College & Transition Resources

1. College & Transition Resources A Guide for Denver Academy Students & Parents

2. Navigating the Post-secondary World This presentation is designed for the diverse learners at Denver Academy, who will be looking at traditional &/or non-traditional paths after graduation. We appreciate the rich possibilities that all of you can consider.

3. Keep your options open We recommend that you take a look at various post-secondary opportunities Don’t pigeon-hole yourself into one type of plan OR just one school Be prepared to change your mind about what interests you

4. Consider… • Two-year/Community college • Four year college or university • Gap Year program • Technical school • Employment (even a summer job after graduation)

5. First Things First!

6. Who Am I? The better you know yourself—your strengths & weaknesses, the way you learn, what makes you tick, what quirks & unique qualities you have—the better equipped you will be to start the college & transition process.

7. A Few Assessment Tools • Myers-Briggs/Jung Typology: Take the “Jung Typology” assessment to see how you best navigate not only school, but the world around you. http://www.humanmetrics.com • School Buff: Download the two starting assessments: The “Self Survey” and the “Self-Knowledge Questionnaire.”http://www.schoolbuff.com • Do What You Are/Personality Type: From Naviance. You will be directed to the home page. Sign in as you usually do. https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/main/personality-type

8. You’ve already done some work • You probably have an idea (however vague) of what you want to do • You have most likely had conversations with parents and friends • You have thought about Career Clusters and have built a Passage around your interest • You have chosen a Senior Seminar class based on a potential career interest

9. Time for Research: College • College & Transition websites are a good place to start • These are just a few of the sites that have functions to help students narrow a college search by specific criteria • Remember that this helps as a guide, and you are not locked into suggestions offered • If you don’t like your list, look carefully at the criteria you have chosen

10. What is important to you in choosing a college? • Location? • Private? Public? • School size? • Class size? • LD services? • Cost? • Reputation? • Programs & Majors? • Sports? • Extracurricular activities? • Legacy? • Greek life? • Career placement? • Transfer options?

11. Denver Academy has a subscription toNaviance, a comprehensive college & transition website • Every DA high school student & parent has an account • Explore this sitefirst, wherever you are on the college & transition path • http://www.naviance.com

12. Other College & Transition Websites for Preliminary Research • ACT:http://www.actstudent.org/ • Big Future College Board: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ • College in Colorado:http://www.collegeincolorado.org • Colleges That Change Lives:http://www.ctcl.org/ • myUsearch: http://www.myUsearch.com • Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/

13. Why Consider a Community College? • Financial reasons • Getting basic requirements out of the way • Staying close to home • Uncertainty about what you want to do

14. Community Colleges • Campus Explorer: Searches for two-year degree programs & certificate programs. http://www.campusexplorer.com/ • Colorado Council on High School & College Relations: The Colorado Collegiate Handbook can be downloaded for information on all Colorado two-year schools. http://www.coloradocouncil.org/ • Matrix: A synopsis of Colorado colleges, universities and trade schools. http://www.matrixbookstore.biz/cocolleges3.htm

15. Are you thinking about a Technical route? • The coursework is specific to a career path • It takes less time to get into the work force • It is more kinesthetic, “hands-on”

16. Technical Schools • Bel-Rea: A veterinary technical training program. http://belrea.edu • Colorado Association of Career & Technical Education (CACTE): A list and locations of the eight Designated Career & Technical Schools in Colorado. http://www.coloradostateplan.com/dcts.htm • Emily Griffith Technical College: Denver’s public college for apprenticeships & certificate program. http://www.egos-school.com/

17. Looking for a School with Strong Academic Support? • Beacon College: http://www.beaconcollege.edu • Curry College: http://www.curry.edu • Landmark College: http://www.landmark.edu • Lynn University: http://www.lynn.edu • Mitchell College: http://www.mitchell.edu • University of Arizona/Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT): http://www.salt.arizona.edu • University of Denver/Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP): http://www.du.edu/studentlife/disability/lep/

18. Schools with Learning Disability Services • College Scholarships, Colleges, and Online Degrees. A list of numerous colleges & universities with coordinated or comprehensive LD services. http://www.college-scholarships.com/learning_disabilities.htm • Colleges with Learning Disability Programs. Managed by Allen Tinkler, “a nationally recognized consultant on college selection and transition issues for students with special needs.” http://kaarme.com/Learning_Disability_College_Programs • National Center for Learning Disabilities. An excellent resource for many transition issues for students with LD. : http://ncld.org/college-aamp-work/post-high-school-options

19. Specific Communities • Christian Schools: http://www.christiancollegeguide.net • Historically Black Schools: http://www.blackcollegesearch.com/ • Jewish Population: http://collegestats.org/colleges/jewish • LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index: http://www.campusclimateindex.org/ • Men’s Colleges:http://www.univsource.com/mens.htm • Women’s Colleges:http://collegeapps.about.com/od/collegerankings/tp/top_womens_colleges.htm

20. Building Your List • Once you and you parent(s) have decided on the criteria AND how it is prioritized, you can start finding opportunities that fit • We recommend: one reach, two match, & two foundation • The options need to be REAL

21. Continuing to navigate… The “preliminary” websites are completely suitable to continue with your research. There are websites that take a different approach to college research.

22. These websites give a “behind-the-scenes” look at colleges. They are geared specifically towards high school students. (Parents are welcome, too!) • College Confidential: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ • Campus Grotto: http://www.campusgrotto.com/home/index.php • College Prowler: http://collegeprowler.com • Rate My Professors: http://www.ratemyprofessorscom • Students Review: http://www.studentsreview.com • Zinch: http://www.zinch.com

23. A Closer Look • College Navigator. National Center of Education Statistics website. Home to surveys and programs and to “College Affordability & Transparency Center”. Excellent match function. http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ • College Results Online. A website from the Education Trust. http://www.collegeresults.org • Education Conservancy (EC). “Helps students, colleges and high schools overcome commercial interference in college admission.” http://www.educationconservancy.org • NACAC. The National Association of College Admission Counseling website. Excellent “student and parent resources” tab. http://www.nacacnet.org • National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Includes surveys of student engagement by participating schools. http://www.nsse.iubedu/

24. Video/Virtual Campus Tours • Campus Tours. “Video tours, photorealistic interactive campus maps, mobile walking tours” & more…http://www.campustours.com/ • Collegiate Choice Walking Tours. College videos of campus tours plus other helpful college planning and admissions information. http://www.collegiatechoice.com • YOUniversity.“College video tours of every major college in the US. Social network connects you with students, admissions, faculty, and alumni.” http://www.youniversitytv.com/ • You Visit. “Virtual Campus Visits - Web, Mobile, Facebook.” http://www.youvisit.com/

25. Other Research Tools • The Choice. “Examines all facets of college and university admissions.” A blog from The New York Times. http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/ • College Week Live. Videos, live chats. http://www.collegeweeklive.com • College Admission Confidential. Interviews with people in the college counseling field. LA Talk Radio. http://www.latalkradio/College.php

26. Gap Year Opportunities • Not quite ready for another rigorous academic experience? • Want to travel and do service in a local or international community? • Do you need/want to earn money for college?

27. Gap Year Programs: Local Opportunities • Americorps. “Your chance to put your ideals into action while learning new skills, making new connections, and earning money to pay for college.” http://www.americorps.gov • Mile High Youth Corps. “Meaningful service and educational experiences.” http://www.milehighyouthcorps.org • NOLS. National Outdoor Leadership School, a wilderness education school. Based in Wyoming, several locations. http://www.nols.edu

28. Gap Year Programs: Service & Travel • Gap Year Programs. A good site to start your research. http://www.gapyearprograms.net • Dynamy. Internship year & Youth Academy. http://www.dynamy.org • Earthwatch. For students concerned about the earth’s future. http://www.earthwatch.org • Leap Now. Agap year-for credit alternative college program. http://www.leapnow.org • Planet Gap Year. Offers opportunities in 25 countries that offer “adventure, internships, volunteering, & independent travel.” http://www.planetearthyear.com • Where There Be Dragons. “Language study, volunteering, internships, homestays, backpacking and the study of philosophy, music & arts combine for authentic learning adventures.” http://www.wheretherebedragons.com

29. Getting into the Work force NOW • Do you have a clear idea of what you want for a career? • Do you want/need to earn money for college?

30. Career Exploration • Career One Stop. http://www.ajb.dni.us/ • ASVAB Career Exploration Program. http://www.asvabprogram.com/ • Candid Career. “Get reel about your career.” http://www.candidcareer.com • Colorado Association of Career & Technical Education (CACTE). http://coloradostateplan.comdefault_cluster.htm • Drive of Your Life. “Test drive careers for the one and only you!” http://www.driveofyourlife.org • O*net Resource Center. The nation's primary source of occupational information.”http://www.onetcenter.org • Wet Feet. “Our mission is to equip job seekers like you with the advice, research, and inspiration you need to plan and achieve a successful career.” http://www.wetfeet.com

31. How to Tackle the College Admission Process

32. The College Application Process:The Common Application • How to Navigate the Common Application. A power point tutorial from Chapman University. http://www.chapman.edu/admission/_files/CommonAppTutorialFall2012CThome.pdf • A Student Perspective. Youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UGzlIbeLwY • Questions & Answers, part 1. Youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpU7L47xYGg&feature=related • Questions & Answers, part 2. Youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKu5OsFqJyA&feature=relmfu • Questions & Answers, part 3. Youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qrvFpweB3c&feature=relmfu

33. The College Application Process: College Essay • Essays. Tips from Carleton University. http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/apply/essay_tips • Essay2Review. “Work up your common application essay.” http://www.essay2review.com/work-up-your-common-application-essay.html • Purdue Owl. Writing a Personal Statement. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

34. The College Application Process: Letters & Interviews • Advice for the College Interview. “Girls, Dress Discreetly; Boys, Mind Those Hands.”http://www.thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/october-interview/ • Ask the Experts. Letters of Recommendation & College Interviewshttp://www.petersons.com/college-search/letters-recommendation-college-interviews.aspx • College in Colorado. Letters of Recommendation/Interviews (Application essays, too!) http://www.collegeincolorado.org

35. Need Help with ACT Prep? • Multiple Choice Tests Help • The ACT student site. Free of charge. http://www.actstudent.org • Bright Storm. Video tutorials; fee-based. http://www.brightstorm.com • Khan Academy. Free; currently has video tutorials for the math section only. http://www.khanacademy.org • Number 2. Free of charge. http://www.number2.com • Writing Portion Help http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/writing-test.html

36. SAT Prep for SAT Reasoning Test • College Board. The SAT website. http://www.collegeboard.com • I Need a Pencil. http://www.ineedapencil.com • Major Tests. http://www.majortests.com/sat • ProProfs. http://www.proprofs.com These sites are free of charge.

37. SAT Prep for SAT II Tests • College Board. http://www.sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation • Princeton Review. http://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-subject-test-courses.aspx • University Language. http:www.universitylanguage.com

38. Accuplacer Prep • College Board. http://www.collegeboard/accuplacer • Arapahoe Community College. Information about & sample questions about this course placement test for reading, writing, and math. http://www.arapahoe.edu/student-resources/testing-center/accuplacer-placement-test

39. Fair Test Schools Fair Test Schools. The extensive list of colleges& universities that do not consider standardized testing as a major criterion in a student’s application packet. http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

40. How to Navigate the Job Search

41. Career Sources • Resume Builder: http://www.aie.org • Writing a Cover Letter: http://www.myfuture.com/careers/articles-advice/creating-your-cover-letter • How to Complete a Job Application: http://www.jobsearch.about.com/cs/jobapplications/a/jobapplication.htm • Job Interview: Tips and Advice:http://www.career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/careers.aspx • How to Be an Outstanding Employee: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-47743958/9-traits-that-make-great-employees-outstanding/

42. Need money to make your plans work?

43. Financial Aid • FAFSA. Free Application for Federal Student Aid. RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ • CSS Profile. A list of colleges, universities, and scholarship programs use PROFILE, Noncustodial PROFILE, and/or IDOC as part of their financial aid process for some or all of their financial aid applicants. https:/www./profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet/PXRemotePartInstitutionServlet.srv

44. Scholarship Sites • CollegeInSight. From the Institute of College Access & Success. http://www.college-insight.org/ • FinAid! A comprehensive financial aid information source. http://www.finaid.org • Merit Aid. Comprehensive list of merit & academic scholarships. http://www.meritaid.com • Saving for College. Offers a downloadable Family Guide to College Savings. http://www.savingforcollege.com/ • Students Scholarship Search. Offers an ebook, Free Scholarship Guide for College Students. http;//www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/

45. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities • Ann Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship National Center for Learning Disabilities. http://www.ncld.org/about-us/scholarships-aamp-awards/the-anne-ford-and-allegra-ford-scholarship-award • Disaboom. A scholarship site for students with disabilities.  http://www.disaboom.com/Resources/DisabilityScholarships/Default.asp • Learning Through Listening Award Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. http://www.rfbd.org/applications_awards.htm

46. Scholarship Programs in Colorado • Boettcher Scholarship. http://www.boettcherfoundation.org/scholarships/ • College in Colorado. http://www.collegeincolorado.org • College Invest. http://www.collegeinvest.org • Daniels Fund. http://www.danielsfund.org

47. For your Community Service hours • Seniors at Denver Academy are required to perform 50 hours of community service. • The Phil Johnson & Lou Raders Community Service Scholarship was established in 2008 to recognize a student with extraordinary community service • One $1,000 scholarship each year is available for a student who nominates him/herself and goes through the selection process • Please talk with any senior advisor if you are interested

48. Volunteer • Clothes to Kids. Provides new and used clothing to low income children. http://www.clothestokids.org • Denver Public Library. Lists opportunities for teens. http://www.teens.denverlibrary.org • Girls, Inc.Volunteer opportunities, “inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, & bold.” http://www.girlsincdenver.org/volunteer-opportunities.htm • Habitat for Humanity. A Denver homeownership program. http://www.habitatmetrodenver.org • Metro Volunteers. “Denver’s leading source for volunteer engagement” http:www.metrovolunteers.org/ • Volunteer Match. Volunteer opportunities in the Denver metro area. http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?r=msa&l=80640

49. Extra Support Services • If you are not quite ready to embark on your new transition and want to stay connected to Denver and Denver Academy, consider: • College Achievement Program (CAP): http://www.denveracademy.org/page.aspx?pid=345 • College Living Experience (CLE): http://www.experiencecle.com/locations/denver.aspx

50. Print Resources: College Search • Antonoff, Steve. College Finder. • Antonoff, Steve. College Match. Octameron: USA, 2011. • Cool Colleges 101. • The Insider’s Guide to the Colleges. • Kravets, Marybeth, & Imy Wax. K & W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities. • Mangrum, Charles T., & Stephen S. Strichart. Peterson’s Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder.