TPOL Prep

College Interview

College Resume Tips

Resume Checklist & Action Verbs  

Sample College Resume

Sample College Resume2

College Prep 101

Class Plan

• Bring me your projects! 
• Share LINK Feedback from mentors 
• Take Junior Survey 
• Add internship experience to resume 
• College Controversy: To All the Colleges That Rejected Me
• http://todaynews.today.com/_news/2013/04/04/17599221-op-ed-attacking-colleges-that-rejected-her-was-satire-student-says?lite
• http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324000704578390340064578654.html?mod=WSJ_article_comments#articleTabs%3Darticle

April College Checklist:

Juniors, here is your college admissions checklist for April:

Maintain Your Focus 

•  You have heard repeatedly that your junior grades are important, and they are. They give colleges a final glimpse of a full year of your academic work. Finish the school year successfully by staying focused in your classes. 

Plan Your Senior Curriculum

• While your senior year course of study should be your most rigorous combination of courses in high school, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should take all of your school’s most demanding classes. 
• Generally, schools like to see that you have taken a wide range of core subjects; specialization occurs in college, not in high school. 
• Many public universities have specific core requirements for admission (like four years of math, science and English), while highly selective universities expect to see that you’ve challenged yourself as much as possible within your high school’s curriculum. 
• If you are unsure of what you should take, speak to your guidance counselor or a teacher, as he or she can also help you weigh the demands of your courses with your extracurricular activities and other responsibilities. 
•  Remember, too, that college applications require a significant amount of work, often the equivalent of taking another highly rigorous course. 
• And regardless of what you’ve heard, your senior grades do matter. Colleges request your midyear grades and expect you to maintain your current level of work. 

 Keep Track of Testing Deadlines 

•  Revisit the testing timeline you developed in January and determine if it still works for you. 
•  If you take the SAT or the ACT this spring, you’ll likely take one of the tests a second time in the fall, which gives you a brief break from testing.
•  Don’t forget to look at whether any of the schools on your list consider scores from SAT Subject Tests. While only a handful of colleges require these tests, most students take them in May or June. Make sure you plan ahead and register for the tests accordingly. 

Initiate Family Conversations

• During one of the weekly college meetings you read about last month, initiate an open discussion with your family about considerations that may affect your college search. 
•  Maybe you’re envisioning going to college 2,000 miles from home, but your parents are thinking differently. Perhaps finances are a bigger factor than you realized. Having this conversation with your family now gives you time to consider this important information and still develop a list of schools that meets your needs. 
• Refine Your College List 
•  Combine the information you have discussed with your family with your own research from college visits, books or Web sites, and begin editing your college list. 
•  As you eliminate schools, make note of your reasons for doing so; they may help you determine what you’re really looking for in a school. 
•  On the other hand, if you really love a school, consider why you’re drawn to it and look for schools that have similar qualities. While doing so, pay attention to each school’s acceptance rate and average G.P.A. and test scores so that your list includes a broad range of colleges. 

Wrap Up Your Summer Plans

•  The way you spend your free time reflects your character. That said, you don’t have to travel the world or plan a huge service project to impress a college admission officer. 
•  Do something that is important to you. Find a job to help pay for your college costs, shadow some professionals in your area, or volunteer. Most important, embrace the opportunity to learn more about yourself. 

Be Proactive About the Process

• This is just the beginning. Right now you are taking the steps to ensure you have options when your application results come back next year. You don’t need to know now where you’ll go to college or even exactly where you’re going to apply. 
•  Spend time thinking and researching. As you do so, be open to your family’s thoughts and expect that your ideas may shift throughout the coming year. Being nervous is natural, but with careful planning now, you’ll be pleased with your options next spring. 
•  These next few months set the tone for your application process. While it’s easy to put off tasks like researching colleges and having family discussions, completing these responsibilities now will ensure your process goes smoothly. 
•  Devote time each week to your college process, but be careful not to let it be your only focus. As you proceed, you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and excited about the next phase of your life.

LINK: Last Week Updates

"Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened!" -- Dr.Seuss

Dear Juniors,

Congratulations on making it to the third and final week of LINK! I can't believe how quickly internships are passing, and I encourage each of you to make the most of you final days. Please remember that this Thursday, March 21st is the last day you will be at your internship. Please remind your mentors of this! Friday morning will be your time to independently prep for exhibition and to make any last minute adjustments to your project. The LINK Exhibition will be open from 1- 3 pm. AHS will be joining us from 2-3 pm, so 1-2 pm will be reserved for family, the public, and mentors. Please do not park at the Discovery Museum-- Carpooling, walking and biking are encouraged because parking is very limited at the museum. I will have snacks at the event, but pack a lunch as we will be there over the lunch hour.

Reminders:
1.) Link Exhibition this Friday, March 22nd from 1- 3 pm. You should plan on arriving around noon for set-up.
2.) Write the thank you card in your LINK folder to your mentor(s)
3.) Send me pictures for the slideshow by Wednesday!
4.) Complete the survey regarding exhibition needs https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L9j7tsn67K0u8xIWYNzaWMIf8jsrO-rL8VGdIqMPkig/viewform
5.) Wondering what is going on? All of these updates are posted on my DP.

See you Friday at noon at the Durango Discovery Museum! Let me know if you need anything or have any questions. Enjoy your last week in the "real world"!

LINK Week 2: A Retrospect

Hey Interns!
I can't believe your second week of internships is almost at an end! Time flies!
A few reminders:
1.) Your daily updates reflect the company or organization for which you are interning. Hence poor spelling, bad grammar, and inappropriate language reflect poorly on the company. Please take the time to proofread before hitting "publish!"
2.) Weebly is back online, so if you were having trouble posting your updates and interviews you can do do so now.
3.) Thanks for letting me know about absences-- this is very helpful!
4.) Projects, projects, projects! This is your last weekend to work on your projects!
5.) Please invite your mentors to the LINK Exhibition-- you have invites in your folders.
6.) Make sure to write the thank you to your mentor, also enclosed in your folder.

With only one week left of internships, there is so much to learn. I will see you at noon on Friday, March 22nd at the Durango Discovery Museum for Exhibition. We will have tables, extension cords, and table clothes. Please remember to bring your computers and everything else you need for a successful exhibition. AHS will be coming down to support us from 2- 3 pm, so a good time for family and mentors is 1-2 pm. I am so proud of each of you!


See you at Exhibition!

Week 1 in Review

Dear Juniors,

Wow! How quickly the first week of LINK internships has passed! I have enjoyed my visits to see you in action, and I am amazed by the depth of the work you are engaged in and the leadership roles many of you have already assumed. If I haven't made it to observe you yet, I will next week! I am so impressed by how much each of you is learning, and it is wonderful to see months of preparation unfold so successfully. A few reminders as the first week of LINK draws to a close:

1.) Thank your mentors for this opportunity!
2.) Schedule your Mentor Interview. It is due on Thursday, March 14th posted to your LINK DP.
3.) Read your classmate's blogs-- they are awesome!
4.) You should now be clear on your final project and making progress on it.
5.) Keep posting your daily updates!

From my perspective, based on observations, phone calls, and reading your daily updates, internships are a resounding success. Please do not hesitate to contact me with concerns or questions regarding your internship. I can't help you if you don't advocate for yourself! Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to assist with the success of your internship experience.

AHS Interns "On the Road"

AHS juniors wave goodbye as they prepare to depart for their LINK internships.  From Cambodia to California to downtown Durango, our juniors will spend the next three weeks interning in a career field of interest. Through LINK, juniors gain the professional skills to succeed in the workplace as well as the opportunity to refine college and career goals.

Last LINK Class

LINK Class Plan

Part I

•  Distribute LINK folders
•  Review attendance and Workman’s Comp policy and March calendar
•  Review and sign designated workman’s comp provider
•  Final questions about Mentor Interview or Project
•  Surviving the First Day
•  Email mentors
•  Take a picture of the class
•  LINK Trivia

Part II

•  www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tiUELkyQFg
•  Complete Naviance College Search
•  Complete Naviance Cluster Finder and Career Interest Profiler
•  Review College in Colorado Junior Timeline and overview of resources including career and test prep

LINK Class February 22, 2013

• Starter: How to do homework http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT-_G4-fYkw 
• Turn in Emergency release emergency contact info 
•  SLC Prep 
• SLCs scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th
• SLC Guidelines

•  Importance of your transcript. Read excerpts from College Admissions 
•  February College Checklist

LINK Class February 14, 2013

LINK Class Plan

•  LINK Exhibition Co-Chair Update 
•  Collect LINK Medical Release and Emergency Contact forms
•  LINK DP’s due 
• Tips for Surviving the First Day 
•  LINK Trivia 
•  FLC Concurrent enrollment application workshop on April 4th during lunch from 12:30- 1:10. Bring your FLC concurrent enrollment application and your questions. Contact Ian Riggenberg at 247-7249 or imringgenberg@fortlewis.edu for more questions regarding concurrent enrollment at FLC.

College Knowledge

• Please remember your college advising meeting with Elaine.  
•  Importance of grades- earn excellent grades in most rigorous classes offered. Read “What is more important, high grades or tough courses?” pages 61-62 in College Admission 
•  Importance of test prep: explore free test prep sites & books 
• February College Checklist: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/counselors-calendar-february-juniors/?nl=learning&emc=edit_tc_20130206

Naviance

• Explore College Resources 
• What are your summer plans? Explore Summer Enrichment Opportunities 
• Under "Careers" tab: Take Career Interest Profiler & Take Cluster Finder

LINK Class

LINK Plan

• Questions about the Mentor Interview?
• NOLS Scholarship Opportunity at nols.com
• Congratulations to our newly nominated LINK Exhibition Co-Chairs: Molly, Shannon, Hunter, and Bri! They are your avenue for your input regarding the LINK Exhibtion! 
• Turn in Emergency Contacts & Medical Release
• Final LINK DP’s due 
• Review LINK Project &Exhibition Guidelines 
• Review LINK Daily Update Guidelines 
• LINK Trivia 
• February College Checklist: http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/counselors-calendar-february-juniors/?nl=learning&emc=edit_tc_20130206

LINK Class February 4, 2013

LINK Business

• Emergency Contact Forms & Medical Releases
• Student Cell Phone Contact
• Nominate two student co-chairs for LINK Exhibition

Contact Mentors & Confirm Internship Schedule via email and/or phone

Letter to Mentor Format:

• Opening: " I am really looking forward to my internship with you at ______________ from Monday, March 4th- Thursday, March 21st. This internship will give me the opportunity to explore my interest in engineering and to gain valuable experience in the professional work environment.  In turn, I hope to be able to contribute in a meaningful and positive way to your company."
• Body Paragraph(s):
• Discuss goals and project proposal for the internship
• Confirm daily schedule. What are your working hours and lunch breaks?
• Confirm dress code
• Ask if there is anything else that you need to do in order to prepare for the internship. Is there anything special you will need to bring other than a notebook and laptop? 
• Other questions? This is the moment to ask!
• Closing Paragraph: 
• Invite your mentor to the LINK Exhibition scheduled for Friday, March 22nd from 1- 3 pm at the Durango Discovery Museum.
• Thank them for this opportunity: "Thank you so much for this unique internship opportunity. I am looking forward to working with you at __________. See you on March 4th!
• Closing: Sincerely, 

LINK DP Revision

• DP Reflection
• LINK DP Peer Critique
• 20 Questions LINK Trivia

Mentor Interview

• Review requirements
• Generate a list of potential questions
• Mentor Interview Asignment

LINK Class

LINK Countdown

LINK Business 

• Out-of Town Forms: Elliot, Martina, and Sam 
• Naviance Update 
• Bring Naviance letter home  to parents 
• Finish Profile with Parent Info so parents can register: Martina, Shannon, Josh Geirsch, Kaylee Kempinski, Skyler Dobbs, Addie Darling, Stephen Miranda, Grayson Mooney, Martina Pansze, Natasha Robson, Hunter Swenson

Junior Academic Responsibilities during LINK

• Steve Smith, Chemistry: none 
• Ashley Carruth, Honors Humanities: Read a novel 
• Jennifer Snead, Pre-calculus: Attend weekly Wednesday extra help session 
• Becca Katz, Spanish: Complete Spanish Packet (a total of 2-3 hours of work) 
• Effi O’Neil, Math: Complete small packet on conics 
• Angela, Advanced Physics: Create plan with teacher 
• Dave Heerschap, Physics/Earth Science: Create plan with teacher 
• Cathy Eagen: Create plan with teacher 

Handbook Review

LINK DP Checklist 

• Is my LINK DP easy to navigate? 
• Are the text and images balanced? 
• Is the layout organized? 
• Is there consistency with color, style text, layout, and style? 
• Is the text edited, proofed, and spellchecked? 
• Is the overall appearance of the LINK DP professional? 
• Does my LINK DP have the following required sections: 
• Daily LINK blog update 
• Place to post LINK Project Proposal 
• Place to post resume (with personal contact information omitted)
• Place to post your Mentor Interview 
• Place to post your LINK Project or pictures of your LINK Project 
• A picture of where you are interning 
• A link to your internship site 
• Optional elements: Photo Gallery and/or Video Gallery

LINK DP Due on Wednesday, January 23rd

As a reminder your final LINK DP is due on Wednesday, January 23rd. Let me know if you have any questions or if you need any help. Download the LINK DP Requirements.

Class Plan Monday, January 14th

LINK Lesson January 14th 

Starter: Social Media: Friend or Foe?

• Read these three articles: 

1.) "College Admissions: How Social Media Can Ruin Your Application"
http://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/college-admissions-how-social-media-can-ruin-your-application/

2.) “Friend, foe: Social media in job search”
http://durangoherald.com/article/20121204/NEWS04/121209822/0/FRONTPAGE/Friend-foe:-Social-media-in-job-search

3.) “When Colleges Look up Applicants on Facebook: The Unspoken New Admissions Test”
http://nation.time.com/2012/11/16/when-colleges-woo-students-through-social-media-less-viewbooks-more-facebook/?iid=obinsite

• Google yourself. What did you find? Would this help or hinder a college application or a job interview? 
• Goggle a classmate. What did you find? Would this help or hinder a college application or job interview? 

Class Work Time:

•  Explore past LINK DP’s from the Class of 2013 located on my DP under the menu bar “LINK” 
•  Create your LINK DP using the guidelines
• Email me your LINK DP address.

Final Project Proposal Due Monday, January 14th

Class Plan for Monday, January 14th

• Turn in printed LINK Project Proposal
• Introduction to the College Application Process and Naviance
• Create LINK Digital Portfolios

Please bring your computer!!!!