Altering_College_Perceptions_Impactful_College_Exposure

Jennifer Bauer, CoordinatorThe College Board Upward Bound Program

Explore challenges faced by Low Income First-Generation college students

Explore areas of focus in order to prepare students for next steps

Discuss techniques and tools to create impactful college exposure

Source: US Department of ED OPE

Source: Pell Institute, Moving Beyond Access

0

20

40

60

80

Public, 4 Year Private, Not for

Profit, 4 Year

LIFG

Peers

Familial Obligations

Ability to Self Advocate

Lack of Mentorship

Overwhelming College Application and Financial AID Processes

Fear

Planning an impactful college exposure begins

long before you step foot on a college campus.

Concepts to explore with students grades 9-12:

GPA/Transcript and College Options

Standardized Tests

Career and College Connection

Financing a College Education

College Fit

Building Students’ Aspirations

College Options

?

SAT GPA

How did students perform in core courses?

Were students active outside of school?

How can you prepare for the SAT?

Nijah Rakeem

3.2 Cumulative GPA

SAT: 330 CR, 400 M

2.7 Cumulative GPA

SAT: 450 CR, 500 M

Source: www.cappex.com

Continuing to Educate

◦ PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE

Type

Size

Setting

Location

Atmosphere

LIFG SUPPORT!!!

Source: St. Ignatius College Preparatory

REACH, REALISTIC, BACK UP

What is the data saying about these options?

◦ www.aei.orgAmerican Enterprise Institute “ Diplomas and Dropouts:

Which Colleges Actually Graduate Their Students (and which don’t )”

◦ www.edtrust.org “Big Gaps, Small Gaps in Serving African American Students”

(and Hispanic Students)

Informational Inspirational Campus Tour

Information Session

Residence Hall Visit

Campus Tour

Information Session

Residence Hall Visit

Information and Discussion

HS/Program/Community Alumni

Student Panel

Career Exposure

TRiO Student Support Services

Here: Profile

How would you introduce the idea of college “fit” to students?

“I feel much better going to college with SSS.”

Current College Board Upward Bound Student

(Student Support Services)

1. I know what kind of college is a best fit for me?

21% increase in students responding strongly agree

2. I know what kinds of things to consider when deciding on a college

19% increase in students responding strongly agree

3. I have a list of colleges that interest me

15% increase in students responding strongly agree

21% of students were unsure about best fit campus size prior to the tour. 0% were unsure after - MEDIUM

“We got a chance to experience how each campus was similar but yet different. We visited large, medium and small colleges. Some were Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the other schools had different ethnicities. Since I have visited different types of colleges I already knew the kind of college I wanted to attend and

it made my decision process stress-free.”

College Board Upward Bound Senior