3. COMMAND
• Difficult at times but necessary.
• Among the 1st in a long line of big decisions
you’ll make in your lifetime.
• How can I take command today?
– CHECKLISTS!
4. Why Checklists?
• It’s simple and easy
• Breakdown larger pieces of the process…”How
do you eat an elephant?”
• Provides a map on what to tackle 1st, 2nd, etc.
• Much of this is done for you!
Collegeboard Big Future
5. What matters to colleges?
Visit Campus
Research events on college
website.
Sign up for a visit
Tour campus
Dress? Like a student…a
serious student
Got Questions? Prepare
some and ask them yourself
Sensible Course Selection
Rigor without rigor mortis
Dual Enrollment?
Summer courses at local
CC?
Summer courses at college
of choice?
Can’t change the past but
talk to us about it.
6. What about admission applications?
Common App or School
App? Preference?
Need rec. letters? How
many? Ask now!
When should I apply?
Is there a fee?
Is an essay required?
More than one?
Simple Essay Writing Formula
How my life was before
What happened to me
How I responded
How my (life, perspective,
etc) changed
Bonus: How this prepared me for
your school
7. CONNECT
• Command required communication
• Who communicates?
• What mediums of communication are acceptable?
Preferred?
• How??
• Practice…yeah, we’re talkin’ about practice!
• Scripts are good plus you get to work on writing skills
8. When I connect with colleges, I will…
Ask thoughtful questions
Answer any questions asked of me
Speak directly to the tour guide and
admissions counselor
Meet/connect with faculty and staff members
Meet/connect with alumni
Ask my GC and/or teachers for help
9. CALM
• A fun time of your life.
• Trust and enjoy the
process
• Step away from it at
times
• Note what you’re
learning about yourself
Tips to say cheerful
Exercise
Spend time with friends
and family
Travel
Volunteer
Play music
Have FUN!