College Search

Anticipatory Set

What Do Colleges Look For.mp4

What do Colleges look for? Are you involved after school or a member of the "1:55" club that races home for a date with the couch and a bag of chips? Now that you are in HS you must build an active profile and begin to keep track of accomplishments, activities, and set goals to help you decide possible career/ life paths.

Lesson

Find Colleges/ Technical Training using one of the 3 methods below:

Even if you are not sure or do not plan on going to college, it is useful to practice navigating the database. Many schools offer certificate programs that serve as training programs, instead of going for full degree programs.

Sign in to Naviance:

Explore Colleges and create a list:

Explore Individual Colleges

Search the College Board site for a school you find might help with better picture of the school statistics.
Any of the schools on your list make the cut in US News and World Report's yearly rankings?
Use a Google Image search to see pictures of the campus.
What do students who attend (or attended) your choices say about the school?
Want to see more pictures or a virtual tour? Try YouVisit.
Save at least 5 in your Naviance College favorites.

Submission

Take a screenshot of your SuperMatch College Search list with preferences (Must Have/ Nice to Have) while it is open in Naviance. Paste it on a Google Drive Doc you Create using Your Name - College Search.
Take a screenshot of the 5 or more Colleges I'm Thinking About in Naviance. Paste that picture on the same document.
Attach the doc to Classroom and TURN IN the doc.

Naviance offers a wide array of resources to explore this area. Under the college research section, select college resources. Note the resource links available to you once it comes time in Junior and Senior year to actually select your school.
Naviance Supermatch is a great tool to use to find your college. In Naviance click on Colleges > Find Your Fit > Supermatch.

Alternate Searches

Ferguson's:
Another source for a college search is Ferguson's (Facts on File) in the library databases. Once in Ferguson's, under the College Planning and Financial Aid section, choose School Searches. This may turn up schools you did not see in Naviance. Use the video (right) to see how to use Ferguson's for a college search.

Ferguson Colleg Search.mp4

Collegeboard Site:
Eventually you will sign up or the SAT's on this site. A search and favorites list of colleges can be compiled with your account at that time, so getting comfortable with the site is a good practice.
Complete a search (video right) can be done using the SAT College Admissions site.

SAT College Search.mp4

Closure

You have the next 3 years to build a profile for your college application. Don't think you can wait until Junior year to "kick it in." Be diligent now and make yourself a well rounded student that colleges and future employers will desire. Under the Colleges > Colleges - Home tab in Naviance, scroll down on the right side and click on the Enrichment selection. You may find something of interest to help you "Step Up" your game!

For Athletes!!!!

Choosing the right college or training is important. Be aware, however, that it comes at quite a cost. You should spend the next few years of HS creating the best possible student profile to not only get in the best programs, but also get the most financial aid. Athletes are often under the misconception that they are the next Lebron and going to get a scholarship. Read the following article for a "wake-up" call as an athlete or non-athlete!

7 Things You Need to Know About Sports Scholarships.

NJ Standards

CAEP.9.2.12.C.2 - [Standard] - Modify Personalized Student Learning Plans to support declared career goals.
TECH.8.1.12.D.CS2 - [Content Statement] - Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
TECH.8.1.12.A.1 - [Cumulative Progress Indicator] - Create a personal digital portfolio which reflects personal and academic interests, achievements, and career aspirations by using a variety of digital tools and resources.

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