The document provides information about preparing for and applying to college. It discusses why students should go to college, different types of colleges and their pros and cons, the high school experience including classes, grades, extracurricular activities, and resources. It then covers the college admissions process including grades, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and timelines for applications. An example student, Harjit Kaur, is used to illustrate following the process through her junior and senior years of high school.

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Why Go to College?
Helps you discover your calling
Increase your understanding of the world
and community around you
Gives you the skills to be successful
Critical Thinking
High School and the College
Application Process Communication Skills
Yuba City – October 18th 2009
Saanjh College Workshop
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Why Go to College? Types of Colleges
Monetary value Community Colleges
Median earnings for someone with a: 4 Year Universities
HS Diploma $32,500 Public
Associate’s $42,000 Private
Bachelor’s $53,000
$ ,
Trade Schools/Vocational
Master’s $63,000
Advanced (PhD, MD) $100,000+ Military
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Community College Community College
Public 2 year schools that grant certificates and Associate’s Degree Must be the step towards a Bachelor’s Degree
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Examples - Yuba College, DeAnza College, Ohlone College
After completing Community College, some students transfer to a 4
year university.
Pros Cons
•Inexpensive •Easy to get stuck and lose time
•Convenient Locations (Closer to •Smaller variety of courses/majors
Home) •Difficulty transferring credits
•Smaller Class Sizes
•More interaction with professors
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Public University Private University
4 year publicly funded. (90% of funding comes from state) 4 year privately funded universities that differ substantially in
academic standards and mission statements
Examples -
UC System- Berkeley, UCLA, Davis, Irvine, San Diego, Examples -
Riverside, Merced Ivy League- Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Penn, Cornell,
CSU - Hayward, Sacramento State, Fresno State Dartmouth
California - Stanford, Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, University of
Pacific
Pros Cons
Affordable Tuition Very large student populations
Pros Cons
Dynamic Atmosphere (Social, Diverse) Access to information Academic Excellence Less diverse student population
Flexibility Lack of availability of class seats Close-knit community Cost of Tuition
Numerous Majors Lack of access to Professors Students tend to be more involved
Knowledgeable Professors academically
Class Size
Offer Merit Scholarships
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Target is a 4 year University
A Bachelor s Degree is the goal.
Bachelor’s
You can achieve this by:
Attending a 4-year University after High School
Attending a Community College for 2 years and
transferring to 4-year University after your
second year
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How High School Works
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What you need to know about HS High School Timeline
How long does it take? 4 years to complete
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Student starts when they’re 14 years old
What do their grades mean?
Freshman - 9th grade
What do they do there?
Sophomore - 10th grade
What help and assistance can they get? Junior - 11th grade
How are they prepared for getting into college? Senior - 12th grade
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High School Class Schedule Grades
Grades assigned by letter.
Yuba City High School
y g +/- also used to distinguish i.e. B+ is between 87-90%
Traditional Schedule Teachers have different grading scales for various classes, but this scale is
- Student takes 6 classes per day for the entire year usually the most common :
- option of taking prep. period before school starts
A 90% - 100% Excellent
River Valley High School B 80% - 89% Good
Block Schedule C 70% - 79% Average
- Student takes four 1 ½ hour classes per day from
Aug.- Dec. D 60% - 69% Below Average
- In Jan., student begins four new classes
- Total of eight classes per year F 59% and below Failing
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Grade Point Average (GPA) Sample Report Card
Nu e ca ep ese tat o of grades
Numerical representation o g ades Subject Grade
0.00 to 4.00
Biology 1 A-
All A Grades - 4.00 GPA
All B Grades - 3.00 GPA Algebra 2 B+
Report cards and grades are mailed English 2C B-
home/available online
h / il bl li
Go online to see your child’s current progress
Physical Education A
Total GPA 3.5
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Average GPA at Colleges Class Rank
UC Berkeley - 4.34
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Each student is given a ranking
UCLA- 4.36 relative to their fellow students
UC Davis - 4.03
Valedictorian - First in class
Salutatorian - Second in class
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Extracurricular Activities Sports
Extracurricular activities help students gain Football
responsibilities and refine focus Volleyball
Sports and Activities
Baseball
Student Government
Community Service Clubs Track
Academic Clubs
Work Experience
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Student Government Community Service
Class and school government
g Key Club
Students can be officers for their classes and school Interact Club
Student can get involved immediately at any grade
Red Cross Club
FBLA
FFA
Can b f
C be found through
d th h
School
Local and Community Organizations
Hospitals
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Academic Clubs Work Experience
Working p
g part-time during the school years
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Mathletes
Summer work and internships
Decathalons
Biology Club
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Parent Teacher Conference High School Resources
Questions to ask during the conference
How has my child performed so far this year?
H.S. Counselors
What skills and knowledge will my child be learning in your class?
Academic advisors who help students pick classes, register
Will my child complete any major projects or term papers this year?
for SAT/ACT, apply to different colleges, and find activities
How do you determine grades on assignments? How do you determine his or her overall grade for the class? Career Center
If my child needs help, is tutoring available?
Helps students find info on colleges, tests, and
scholarships/financial aid
If my child is a fast-learner how can you and the school make sure he or she is challenged?
Avid Program
Is this a college-track class? How does this class help students build skills to succeed in college?
Program focused on students who are going to be first
What resources are available at school to help my child with your class?
generation in their family to attend college
Help with admissions process
How can I help my child succeed in your class this year?
Assist with finding scholarships
What resources would help my child do his work better? Are there additional books or resources available at school or in
the community that would help him or her?
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Planning your HS Classes
Meet with your counselor as early as possible
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Come up with a 4-year plan
Review College requirements
Ex. UC/CSU A-G requirements
Select a challenging course load
College Admissions
Process
October to January of your Senior Year
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What it takes to get into College Finding the Right College
Good Grades Students should fill out the College Questionnaire attached to this
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Difficulty f
Diffi l of course selection is also measured
l i i l d presentation.
Test Scores Determine what matters to you and your student (size, costs, location etc)
SAT and ACT Come up with a list of choices
Determine which choices are practical
Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
Passionate involvement and leadership
Resources (Princeton Review and College Board)
Essays and Personal Statement http://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings.aspx
Clearly communicate what your goals are
http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search/adv_typeofschool
htt // ll h ll b d / h/ d t f h l
Letters of Recommendation .jsp
Pick teacher and people who know you the best
Standing out
Leadership and being unique
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Grades Average GPAs
Difficulty of course selection is regarded as one of the most
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important factors in admissions
UCLA- 4.36
For more competitive colleges, students need to take AP/IB
and honors courses UC Davis - 4.03
UC Santa Cruz- 3.76
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SAT and ACT SAT and ACT
Standardized Test that all College Applicants take
g pp ACT test
Scored on a 36 point scale
SAT Reasoning Test - 2400 points
Math, English, Reading, Science Sections
Some Schools prefer either SAT or ACT
For more competitive schools, students generally take both
SAT and ACT
800 Points Critical Reading
800 Points Mathematics
800 Points Writing
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Average SAT Score SAT and ACT Test Dates
UCLA- 2004 SAT Test Test ACT Test Dates
Dates 2009-
UC Berkeley- 2034 10
2009-10
November 7, SAT & Subject September 12, 2009
UC Davis- 1887
2009 Tests
December 5, SAT & Subject October 24, 2009
2009 Tests
December 12, 2009
January 23,
y , SAT & Subject
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2010 Tests
February 6, 2010
March 13, 2010 SAT only
April 10, 2010
May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject
Tests
June 12, 2010
June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject
Tests
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Essays Essay Prompts
Most colleges require some sort of essay or Prompt #1
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personal statement Describe the world you come from — for example, your
family, community or school — and tell us how your world
has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
CSU
Application does not require an essay Prompt #2
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment,
UC contribution or experience that is important to you. What
about this quality or accomplishment makes y p
q y p you proud and
Application requires two personal statements. how does it relate to the person you are?
Usually about your background and goals
See that attached worksheet, “Personal Statement Tips” to
Private Schools learn about how to write a thorough and compete personal
statement.
Require several essays or short answer
responses on the application
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Letters of Recommendation Letters of Recommendation
A personalized recommendation from a teacher, counselor,
p , , Over the years, you have been in many classes and have
coach or another person on behalf of the student had many teachers. Out of all of them, which ones have
UC and CSU do not require letters
you connected with the most?
If a school would like two recommendations, it is ideal to
Private Universities usually require several letters of choose one teacher from a social science department
Recommendation and one from an either math/science department.
If a school asks for one, pick the one in which you have
more of a personal connection with.
f l ti ith
Try to pick teachers that know you outside of the
classroom and can remember specific things about you
and the relationship you have with one another.
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Brag Sheet Meet Harjit Kaur
It is important to gather all your extra curricular Grew up here in
activities and/or honors together on paper and
categorize them
Yuba City
This process is called the Brag Sheet and takes
form in a document that summarizes one's Dad and Mom work
accomplishments in the Sunsweet
It makes it easier for the common application as
well as th UC application b
ll the li ti because thi exercise i
this i is
factory
y
basically what is on the application
This is particularly helpful during interviews as Junior in High
well as "additional information" sections School
See the attached document
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By the End of Junior Year Summer after Junior Year
Maintained good study habits
g y Harjit gets a j for the summer working at the supermarket.
j g job g p
This helps her save some money for college.
Participated in Extracurricular Activities
She spends the summer studying for the SAT test.
Took challenging coursework Takes a SAT prep course
Advanced Placement courses (AP) Buys SAT prep books from the bookstore
Started attending college fairs and identifying schools to visit
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Summer after Junior Year September of Senior Year
Harjit decides that she wants to visit some colleges she’s
j g Harjit meets with her guidance counselor to
interested in attending.
make sure she is taking all of the required
She and her parents go to see Berkeley and Stanford courses.
University Campuses
She chooses a challenging set of classes
Harjit starts working on her personal statement
She picks 10 colleges that she wants to
apply to and develops her application plan.
l t dd l h li ti l
Harjit notes all of the application deadlines
and sets up an application filing system.
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October of Senior Year November of Senior Year
Harjit plays on the varsity volleyball team Harjit submits her application to the UC schools because the
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deadline is…
and her team has been doing well.
Continues to maintain her grades and excel in her classes.
Harjit takes the SAT I and receives a great
score! She continues to complete her community service hours at
the hospital
She has been drafting her college essays
and reviews th
d i them with her counselor and
ith h l d
english teacher.
She asks her Biology teacher and counselor
to write her recommendation letter.
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December of Senior Year January of Senior Year
Harjit submits applications for Stanford, etc on December 15
j pp , Harjit meets with her guidance counselor and reviews her
j g
grades
She obtains financial aid forms from http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
She submits applications for the following schools:
Takes her finals and does well. Stanford
Berkeley
Davis
Harvard
Sacramento State
University of Pacific
Harjit submits her completed FAFSA forms
She begins searching from scholarships
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February of Senior Year March of Senior Year
Harjit starts looking for summer work.
j g Harjit receives Student Aid Report (SAR) from the
Continues to look for scholarship money
Federal Student Aid Program and reviews for
accuracy.
Responds to requests from colleges for additional
information Harjit receives acceptance letters from 4 schools
where she applied.
Stanford, Berkeley, Univ of Pacific, Sacramento
State
She can’t decide amongst these schools and so she
plans to visit her top 3.
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April of Senior Year May of Senior Year
Harjit begins receiving financial aid awards letters from the
j g g Harjit decides to attend Stanford!
j
colleges that accepted her.
Harjit makes loan arrangements and reports all of the private
She talks to her parents about the options and gets ready to scholarships that she received as well.
make her decision before the May 1st deadlines
She notifies the colleges that she won’t be attending.
She sends thank-you notes to the teachers and counselors
who advised and assisted her.
+ + 9th Grade to begin talking about colleges and careers.
Meet with your counselor
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Make sure you are enrolled in the appropriate college-preparatory or tech-
prep courses.
Get off to a good start with your grades. The grades you earn in ninth grade
will be included in your final high school GPA and class rank.
Explore your interests and possible careers. Take advantage of Career Day
opportunities.
Get involved in extracurricular activities (both school and non-school-
sponsored).
Talk to your parents about planning for college expenses. Continue or begin a
savings plan for college.
Look at the college information available in your counselor’s office and school
and public libraries. Use the Internet to check out college Web sites.
Tour a nearby college, if possible. Visit relatives or friends who live on or near
a college campus. Check out the dorms, go to the library or student center,
and get a feel for co ege life.
ge ee o college e
Read a lot. Consider spending your free time reading the following classic
High School Plan works
Checklist http://bestsellers.about.com/od/readingrecommendations/tp/Summe
rReading.htm
Investigate summer enrichment programs.
Center for Talented Youth (Johns Hopkins - http://cty.jhu.edu/)
Educational Program for Gifted Youth (Stanford -
http://epgy.stanford.edu/)
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10th Grade 10th Grade (cont)
Fall Winter
In October, take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Discuss your PSAT score with your counselor.
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) for practice. When you fill out your The people who read college applications aren’t looking
p p g pp g
test sheet, check the box that releases your name to colleges so you just for grades. Get involved in activities outside the
can start receiving brochures from them. classroom. Work toward leadership positions in the
Ask your guidance counselor about the American College Testing activities that you like best. Become involved in community
program’s PLAN (Pre-ACT) assessment program, which helps service and other volunteer activities.
determine your study habits and academic progress and interests. Read, read, read. Read as many books as possible from a
This test will prepare you for the ACT Assessment next year. comprehensive reading list.
Take geometry if you have not already done so. Take biology and a Work on your writing skills—you’ll need them no matter
second year of a foreign language.
y g g g what you do.
Become familiar with general college entrance requirements. Find a teacher or another adult who will advise and
Participate in your school’s or state’s career development activities. encourage you to write well.
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10th Grade (cont) 11th Grade
Fall
Spring
Meet with your counselor to review the courses you’ve taken, and see what you still need
Keep your grades up so you can have the highest GPA and class rank to take.
possible.
Check your class rank. Even if your grades haven t been that good so far, it’s never too
haven’t it s
Ask your counselor about postsecondary enrollment options and late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
If you didn’t do so in tenth grade, sign up for and take the PSAT/NMSQT. In addition to
Continue to explore interests and careers that you think you might like. National Merit Scholarships, this is the qualifying test for the National Scholarship
Begin zeroing in on the type of college you would prefer (two-year or four- Service and National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program.
year, small or large, rural or urban). Make sure that you have a social security number.
If you are interested in attending a military academy, such as West Point or Take a long, hard look at why you want to continue your education after high school so
Annapolis, now is the time to start planning and getting information. you will be able to choose the best college or university for your needs.
Write to colleges and ask for their academic requirements for admission. Make a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria (size, location, distance
Visit a few more college campuses Read all of the mail you receive from
campuses. from home, majors, academic rigor, housing, and cost). Weigh each of the factors
colleges. You may see something you like. according to their importance to you.
Continue visiting college fairs. You may be able to narrow your choices or add a college
Attend college fairs.
to your list.
Keep putting money away for college. Get a summer job.
Speak to college representatives who visit your high school.
Consider taking SAT II Subject Tests in the courses you took this year
If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, start the
while the material is still fresh in your mind. These tests are offered in May certification process. Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking a core
and June. curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
If you are interested in one of the military academies, talk to you guidance counselor
about starting the application process now.
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11th Grade (cont) 11th Grade (cont)
Spring
Winter
Meet with your counselor to review senior-year course selection and
Collect information about college application procedures, entrance graduation requirements.
requirements, tuition and fees, room and board costs, student activities, course
offerings,
offerings faculty composition accreditation, and financial aid. The Internet is a
composition, accreditation aid Discuss ACT Assessment/SAT I scores with your counselor. Register to take
y g
good way to visit colleges and obtain this information. Begin comparing the the ACT Assessment and/or SAT I again if you’d like to try to improve your
schools by the factors that you consider to be most important. score.
Discuss your PSAT score with your counselor. Discuss the college essay with your guidance counselor or English teacher.
Begin narrowing down your college choices. Find out if the colleges you are Stay involved with your extracurricular activities. Colleges look for
interested in require the SAT I, ACT Assessment, or SAT II Subject Tests for consistency and depth in activities.
admission. Consider whom you will ask to write your recommendations. Think about
Register for the ACT Assessment, which is usually taken in April or June. You can asking teachers who know you well and who will write positive letters about
take it again late in your junior year or in the fall of your senior year, if necessary. you. Letters from a coach, activity leader, or an adult who knows you well
Begin preparing for the tests you’ve decided to take. outside of school (e.g., volunteer work contact) are also valuable.
t id f h l ( l t k t t) l l bl
Have a discussion with your parents about the colleges in which you are Inquire about personal interviews at your favorite colleges. Call or write for
interested. Examine financial resources, and gather information about financial early summer appointments. Make necessary travel arrangements.
aid. See your counselor to apply for on-campus summer programs for high
Set up a filing system with individual folders for each college’s correspondence school students. Apply for a summer job or internship. Be prepared to pay
and printed materials. for college application, financial aid, and testing fees in fall.
Request applications from schools you’re interested in by mail or via the
Internet.
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11th Grade (cont) 12th Grade
Summer Fall
Continue to take a full course load of college-prep courses.
Visit the campuses of your top-five college choices.
Keep working on your grades. Make sure you have taken the courses necessary to
After each college interview, send a thank-you letter to the interviewer. graduate in the spring.
Talk to
T lk t people you k
l know who h
h have attended the colleges i which you are
tt d d th ll in hi h Continue to participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Demonstrate
interested. initiative, creativity, commitment, and leadership in each.
Continue to read books, magazines, and newspapers. To male students: you must register for selective service on your eighteenth birthday
to be eligible for federal and state financial aid.
Practice filling out college applications, and then complete the final
application forms or apply online through the Web sites of the colleges in Talk to counselors, teachers, and parents about your final college choices.
which you’re interested. Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and
scholarships.
Volunteer in your community.
Check resource books, computer programs, and your guidance office for information
Compose rough drafts of your college essays. Have a teacher read and on scholarships and grants. Ask colleges about scholarships for which you may
discuss them with you. Proofread them, and prepare final drafts. Proofread qualify.
your fi l essays at l
final t least three times.
t th ti Give recommendation forms to the teachers you have chosen, along with stamped,
Develop a financial aid application plan, including a list of the aid sources, self-addressed envelopes so your teachers can send them directly to the colleges. Be
requirements for each application, and a timetable for meeting the filing sure to fill out your name, address, and school name on the top of the form. Talk to
you recommendation writers about your goals and ambitions.
deadlines.
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12th Grade (cont) 12th Grade (cont)
Fall (cont) Winter
Give School Report forms to your high school’s guidance office. Fill in your name, Attend whatever college-preparatory nights are held at your school or by local
address, and any other required information on top. Verify with your guidance organizations.
counselor the schools to which transcripts, test scores, and letters are to be sent. Give Send midyear g
y grade reports to colleges. Continue to focus on your schoolwork!
p g y
your counselor any necessary f
l forms at l
t least t
t two weeks b f
k before th are d or
they due
whenever your counselor’s deadline is, whichever is earlier. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, if necessary,
PROFILE®. These forms can be obtained from your guidance counselor or at
Register for and take the ACT Assessment, SAT I, or SAT II Subject Tests, as http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to download the forms or to file electronically. These forms
necessary. may not be processed before January 1, so don’t send them before then.
Be sure you have requested (either by mail or online) that your test scores be sent to Mail or send electronically any remaining applications and financial aid forms before
the colleges of your choice. winter break. Make sure you apply to at least one college that you know you can
Mail or send electronically any college applications for early-decision admission by afford and where you know you will be accepted.
November 1. Follow up to make sure that the colleges have received all application information,
If possible, visit colleges while classes are in session. including recommendations and test scores.
If you plan to apply f an ROTC scholarship, remember that your application is due
f for O C i i i i Meet with your counselor to verify that all applicable forms are i order and have
i if i f in
by December 1. been sent out to colleges.
Print extra copies or make photocopies of every application you send.
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12th Grade (cont) What Parents Should do
Spring
Communicating
Watch your mail between March 1 and April 1 for acceptance notifications from colleges.
Watch your mail for notification of financial aid awards between April 1 and May 1. Give positive feedback and show appreciation for teachers and
Compare the financial aid packages from the colleges and universities that have accepted
principals.
you. Keep a positive attitude and an open mind when dealing with school
Make your final choice, and notify all schools of your intent by May 1. If possible, do not personnel.
decide without making at least one campus visit. Send your nonrefundable deposit to your
chosen school by May 1 as well. Request that your guidance counselor send a final Share expectations and set goals for your child with his or her teacher.
transcript to the college in June. Attend parent-teacher conferences make appointments as necessary to
Be sure that you have received a FAFSA acknowledgment. discuss your child’s progress.
If you applied for a Pell Grant (on the FAFSA), you will receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) Understand and reinforce school rules and expectations at home.
statement. Review this Pell notice, and forward it to the college you plan to attend. Make a
copy for your record. Attend PTA or parent meetings, education fairs, and other special events
Complete follow-up paperwork for the college of your choice (scheduling orientation
(scheduling, at the school.
session, housing arrangements, and other necessary forms).
Read classroom or school newsletters, and visit the school’s web site.
Summer Notify teachers of any significant changes that have taken place in your
If applicable, apply for a Stafford Loan through a lender. Allow eight weeks for processing. child’s life, such as a death in the family, loss of income, or the
divorce/separation of the parents.
Receive the orientation schedule from your college.
Get residence hall assignment from your college. Meet your child’s friends and get to know their parents.
Obtain course scheduling and cost information from your college. Assist in developing parent support groups and programs.
Congratulations! You are about to begin the greatest adventure of your life. Good luck.
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What Parents Should do Story of the Application Process
Student Learning Student has taken challenging courses(AP, Honors)
Discuss your child’s school day and homework daily. Student has been in involved in the community and extracurricular
Know your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.
y g Student studies for the SAT
Student takes SAT
Know your child’s learning style to better understand HOW your child
learns. Use the student Learning Style Quiz here in Education Planner. Prepare your application
Write the essay
Provide a quiet, comfortable, well lit place with basic school supplies for
studying and homework. Get recommendation letters
Develop a consistent daily routine for studying and homework. Decide what major you want
Prepare Financial Aid Application
Help your child avoid distractions by restricting telephone, television, and
computer use during studying and homework time. Colleges receive the application and begin processing
Colleges make choices based on
Help your child break down big homework assignments into smaller, more
manageable pieces. Academic Qualifications
Assist with homework, but avoid doing it for your child. SAT
Grades
Provide your child with books, magazines, newspapers, and other
materials and encourage regular reading, especially reading for fun. Diversity of student population
Essay
Provide encouragement and praise for your child’s efforts.
Send acceptance notices in March and April
Financial Aid sent in April to May
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Online Resources What Next?
Questions?
www.saanjh.org
www saanjh org
Email: College.Saanjh@gmail.com
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19. College Questionnaire for Students:
Please consider the factors below and mark the level of importance it has in regards
to your college decision process.
Factor: Extremely Very Neutral Somewhat Not
Important Important Important Important
Closeness to home
Size of
college/university
Selectivity
ratio/prestige
Athletics/Intramural
Sports
Professor to Student
Ratio
Greek Life
Financial Aid
Coed/Single Sex School
Large Sikh Population
After you ponder the factors above and come up with a list of colleges that might
interest you, make sure take it to the next step by answering the questions below:
Basic Questions:
1. Where is this college? Is it too close/far from home? Are you comfortable
with the weather there?
2. How big is the school? Are you comfortable with the size of undergraduates
attending the school?
3. Is this a coed or single sex school? Does it have any religious affiliation? If so,
how do you feel about this?
4. What is the graduation rate? Do people normally graduate in 4 years? 5
years?
5. Do you know what major you are interested in? Do any programs in
particular interest you?
6. How much is it to attend? Is financial aid available?
Going beyond the basics:
1. What are some of the strong academic programs offered at this college?
2. What characterizes the social life? How many students join fraternities or
sororities? How do you feel about this?
3. Do you feel you will be able to take the courses you want with ease?
4. Will it be easy for you to explore different academic interests? Will you be
able to change your major with ease?

20. Is it a possibility?
1. What are the average SAT or ACT scores for this college? How do you
compare?
2. What are the average GPAs of the most recent incoming freshmen class? How
do you compare?
3. Are there any other qualifications you must have in order to apply?
Personal Statement Tips:
Writing your personal statement can be a very overwhelming task, but by taking
small steps, you will find, it’s very simple!
A few questions to think about before writing:
1. What are some important experiences I’ve had in my life? Is there anything
that comes to mind when I think of a challenge I had to overcome?
2. What is something I am passionate about? Can I think of any activity that I
have spent a great deal of my time doing? How has this contributed to who I
am as a person?
3. Is there anyone who has greatly influenced me? How has this person changed
my thought process? How am I a better person now, in comparison to when I
first met this person?
4. What are your goals in life? How do they relate to a possible career choice?
What have I done to explore this interest of mine?
5. Is there a particular quality that I posses that makes me stand out? How have
I displayed this in my everyday life?
It is important to remember that although you may think certain things you have
been through or do on a day‐to‐day basis are “normal” or simply ordinary, other
people think the contrary. Your experiences, thoughts, and personalities traits are
what make you unique. College admissions personnel want to hear about you – they
want to hear about the little things that make you who you are. Don’t be afraid to
talk about something because it is different. Being different allows you to be noticed
amongst the thousands of other applicants. Be daring and most importantly, be
yourself!
A few tips to remember when writing:
Be specific: You do not have a lot of space to answer a question. Therefore, be
concise and say what matters most. Do not ramble on or go off‐topic!
Answer the question: Often times, you get caught up on a particular event or issue
and you spend most of the essay explaining what happened, rather than answering
how this particular event relates to you. Make sure you clearly state the answer to
the question the prompt is asking.

21. Write about something you know: Do not try to pretend to be someone you are
not. It is best to write about something you are comfortable with and feel confident
about. Don’t think you have to write about something because you think a college
admissions officer wants to hear about it.
Write in your own voice: Although it is important to keep a sense of
professionalism in your essay by not using slang, try not to use words you do not
know the meanings off. Although it is tempting to search a word in a thesaurus, try
to use words you know. College admissions officers know when you awkwardly
trying to use an overly complicated word.
Avoid clichés: By all means, do not use clichés! If you want to be a doctor, do not
write that you simply want “to help people”. Go beyond that thought. What do you
want to do? Why does it matter to you?
Open with a hook: Try to engage the reader with an interesting sentence to open
your personal statement. Make them want to read your essay. If you are bored while
writing this personal statement, what makes you think someone will have fun
reading it?
Check grammar and spelling: Make sure you have someone proofreading your
personal statement to make sure you avoid any spelling or grammatical errors.
These are the easiest mistakes to prevent!
Ask others to read your personal statement: The best way to improve your
personal statement is to have others critique it. Don’t be shy!

22.
Brag Sheet
Name:
School Activities:
Activity Year Accomplishments
9 10 11 12
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
Service Activities:
Activity Year Organization Supervisor
9 10 11 12
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
Leadership:
Activity Year Accomplishments
9 10 11 12
X X X X
X X X
X X X X
Recognition and Awards:
Recognition and Awards Year Organization or Activity
9 10 11 12
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X

23. EVALUATION SHEET
1. Why did you attend this workshop? quhwfw ies vrkSwp ivc ihsw lYx dw kI kwrn hY?
2. What did you find to be most valuable in the entire workshop? ies vrkSwp dw ikhVw ih~sw quhwnUM sb qoN
PwiedymMd ligAw?
3. What did you feel could have been included and was not? quhwfy iKAwl nwl, ies vrkswp iv~c ikhVIAW kmIAW
rh geIAW?
4. Can you suggest some ways in which the workshop can be improved? ies vrkSwp nUM hor vdIAw krn leI qusI
kI suJwA dy skdy ho?
5. Any further comments? qusI Apxy hor koeI svwl jW ivcwr ilKo [
Applicable
Disagree
Disagree
Strongly
Strongly
Neutral
Agree
Agree
Not
Please circle your response to each statement.
The workshop covered what I expected it to cover. 1 2 3 4 5 0
vrkSwp ivc myrI aumId muqwbk jwxkwrI idqI geI[
The workshop content was helpful. 1 2 3 4 5 0
vrkSwp myry vwsqy bhuq PwiedymMd sI[
The content of the workshop answered most of my 1 2 3 4 5 0
questions.
ies vrkSwp ny myry bhuq swry svwlW dw jvwb idqw[
The Facilitator was clear and effective. 1 2 3 4 5 0
vrkSwp kwrn vwilAW ny cMgI qrw smjwieAw sI[
The supporting materials provided were relevant and 1 2 3 4 5 0
useful for me.
vrkSwp qy idqy gey n~QI nots bhuq PwiedymMd sn[