College Preparation

College Preparation for Juniors (11th Grade Students)

The purpose of the Junior’s College Preparation program is to help students successfully navigate the college planning and admissions process. We support our students using a two-pronged approach: 

  1. Students are supported through the college application and admissions process, and coached on the key elements that admissions officers are looking for in applicants. Key elements include understanding school transcripts and improvements they can make in their junior year, standardized test registration and practice, best practices for letters of recommendation, the value of extracurricular activities, and more. 
  2. Students are taught strategies for maintaining high grades throughout their junior year, especially when faced with peer, family, financial, and societal pressures. Program participants work together to help each other stay motivated, share experiences and successes, and inspire each other to reach their goals!

 

College Preparation for Seniors (12th Grade Students)

The Senior’s College Preparation program is a continuation of the college preparation support offered for Juniors. At this level, our program helps ensure our students finish strong and confident – ready to take on any new challenge in the years to come! Again, we offer a two-pronged approach to support our students:

  1. Students work with staff and volunteers to start their college application package before their senior year starts. This includes requesting their official school transcript and top test scores, reaching out to teachers, counselors, mentors, coaches, and community leaders for letters of recommendation, accurately recording their extracurricular activities, and writing application essays that will impress! 
  2. Students work to understand and apply for financial assistance that best fits their personal situation and school needs. This includes understanding federal financial packages and private loan options, post-college debt forgiveness programs, scholarships, and more.