02/10/15 Meeting: THE BASICS

Thank you to everyone that showed up today! I hope you all learned something new. We did go through the topics quite quickly, so I apologize for that. However, in this post, I included all the links and sources we mentioned during the meeting today, so feel free to look through them on your own :)

For the next meeting, we will continue our discussion regarding  personal statements. We want you all to become familiar with the prompts and the directions.

We look forward to seeing you all next week~~

**For those that missed last week's meeting, it's cool! We basically went through the same topics (though a bit more in depth)**

RESOURCES/LINKS
-The "Reach, Match, Safety" template:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17vLM9cGfkskkHOOjcEsJoHRi1F26eWo7E83GM3H5zrI/edit?usp=sharing
(To make a personal copy, sign in to your gmail account first. Once you have done that, go to the link above, click the "file" option on the top left, and then click the "make a copy" option. ^^)

-Schools That Don't Require Application Fees
http://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/colleges-with-no-application-fee/1681/

-Schools That Don't Require SATs or ACTs (or that don't place an emphasis on those scores)

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/standardizedtests/a/optionalscores.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/28/sat-act-not-required-colleges_n_2206391.html


-FREE SAT/ACT PREP SOURCES
http://sghswttfcollegeclub.blogspot.com/2014/10/101414-meeting.html

College Club Application

Hola amigos! If you haven't filled out a club application for WTTF College Club yet, we would really like for you to do so. We want to keep track of our members and to have your information so we can contact you.

We no longer do paper applications; instead, our applications are online. To fill out an app, click on the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1M0UcAzobYBmTzubqAzglVBqdtgyTC8XNdixXEExN-2g/viewform?usp=send_form

Thank you to everyone that has been attending our meetings. We really appreciate it and if you ever have questions, feel free to ask any of the cabinet members! We are here to help :)

01/06/15 Meeting - FAFSA & Financial Aid

Sorry for not updating for so long! Last semester was just crazy. I'm going to try my very best to keep this blog updated from now on :)

During today's club meeting, Jiayuan and Maggy went over the application process for the FAFSA. The FAFSA is definitely a process you would want to go through with your parent/guardian because it asks for a lot of financial information. A lot of things are self-explanatory, but be sure to type in all the information correctly!

When filling out the FAFSA, be sure to have your materials ready. To see what documents you will need to fill out the FAFSA, click here.

Also, to be able to complete and submit the FAFSA, you must create a Federal Student Aid PIN. This PIN is crucial because you need it whenever you are dealing with financial information. You will need it throughout your years in college. To create a PIN, click here. To find out more about the PIN, click here.

Some members had questions about the "10 colleges limit" when filling out the FAFSA. Basically, the FAFSA application limits you to putting only ten colleges. However, that doesn't mean that you can only submit your FAFSA to those ten. There are numerous ways to send the FAFSA information to more than ten colleges. To find out how to send your FAFSA information to more than ten schools, click here.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask any of the cabinet members or Ms. Bishop. You can also bring up any questions you have at the next meeting. :) Next Tuesday, we are planning to talk about the CSS Profile, which is also another application that deals with financial aid.

Anyways, thanks to all the members that attended today's meeting~~

NOTE: Please double-check the FAFSA deadlines for your colleges! Not all universities have deadlines in March; some have earlier deadlines!  

10/21/2014 Meeting

During this meeting, we showed a video from the Universities of California talking about what admissions' officers expect in personal statements. Ms. Bishop added her own insight and tips on what to present in a personal statement. She also showed the members an example of an outstanding essay (the essay was used for Questbridge, but the prompt was similar to the first UC prompt).

Some tips:
-When the UCs look at applications, they only see numbers. Let your personal statements "paint a picture" for the admissions' officers.
-Don't procrastinate! If you haven't started, try to start right away! Even if it's a draft, it's still something. A great personal statement requires many revisions.
-Don't be afraid to ask for help. Some teachers are willing to help you look over your personal statements.

The next meeting will be on October 28th (Tuesday) and we will continue our personal statement theme with an in-class writing session. Take advantage of this time to get some advice on how to write your PS!

Resources Used:
University of California Video: "Personal Statement" 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB4O2UXdLo0

10/14/14 Meeting

During this meeting, we talked about the PSAT and how it's structured. An example of the actual PSAT test and the scoring booklet was passed around. A powerpoint was shown to introduce the entire organization of the test. Sites like Number2 and the Kaplan Youtube channel were also displayed.

Reminders: 
-Cal State apps are online! (UC apps too)
-Register for the November SAT (includes late registration fee, deadline is October 28th)
-College Fair is on Thursday, October 16th from 6pm-8pm

Resources Used: 
College Board PSAT Presentation:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OieYHFVWGwYau2hMFcbrGmWb_ozmX52utX5qtYPtr8U/edit?usp=sharing
Kaplan SAT/ACT Prep Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/KaplanSATACT?app=desktop
Free SAT/ACT Prep:
https://www.number2.com/
SAT Blue Book Solutions Guide: 
http://www.showme.com/sat/books/college-board-official-sat-study-guide/2nd-edition/test-1/index.html

10/7/14 Meeting

For this meeting, we met in the career center. This meeting was an opportunity for club members to start/work on their UC applications. For non-seniors, the meeting time was used for college research.

Resources Used: 
UC Application Website: https://admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm?direct_url=/login.htm

Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be in Ms. Bishop's room (P209). The meeting will be PSAT-oriented. However, if seniors have any questions or concerns, they are welcome to come~

9/30/14 Meeting

During this meeting, we focused on the process of applying to a UC. We showed the UC application website to the members and went through it together.

REMINDERS:
-Last day to sign up for the October ACT is this Friday, October 3rd! (Late fee included)
-Cal State applications open onlinr today
-PSAT is scheduled for this October (subject to change)
-Questbridge deadline is extended to this SUNDAY,  October 5th