Since my junior AP English students take their AP English Language and Composition test as their "final exam," I try to be a bit more creative for their spring semester final project. I have them put together a binder with all the information they will need to apply to college in the fall. I guide them through different components throughout the spring semester and have received very good feedback on this project from seniors who felt much more prepared to handle applications, especially those who chose to apply early action or early decision to more selective schools.
Required Components
- Resume
- Job Shadowing Reflection Paper
- Completed college application (Use CommonApp.org)
- 2 Application Essays, either for the Common App or to a school of your choice
- Goal schedule or To-Do list with deadlines for next year's application cycle
- Request letter of recommendation
- Scholarship Search Account and List of 5 scholarships
- Online Reputation Essay
Optional Components - Choose 3
- Copy of your SAT, ACT, or PSAT test scores
- Recent professional photo (in color)
- Example of work (a piece of art, an audition CD, sports statistic, writing sample, etc.) that you would be willing to submit to a college for extra consideration
- News clipping about something you have done or copy or an award you have received
- Application to one of the scholarships on your list on #7
- Create a LinkedIn Profile
- References list: create a list with at least 5 people whom you could ask to serve as references; gather their name, job title(s), relationship to you, work or home address, phone number(s), email(s) - all contact info that might be asked for. Include on this list your guidance counselor and your pastor, if applicable.
- Write a third college application essay
- Research living options at your choice of college: dorms, apartments, etc. and compile a poster, paper, or blog post explaining what you learned and what choice you might make.
- Password page - to keep track of all your login username and passwords for all your various sites relating to college
- Other item - get approved by me that will help you achieve your future goals