The document outlines a lesson plan for ninth-grade students on the importance of education and the college application process. It includes activities to help students understand what colleges look for in applicants and develop a 'success action plan' for their future. The lesson aims to guide students in reflecting on their personal definitions of success and the steps needed for college readiness.

1. Clair Briggs, Claremont McKenna College '10 Lincoln Campbell, University of Minnesota '09 Greg Dohmann, University of Maryland '08 Holly McGarvie, Princeton University '09 Carolyn Rippe, Dartmouth College '10 Applying to College: a Ninth Grade Perspective

2. Directions for today… (3 minutes) As you move through the Powerpoint, make sure that you are answering ALL of the questions as you go along to receive full credit for the assignment (Worksheet Provided!). An estimated timeline is provided for you on each slide so that you can see generally if you are ON TRACK as you move through the lesson. From this point on: Anytime that you see the lightening bolt symbol, know that you are required to answer the questions shown!

3. Do Now (5 minutes) – Activity 1 Think about the term “success.” What does success mean to you? Reflect on your answer in 5-6 lines. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. How might college help you become successful? (I don’t know is NOT an option here!)

4. Objective (2 minutes) By the end of today’s lesson, students will be able to: Articulate why education (high school and college) is important for his/her life goals Describe the basic requirements and timeline of the college application process Search for college profiles using the internet Formulate concrete actions he/she will need to take to be on track when it comes to college applications in a “Success Action Plan”

5. Framing the lesson (1 minute) Today’s lesson has 4 major objectives (shown on the previous slide) The content today is extremely important as it affects YOU, your HOPES and your SUCCESS.

6. Agenda (2 minutes) Do Now and Lesson Set Up (10 minutes) Why is your education important? (5 minutes) Class of 2005 reflection: what actions and behaviors lead to success in high school? (15 minutes) College applications: What do colleges actually look for? (5 minutes) High school timeline activity:(5 minutes) Looking for the right college: (15 minutes) Success action plan: (5 minutes) Total expected length of lesson: (1 hour)

7. Why is your education important? (5 minutes) What trends do you notice? What changes based on the degree you receive?

8. Why is this true? The higher your education level, the more money you will make. Why do you think this is true? Take 2 minutes RIGHT NOW to brainstorm some ways in which college prepares you for a real job… record on the stop and jot section! Writing skills Speaking skills teamwork skills Problem-solving skills Love of learning Initiative Cool under pressure Attention to detail Team management Honesty

9. What happened to the Class of 2005? (15 minutes) – Activity 2 Go to this video link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/interactives/dcschools/cardozo/index.html Stephon, Anthony and Rocael were both students who attended a local DCPS school (like many of you!) Listen to their stories and respond to the following question in at least 5 sentences, using thoughtful examples to back up your responses. What specific actions or behaviors did the students exhibit? How did these actions or behaviors impact their future? Although college may seem far away at the moment, what actions and behaviors do you think you should exhibit to reach your goals?

10. So, what do colleges actually look for in an applicant? A challenging schedule Good grades High standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) Extracurricular activities Strong application essays Teacher letters of recommendation Other factors: athletic ability, interesting work experience, etc that make you stand out! Source: http://www.ecampustours.com/collegeplanning/applyingforcollege/whatcollegeslookfor

11. Check for understanding! Test yourself: try to list at least 4 things colleges look for in their applicants without looking back at the last slide. Think about your own status: If you applied to college tomorrow, what might be some of the weaker parts of your application? Would you have everything that colleges look for?

12. HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE ACTIVITY! Try to put together (in order) the various steps of the college application process on the timeline below. Enroll in AP Classes Take the SAT Complete college application forms Complete college application forms Visit college campuses or listen and ask questions to recruiters who visit your school Conduct a thorough college search Develop a list of traits you’d like to see in college Apply for financial aid Join extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles Request teacher recommendation Complete personal statements Prepare for the SAT Freshman year Sophomore year Junior year Senior year

13. HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE ACTIVITY! Check your work – did you come up with similar responses? Enroll in AP Classes Take the SAT Complete college application forms Complete college application forms Visit college campuses or listen and ask questions to recruiters who visit your school Conduct a thorough college search Develop a list of traits you’d like to see in college Apply for financial aid Join extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles Request teacher recommendation Complete personal statements Prepare for the SAT Freshman year / Sophomore year Junior year Senior year

14. The college search (15 minutes) Can be overwhelming!!! There are so many colleges to choose from and many different factors to consider

15. College Search: Factors to think about… (Activity 4) 1) Rank the following in order of importance to you when picking a college: A. Size B. Location C. Ranking D. Cost 2) Would you rather go to a school that has: a) more than 20,000 students b) between 10,000 and 20,000 students c) between 5,000 and 10,000 students d) between 2,000 and 5,000 students e) fewer than 2,000 students 3) Do you have any location preferences? 4) How competitive would you like your college to be? 5) What specific majors or programs should your school have?

16. Look up some college profiles using the College Board Keep the factors you came up with in mind. Step 1 : go to: http:// www.collegeboard.com Step 2 : Click on “Students” and then “College search” Step 3 : Click on “College matchmaker” Step 4 : Enter your preferences (click “no preference” if you do not have a preference or you are not sure) Step 5 : A list of potential college matches will come up. Browse through and pick 1 college you are interested in.

17. Your college profile should look like this: Click on the TABS to explore the college in detail!

18. College profile search result: Fill out the following information about one college of your choice! College name: Location: Cost per year: Average SAT score: Average GPA: Student population size: Why does this college appeal to you?

19. SUCCESS ACTION PLAN! Activity 5 My Plan of Action (What concrete actions will you take to make sure that you have all of these things by the time you are a senior?) What do college look for? (What are the main qualities colleges look for in an applicant?)