Beginning in January, juniors meet weekly with a college counselor to consider and discuss the college investigation and application process.

Initially, students are encouraged to explore important questions relating to themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and their ideas for their future, beginning the process of self-evaluation. Further discussion focuses on personal responsibility, as well as personal decision making and risk taking. Additionally, specific issues such as utilizing resources, identifying appropriate college choices, standardized testing, the application process, the selection process, writing the college essay, interviewing and visiting colleges are discussed. (adapted from the Curriculum Handbook 2007-08)

TOPICS COVERED IN JUNIOR FORUM CLASS INCLUDE:

• Why go to college?
• Exploring college “hopes and dreams” and what’s important to each student
• Learning the lingo: “early decision,” “early action,” “liberal arts,” “demonstrated interest,” and other terms
• Timelines: what to do first, and how to keep on track?
• College search: how to do it?
• Using Naviance/Family Connection and other technology
• Discussion of article(s) about the college search and investigation process
• Liberal arts schools/large universities/specialized schools: what’s the difference?
• Choosing a major: when and how?
• College visits: learn from each other
• How to make the most of a college fair
• Interviewing: what happens, what do they ask, and when?
• The selection process: what do colleges look for, and why?

College Applications:

• The Common Application: what questions are on it, and why?  (Students will complete a Common Application before the end of the year)
• Transcripts: what mine looks like and what colleges look at
• Activity Sheets: what to include, how to format one, and why colleges ask about “activity” information?  (Students will work on developing their Activity Sheet)
• Recommendations: who writes them, how many, and why?
• Essays: how to get started, what typical topics are, and what colleges expect to see
• Parents in the process: how to work with them!
• Financial aid and scholarships
• Standardized testing: impact on applications, test-optional policies, timeline, test-prep, and which test(s) to take
• College counselors: how often to meet and how they can help
• Suggestions for “using the summer wisely”