College Expo 2014

Author, Blogger, Coach

Doctoral Student UCSD

QM Scholars ProgramMother of 3!

Stop by my booth . . .

Clarifications before we begin . . .

No guarantee for admission, period.

Far more than 10 tips.“College-bound” is broad spectrum

High School StudentsParents of K-5, Middle, & HSCommunity College TransfersCSUs, UCs, and Ivy Leaguers!

Top 10 Things Students Do ToGet Admitted!

Tip #10: Backward Design it!

“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your designation.”

—Stephen R. CoveyHabit #2, “Begin with the End in Mind”

“Pinpoint where you want to be in 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years from now, and strategically work backward from that point.” —Quetzal Mama

Chapter 7, “Think Backwards”

Tip #9: The Big Four: Requirements!

Graduation RequirementsCollege Preparatory (A-G)

RequirementsPrivate or Competitive College

RequirementsDiscipline-Specific (Major)

Requirements

Natalie wants UC BerkeleyMechanical Engineering . . .

Tip #8: The Big Three: Exams!

Entrance Exams (SAT/ACT)AP or IB Exams

SAT Subject Tests

Natalie will strategize:AP Exams: AP Physics, AP Calculus

Subject Tests: Math Level 2 & PhysicsSAT Math score weighted

Tip #7: The Belly Button Rule

“Opinions are like belly buttons.Everyone has one.”

Successful StudentsKnow college admissions is a complex landscape

Get the right type of helpUnderstand what qualifies as an “expert”

Tip #6: Kill Three Birds with One Stone

NO “Cover all Bases” ApproachNO “Passive” Approach

YES “Discipline-Specific Activities”YES “Leadership focused Activities”

YES “Altruistic Activities”

Tip #5: The Tightrope of Grades & Rigor

Paradox: Grades are King, but . . .Colleges Want Students who Challenge

Themselves

Successful students:Focus on courses related to intended major

Hedge their bets

Tip #4: Optimism versus Realism

Successful students:Strategize and apply to the best colleges for

themMaximize potential financial aid offeringsCome March 30, many offers on the table

Tip #3: Putting the Funk in Perfunctory!

Successful students:Strategize LORs

Strategize Standard ExamsStrategize Personal Statements

PerfunctoryAn actionor gesturecarried out

with minimumeffort or

reflection.

Tip #2: “Nail” the Personal Statement

Successful students:It’s no mystery – an art and science to

writing.Every word counts: one shot to tell their

story.All things equal, the PS can give the edge.

Tip #1: Stack the Deck!

Successful students:Know there is not one magical thing.

Cumulative effect based on many factors.Got to “nail” each component to stack the deck.

It’s about odds, not a slam dunk.

C O L L E G E

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