Ashley Hill, MPH

Every Success Begins as a Thought!

Thoughts => BehaviorApproach to the

college preparation process

Perspectives about college life

ChallengesLack of key skills – reading comprehension,

critical thinking, research, and writing skillsLow exposure to the college setting before

starting college First generation studentsUnrealistic expectations (more emphasis on

independence – grades, communication with college)

You need an advantage!Over 4 million high school students graduate

from college each year in the US with millions of students applying to college.

You must stand out from the crowd!

The Partnership

How do we solve them? Right tools (strategies) +

develop key skills + exposure to college setting

early in high school = success!

College Preparation ProcessCollege Application

Grades Courses

ACT/SAT Admission Essay Major Selection

Volunteer Internships

College Selection

FAFSA

How early do I start the college prep process?The college preparation process should begin

by the 6th grade!

Grades 6-8 => Focus on skill developmentGrades 9-12 => Focus on maintaining skills

and putting together college application

GradesHow do you learn best? Visual, Auditory, Manipulations

What do you do if your grades are low? Be honest with yourself – distractions, lack of

study skills, not understanding material

Take action – tutoring, change study habits

CoursesIf possible, take additional courses to give

you an advantage with your college applications

Take college prep level courses

ACT/SATPractice makes perfect!SAT Subject II TestsTalk with counselors about possible financial

assistance with paying for testsCollege admissions staff take these scores

very seriously when looking at your college application

Perfect scores (ACT=36, SAT=2400)

ACT/SAT Resourceshttp://www.collegeboard.org/ (SAT)http://www.act.org/ (ACT)

Keep up with the changes!

Admission EssayBe unique!Discuss experiences that will help admission

staff to understand why you want to go to college and what you hope to gain from your college experience

Have other people to proofread it.Watch out for spelling and grammatical

errors

Major SelectionYour major may not necessarily match your

future careerInterests, SkillsMinors and certifications

Volunteer/InternshipsStart in your community!

Develop organization skills and may actually find your ideal college major or career

Make a goal to volunteer at least 30 – 50 hours between 9th and 12th grade.

If necessary, create your own opportunities!

College SelectionLocationCostSafety measures – Virginia TechMajors offeredMeal planExtracurricular activitiesWhat matters to you?

Paying for CollegeCollege is an investment in your future!Start with the FAFSA form!Scholarships, Grants, LoansScholarships are ideal – start early!Grants – you don’t have to repay these backUse loans as a last resort! (Parent loans vs.

student loans)

Paying for College__%: Percentage of teen girls who are

stressed about finding a way to pay for college (verses __% of teen boys).  Teen girls are also more likely than boys to have feelings of depression or fear, fights with family, and fights with friends because of money.

SOURCE:  2009 survey completed by Bank of America and Seventeen.

Role of parents and college costsShould parents pay for all college costs?Who is responsible for repaying student loans

– parents or students?

More statistics_%: Number of teens who have had to alter

their college plans in some way because of the current economic downturn.

_%: Percentage of teen girls who think that their parents should bail them out of a tough money situation, no matter how old they are.

SOURCE:  2009 survey completed by Bank of America and Seventeen.

PSEO ProgramAllows high school students to take high

school and college coursesFree programMust maintain B average in all classesExposure to the college setting

Special Admissions ProcessStudent Athletes Keep track of meetings with recruiters,

coaches Organizational Skills“The Arts” – music, dance, theater, art You will be required to audition

Homeschool StudentsGet involved!Take the initiative and seek out summer

bridge programs for a smooth transition to college

Students with disabilitiesThere are resources on campus for you – note

takers, tutors, additional time on testing, and other special accommodations

Beyond AcademicRelationship with God – connect with church

in the areaSelf-Identity HealthSelf-management skills – responsibilities,

finances (budgeting)Relationships (dating, friendships,

professional)

Final Words for ParentsPartnershipSupport

Final Words for StudentsIt’s a process – take it one step at a timeTake control of your futureSeek resources and use them!Be confident

Contact Informationwww.collegeprepready.comwww.fb.com/prep4collegewww.twitter.com/prepforcollegeinfo@collegeprepready.com

Resourceshttp://www.collegeprep101.com/http://mappingyourfuture.org/CollegePrep/

selectcollege.htmCommunity (Church)