College Prep Adventure

Mary Braddock

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

College Prep Adventure

Prepare for college

This lesson focuses on preparing 9th-grade students for college by exploring essential steps such as organizing documents, setting goals, and understanding advanced courses. Through active and collaborative learning, students will engage in a project-based activity and experiential learning to grasp the college preparation process. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the college admissions process effectively, setting them on a path to success.

Audience

9th Grade Career Readiness

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Project-Based Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Video: How to Prepare for College, Worksheet: College Prep Steps, Quiz: College Readiness Check, Exit Ticket: Reflection on College Prep, Discussion: College Goals and Planning, Reading: College Prep Guide, and Answer Key: College Readiness Check

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about college preparation.
Introduce the lesson objectives and outline the activities planned for the session.

Step 2

Video Viewing

12 mins

Watch the How to Prepare for College video.
Encourage students to take notes on key points such as organizing documents and setting goals.

Step 3

Group Activity

10 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Each group discusses and lists steps they need to take to prepare for college based on the video.
Use the "College Prep Steps" worksheet to guide their discussion.

Step 4

Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals for college preparation.
Use questions from the "College Goals and Planning" discussion guide.

Step 5

Quiz

5 mins

Distribute the "College Readiness Check" quiz to assess students' understanding of the video content.
Collect quizzes for grading.

Step 6

Reading and Reflection

5 mins

Hand out the "College Prep Guide" reading material.
Ask students to read and reflect on how they can apply the information to their own college preparation journey.

Step 7

Closure

3 mins

Distribute the "Reflection on College Prep" exit ticket.
Ask students to write down one new thing they learned and one action they plan to take towards college preparation.

Worksheet

College Prep Steps

This worksheet helps students identify and organize the steps they need to take to prepare for college. It encourages them to think critically about their goals and the actions required to achieve them.

List three short-term goals you can set to prepare for college.

Consider goals that can be achieved in a few months.

List two long-term goals you have for your college journey.

Think about goals that require consistent effort over time.

What documents do you need to organize for college applications?

Consider transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.

Quiz

College Readiness Check

Answer Key

College Readiness Check Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for the College Readiness Check quiz.

What is a short-term goal you can set for college preparation?

Organizing documents
Short-term goals are achievable in a few months and help in immediate preparation.

Which courses can help you earn college credits in high school?

AP and IB courses
AP and IB courses are designed to be more rigorous and offer college credits.

What is the purpose of taking the PSAT or Pre-ACT?

To practice for college entrance exams
These exams are practice tests for the SAT and ACT, helping students prepare for college entrance exams.

Discussion

College Goals and Planning

This discussion encourages students to think about their college goals and the planning required to achieve them. It helps them articulate their aspirations and the steps needed to reach them.

What are some short-term goals you can set to prepare for college?

Encourage students to think about goals that can be achieved in a few months, such as organizing documents or improving study habits.

How can setting long-term goals help you in your college journey?

Discuss the importance of having a vision for the future and how it guides decision-making.

What challenges might you face in preparing for college, and how can you overcome them?

Encourage students to think about potential obstacles and strategies to address them.

Reading

College Prep Guide

This reading material provides students with a comprehensive overview of the steps needed to prepare for college, including organizing documents, setting goals, and understanding advanced courses.

College Prep Guide

Preparing for college involves several key steps that can help you navigate the admissions process smoothly. Here are some essential actions to consider:

Organize Your Documents: Create a system to store important documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Set Short-term and Long-term Goals: Identify what you want to achieve in the short term (e.g., improving grades) and long term (e.g., choosing a college major).
Consider Advanced Courses: Enroll in AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses to earn college credits and prepare for college-level work.
Prepare for Entrance Exams: Take practice exams like the PSAT or Pre-ACT to familiarize yourself with the testing process.

By following these steps, you can set yourself up for success in your college journey.

Quiz

Reflection on College Prep

Worksheet

College Prep Steps

List three short-term goals you can set to prepare for college.

Consider goals that can be achieved in a few months.

List two long-term goals you have for your college journey.

Think about goals that require consistent effort over time.

What documents do you need to organize for college applications?

Consider transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.