Welcome! Agenda 10/4/14

1. Introductions and program overview

2. Group brainstorm: College is.... and read article, "Benefits of College Still Outweigh Costs, Fed Says"

3. Pairs: Discussion of college prep timeline

4. Set up gmail account, Fastweb account, and College Board account

All students will register for an account with College Board. Go to "Make a Plan", and sign up then complete steps. When done, go to "Find Colleges" and begin to research schools. Start to compile a list of 5-6 schools of interest, including safety, target and reach schools (see descriptions below). Request information from each of those schools.

REACH - TARGET - SAFETY (FROM WWW.CHOOSEYOURFUTURE.ORG)

Aim to apply to five colleges and to complete five scholarship applications and the FAFSA by the end of January of your senior year.

Why five? When you apply to only one or two schools, you take a risk. You might be turned down, or you might close off your options too soon. The five schools you apply to should include reach, target, and safety schools.

Reach:
Your top choices, the most academically challenging schools on your list. You should include a couple of long shots, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Target:
Schools where you would be very happy and are likely to be admitted. These are your realistic choices.

Safety:
Schools where you are almost certain to be admitted and where you think you would be happy and get a good education.