NEO College Now Conference Cleveland, Ohio November 4, 2011 Jessica McRoberts, MS Ed, LSC John F. Kennedy Catholic School Upper Campus

Transcription

1 NEO College Now Conference Cleveland, Ohio November 4, 2011 Jessica McRoberts, MS Ed, LSC John F. Kennedy Catholic School Upper Campus

2 I needed to solve a face-time problem I needed to improve my communications I needed to get to know the students better Evening meetings were not well attended due to sports conflicts, transportation issues, or jobs Morning announcements were not effective Students were missing deadlines and opportunities

3 With administration approval, a one semester course was scheduled and made optional for all upper school students to take prior to graduation in either their junior or senior year. The best time to take this class is semester two, junior year as it gives students the information they need for college application before their senior year.

4 The objective of this course is to assist students in identifying good match colleges. Students will discover what is important to them. Students will learn to evaluate colleges based on their values and preferences. Students will recognize their learning styles and assess prospective colleges for compatibility. Students will learn about all aspects of college life.

5 College Counseling Orientation Where to find information How to make an appointment Collect brochures and forms Naviance/Family Connection Orientation How to navigate, update, and communicate Personal Profile/Strengths/Work Values Learning style, Personality style, and career interest inventories completed in Naviance

6 Post Secondary Opportunities 2 year colleges 4 year colleges Military Academies (including ROTC) Gap Year Naviance Assignment activities to complete: Login, College Search, Sorting, Saving, Adding to List, Looking up information on admissions history, Survey, and Resume Group Research Activity Groups of 2-3 will pick a post secondary opportunity and prepare a 10 minute presentation on the benefits

7 How to Search Internet: Naviance, College Board, Peterson s Reference Books: Barron s Profiles Guide, Rugg s Recommendations, Fiske Guide How to Compare Academics, Admissions, Environment, Location, Size, Cost, Athletics, Activities, Student Support Activity: students will run multiple searches online and compare results Spend Friday watching campus online video tours at Free website of college tours!

8 Graduation Requirements vs College Admission Requirements College Admission and Credit Testing: PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, and CLEP Dual Enrollment overview Activity: students choose a college and research their specific rules and requirements regarding coursework, testing, and transfer credits then present to the class

9 WSJ article: College Applicants, Beware: Your Facebook Page Is Showing by John Hechinger Take a Naviance survey on Facebook and discuss in class Understanding how you present yourself to admissions staff At a college fair During an admissions interview Students will hold mock interviews and peer evaluate A guest college admissions officer adds to this exercise and they get to practice!

10 College Life Dorm living: Roommate horror stories (The Naked Roommate) Tip #1: Expect the Unexpected Tip # 75: Not Everyone is Drinking The Greek System Students learn about Greek Life by completing the following Web Quest:

11 College Application Process Create a common app account Navigate around the common app site Fill out the entire application including the essays Brainstorm essay topics Find brainstorming ideas online or in books Help the students with their essay writing Enlist the help of the English teachers Read samples of good college essays

12 Continue College Essay writing Brainstorming Rough drafts Re-writes Arrange for a college admission visit Good time to hear from an admission rep Ask the rep to read through some essays and give advice

13 College Resume Complete online using Naviance College Athletics NCAA Eligibility Who, What, When Division I, II, and III Complete Core Course Worksheets Intramural sports Recruiting process and rules

14 Discussion on possible Career Paths Review Great Jobs for Majors books Majors & Minors BA, BS, BFA MA, MS, MFA, Med Complete a Program of Study for One Major at a state university i.e. OSU: Explain catalog year Review General Education Required Courses Review Upper Division Required Credits Review Concentration Credits Compare Requirements for different majors

15 Financial Aid Overview State, Federal and School Specific Applications required (FAFSA, Profile) Why to apply, when to apply Scholarship Overview Register at Students will research scholarships on our Naviance Scholarship List, fastweb.com & scholarships.com to find scholarships they are eligible for Students submit 5 good chance scholarships they will apply for

16 The time has come students will reflect on all they have learned Complete a Choosing a College survey What do you want to be? How do you like to learn? Where do you want to be? Can you get in? Are there financial concerns? Research extensively using your preferences from survey Compile a list of 5 good match schools

17 Students will each prepare a presentation of their top 5 good match colleges and include: Campus overview History of college Mission of College Admission Requirements Student Demographics Student Life Overview Academic Climate Athletics Interesting and unusual traditions Describe the perfect student for the school Describe your impression of the school and whether you will apply

18 Students will present their research presentations to the class Discussions will follow each presentation Still a good match? Maybe a discovery for another student?

19 I now know my students better = better LOR s Students are not afraid or anxious of the college admission process knowledge is power! Parents acknowledge the value of what we offer I am not repeating what I say to 100 students Students feel as if they have control over the process they own it - they are empowered Students are not missing as many deadlines still working on that one! The course keeps students focused on what they must do to get into college.