK ASAP!!! Selection Criteria Duration of Relationship Significance of Relationship Writing Skill of Recommender

9. CONTACT WITH ADMISSIONS Types Email College Visits College Fairs Clarifying Questions When to Contact? How to Contact? Who to Contact? Tips and Tricks Email Addresses Email Content Specificity of Contact Thank You Letters Who should be contacting

10. SCHOLARSHIPS Finding the Money Freshmen Specific Scholarships Secret Scholarships: Department/Major Based Outside Scholarships Getting the Edge Applying Early College Visits

11. “THE LIST” Finding the Right Fit Big School vs. Small School City vs. Suburban Location: Near vs. Far Athletics Strength of Department/Major

12. Begin with the End in Mind Availability of Internships/Co-Op/Research One Year Out Employment Rates Graduate Program Admission Rates Career Recruitment Capabilities Location “THE LIST”

13. QUESTIONS?