Math and Science Academy College Application Prep Session May 30, 2013 2:45-3:45 PM, DHS Library

1. Dulles High School Home of Back to Back UIL Academic Texas State Champions! Math and Science Academy College Application Prep Session May 30, 2013 2:45-3:45 PM, DHS Library

2. Welcome, Juniors! • Thank you for coming to our Math and Science Academy College Application Prep Session Agenda: • Introductions • Importance of a strong application • What goes into a strong application? • What do I need to do this summer? • What will happen this fall? • Advice from UT Admissions Officer – Alexandria Alley • Q&A

3. Introductions Ms. Alexandria Alley University of Texas at Austin Program Coordinator, Houston Admissions Center alex.alley@austin.utexas.edu Ms. Amber Pearson Math and Science Academy Coordinator amber.pearson@fortbendisd.com

4. Importance of a Strong Application Average SAT Scores (as of April 1, 2013): Harvard: 2255 Yale: 2255 Princeton: 2255 Columbia: 2215 MIT: 2220 Stanford: 2215 CalTech: 2300 Northwestern: 2185 Rice: 2155 WashU in St. Louis: 2225 UChicago: 2235 Duke: 2185 http://www.businessinsider.com/colleges-with-the-highest-sat-scores-2013-4?op=1

5. Importance of a Strong Application A strong application sets you apart from all of the other applicants with good grades and high test scores! These schools are looking for talented, passionate students with a strong resume and essay, to go along with the great grades and high test scores!

6. What goes into a Strong Application? • Your classes and grades • Your standardized test scores How you distinguish yourself: 3. Your extracurricular activities 4. Your college essay 5. Recommendation letters are included, but not given as much weight Items 1-3 are all part of your resume http://www.yaletutors.com/admissions.html

7. Specifics about your resume Your resume should include: • Academic Achievements and Honors • School Activities and Honors • Leadership Positions • Community and Church Activities, and other volunteer work • Extracurricular activities and job experiences • Summer Experiences and Talents • Travel Experiences – Domestic and Foreign

8. Specifics about your resume Resume highlights: • Your resume should emphasize your strongest achievements first • If your GPA is not strong, but your extracurricular activities are outstanding, list those first (class officer, sports team captain, etc) • If your SAT or ACT scores are outstanding, list them at the top • Make sure to explain exceptional achievements • Include information about the Academy!!!

9. Specifics about your essay Essay highlights: • Your resume should emphasize your strongest achievements first • If your GPA is not strong, but your extracurricular activities are outstanding, list those first (class officer, sports team captain, etc) • If your SAT or ACT scores are outstanding, list them at the top • Make sure to explain exceptional achievements • Include information about the Academy!!!

10. What do I need to do this summer? • Work on your resume • Study for ACT,SAT and SAT II subject tests • to take in Sept/Oct if you would like • to improve your score(s) • Write your college essay(s) • Read about colleges and visit as many as possible • Talk to any adult you encounter about their college experience • The common application is available online starting August 1. New essay prompts for 2013-2014 have already been announced.

11. What will happen this fall? • You will turn in your packet to Ms. Pearson • at the College Application session - TBA • 2. Make sure that you have submitted • all information about summer • courses to the registrar before final • rank is calculated • 3. Continue to excel and push yourself in your courses – senior year grades DO matter!

12. What are colleges looking for? 1. A high school curriculum that challenges the student. Academically successful students should include several Honors and Advanced Placement classes. 2. Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. Grades should show an upward trend over the years. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework. 3. Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with high school performance. 4. Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important. 5. Community service showing evidence of being a “contributor.” Activities should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.

13. What are colleges looking for? 6. Work or out-of-school experiences (including summer activities) that illustrate responsibility, dedication and development of areas of interest. A job or other meaningful use of free time can demonstrate maturity. 7. A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals.The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing. 8. Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence of integrity, special skill, and positive character traits. Students should request recommendations from teachers who respect their work in an academic discipline. 9. Supplementary recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student. Letters from coaches or supervisors in long-term work or volunteer activities are valuable; however, recommendations from casual acquaintances or family friends, even if they’re well known, are rarely given much weight. 10. Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest of the applicants! Include honors, awards, evidence of unusual talent or experience, or anything else that makes the student unique. http://edudemic.com/2013/01/college-admissions-high-school-students/

14. Advice from UT Admissions Officer

15. What questions do you have for us? Ms. Alexandria Alley alex.alley@austin.utexas.edu Ms. Amber Pearson amber.pearson@fortbendisd.com