1st of 8 Steps to College Admissions, Free Course 2022

The 3 tasks introduced in the video lecture focus on college, career and life goals. Listen along as you write possibilities!

Step 1.1: List all the colleges that you know. Select a few that interest you and explain why they interest you. For now, it is more helpful to write detailed explanations about what interests you than to worry about what college is top of the list. Finally, explain everything you know about admissions to at least one college.

Step 1.2: Write what you know about at least 3 possible career plans. This is not a career decision, instead, test your knowledge about what is possible and how much you know about achieving your career goals. Explain why each is a possibility and how to advance in the career.

Step 1.3: Write a possible progressions of goals in your life and why they are important to you. Most high school students say, “I want to go to college to get a better job,” so we call this the, “Standard College Achievement Plan.” This is time to write realistic goals and the authentic reasons your goals matter to you. Read the example of how a student described her college, career goals, and life goals.

Step 1.3 is time to write college, career, and life goals while reflecting on deeper motivations to achieve those goals. Write the most important goals in your near and distant future; then, explain why they matter to you. At this point, it is expected to be uncertain about a specific goal; however, students who become informed of many possible careers have great advantages over students who are ignorant. Not seeking information is unproductive for making college and career decisions. Spend time researching possibilities to become informed of opportunities and projects that inspire you.

To begin creating an Academic Profile, collect and review ALL transcripts for high school, college, and other classes. Write the name and details of the school in the table below. File these transcripts for reference and use in later steps of the application.

List ALL the classes you have taken in high school and above. Include the grade, units, and whether it is Remedial, College Prep, Honors, AP or IB in the column for weight. Also, include classes that you plan on taking before you enter college.

List ALL the colleges that you have attended in the table below. (This section may not apply to you)

List ALL the classes, grades and units earned from colleges. (This section may not apply)

If you have taken additional classes, such as first aid, CPR, music classes, athletic training, or job training; list the title of the class and name of the organization.

Collect all scores for standardized exams and list the results below. Many colleges no longer require students to take exams, so file these results for easy reference if needed in future steps.

This video lecture examines in great detail the question: What test should I take?

Take BOTH, a practice SAT and ACT.

More importantly, take exams beyond school to that demonstrate proficiency in a career direction.

Step 1.6 List Participation and Leadership in Activities

List every activity that you have done during high school.

Include school clubs, music, arts, athletics, academic tutoring and competitions, volunteer service, work for pay, internships, summer activities, and any activity that you feel is worthwhile for your life, personal development, career and preparation for college.

List awards and recognitions for academic and other achievements.

Explain a few possible ways to increase your responsibility and leadership through activities in the next year.

Step 1.7 Specify Support, Inspiration, and Value Statements

Step 1.7A: List the names of 5 teachers, work supervisors, or mentors who could write letters of recommendation on your behalf.

Step 1.7B: List at least 3 people or organizations that you admire and why you admire them. Include hyperlinks to their work.

Step 1.7C: List statements that define who you are and what is important to you. Revise these statements until you feel passionate about at least one of the statements such that you feel motivated to pursue an education, career, and the greater purposes in life.

Step 1.7D: One last thing! Is there anything else that is important to know about you? Write any additional information to be considered when applying to college. What else is interesting in your life?

Download the PDF to complete while listening along to the video questions and instructions.

How much does college cost?

Tuition is part of the Total Cost of Attendance. College websites inform applicants of details regarding standard fees and costs, and other living expenses when at college. Take stock now of what you expect to pay for college and how you expect to pay for it. Follow the hyperlinks to explore updates and calculators for expenses.

This video introduces extended questions and discussion for World Class Students who aspire to go beyond the standard track.

The primary task for Step 1.8 is to create a spreadsheet to use to estimate college expenses. While we examine in great detail the 3 examples, you can conduct your own research on the websites of your favorite colleges.

What is the Total Cost of Attendance for your dream and target colleges?

Do NOT guess. Find the answer on the school's website, so you know you have an accurate estimate for college expenses by the end of Step 1.8. Do your own research while you watch the video. Confirm your college knowledge.