This presentation was given at the Michigan College Access Network Conference on April 13, 2011 at the University of Michigan--Dearborn Campus

1. Partnering with Parents to Support Academic Preparedness in St. Clair County St. Clair County KnowHow2GO Michigan College Access Network Conference April 13, 2011 St. Clair County KnowHow2Go – Local College Access Network Creating a college-going culture in our community, in our schools, and with our families.

2. Our Mission Creating a college-going culture in our community, in our schools, and with our families.

4. St. Clair County KnowHow2Go – Local College Access Network Creating a college-going culture in our community, in our schools, and with our families. Leveraging resources to create a college-goingculture

5. St. Clair County KnowHow2Go – Local College Access Network Creating a college-going culture in our community, in our schools, and with our families. Our KH2GO Goals

6. Promoting KnowHow2GO

8. Expert teachers

10. ACT Prep Key Points

12. Selective Colleges

13. College Sports

15. College Essay Writing

16. Streamlining your preparation: Details about our College Essay Writing session

17. “Write on the page, not in your head.” Debbie Merion

18. Why this Event is So Effective Super-sized support: Parents, teachers and educators share an event to support students. For super-sized anxiety: College applications are stressful, writing can be as well. (“writer’s block”) Writing style can be mysterious: “We are taught to write about what we know, not who we are.” Students can support other students: Lessening the need for secrecy, even though the goal of the essay is to be unique.

19. After the Teaching, the Excitement Begins Powerful mini-coaching session: After the teaching, students meet individually with adult professionals to brainstorm ideas, share drafts. The early goal: At this tender, early stage of college essay writing, we help students understand and embrace strengths that will interest colleges. The final goal: Apply, get accepted, and learn writing skills to be used in college and beyond.

20. Beyond a High School Essay: The reader has never met you. More about who you are than what you know. Five-paragraph standard format is not required.

21. “Show Don’t Tell” Example 1 I am confident. I smile at people when I pass them in the hallways.

22. Characteristics of Sought-After Students Growth potential or evidence Enthusiastic (AKA passionate) Talented (shows) Initiative (demonstrated) Leadership Anagram to remember: GET In Lead Growth and leadership in areas of interest

23. Access our kit: www.sccresa.orgKnowHow2GO tab College Survival Kit

24. Explore, Plan, ACT

25. Total ParticipationKH2Go Events

29. What questions do you have?

30. Contacts Gale Simon, Higher Education Consultant St. Clair County KnowHow2GO simon.gale@sccresa.org 810-455-4230 Cathy Busdicker, Parent Liaison St. Clair County KnowHow2GO busdicker.cathy@sccresa.org 810-455-4014 Debbie Merion, Essay Coach debbie@essaycoaching.comessaycoaching.com 734-646-5985