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MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Learning Goals
In Visit 7, students will:
- Learn key aspects of applying to college
- Learn what they can do to improve their chances of getting into college
- Learn what a college looks for in a prospective student
- Learn about scholarships, grants and other financial aid
Introduction and Icebreaker
Begin this visit by reviewing the college internet scavenger hunt homework that you assigned during your last visit. Emphasize the key points of the exercise and share your own personal experience with college.
Exercise #1: College Rules!
Exercise Objectives: Students will see college as something accessible to them. Students will understand that education will help them achieve their dreams.
Preparation: Review and print the College Facts and Myths document found in Volunteer Tested Ideas.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Lead a discussion about college. Begin by asking, "Who can go to college?" Many students have vague or wrong information about college. Using the Fact’s & Myths document, dispels the myths that many youth have about attending college.
- Share your college experience and why you attended college (or did not attend college). Be descriptive - help them visualize your experience. What does college look, feel and smell like? Share with the students what you might have done differently if you could go back in time. Talk about the benefit of getting to choose all your classes in college.
- Explain financial aid. It is very likely that this is the first time many of the students in your class have heard of a grant or scholarship.
Further discussion questions:
- Imagine yourself in your first year of college. What do you think your life will look like? How will it feel?
- Imagine what life will be like after high school if you do not go to college. What do you think your life will look like?
Exercise #2: Where Do You Want To Go Tomorrow
Exercise Objectives: Students will be able to choose a college that interests them. Students will be able to request admissions information to a college.
Preparation: Visit a few college websites and print out information for prospective students. A great website to start from is: www.collegeboard.com.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Lead a discussion about the importance of attending a college that is right for you. Talk about all the different components that make a college unique (i.e., size, extracurricular activities, housing, distance from home, academic notoriety, etc.) and that every college has different requirements for admission.
- Use the request for information sample on page 29 and the template found on page 35 as a guide for the students to use. Students can either use this template to write their letter, create their own, or use the internet if it is accessible in the classroom. Explain to the students that one of the first steps in planning for college is to narrow down your search. The best way to do that is to request information packets from prospective colleges. Explain what an admissions office is.
- Students will write (or use the college website) to request an admissions information packet. Use the local college addresses found on pages 30 & 31 (South Bay Apprenticeship program addresses are found on pages 39 & 40) as a reference. Be sure to explain how they can find other college addresses if they need to on the internet, at the library, or in the counselors office.
Visit Summary
Recap your visit by asking the students a few questions that reflect their understanding of the visit goals. For example: "What did you learn today about college?", "What are some myths about attending college?", "Why is education important?", and "What are some ways that you can learn about attending college?" End the visit by thanking students for their time and letting them know when you will see them again.
