Extended College Exploration: A Directed Study
Knowledge of the college application process is an important tool in the development of long range goals and planning for the future.
Therefore, the requirements for the study are as follows:
- Complete a Post High School Planning Questionnaire and participate in a meeting with the Gifted Facilitator to discuss results. The meeting must be documented.
Questionnaire page 1, Questionnaire page 2 (print and complete both questionnaires and bring them to your meeting with the G.F. Remember that YOU must schedule the meeting)
- Complete a college search, using the information found in the guidance office (career cruising/ cappex) and other sources including but not limited to, books, videos, computer programs and the Internet. An annotated bibliography of sources used will help document the use of a variety of resources.
Sign up for your free portfolio on www.cappex.com. Make sure that you choose Mrs. Peters as your counselor so she can track your progress through this process.
- Begin research on three colleges or universities using the College Matrix. The information should include standard data such as location, enrollment, cost, possible majors, as well as interesting “tidbits” about the various locales, schools, campuses, and any information that would beneficial and fun.
College Matrix (complete and save for your files) Please add additional columns/ rows if you need
- Schedule an interview with a “Mock College Representative”. This should be taken seriously (dress attire, responses) and will be videotaped for your analysis.
- Write and send a letter to a college requesting information. Include a copy of the letter and the response or any materials returned OR participate in (2) college symposiums throughout the year.
- Complete an essay based on a typical college application questions. Request feedback from your counselor or Language Arts teacher regarding the appropriateness of your response and the quality of the essay.
- Create a resume and being a portfolio/ folder of important documents and records that will support your information.
- Create a learning center which highlights in detail each of the colleges selected for research. The center should be designed so that it is freestanding. Professional lettering and labeling will identify the important features and information should highlight the results of your research. Visual appeal and the overall appearance should be of high quality.
All supportive information, including notes, evidence of research and any other materials or information gathered for the study should be presented in the binder. A title page, section dividers and a table of contents should be used to organize the information.
Creativity and thoughtfulness in the development of this study should be evident.
All written materials should be typed and word- processed.
