Lesson Plan
Your College Quest
Students will be able to identify key factors in selecting colleges, understand the components of a college application, and outline initial steps for their application process.
Navigating college selection and applications can be overwhelming. This lesson provides a structured approach, empowering students to make informed decisions and confidently pursue their higher education goals.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentation, discussion, and individual reflection activities.
Materials
College Quest Slide Deck, College Application Checklist Worksheet, Projector or Smartboard, and Pens/Pencils
Prep
Lesson Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the College Quest Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the College Application Checklist Worksheet for each student.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is functional.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Dream Big!
5 minutes
- Display the first slide of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Ask students: 'If you could go to any college in the world, where would it be and why?'
- Encourage a few students to share their dream colleges and reasons. (Connects to the idea of 'fit').
Step 2
Introduction: The College Quest
5 minutes
- Present slides 2-3 of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Introduce the lesson objectives and explain the importance of a strategic approach to college selection and application.
- Briefly discuss the agenda for the session.
Step 3
Selecting Your Path: What Matters to YOU?
10 minutes
- Present slides 4-7 of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Lead a discussion on key factors for college selection: academics, location, size, campus culture, cost, and opportunities.
- Ask students to briefly jot down their top 3 priorities on a piece of scratch paper.
Step 4
Application Essentials: Making Your Mark
15 minutes
- Present slides 8-12 of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Explain the common components of a college application: transcripts, essays, recommendations, standardized tests, and extracurriculars.
- Distribute the College Application Checklist Worksheet and have students begin filling out the 'Application Components' section as you discuss.
Step 5
Next Steps & Q&A
5 minutes
- Present slides 13-14 of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Review key takeaways and encourage students to utilize school resources (counselors, college fairs).
- Open the floor for any questions students may have about the process.
Step 6
Cool-Down: One Word Reflection
5 minutes
- Present the final slide of the College Quest Slide Deck.
- Ask students to share one word that describes how they feel about the college application process after this lesson.
- Collect the College Application Checklist Worksheet for informal assessment.
Slide Deck
Your College Quest: Where Do You Dream Of Going?
Warm-Up Question:
If you could go to any college in the world, where would it be and why?
Welcome students and get them thinking about their aspirations. This helps transition into the lesson by connecting to their personal dreams. Encourage a few students to share their responses.
Navigating Your Future: Today's Journey
Welcome to Your College Quest!
Objective: Understand college selection factors, application components, and next steps.
Why this matters: Make informed decisions, reduce stress, and confidently pursue your higher education goals.
Agenda:
- Dream Big Warm-Up
- College Selection Factors
- Application Essentials
- Next Steps & Q&A
- One Word Reflection
Introduce the purpose of the lesson. Emphasize that this is about empowering them to take control of their future. Briefly outline what they will learn today.
Your College Quest: Setting the Stage
Today's Goals:
- Identify key factors for college selection.
- Understand common college application components.
- Outline initial steps for your college application process.
Reinforce the objective and briefly introduce the main topics that will be covered. This slide sets the stage for the rest of the presentation.
Choosing Your Adventure: College Selection Factors
What Matters Most to You?
Consider these key factors:
- Academics: Majors, programs, faculty, research opportunities
- Location: City, suburban, rural; distance from home
- Size: Small, medium, large student body
- Campus Culture: Social scene, clubs, diversity, values
- Cost & Financial Aid: Tuition, fees, scholarships, grants
- Opportunities: Internships, career services, study abroad
Initiate a discussion about what students consider important in a college. Encourage them to think beyond just reputation.
Academics: Finding Your Fit
Dive Deep into Learning
- Majors & Programs: Does the college offer what you want to study?
- Faculty: Who will be teaching you? What are their specialties?
- Learning Environment: Hands-on? Lecture-based? Research opportunities?
- Academic Support: Tutoring, writing centers, advising
Elaborate on academic considerations. Ask students how their academic interests might influence their choices.
Environment: Where Will You Thrive?
Beyond the Classroom Walls
- Location: Big city excitement, quiet town charm, or somewhere in between?
- Size: Do you prefer a small, intimate campus or a large, bustling university?
- Campus Culture: Is it collaborative or competitive? Diverse? What kind of social scene exists?
Discuss the importance of location, size, and culture. Prompt students to think about their ideal environment.
Finances & Future: Making it Possible
Understanding the Investment
- Cost of Attendance: Tuition, room & board, books, personal expenses.
- Financial Aid: Scholarships (merit-based, need-based), grants, loans, work-study.
- Net Price Calculator: A tool on college websites to estimate your out-of-pocket cost.
Address the financial aspect transparently. Highlight that cost shouldn't deter them and that financial aid is available.
Your Application Story: What Do Colleges Look For?
Crafting Your Narrative
Colleges want to see:
- Academic Achievement: Transcripts, course rigor, GPA
- Intellectual Curiosity: Essays, interviews, demonstrated interest
- Personal Qualities: Recommendations, extracurricular activities, leadership
- Fit: How well you align with the college's mission and community
Transition to the application process. Explain that this is where their hard work pays off. Distribute the worksheet now.
Application Components: Transcripts & GPA
Your Academic Record
- Transcripts: Official record of your high school courses, grades, and GPA.
- Course Rigor: Have you challenged yourself with AP, IB, or honors classes?
- GPA: Your Grade Point Average reflects your overall academic performance.
Detail the first crucial component: transcripts. Explain what they are and why they're important.
Application Components: The Essay
Your Voice, Your Story
- Personal Statement: Share something meaningful about yourself that isn't on your transcript.
- Supplemental Essays: Address specific prompts from individual colleges.
- Tips: Be authentic, proofread carefully, get feedback, and tell a story!
Discuss essays as an opportunity to show personality and voice. Offer brief tips.
Application Components: Recommendations
Who Will Speak For You?
- Teachers: Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and character.
- Counselors: Your school counselor provides an overall picture of you in the context of your school.
- Tips: Ask early, provide them with information (resume, brag sheet), and send a thank you note!
Explain the role of recommendation letters and how to secure strong ones.
Application Components: Tests & Activities
Beyond the Classroom
- Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT): While many colleges are test-optional, some still require or recommend them.
- Extracurricular Activities: Show your interests, passions, leadership, and commitment outside of academics.
- Community Service & Work Experience: Demonstrate responsibility and engagement.
Briefly cover standardized tests and extracurriculars, acknowledging their decreasing emphasis but still importance for some.
Your Next Steps: Taking Action!
Don't Wait, Initiate!
- Research: Use college websites, virtual tours, and college search engines.
- Connect: Talk to your school counselor, teachers, and college representatives.
- Organize: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and essay prompts.
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time for essays and recommendations.
Summarize the key action items for students. Emphasize using available resources.
Questions & Final Thoughts
You've Got This!
- What questions do you have about the college selection or application process?
- Remember, your school counselor is an excellent resource!
Cool-Down: On your worksheet, write one word that describes how you feel about the college application process after this lesson.
End with an encouraging message and open the floor for questions. Collect the worksheets.
Worksheet
College Application Checklist: Your Path Forward
Name: _____________________________
Date: ______________________________
This worksheet will help you organize your thoughts and track your progress in the college application process. Take your time and be honest with yourself!
Part 1: College Selection - What Matters to You?
Think about the colleges you are considering. What are your top priorities? Rank the following factors from 1 (most important) to 6 (least important), or add your own.
My Top Priorities:
- Academics (majors, programs, faculty, research)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
- Location (city, rural, distance from home)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
- Size (small, medium, large student body)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
- Campus Culture (social scene, clubs, diversity)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
- Cost & Financial Aid (tuition, scholarships, grants)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
- Opportunities (internships, career services, study abroad)
Rank: _________
- Why is this important to you?
My Top 3 Dream Colleges (or potential schools):
Part 2: Application Components - Tracking Your Progress
Check off each item as you complete or gather it. Add deadlines if you know them!
| Application Component | Status (Check when done) | Deadline (if known) | Notes (e.g., who to ask, what to do) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcripts | [ ] | ||
| Personal Statement/Essay | [ ] | ||
| Supplemental Essays | [ ] | ||
| Letters of Recommendation (Teacher 1) | [ ] | ||
| Letters of Recommendation (Teacher 2) | [ ] | ||
| Letters of Recommendation (Counselor) | [ ] | ||
| Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) | [ ] | ||
| List of Extracurricular Activities | [ ] | ||
| Application Fee | [ ] | ||
| FAFSA/CSS Profile | [ ] | ||
| Interviews (if applicable) | [ ] | ||
| Portfolio/Audition (if applicable) | [ ] |
Part 3: Cool-Down - One Word Reflection
After today's lesson, what is ONE word that describes how you feel about the college application process?