College Planning
**If you are going to visit a college campus on a school day you either can print or stop into the Dean's Office and ask the Attendance Clerk for a College Visit form.
On the day of the visit:
A parent/guardian must notify Attendance that you will be absent for a College Visit.
Get the form signed/stamped by the college you go to visit and bring it back to the Attendance Clerk the next day of school.
Students should discuss their college and career plans with their counselor. The College and Career Advisor is available as supplemental support to the advising of the counselor.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with the College and Career Advisor, please email Mrs. Anderson: janderson@pekinhigh.net
Tips for creating your RESUME below!
ICC Career Coach: Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests
Need Help Picking a Major? Start Here: Self-Assessment
THE COLLEGE SEARCH
Check out The College Prep Checklist
THE COLLEGE VISIT
12 State Universities in Illinois Information
COLLEGE APPLICATION TIPS
Increase your chances of admission by highlighting the following on your application:
Grades and test scores – This may be obvious by these scores are one of the first things colleges consider. Make sure you do what you can to get these as high as possible.
Extracurricular activities – Have you taken a leadership role in your activities? What have you accomplished? Be sure to think quality over quantity.
Rigorous course schedule – Schools want to see challenging courses that will help you grow academically, which includes your ENTIRE senior year.
HOW TO WRITE A COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY
DOs
DO follow the rules – if an application asks you to choose one essay, do NOT answer them all. Read the application directions completely before answering any questions.
DO include everything – verify all forms have been signed and that you have included all essays and recommendations. Double check that you have not left out anything important.
DO pay attention to the deadlines – submit your application with plenty of time to spare.
DONTs
DON’T procrastinate – letting things wait until the last minute might mean leaving something out or making mistakes on the application. You want to take as much time as possible on your application.
DON’T leave anything out – be careful to not treat an online application like an text message or email. An admissions office does not want to see emojis or text message slang.