This is the lesson plan which teachers and counselors can use and-or adapt. This lesson plan can be used without the PowerPoint.

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LESSON-College Knowledge for Middle School and High School Freshmen Students

Time: One hour

 

Objective

As a result of participating in this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the unique opportunities offered at colleges and universities

• Understand that college is an option for all students

• Identify differences between the middle school and college experience

• Learn about the various opportunities they can have as a college student

• Identify the different steps they should be taking from 7th/8th/9th-12th grade to prepare for college 

• Create goals around what they hope to accomplish in each grade

• Understand the various requirements needed to apply to college

• Identify the challenges that might exist in getting to college

• Identify solutions to help overcome challenges in getting to college

• Learn about the myths and facts surrounding the affordability of college

• Identify various sources of financial aid that can help them pay and afford college

• Begin reflecting on things they can do in middle school/ freshman year to afford college one day

• Identify resources and people that can help them overcome challenges in getting to college

 

Agenda
            Introduction

            College, So what?

            Is College for Everyone?

            Differences Between Middle School/ High School and College

            College Mapping Planner

            College Admissions Requirements

            Hurdle or High Wall

            Financial Aid Myths Vs. Facts

            Costs of College and Financial Aid 

            Where to Get Help 

 

 

Discussion

College So What?

 

Discuss the following topics

 

1. Why think about college now?

NOTE: Now is the best time for you to take charge of your future. You have time to take the challenging courses colleges want to see and developing the study habits so you will do well in those courses. You have time to start saving for college and to become involved in extracurriculars and other activities.

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2. What’s the big deal about college?

• Make more money

• Get to choose your career

• Advance further in many careers   Example: Don’t stop at being a construction worker, start a company.

• Meet new and different types of people

• Live in a different city

• Learn new things

• Research interesting ideas

• Learn from great teachers / experts

• Get a profession (e.g., lawyer, doctor)

 

Discussion

Is College for Everyone?

 

Directions: Read a series of statements and have students raise their hands to show they agree or disagree with the statement

 

Is College for Everyone Statements

• People of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions, backgrounds and more

• People of all socioeconomic backgrounds

• Want to be professional athletes

• Undocumented students

• Students going into the military

• Students with IEPs and disabilities

• Students who speak a language other than English

• Students who are the first in their families to go to college

• Students who have Bs and Cs

 

Discussion

Differences Between Middle School/ High School and College

 

Notes for Discussion

 

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Discussion

College Mapping Planner

 

Directions: Introduction

• Ask students, “What do you want to do in your future and what do you think you need to do to get there?”

 

Directions: Review

 

7th-8th Grade

Improve grades

Attendance

State test scores

Apply to good fit high schools

Plan high school curriculum

Build your vocabulary

 

9th Grade

Get Involved in clubs, sports, or leadership activities

Look ahead for AP, IB and AICE classes, if available

Apply for scholarships

Take PSAT

 

10th Grade

Apply for scholarships

Focus on getting and maintaining good grades

Get involved with activities

 

11th Grade

Take SATs or ACT

Focus on getting and maintaining good grades

Research and visit colleges

Gather teacher recommendation letters

Visit a college fair and attend in-school college presentations

Sign up on college websites and request information

Start thinking about essay topics

Apply for scholarships  

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12th Grade

Apply to colleges

Apply for financial aid

 

Directions

1.    Explain why each step is appropriate to take at each grade level.

2.    Ask students, “What other things can we do in each grade to prepare for college?”

3.    Ask students to share their reflection by answering the following question

•   What one action have you been inspired to take?

 

 

Discussion

College Admissions Requirements

 

College admissions requirements may include:

• SAT or ACT Test

• Talking to your college counselor

• College Application

• College Tour

• Applying for Financial Aid (to get money to pay for college)

• Teacher Recommendation Letter

• Counselor Recommendation Letter

• Personal Statement/College Essay

• Application Fee (money you pay to apply to each college)

• Sending in your Transcripts (final report card)

• Getting involved in extracurricular and leadership activities

 

 

Discussion

Hurdle or High Wall

 

Introduction

Some challenges will feel like a “high wall” that may stop you from moving forward to college. Before telling yourself that you will never get to college, consider the solutions and reach out for support.

 

Directions

1. Read a series of statements and have students raise their hands to indicate whether they think the statement is a hurdle or high wall

 

Hurdle/High Wall Statements

• The cost of college

• Falling behind in one of your classes

• A college counselor who doesn’t seem to have time to meet with you.

• Your counselor looks at your grades to date and suggests that you take less challenging classes than you know you will need for admission to college.

• Your family needs you to work or look after younger siblings

• Disappointing SAT or ACT test scores

• No one in your family has gone to college

• Your college application requires an essay and writing is not your strength.

• None of your friends are planning to go to college. They say college is too long and hard.

 

2. Call on individual students to explain why they think that way

3. Provide further explanation around certain statements when necessary

4. Ask students to identify solutions to the challenge presented

5. Discuss where students can get help they need to overcome the hurdle

 

 

Discussion

Financial Aid Myths Vs. Facts

 

Directions

1. Explain to students that there are a lot of myths about affording college

2. This activity will help them learn what is a myth and what is a fact

3. Read a series of statements and have students say whether the statement is a fact or a myth by raising their hands

4. Call on individual students who have chosen their response. Have them explain why they think the statement is a myth or a fact and then provide further explanation

5. Provide further explanation around certain statements when necessary

 

Myth/ Reality Statements

1.  Myth: Private colleges are too expensive and you shouldn’t apply if you don’t have the money

1.  Reality: This is false. Each school has different costs and some private colleges provide better financial help than public colleges.

2.  Myth: Some colleges give full athletic scholarships to athletes

2.  Reality: This is true. It all depends on the college but you do need to maintain good grades in high school and in college to get this scholarship. Athletic scholarships are competitive and the recruiting process for some colleges starts as early as your freshmen year of high school.

3.  Myth: Only “A” students can go to college and get financial aid

3.  Reality: This is false. There are many colleges out there that accept different types of grades. On the other hand, the better grades you get in high school, the more options of colleges you have to apply to. While some financial aid and scholarships are based on your grades, others are based on how much your family makes a year or your background, talents, and extracurricular involvement in high school.

4.  Myth: Applying for financial aid is impossible

4.  Reality: This is false. You just need about an hour and access to internet. There are also people who can help such as your guidance counselor, college counselor or community organization.

 

Discussion

Costs of College and Financial Aid  

 

1. How to Pay for College: Explain that different universities have different costs and each offer various forms of support to help pay for college

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NOTE: A school may offer grants, scholarships, loans, and work study which make up the financial aid package for every student

 

• Grants:  These are like free money! You can get grants from the federal government, your state, and your college.

• Scholarships: Many are not just for sports or high grades.

• Loans: Students take out loans to help pay for school because your education is an investment. It is important to know what kind of loan you're taking out and how much you will be borrowing.  Loans must be paid back.

• Work study: A great way to pay for college and get work experience while you go to school.

• Work for an employer who will pay for some college costs: Starbucks, Apple, Home Depot, AT&T, and more.

 

Check the net price calculator to get an idea of how much it will really cost to attend a school. Check out the financial aid section of the college’s website, or search for the net price calculator on the college’s homepage

 

Scholarships are not just for athletes or students with high grades.  There are scholarships for being left-handed and for many things like being tall, being a first-generation college student, being involved in the arts, community service, and more. Also, there are essay contests. There are also various scholarships for undocumented students.

 

 

Discussion

Bright Futures Scholarship

 

Inform students about Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship program and its requirements:

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• An amazing opportunity for Florida residents to earn a scholarship to college.

• This scholarship program rewards Florida high school graduates for academic achievement and community service.

• All Florida seniors who meet the requirements should complete the application. Even if you are NOT planning to attend a Florida college, you should apply. 

• Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) can receive an award to cover up to 100% of tuition and applicable fees when attending a public Florida college or university. 

• Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) will receive an award to cover up to 75% of tuition and applicable fees.

• Students attending a private school will receive a comparable amount.

 

 

Discussion

Where to Get Help 

 

Look to counselors, teachers, staff, family, and friends for support because all want you to succeed and all feel confident in your ability to get to college.