Embedded Files
Application and Entry
In College and Career Ready, David Conley writes that students need Contextual Skills and Awareness to be successful in college. He describes Contextual Skills as, "privileged information necessary to understand how college operates as a system and a culture" (Conley p.40).
Application challenges include vocabulary, timelines, and managing multiple processes simultaneously.
Entry has its own set of challenges: some are financial; some are procedural; some are psychological.
This section seeks to level the playing field and share the "privileged information" about college applications and entering a postsecondary institution.
Below are some specific Learning Targets for the application process and the transition from high school to college.
Learning Targets for Application and Entry
Learning Targets for Application and Entry
Application
Identifying the sequence and timeline for applying to colleges/universities
Describing the difference between Early Decision, Early Admission, and Regular Decision
Demonstrating the most efficient starting point for applying to colleges/universities
Setting up the student portal for their college after application
Explaining why they should check their email each day
Demonstrating the appropriate method and time to request a recommendation from teachers
Creating an effective college essay
Explaining when they should request help on their college application.
Describing the role that Residency Determination plays in their application
Logging in and completing Residency Determination (RDS)
Entry
Identifying points of contact at a college or university for housing, financial aid, admissions, and registration/advising
Describing how to accept their offer of admission and make their deposit
Completing online orientation components
Accessing their class registration portal and complete registration
Describing how to access and transfer necessary medical records, transcripts, and test scores to their accepting university
Creating a budget that includes housing, food, and transportation
Student Resources
Shown below is a short module to capture the important elements in the application process. This would be ideal to share with students junior year. This would be most effective as a face-to-face lesson, but could be converted to an online learning module as well.
Next to it is a breakdown of some tasks that students must complete, or factors they must consider, to complete college entry:
Another helpful tool is a Senior FAQ document. College applications ask for school information that students do not have. By providing a document that holds that information for students, coordinators, and counselors can front-load the process with information on transcript processes, scholarship information, ACT/SAT, school data, etc.
Parent Communication
A big piece of the puzzle is parent communication. While all parents won't come to a parent meeting, holding one each quarter demonstrates caring and support, as well as building credibility. The more you do it, the more parents will see your services as having value and attendance will increase.
We have several slide decks that can serve as templates for how to structure parent meetings during senior year. These decks can be used as-is or be downloaded and personalized to fit your school. It will be important to make a plan to distribute the information to ALL parents as well.
Quarter 1 Senior Parent Meeting
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Lessons for each standard are available with Level All resources below
Career-Credential Connection.pdfCollege Essays
Here is a short video with a couple of quick tips on writing a solid college essay:
Copy of College essay pointers.webmPage updated
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