Workshops are an inexpensive way to learn about the college application process.
College 101
This workshop gives an overview of the college and university system in America. It begins with a discussion on what is learned in and gained by attending a postsecondary institution. There is significant discussion of college control (public vs private) and college type (university, liberal arts, specialty, community). Students and parents are asked to think about the best fit for learning style and long term goals. The session concludes with a discussion of how to look for quality and avoid popular ranking traps. Group of colleges like the Colleges the Change Lives (CTCL), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Alternative Colleges, and Members of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) are featured.
Financial Strategies
This workshop focuses on understanding the financial aid system during the college search. We will discuss the FAFSA, CalGrant, CSS Profile, and the iDOC system. There is a focus on types of financial aid with an in depth discussion of need based grants, merit based scholarships, subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, and private loans. College and University policies including a discussion of how colleges analyze and award need based aid, need blind vs need aware policies, need blind colleges, public college policies, and private college discounting. Families are introduced to the Net Cost Calculator. Special large scholarships such as Questbridge are discussed.
Admissions
This workshop focuses on holistic admissions and the admission process. Colleges are looking not just for students who will succeed, but who will bring something special to the campus. Families will discuss what unique qualities their students already have and how they should be expressed through the college application. We will look at student activities, and how students should do more of what they love to increase their chance of admission success. We will also look at college requirements such as testing and test optional requirements. The application procedure, including different application deadlines will be discussed.
Unique Colleges
Build your own degree. Receive narrative evaluations instead of grades. Study Great Books for a Classical Education. Follow a one class at a time block schedule. Not every student fits the same mold and unique students need unique colleges. Luckily there are many colleges to choose from. From little known colleges to highly selective Ivy League universities unique and specialty programs and even specialty colleges are out there if you know where to look.
(For homeschool charter students – instructional funding accepted)