Navigating College Admissions

Bryan Pisetsky

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Navigating College Admissions

Understand college admission criteria

In this lesson, students will explore the various criteria colleges use for admissions, including GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities. They will evaluate their own profiles and identify areas for improvement. This lesson is important as it helps students understand what colleges look for in applicants and allows them to assess their readiness and areas they need to work on to enhance their college applications.

Audience

11th and 12th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand college admission criteria

Materials

Worksheet: College Admission Profile Evaluation, and Discussion Questions: Improving Your College Profile

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the topic of college admissions.
Explain the importance of understanding admission criteria such as GPA, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

Step 2

Exploring Admission Criteria

10 mins

Discuss the key criteria colleges use for admissions.
- GPA: Importance of academic performance.
- Test Scores: Role of SAT/ACT scores.
- Extracurricular Activities: Value of involvement outside academics.
Encourage students to ask questions and share what they know.

Step 3

Self-Evaluation Activity

15 mins

Distribute the "College Admission Profile Evaluation" worksheet.
Instruct students to fill out their current GPA, test scores, and list extracurricular activities.
Ask students to reflect on their profiles and identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Step 4

Group Discussion

10 mins

Use the "Improving Your College Profile" discussion questions to facilitate a conversation.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on how they can improve their profiles.
Discuss strategies for enhancing GPA, preparing for tests, and getting involved in extracurricular activities.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Encourage students to set personal goals for improving their college admission profiles.

Worksheet

College Admission Profile Evaluation

This worksheet helps students evaluate their current profiles based on college admission criteria and identify areas for improvement.

What is your current GPA?

List your SAT/ACT scores.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Identify one area where you can improve your profile.

Discussion

Improving Your College Profile

This discussion will help students think critically about how they can enhance their college admission profiles.

What are some ways to improve your GPA?

Discuss study habits, seeking help from teachers, and time management.

How can you better prepare for standardized tests?

Talk about test prep resources, practice tests, and study schedules.

What new extracurricular activities could you consider joining?

Explore clubs, sports, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles.