MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK

Learning Goals

In Visit 8, students will:

Pull together the objectives and learning goals of The Role Model Program to write a personal statement
Create a planning tool for the future

Introduction and Icebreaker

Begin this visit with a review of all the major themes from your Role Model Program visits:

Share with them that they are now equipped with a skill set to reach college. They understand the importance of positive role models and that there are people to help them succeed.
They recognize the qualities and values that make them unique and understand that knowing themselves well is the key to good decision making.
They know how to make a decision and set goals. They have a dream for the future and can identify steps they can take right now to achieve their dream.
They have an idea of what to expect in high school and how to choose a college that meets their needs. Now it is time to apply that skill set.
You are going to provide your students with an example of what applying for college looks like and a plan on how to get there.

Exercise #1: College Essays

Exercise Objectives: Students will understand that a key component to applying to college is writing an essay. Students will write a personal statement.

Preparation: Write a personal statement incorporating the key components of The Role Model Program to share with the class.

Presentation Suggestions:

Explain to students that although academics are one critical component of applying to college, there are other critical pieces as well. One of these pieces is writing a personal statement that includes why they want to attend their chosen college and why the college should accept someone like them.
As a group, create a generic list of qualities that a college might look for in a prospective student. Give the students a few minutes to create a functional list of what makes them unique including their skills and talents, the goals they have set or achieved, and their dreams for the future. Allow them to use the word lists from units one and two if they need assistance.
Once they complete their list, ask the students to write a one paragraph personal statement to convince a college that they are the best candidate for their school.
Tie together the concept that the college admission process starts in the 9th grade. Each year they build a "resume" to ultimately fill-out several college applications in the beginning of their senior year.
Follow up this exercise with a discussion. Ask questions like, "What can you begin doing in middle school to help you prepare to write your college essay?"

Exercise #2: College Application Review

Exercise Objectives: Students will learn the components of a college application.

Preparation: Obtain a college application from a college of your choice—for example go to www.sjsu.edu and print out a the application for admission.

Presentation Suggestions:

If you are able, make a copy of the application for each student.
Review the components of the application.

Certificate Presentation

Exercise Objectives: To conclude your classroom visits, each participating student receives a certificate of completion signed by you.

Preparation: By now, you should have collected a class list from your teacher and filled out the certificates.

Presentation Suggestions: This may be the first time many of your students are receiving any kind of recognition for their work. Make the most of it by letting them know how special they are.

Bring in snacks or treats and call each student to the front of the class to receive their award. Thank the students for doing their best and helping make your experience very rewarding. Share with the students what you learned from your visits. Ask the students to share what they learned and what they would like to learn more about.

Visit Summary

Recap your experience with the students. This is your moment to share the most important piece of wisdom of you have to impart upon the students. Tell them how this experience has impacted you and where your hopes for them lie. Ask students to share the most important thing they learned during your visits. Thank the teacher for giving you the opportunity to work with the students and thank the students for their time and participation.