College Planning Information & Events
Check out our Event Information & Registration sheet for college events happening in the community.
WUE stands for Western Undergraduate Exchange. Through the WUE Program, a student who attends one of these participating schools would pay 150% of in-state tuition instead of the (most often times) much higher out-of-state tuition rate. See the flyer for more details and a list of participating schools. Please visit wichie.edu for more.
Your College Essay & Personal Statement
Your college essay (or personal statement) is an opportunity for you to present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of yourself to the admissions committee. It is a way for your college to see the person you are beyond grades and test scores.
Visit Going Merry: "Why I deserve this scholarship." essay prompts tips.
Watch this YouTube video: Writing an effective personal statement
A few tips to remember when writing your essay:
Keep your focus narrow and personal. Chose a single point or thesis for your main idea.
Your essay should complement but not repeat information already provided in other parts of your application.
Edit and proofread!! Remember this also serves as a writing sample to show you have the skills needed to succeed in college classes. Do not include errors/typos. Eliminate unnecessary words.
Your College Resume
What is a college resume? Well,...it should give the reader a snapshot of who you are. It should include a list of things like educational achievements, hobbies, awards, extra-curricular activities, and any volunteer/work experience you have. It should also include how long you have participated in each of these activities.
Want more information/help? Find tips on your writing your college resume @ The Princeton Review (click here).
What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
All things being equal, a teacher's or counselor's well written letter of recommendation (LOR) can help tip the scale in favor of one student getting the nod over another in the selection process. On the other hand, it could plant a seed of doubt in the reader's mind. Choose your references well and treat them with the utmost courtesy...you never know how many you will need and when you will need them. Before you spring the big surprise, practice the following:
Keep them informed of your activities. The better they know you, the better they can write about you.
Visit with your teachers even if only to stop by to say hello.
Do your best in every class. Teachers remember if you worked hard or put in the extra effort. They remember your leadership and your positive attitude and they tell other teachers about you. As a general rule, students who are active in school or community related activities are easier to write about because they are familiar to the staff and faculty.
Being actively involved with 2-3 clubs or sports over several years can help add to the content of your LOR.
Volunteer your time in a community program, or better yet, develop a project on your own that is unique and enjoyable to do while giving back to your community.
Ask for a LOR ahead of time...WAY ahead. The suggested two weeks is a bare minimum time to give your recommenders. Remember that they may have other obligations so give them the ample time they deserve to write you the awesome recommendation you deserve.
Steps to Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
When asking for a LOR please do the following:
Personally ask your teacher/counselor for a LOR. Check with them to be sure they are able/willing to do it and talk with them about why/when you might be requesting a letter.
Put in writing to whom the LOR is to be sent and when it is due.
Attach a well prepared brag sheet or resume. The more you share the more your recommender can write about.
Provide a stamped, addressed envelope if necessary. Confirm the email was received by your recommender if it is a digital submission.
Double check to ensure that your LOR was mailed or emailed. It is YOUR responsibility to follow up with your recommenders.
Thank the teacher/counselor with a card. It is a favor that they do for you, not a job requirement.
College Planning Information for Student Athletes
NAIA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vyXhuEBt2lW-XGiEEdIn76pMBkjrKeJ9/view
NAIA information for student athletes - https://www.naia.org/student-athletes/future-student-athletes/index
NCAA Brochure PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zPlI-HQU2V9oQTMDOrNpQ389q3kKH1z3/view
NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IAl6SWKymClMwc38ipUGla9beVrFyYLo/view
NCAA information for student athletes - http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future
NCAA Covid-19 Response FAQ - https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YaECNra6dY339pPNZoPHs_Y3izIHz05/view
DI Academic Requirements - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pf3dhjpNwHRHVtjQKQcBcvgBBkRVQ19j/view
DII Academic Requirements - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CD93WiPv5gcDzMDfCCIjWofkREInWAGy/view
DIII Academic Requirements - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1owG1Ozz8FPL-njk01CW4Ku3mAaXFNd57/view