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Kathy Johnson:
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Welcome to my first online monthly newsletter. I am an independent college admissions advisor. My goal is to offer current information about the college search and admissions process. I want to help high school students find the right college “fit”; A place where the student can thrive, succeed, learn and grow after high school. I plan to use this space to cover all of the college search and application strategies that need to be addressed during each month. I will also be writing about different pieces of the application process such as essay writing, standardized admissions tests, and how to obtain teacher recommendations, to name a few. Advice on student –athlete recruiting, NCAA rules, and how to |
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market one’s athletic skills will also be addressed. This newsletter will feature guest writers covering topics such as colleges for kids with learning disabilities and how to find your college niche in performing arts. There will be information from college admissions officers and college coaches. You can e-mail a question to me and I will have the answer in the next Game Plan. As well as covering the college search, I will address other options for life after high school, including; taking a gap year, community colleges, local career colleges and trade schools, and internship possibilities. |
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The college search and application process does not need to be stressful and full of anxiety and frustration. Following these steps will help you and your student move through this process with less frenzy and keep your relationship with your student intact: (continued on page 2)
Examine your own thoughts about college and why/where you want your student to apply. Let that go and listen, listen, listen to your student. Discuss finances so your student knows the parameters of college choices. Find the balance of motivational pressure and support of your student’s interests. Give your student support and let he/she be in charge of this process. Get organized. Starting with 9th grade or now, keep a complete list of activities, jobs, community service, travel, awards, etc. Draft a 4-year high school course plan. This plan can change, but it is good to get an idea of what courses to take to meet all the requirements for colleges. Get to know your high school counselor, or hire an independent counselor to help you through this process. Visit your high school college/career center and use the free materials. By the middle of sophomore year, talk with your student about college once or twice a month. By the middle of junior year through the fall of senior year, have a set time to talk with your student once a week for an hour. Get a copy of your student’s transcript after sophomore year to have on hand. For SAT/ACT, prepare on your own or find a test prep company that meets your student’s schedule and budget. Sign up for these tests online. Take the practice tests that your school offers. If you have a student-athlete that wants to play in college, start earlier to market the student to colleges. Sign up on NCAA.org by junior year. The same rule applies for music or drama or any specialty. Visit colleges! Have your student go to college rep visits at school. Begin filling out applications the summer before your senior year begins.
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What’s The Game Plan? |
How to Be Frenzy Free... |
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The College Coach Kathy Johnson
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The Game Plan |
A Monthly College Admissions Advising Newsletter |
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March 1, 2009 Vol.1 Issue 1 |
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Monthly Strategies Freshmen and Sophomores · Choose courses for next year. · Continue to do your best in school. · Sign up online for the SAT II Subject Tests to take on May 2 or June 6, 2009. Juniors · March 14-SAT I · Continue to do your BEST in school. · Choose your senior year courses with care. · Start thinking about teachers whom you might want to ask to write you a teacher recommendation for college applications. · Student-athletes should be contacting coaches at colleges. · Student-athletes should start an account at NCAA.org. · Continue preparing for SATs/ACTs. Seniors · Relax and wait for your college responses. · Don't slack off and develop any bad habits - college is tougher. · Fill out a FAFSA for financial aid and explore scholarship opportunities.
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Any and all parts of this newsletter may not be copied or distributed without permission. © Kathy Johnson, The College Coach |