Week 1: College Process & Reasons to Go
Name 3 materials a college application may ask for
Essay(s), test scores, letters of recommendation, list of extracurriculars, academic transcript
Name 2 types of "post-secondary institution" (school after high school)
Community college, technical college, liberal arts college, research university, etc
What is the main application material that tells a college how academically competitive you are?
High school transcript/GPA
Name 2 sections you may have on your resume
Education, work experience, volunteer experience, leadership experience, skills/proficiencies, achievements, honors...
What is the definition of "fit" when looking at colleges?
How well a college/university meets YOUR needs socially, academically, geographically, financially
Name 3 reasons to go to college
On average, college graduates have: higher job satisfaction, higher average income, higher community involvement, healthier lifestyles, better health insurance
Name 2 types of degree that a college or university could award someone
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree (Arts, Sciences), Master's Degree, Doctoral Degree (PhD, MD, JD, DVM...)
Name 2 "core" high school courses
English, social studies, math, science
How many pages is a resume, typically?
Just 1!
What is the definition of "match" when looking at colleges?
How well YOU fit the needs/wants of a college: your academic competitiveness, how you'll add to their community in extracurriculars, how much $ you bring them, etc
Name of the major financial aid application form
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Name 1 difference between a public institution and a private institution
Federal vs. private funding, public schools often offer in-state tuition benefits (lower average cost), financial aid forms can differ (FAFSA vs. CSS Profile)
3-4 years of "core" classes, high GPA, improved grades over time, rigorous classes
Cover letter, CV, letter of recommendation
What is the "X Factor"?
Intuitive/indescribable feeling of liking a particular college or university. Remember, not everyone experiences the X Factor and that's okay!!
Name 2 types of college application (hint: think deadlines!)
Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admission, Regular Decision
Name 1 difference between a non-profit private institution and a for-profit private institution
Different goals/missions, for-profit tends to cost more & have lower graduation rates, non-profit tends to spend more $ on their students
Performing/visual arts, foreign language, elective in the field of your intended major
What is the main difference between a CV and a resume?
CV lists ALL experience while resume is customized to what you're applying to
Name 3 ways or websites to find colleges or universities you're interested in
College fairs, Google search, BigFuture, College Scorecard, US News
May 1
What "PWI" and "MSI" stand for (hint: they're opposites!)
What is the word limit for the main Common Application essay?
650 words
BONUS JEOPARDY: How many students are enrolled in (one of) the country's SMALLEST college(s)?
10 students are enrolled in The College of Saint Thomas More in Fort Worth, TX
What is the definition of "retention rate"?
What % of students at a given college or university return after their freshman year. This % can indicate satisfaction or happiness of students!