MCAP (merit college advising program) Session I

1. MCAP (merit college advising program)Session I College Exploration Jana Borchardt Librarian/Coordinator of Learning Services 11/10/07

2. College Maze – Feeling Lost? Stages in the College Process 1) Discovering yourself 2) Selecting a College(s) 3) Applying to College(s) 4) Financing College Optismism Clarity & Interest Confusion Frustration Doubt

3. WHO AM I?Knowing yourself & your dreams • What do I enjoy doing?i.e. hobbies, experiences, activities, school subjects • For what do I receive compliments?

4. WHERE AM I GOING? Describe your life goals/dreams • NEXT STEPS – • Talk with counselor & others about your skills, talents, passions • Set up an Illinois Mentor profile http://www.collegezone.com/ ”Career Center > Career Self Assessment” (Choices Planner available if a CPS student) • “Do What You Are” Book & do personality profile at http://www.personalitytype.com/quiz.asp&http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp • http://online.onetcenter.org/skills/ Skill Search Inventory • http://countdown.ilworkinfo.com/default.aspIllinois Career Resource Network  • http://www.asvabprogram.com/Career Exploration Program sponsored by Defense Dept.

5. College Majors & Career Options How does who I am fit with a college major or career? Ideas/Brainstorming • NEXT STEPS - • www.collegeboard.com “For Students > Find a College > Majors & Careers Central”  • http://www.princetonreview.com/ “Explore Schools & Careers > Majors &Careers” • http://www.bls.gov/oco/Occupational Outlook Handbook • http://www.mapping-your-future.org/features/careership/match_career.cfm

6. What school fits who I am & where I am going? What’s important to me about a school?(Rank the following) Setting Size Close to home  Reputation Academics Diversity  Extra-Curricular activities Price • NEXT STEPS – • Undergraduate Matching Assistant inIllinois Mentor www.collegezone.com/ • Browse categories on “College Comparisons”handout • Talk with counselor & others about their career/college path • See www.collegeboard.com “Find a College”  • See www.princetonreview.com “Colleges & Careers > Counselor-O-Matic”

7. Further exploring various schools • NEXT STEPS – • Look up colleges on the web or in books (Barons, College Board, Petersons, Princeton, etc.) • Fill out “College Option-Activity Log” & “College Comparisons”handouts  • Talk/email someone at the college & consider a visit “Campus Visit Comparison” handout • Apply to colleges via Illinois Mentor www.collegezone.com/

8. Timelines & Goals • Know thyself  • Review steps on handout  http://www.educationquest.org/selection.asphttp://www.postsecondary.cps.k12.il.us./ • Strive for academic success & personal excellence • Relate your work & learning experiences to postsecondary goals

9. Future MCAP Sessions • 12/08 - College Scholarship Search • FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov (get pin in Dec.) • Scholarship Searches • fastweb.com srnexpress.comscholarships.com • fastaid.comIllinoismentor via collegezone.com  • collegeboard.com • 3/1 - College Preparation & Success • 04/05 - College Exploration via the Internet • 04/19 - College Advising Betty Weinberger REMEMBER YOUR ACT & SAT TEST DATES www.actstudent.org www.collegeboard.com