Services

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HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION

• Prepare/Review the 4-year high school plan and selecting classes
• Explain the high school transcript, GPA, Class Rank
• Discussion on high school activities (in and out of school and volunteer work)
• Explanation of college tests- ACT, SAT, SAT II
• Detailed course timeline for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors

COLLEGE OVERVIEW

• Thorough explanation of colleges today – differences between colleges, degrees, environments, admission standards, cultures
• Demystify the college process and terminology
• Discussion of what to look for in a college and what colleges look for in a student
• Detailed college timeline for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Discussion of differences in college deadlines and admission decisions
• Schedule to meet with college representatives and attending college fairs and programs

STUDENT EVALUATION

• Critical review of individual student’s transcript, GPA, class rank, test scores, selected courses, activities, recommendations and other essential information
• Discussion of student’s collegiate goals, interests, abilities, values, and passions that may guide the college process
• Administer Strong Interest Inventory Career Assessment and interpretation of results
• Identify college characteristics that are important
• Family expectations

COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS

• Completion of an individual college search survey
• Review overall objectives of the college search process
• A preliminary search of appropriate colleges and universities
• Direction on how to research the pool of potential colleges and universities
• Narrow choices to 6-10 definite colleges including foundation and reach schools
• Guide student research into the departments within each college

COLLEGE VISITS AND TOURS

• Explain the purpose of college visits and tours
• Timing of college visits, information sessions and tours
• Review what to look for while on your college visit and tour
• Discuss the questions to ask during your stay

PREPARING COMPETITIVE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

• Review the essentials of completing a college application
• Awareness of the mechanics of completing the different types of college applications (Apply Texas, Common Application, individual university specific application)
• Develop and implement the plan for each type of college application
• Inclusion of transcript, test scores, resume, essay, letters of recommendation, school report form
• Importance of scheduling auditions, portfolios, special materials for specialty schools
• Assist with the draft completion of applications and a detailed review before submission

COLLEGE ESSAY EDITING

• Explain the importance of the college essay
• Follow the essential elements of the college essay
• Research the specific college essay questions for each school and brainstorming possible essay topics
• Focus on the importance of the college essay being your own
• Review essays carefully for clarity of expression, voice, style, and grammatical accuracy

RESUME POSSIBILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT

• Research resume samples and options
• Develop a resume that reflects you personally, your high school academics, your activities and your life experiences
• Prepare a resume which may be specific to each university

INTERVIEW PREPARATION AND TECHNIQUES

• Differentiate between the different types of interviews
• Discuss possible interview questions
• Review interviewing tips to keep in mind
• Reduce anxiety around the interview

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDAMENTALS

• Detail costs associated with college enrollment
• Explain the history and purpose of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Explain the need analysis process and EFC (Estimated Family Contribution)
• Review the CSS (College Scholarship Service) PROFILE
• Distinguish between need and merit based aid, loans, grants, and the different types of scholarships
• Educate on different scholarship searches available, deadlines, and application process
• Brainstorm possible questions for financial aid officers

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE FOR ATHLETES

• Educate on the NCAA Clearinghouse purpose
• Review all criteria and requirements including GPA, course selection and test scores
• Compare individual course selections with the high school approved core courses (48-H) for eligibility
• Complete the NCAA Clearinghouse application and submitting to required institution

PARENT’S LETTING GO

• Awareness of feelings and thoughts that may occur
• Listening and discussing issues that will be faced by families
• Providing counseling and support
• Creating ideas and suggestions that will help through this change

Speaking Engagements

Barbara Samples is available as a guest speaker for club meetings, church youth groups, PTA meetings, high school career and college nights and to youth organizations. She presents to both large and small groups and utilizes role-playing, power point presentations and real-life experiences during her talks. Some of her topics include:

• What Matters Most to Colleges?
• ACT or SAT, Which Is Best For Me?
• The College Application Process – How Do I Begin?