0

Gearing Up
for the
Future

60
6KJK
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………..………1

Timeline…………………………………………………………………………….………..2

College Myth Busters………………………………....................................................3

How To Pick A College?……………………………………………………………………4

Don’t Know What To Major In?...............................................................................5

Working With Undocumented Students………………………………………………....6

Guide To Getting Scholarships……………………………….....................................7

Federal Assistance Student Aid (FAFSA)…………………………………………..…8-9

The Tennessee Promise………………………………………………………………….10

Myths About Community College And Transferring……………………………..….11

Problem With For-Profit Schools………………………………………………………..12

College Fairs………………………………………………………………….……………13

Visiting College Campus: Why It Matters And What Do There………………...14-15

MNPS Graduation Requirements………………………………………………….…….16

College Application Check List……………………………………………………..17-18

The ACT Vs SAT ……………………………………………………………………..……19

Writing The College Essay…………………………………………………………..20-21

High School Senior Year Spring Semester Next Steps…………………………..…..22

Important College Access Resources………………………………………………23-24

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)…………………………………………………25-26

References…………………………………………………………………………..27
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Gearing Up for the Future planning guide is an adaptation of A Caring Adults Guide to
College Access: Tips and Tools for Helping Young People Through the Application Process
published by Rachel Zolensky’s, a former Oasis College Connection Mentor.

This guide is a collaboration between Gaining Early Awarness and Readiness for
Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) and Metro Nashville Public School Student
Ambassadors at Antioch High School.

Development Team

Class of 2016
Engy Tawfik, GEAR UP Lead Student Ambassador, Capstone Project Initiative

Class of 2018
GEAR UP Student Ambassadors

Amber Chavez

Capri Finch

Tsion Kebede

Addan Javeed

Erik Ortiz

Maria Pizen

Ana Gisselle Pozo Zelaya

Diana Son

Janae Stennis

Production Team

Lisa Fojo, GEAR UP Program Manager

Candace Ogilvie, College and Career Counselor

Meredith McGinnis, Language Arts Educator and Editor

1
 TIMELINE

**Tip** Make an appointment to

meet with your school counselor
each year to discuss on track to
graduate, college talk and beyond *Continue to focus
on your studies
*Maintain your grades
*Continue to talk
and challenge
with your counselors
yourself academically

*Keep your grades up *Check your transcript

*Stay involved in
h
*Continue
school and community
activities
and make sure you
have all your credits
extracurricular
*Focus on your classes *Take the ACT again
activities *Talk to your school
and grades (optional)
counselor
*Consider volunteering
*Improve study habits *Make sure your reach
and helping out in your *Register to take the
community all requirements for all
*Do some research ACT
the colleges
about colleges to find
*Look into academic *Take the ACT
out what you like *Get started on your
enrichment programs
application essays
*Attend a *Attend a
*Take the PLAN test to College/Career Fair
College/Career Fair *Start on your
prepare for the ACT
scholarship essays
*Challenge yourself *Look for a summer
*Get a head start on job or internship
with an honors or AP *Figure out plans for
studying for the ACT
class the summer (start
*Work on application
*Attend a saving up money)
*Get involved in school essay and review
College/Career Fair application process
activities and *Complete your
community scholarship
*Begin applying to *Begin applying to
eligible scholarships applications
*Begin Scholarship eligible scholarships
research *Take exams for your
*Think about classes for *Think about classes
junior year AP classes
*Think about classes for senior year
for sophomore year *Complete a resume

2
 COLLEGE MYTH BUSTERS
Statement:
Applying for student financial aid is free
Applying to college is free
Students with a “C” average are not eligible for
grants and scholarships
I can get my Bachelor’s degree at Nashville State
Community College
I need to have a firm career goal before I start
college.
Part-Time students are not eligible for Financial
Aid.
Every student in this class has the ability to go to
college.
To be accepted at MTSU I need at least a 22 on my
ACT.
It does not matter what your grades are if you plan
to play football, basketball or baseball in college.
Private colleges (like Lipscomb, Vanderbilt,
Belmont, Trevecca) always cost more to attend than
public colleges.
It’s impossible to study for the ACT
On average, people with a Bachelor’s degree earn
twice as much as people with only a H.S. diploma
A college student’s schedule is very similar to high
school. Arrive at 7 am, and stay in class until about 2
pm.
Colleges look at your grades from every year of
high school.
If my best friend’s sister didn’t like the college she
went to, I shouldn’t bother applying there.
Correct answer:
True, all you do is fill out the FAFSA (free application
for federal student aid). Note: If a scholarship ever
asks you to pay a fee, it is a scam!
False, some colleges will waive application fees, but
most have an application fee
False, although many scholarships consider grades,
there are grants and scholarships available based on
a variety of criteria (sports, community service,
diversity, financial need)
False, Nashville State only offers 2-year degrees
called Associates Degrees. However, after you earn
a 2-year degree, you can transfer to a 4-year
university (MTSU, TSU, etc.) and earn a Bachelor’s
degree
False, many people change career goals several
times! Ask your teacher if she/he always planned to
be a teacher, you might be surprised!
True, you must enroll full-time to receive most
financial aid. This includes the TN Promise!
True, there are many options for college, and there
is a fit for everybody! (Technical College,
Certification Programs, Community College, Four-
Year Degrees).
False, MTSU admits students with at least a 22 or a
3.0 OR students with both a 19 and a 2.7
False
False, many private colleges offer excellent
scholarships that make them cheaper than public
colleges
False, students who take practice ACT tests and
seek tutoring have much higher score than students
who do not study
True.
False, in college you set your own schedule.
True. All grades count, even the grades you earn
senior year. Colleges will always ask for a final
transcript.
False, every student has a different experience at
colleges; do not rule out a college because
somebody you know didn’t like it! It could still be a
good fit for you.
3
 HOW TO PICK A COLLEGE?

START
HERE!

Do you want to Do you want to

enter the Do you want to receive pursue a bachelor’s,
workforce quickly certification in a certain master’s, or
but still earn an No field to enter the No doctorate degree in
associate degree? workforce quickly? an area of study?

Y Y
Y e
e e
s s
s

Technology
Two Four
center or
year trade year
school school school

Are you comfortable with Are you interested in a

some classes of 100- wide variety of
Large Yes extracurricular activities
Yes 300 students?
school and sports?

N
o

Would you prefer small

Medium No classes of 20-30
school students? No

Small
school Yes

4
 DON’T KNOW WHAT TO MAJOR IN?0
Research the following:

ACCOUNTING SOCIOLOGY PHILOSOPHY

BIOLOGY

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

CHEMISTRY EDUCATION

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DRAMATIC ARTS

ELEMENTRY EDUCATION

EXCERCISE SCIENCE

HISTORY & POLITICAL SCIENCE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ENGLISH

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ACCOUNTING

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

COMMUNICATION STUDIES

NURSING

MUSIC EDUCATION ENVIORNMENTAL POLICY

MARKETING ZOOLOGY

PSYCHOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGY

DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION COMPUTER ENGINEER

SA3223230

5
 WORKING WITH
UNDOCUMMENTED STUDENTS

Undocumented students are at a huge disadvantage in college access in Tennessee. Public

schools in Tennessee often treat undocumented students as International Students, meaning
that they are not eligible for in-state tuition or financial aid. This is true of community colleges
as well. Undocumented students are also unable to fill out the FAFSA, which means they can’t
get any financial aid, including the TNPromise, HOPE scholarship, PELL Grant, the
Tennessee Achievers program, and even certain loans or scholarships.

Deferred Action Childhood Arrival DACA

Students with Deferred Action Status (The status granted by the 2012 Dream Act legislation) are not
eligible for in-state tuition or the FAFSA. Sometimes students are confused about this or have been
misled. Students who are eligible for the FAFSA include: Citizens, Permanent Residents, Conditional
Permanent Residents, and individuals with an I-94 status of: Refugee, Asylum Granted, Indefinite
Parole, Humanitarian Parole, or Cuban-Haitian Entrant.

Financial Aid (FAFSA) & Scholarships

 While undocumented students are not able to fill out the FAFSA or get financial aid from the
government, it is still possible for them to get scholarships from private institutions. If a
student has a strong GPA and ACT score, they should look at applying to private schools that
have scholarship money to offer.
 For students with strong GPAs and ACT score, sometimes looking at out of state private
schools is the best way to find money for school. Even if the cost is more expensive, there may
be scholarship money to cover the high cost
 Applying early is the best way to increase your chances of being accepted and receiving
scholarship money.
 Many of the programs at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) do not
increase their costs for undocumented students so it may be a cost-effective option for getting
students job-training skills. Unfortunately, some of the programs do require permanent
residency, so you should call to inquire before applying

 The Study Foundation --- www.studyfoundationTN.org is a resource to help first generation

and undocumented students through college process.
 Hispanic Scholarship Fund--- https://hsf.net/
 Latino College Dollars--- http://latinocollegedollars.org/
 MALDEF – Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund ---
http://maldef.org/leadership/scholarships/

Youth Advocacy Groups & Organizations that support Undocumented Students

 Connexcion Americas/Casa Azafran http://www.casaazafran.org/ 615-320-5152
 The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) http://www.tnimmigrant.org/ 615-833-0384
 Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) http://www.e4fc.org/
 Latino Achievers http://www.latinoachievers.blogspot.com/

6
 GUIDE TO GETTING SCHOLARSHIPS

The trick to receiving and finding scholarships is to search early and often. With that being
said begin looking and asking around as early as your Freshman year. Research often
and take on those lengthy essay requirements there's a chance you could get the
scholarship. Below are a list of some scholarships resources and websites.

fastweb.com
Fastweb is a search engine with a ton of scholarships. When you go to the website be sure to
make a free account. Fastweb will give you a list of scholarships and links to apply through
the website. Some of students have found it easier to use the search engine to find the name
of a scholarship, and then plug it into google. By using this method, you can find the direct
website of each scholarship.

ScholarshipPoints.com
This website is unique among many others. You begin joining for a chance to win 10,000 at
first. After that you rack up points you earn from reading blogs, taking quizzes, and even
playing games.

salliemae.com College Answer Scholarship Search

Sallie Mae offers a great scholarship search. Students can register on the website and then
answer a few questions about their interests and family background. The results of the
search will be tailored to each student, based on his/her eligibility.

http://www.cfmt.org/request/scholarships
(Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Scholarships)
This foundation offers a variety of 70 different scholarships for middle Tennessee students.
This is a great resource because the applicant pools will be smaller than with national
scholarships, and students have a better chance of winning. Most of these scholarships are
school or major specific, so be aware of the guidelines before applying.

www.tn.gov/collegepays
This is a site where students can manage their Tennessee grants and scholarships. Students
should make an account and find answers about the HOPE scholarship and other potential
money for school. It isn’t a scholarship search, but it is a helpful tool in managing your
financial aid.

If you know exactly which college you will be attending, check on your specific college
website for scholarship opportunities. You will have to learn to navigate the specific college
website site. Typically you can type ‘scholarships’ in the search engine or look under the
financial aid section.

7
 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENT AID
(FAFSA)

FAFSA KNOW-HOW:
What is FAFSA?
 Free application for federal student aid
 Government’s application for financial aid
 Application for HOPE scholarship and other Tennessee grants.
 www.fafsa.gov

What do I need to complete FAFSA?

 Parents tax return from this year or last year, also can use W2
 If you worked last year , you need your W2 as well
 You need your social security number and your parents socials
 Parents date of birth
 If your parents are married or divorced you need their date of marriage
or divorce.
 Parents address and email address.
 If you or your parents have green card, you need the A numbers (on front
of the card).

Can I complete the FAFSA if my parents has not done

his/her taxes yet?
 You DO NOT need to have complete your taxes this year in order to
submit your FAFSA
 You can use you W2s to complete FASFA
 If you had the same job, you can estimate using your tax return from last
year, and update those response later

When should I do FAFSA?

 FAFSA guidelines may change year to year please check to see new
updates https://fafsa.ed.gov/

8
  You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, First come first
served! Applicants that apply in January are most likely to get the grant,
so apply in January.

What grants/scholarship does the FAFSA apply for?

 Federal Pell Grants
 Federal Loans
 Tennessee Lottery Scholarships
 Hope Scholarship
 It may also serve as a college scholarship application. Although certain
schools require extra scholarship applications.

Once I submit the FAFSA, what do I do next?

 After 3 days log back in to make sure your FAFSA has been processed.
 If your taxes had not been filled at the time that you submitted your
FAFSA, you should go back in and make a FAFSA correction in the section
where you selected “will file”, change this to “Already Completed” and
follow the steps to IRS data retrieval.
 Your FAFSA is not completed until you finished this step.

Do I need to use my parent’s information on my FAFSA?

 You need to use your parent’s financial information unless you are
considered an “independent”. The FAFSA is very strict about who is
considered independent and who is not.
 Simply because you support yourself or you do not live with a parent
does not mean you are “independent”. Visit
 www.fafsaonline.com/fafsa-questions/who-is-a-dependent-student.php

If my parents are separated or divorced, who do I put on my

FAFSA?
 You should use the information from the parent that provides 51% or
more of your care.
 If that parent is married, you will also have to use the information from the
step-parent.

9
 THE TENNESSEE PROMISE

Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program focused on

increasing the number of students that attend college in our state. It provides
students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition
and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or state student
assistance funds. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13
community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or other eligible
institution offering an associate’s degree program.
You can apply at http://tennesseepromise.gov/

Student Checklist (check on website for date changes)

10
 MYTHS ABOUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AND TRANSFERRING

1. You WON’T lose credits!

2. No stressing over ACT scores!
3. APPLY to specific transfer student Scholarships!
4. You’ll SAVE major bucks!

1. Because of a program called “Tennessee Transfer Pathways”, you won’t lose

credits when moving to a new school. This newly created for those of you who
want to start off at a community college. To learn more, visit:
http://www.tntransferpathway.org/

2. While it’s good to have a high ACT score, it only determines whether or not
you are college ready. Most Community Colleges will not require an ACT and
once you are eligible to transfer to another College you will only need your
GPA, no stress over having a high ACT.

3. Multiple scholarships are available for transfer students. Transfer students

usually start out at a community college to save up, universities allow certain
sponsors to help out with your tuition. To check out how, visit:
http://www.tn.edu/scholarships/

4. Money saving! 4 year colleges are nice, but cost a lot. When you start at a
community college, and then transfer, you save money that you can take with
you to your new college. That means more money for books, housing, and any
of your other educational, or personal, needs.

??? Are you unsure what college you want to attend? Are you unsure what
you want to major in? Do you have a low GPA and ACT score preventing
you from going to your college of choice? Do you want to save lots of
money? A Community College might be the best fit for you. You can attend
your local Community College for 2 years and obtain your Associates
Degree, then focus on raising your GPA score, connect with your College
Counselor about transferring to your school of choice for an additional 2-3
years to receive your Bachelor’s Degree !!!

11
PROBLEM WITH FOR PROFIT SCHOOLS

“For profit schools are money making businesses”

Problems:
- THEY RAISE TUITION IN ORDER TO PROFIT
- THEY HIDE RUMORS BY CHANGING THEIR NAMES.
- THERE ARE STUDENT WHO GO TO THESE COLLEGES AND CANNOT
GET A JOB DUE TO THE COLLEGE’S REPUTATION.
- CERDITS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE! (more money for them)

How would you know if a university is for profit?

- They can afford to have commercials.
- Many are small campuses located in shopping centers or other awkward
locations.
- Though reluctant, they will tell you if you just ask, “Are you a for profit
school?”

What is the alternative?

- If you are interested in Technical degrees, explore Tennessee Center of
Applied Technology or local community colleges.
- Speak to a school counselor immediately about ALL your options

More information and websites about the idea of for-profit schools:

http://www.degreelibrary.org/for-profit-vs-public-college/
http://www.greatdegree.com/articles/For-Profit-vs-Non-Profit-Colleges-What-
s-the-Difference-36.html
http://www.kiplinger.com/article/college/T012-C000-S002-the-real-deal-on-
for-profit-colleges.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/for-profit-colleges-are-a-bad-investment-
2013-3

12
 COLLEGE FAIRS
College Fairs are a great way to get students information about a lot of different
kinds of colleges and program. The key to attending a college fair is to ask lots
of questions. Here is an activity to try!

COLLEGE FAIR BINGO

Collect 5 in a row to win! Be sure to collect all the information and material that
are required, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Ask a school Find a school with Find a school in Find a school with Ask a school about
about an average class a city that you over 100 clubs playing sports in
scholarships and size between 20 have never been and students college, and grab a
get a scholarship and 25. Grab a to before. Ask organizations. business card!
brochure! pamphlet! the rep for their Pick your favorite
favorite part and write it down!
about the city!
Find a school that Ask a rep how to Find a school Find a school that Find a school in a
prides itself on its set up a campus that is near the you have never state you have
diverse student visit and take ocean and grab heard of and grab never been to and
body. Grab a notes on their a brochure to a brochure! get a brochure!
business card! answers! prove it!
Find a rep that Ask the rep what Free Space Find a school with Find a school that
graduated from is the diversity Make up your less than 1000 offers more than 75
the school they breakdown of the own question students and get majors and get a
work for. Get a school. Write it and answer it. their brochure to brochure!
business card and down! Write it down! prove it!
write down their
graduation year!
Find a school from Find a school that Ask a rep for the Find a school that Ask school for the
Northern state has NO religious cost of living on has a strong things that make
and grab a affiliation and get campus and Psychology them unique and
brochure. Ask a flyer! write it down on program and get take notes!
about out of state their business a brochure!
costs! card!
Ask your rep Ask your rep if the Get the business Ask a school for Find a school that is
about traveling school has a card from your additional at least 1000 miles
abroad program college and FAVORITE information about away from your
programs and career center, and school at the financial aid and home and take a
write down a take a flyer! fair! Introduce take notes on a brochure!
couple countries yourself! business card!
they travel too!

13
 VISITING A COLLEGE CAMPUS

Your Exclusive Guide to a Successful

Campus Tour!

Visiting college campuses gives you first-hand experience of the

college atmosphere. For younger students it’d be more of a
motivation to visit a campus as compared to a junior or senior in high
school it is more important to visualize where you see yourself
continuing your education. Upon arrival to a college, having the
experience from these tours gives you previous exposure on how to
best navigate the campus. You know what to expect!

Dos and Don’ts of Visiting a College Campus

DO! DON’T
Ask all the questions you Be afraid to ask
can! No question is questions!
stupid! The tour guides
are usually students who
attend the school and have
great insight.
Keep note of colleges you Ask personal questions
visit, you might consider it that regard the tour guide.
and when applying can
keep thoughts in mind.

14
 More research of the Don’t only focus on
school you visited if you academics college is more
are interested or weren’t than just books and tests.
as satisfied with the tour
guide as you thought you
would’ve been.
Be respectful! Don’t be disrespectful!
Do what you’re supposed
to do and give your
undivided attention
because this can very well
affect you some day.

Stuck on Questions????
Here are some you can ask when on a tour!

 What’s the school’s population?

 What is the average class size?
 How diverse is the college and where are
students coming from geographically?
 What are the admission requirements?
 How important are ACT & SAT scores?
 What clubs and sports does the campus provide
 How important is school spirit?
 Is there a study abroad program?
 What do students do for fun around campus?

15
 MNPS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Content Areas Credit Minimum Expectation

Requirements
English 4 ENGLISH I, II,III, IV

Mathematics 4 ALGEBRA I
GEOMERTY
ALGEBRA II
or ANY ADDITIONAL HIGHER
LEVEL MATH

Science 3 BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY or PHYSICS
1 ADDITIONAL LAB SCIENCE

Social Studies 3.5 US HISTORY

½ GOVERNMENT
½ ECONOMICS
½ PERSONAL FINANCE
1 OF THE FOLLOWING:
WORLD HISTORY
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
AP EUROPEAN ANCIENT/MODERN

Physical Education 1

Wellness 1

Fine Art 1

Foreign Language 2 MUST BE IN SAME LANGUAGE

Elective Focus 3 MUST BE IN THE SAME PATHWAY

Additional Elective 5.5

Total Credits Required to 28

Graduate

***Tip*** Take responsibility and be sure to make various appointments with

your counselor throughout the year to make sure you are on track to graduate.

16
 COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

When applying to colleges, you should make sure you speak with
your counselor ahead of time to make sure you’re on track to
graduate and that you have all the requirements you need met. Also
when you begin to apply to colleges it is best to start the summer
before your senior year, although most students wait until the fall of
their senior year to do the majority of the application work. This is a
basic checklist of the steps a student should take in order for the
application process to be considered complete.

1. Complete Many applications can be filled out online,

Application which honestly only really takes a few
minutes. Majority of colleges don’t require
an essay to be written, but if it does you can
always begin the application and essay and
save it for a later date. Once you’ve finished
the application and sent it off make sure you
receive a confirmation via email, credit card
receipt or a web page response.

2. Pay Application Fee Make sure to call that school’s admissions

office to see if there is a fee waiver and if so
find out how to get one. If there isn’t one then
you must make sure you pay the application
fee before trying to submit it.

17
3. Send Transcript A transcript is basically an official form that
consist of your past attendance, courses
taken, honors received at the school and
your GPA. You can get a transcript request
form from your counselor at school.

4. Send ACT Scores To get your ACT scores visit

http://www.actstudent.org/ then you have to
either register or login to get your past
scores.

5. Fill out your FAFSA FAFSA stands for Free Application for
Federal Student Aid. FAFSA is basically a
form that determines how much you and your
family are expected to help pay for attending
a postsecondary institution.
https://fafsa.ed.gov/

6. Visit Colleges It’s always good to visit colleges that have

invited you to enroll in their college, so you
can get a feel of the campus and the campus
life.

7. Follow up with the It’s always wise to contact the school’s

Admissions Office admissions office to make sure they received
all of the correct information if they haven’t
responded in a reasonable amount of time.

If you have any questions you should feel free to ask/consult

your counselor.

18
 THE ACT

The ACT is a college admissions test that consists of four

subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and Reading.
The suggested overall time for the ACT is approximately
2 hours and 55 minutes (without taking the writing portion)
& 3 hours and 25 mins (with the writing portion.)

 It’s always best to take the ACT more than once, so you can improve with
more time and schooling.
 Another great thing to do is take practice tests, do drills, etc. because the
ACT is a timed test, each section gives you a specific time to complete that
section.
 The highest score you can receive on the ACT is a 36. The overall score is a
composite score of the 4 subjects you previously tested on.
 Each section is important, there’s not one section more important than the
other because they all help determine what score you make.
 DO YOUR BEST!! & TRY YOUR HARDEST!!
 When registering for the ACT you can go to http://www.actstudent.org/
 Create an account and go from there (it’s all self-explanatory).
 Every junior in high school is given a FREE ACT test, so take advantage of it.
 There’s plenty of classes to take to help you prepare for the ACT or to help
get yourself a better score.
 Do everything you can to help prepare for the test, though it may not
necessarily be difficult it is pretty lengthy and there’s honestly NO time to
waste.

Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?
 The state of Tennessee tends to highlight and lean towards the ACT
 Some students score higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT
 If you have high vocabulary and English skills you might do better on the SAT. If
words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT
 The ACT science section is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based
upon a set of data or conflicting viewpoints. But if science is not your strongest
point the SAT might be a better fit.
See ACT vs SAT http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/

19
 WRITING THE COLLEGE ESSAY

Ready Set Write!

Route to a perfect college essay.

There are two important rules to follow when it comes to your college essay:
1. Answer the question specifically, and thoroughly.
2. Make sure to show yourself throughout the essay, don’t simply tell the
reader. For Example: instead of saying “I am very kind person” give an
example when you were kind, “I am very kind person when I helped a family
in need by tutoring their children afterschool.”

Writing your essay

The first thing to know about writing an essay is what you’re writing about. Pick
a topic you can write about and develop your ideas.

Consider the following:

 You’re career goals, what you’ve most enjoyed about high school,
passions you have, skills developed throughout the school year,
obstacles in your life that may have made you who you are today.
 Make an outline!
 Rough drafts and bubble maps let you understand what you are writing
about. You want to make sure you stay on topic when writing the essay.
 Explain everything!
 Be specific and never use clichés or phrases that are too general.
 Don’t: “I am the best student ever.”
 Don’t: “I work at homeless shelters because it’s good for people to
help.”
 Don’t write about someone else. Let the reader understand who you
are. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.
 Always: answer the question being asked.
 Always: specify what you mean, or what you are talking about
 Always: edit! You’re essay can never be revised enough! Read over it
until you are proud of your work.

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 Writing the Essay Continued –

Understanding yourself, so they can too.

1. What are three things that make you… specifically you?
I am determined and I am the oldest I believe in acts of
motivated to sibling in my family I kindness, helping
become a Doctor am the role model others in need

2. Three things that the reader of your essay wouldn’t know otherwise?
I published a book I am a first I volunteered at the
in high school generation student annual Lupus walk
from Haiti

Now include these things into your essay. The goal is to allow
the reader to get to know you through these words. No matter
the question, your essay should have your voice. Those who are
reading your essay, have read hundreds of essays, and there
are a hundred more in a stack of papers beside them. Don’t let
this discourage you. Let it motivate you to put your best work
forward. Allow your personality to rise from the page. From the
beginning to the end, pull your reader in, and let them be
satisfied with your story. Connect with them so that they will
remember your name when they choose you for their school!

Most importantly be YOU!

Ask a Friend, Counselor, Mentor, English Teacher, Parent,
Grandparent, to help you brainstorm all the wonderful things
that make you YOU!
YOU matter!

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HS SPRING SEMESTER NEXT STEPS

22
 COLLEGE ACCESS RESOURCES

Resources that will help you throughout college!

Free Waivers --- many schools offer application fee waivers. Waivers are done
differently at each school, but it is important to know that the possibility is there. Call
admissions to find out more.

Ratemyprofessor --- http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/

Are you one of those students that would like to know how your professor teaches
befopre you start the class? Well all you have to do is search the school your attending
or the school itself. Then you have the top rated teachers on the right and on the left it
has teachers from A-Z and their ratings. Along with side notes from the kids, and some
more ratings about the school. It’s very useful!

The FAFSA --- www.fafsa.gov

http://www.driveto55.org/jobs-forecast-tool/ -- Job Forcaster.. use this site to view

friends in job openings in Tennessee. It is great for helping students understand what
career paths are in high demand.

http://www.ehow.com/-- This site is extremely useful for helping students figure out
what education path is required for a given career. When I have students ask me. “how
do I become ___?” This site is where I usually send them looking.

http://tntel.tnsos.org/ -- This website is ACT practice test. You have to register for an
account, then click on “College Prep Resources” and you will have access to several
updated ACT practice tests and tutorials. It’s all free.

http://www.flvto.biz/-- Is a great website to listen to videos on the go. Did your

professor assign the class to listen to an hour long speech on Youtube and you have
things to do on the go? Well all you have to do is copy the URL and put into the
converter and there you have it you can listen to a speech while eating, exercising
whatever it may be.

Flipboard --- https://about.flipboard.com/ --- Compilation of magazines around the

world, customize your reading with your interests and stay on top of the worlds current
issues

Ojo Meditation --- download this app to have an on the go guided meditation at your
finger tips. Meditation is a great way to de-stress after a long day at work or college.

23
Sit, relax, breathe and enjoy https://itunes.apple.com/cn/app/ojo-
meditation/id806276729?l=en&mt=8

College Board --- https://www.collegeboard.org/

More on Scholarships for DREAMers and All

www.tn.gv/collegepays --- Start off by making an account and you can stay on top of
your Tennessee grants and scholarships

United Negro College Fund --- http://www.uncf.org/ UNCF has many scholarship,
internship, and fellowship opportunities for students, which can easily be found
online.

“The Scholarship Coach” --- Is a blog where you can find helpful college- related
current event articles. The blog focuses primarily on paying school, and most of the
articles include helpful links to scholarship opportunities. It can be found through
google or by visiting http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-scholarship-coach

Scholarships A-Z --- http://www.scholarshipsaz.org/

Hispanic Scholarship Fund--- https://hsf.net/

Latino College Dollars--- http://latinocollegedollars.org/

MALDEF – Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund ---

http://maldef.org/leadership/scholarships/

College Board --- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-undocumented-

students

Latino Achievers --- http://www.latinoachievers.blogspot.com/

Community Foundation of Middle TN--- http://www.cfmt.org/

Cappex--- https://www.cappex.com/

The Study Foundation --- www.studyfoundationTN.org is a resource to help first

generation and undocumented students through college process.

Zinch--- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-
scholarships/scholarships-by-type/easy-scholarships/zinch-weekly-three-sentence-
essay-scholarship/

24
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Questbridege--- http://www.questbridge.org/

Do colleges look at my unweighted or weighted GPA?

Most colleges look at the unweighted GPA; however, there are some exceptions. To
find out what GPA a certain colleges uses, visit their website or call their admissions
office.

What are the different types of Financial Aid?

 Scholarship—FREE!
 Grants—FREE!
 Loans—Must be paid back!

When Schools advertise that you can get 100% financial aid, be aware that some of
the money might be debt in the form of student loans.
How do I find scholarships?
If you’ve already selected the college you’ll be attending, their financial aid office is
an excellent place to start researching scholarship awards that may be available. Most
colleges have specific funds that are benchmarked for students in various programs,
of certain ethnicities, or other criteria.

What is the ACT?

The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area
tests in:

 English

 Mathematics

 Reading

 Science

 Writing is optional

How many times should I take it?

The ACT can be taken a total of 12 times. It is advised to take it as many times as
possible.

Do I have to pay for the ACT?

Every MNPS student gets to take the ACT for free one time. For most students, this will
be at school their junior year. Every student that is on Free or Reduced Lunch is also

25
 eligible for a second free test. To get a waiver for the registration fee, students should
visit their guidance counselors.

Is it required for all colleges/universities?

Many Colleges Require ACT Standardized Test for Admission. Standardized tests are
believed to be one of the most effective tools for predicting student success in
college. Whether you believe that or not, it's a fact that many colleges require either
the ACT or SAT before granting you admission to their schools.

Why is FAFSA important?

The U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for
federal student aid, including low-cost loans, grants, and work-study. The FAFSA may
also determine your eligibility for state and school aid as well. Anyone who plans to
attend college should submit the FAFSA.

When is the deadline to apply?

(PLEASE CHECK WEBSITES DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
https://fafsa.ed.gov/)

The Federal Aid Deadline is June 30, 2016 – no matter what state y
ou live in. — The 2015-2016 School Year is from July 1st, 2015 – June 30th, 2016. —
FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted before or by midnight, 12:00 a.m.
Central Standard Time on June 30, 2016.

How long do I have to wait for the results?

Once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received at OU
Financial Aid Services, processing normally takes 2-3 weeks after all documents are
submitted. Processing can take 3-6 weeks during peak (April-Sept.).

Why should I go to college?

You will have the chance to make more money. Have more job opportunities, make
more connections. Finally, people who go to college tend to live a healthier happier
life.

I am not going to college what other options do I have?

Students who know they do not want to attend college have selective options to
choose from. Student may choose to consult with our military enforcement recruiters
and sign up to join any of the following: Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, and National
Guard. Students have the option to attend college while for free while in the Military.

Students may choose to work in the service industry. These jobs are hard work and
limited to increase pay or move up in the company.

Students may choose to work on their special talents (singing, acting, art, music,
other) or start a business of their own or work for a family business. A lot of hard work

26
 REFERENCES
and dedication is required. Whatever you choose to do, don’t hesitate to ask your
teachers, counselors, mentors, friends and family for help getting started.

High School Student Workbook, Road2Go Within Reach….Within You, 2014-2015 Edition,
GEAR UP Tennessee, PEF Transforming Public Education, Tennessee Student Assistance
Corporation

High School Writing Teacher Guide; Student Handout 5.4a (1 of 2)

MNPS College Awareness Week Workbook, GEAR UP Tennessee, 2013 and 2014 Edition,
Project Directors, Elise Burns, Lisa Fojo, John Paul Gray, and Lakishia Harris

Rachel Zolensky, A Caring Adults Guide to College Access: Tips and Tools for Helping Young
People Through the Application Process published

Step by Step: College Awareness and Planning for Families, Counselors and Communities,
2014 Edition, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

The Purdue Online Writing Lab; Writing the Personal Statement

Online Websites:
http://www.greatvaluecolleges.net/faq/how-do-i-find-scholarships/n

https://www.Cappex.com

https://www.scholarships.com/resources/study-skills/standardized-testing/many-colleges-
require-act-standardized-test-for-admission/

https://www.trevecca.edu/academics/undergraduate

http://www.actstudent.org/faq/what.html

http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/your-2015-2016-financial-aid-deadlines

http://www.educationplanner.org/students/paying-for-school/student-aid-101/importance-
of-fafsa.shtml

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/cb-extras-1-2-havecollegetalknow/

http://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act

http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/

27
 “As you think, so
shall you become”
- Bruce Lee