College Transition/School to College

College Transition and School to College
School to College utilizes the first two marking periods only

Fall Semester
Marking Period	Choose a College Building the academic habits and self-awareness necessary for high-level performance.	Apply to College Researching postsecondary options and understanding the "why" behind the choice.
Time	9 weeks	9 weeks
Units	Unit 1: Goals and College Plan Setting SMART goals (specific / measurable / achievable / relevant / timely) throughout college Unit 2: College Selection Differences between different types of institutions: research, liberal arts, community college, vocational schools, technical schools. Benefits of large schools versus small schools Unit 3: Benefits of a College Education Economic Professional Social Intellectual Personal Unit 4: College, Career, and Occupation research Unit 5: The Science of Learning (Memory, Cognition, and Study Skills) Unit 6: Academic Agency (Self-Awareness and Goal Setting)	Unit 7: Application Process Apply Texas Common Application Unit 8: College Research Knowing the most important information about prospective colleges Knowing what questions to ask of college recruitment personnel Navigating college fairs, campus visits Unit 9: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset Unit 10: Stereotypical Hazard Assumptions based on identity factors (false attribution) Responses to perceived stereotypes; Fear of failure and self-sabotage Unit 11: Personal Statement Understanding the different types of essay prompts Knowing what admissions officers are really looking for Unit 12: Financing College Understanding your award letter Completing the FAFSA Understanding EFC Applying for scholarships Understanding the costs: tuition, fees, differential tuition, room and board, textbooks. Understanding loans and college debt Unit 13: Financing the Future (Financial Aid, FAFSA, and Personal Finance) Unit 14: Career Mapping and Return on Investment (ROI) Unit 15: Mastering the Application Resumes Essays Documentation Prepare Portfolio & BOY Mindset Survey
Ongoing Activities	Maintaining a digital "College Profile" database to track admission deadlines and programs of interest. Participating in virtual or in-person campus tours and gathering student perspectives. Implementation of a weekly personal time management system and to-do lists. Weekly "Focused Note-Taking" using varied styles (e.g., Cornell, split-page) across all subjects. Drafting and peer-editing college application essays and resumes. Using online student loan calculators to model various school financing options.

Spring Semester
Marking Period	Preparing for College Navigating the logistics of admissions and the complexities of funding an education.	Understanding College Culture Preparing for the cultural and social shift to college life and independent living
Time	9 weeks	9 weeks
Units	Unit 16: Standardized Tests Test Anxiety and Mindset/Stereotype Threat Paradigm Shift for Tests: measure of preparedness at this point, not intellectual ability Unit 17: Wellness and Self-Advocacy (Stress Management and Ethics) Unit 18: Course Credit in College Credit for Dual-Credit / Dual-Enrollment Courses AP / IB credit Transferring credit from 2-year to 4-year colleges Unit 19: Preparing for College Placement Tests TSI / SAT / ACT	Unit 20: College Culture and Campus Resources College differs from high school in its expectation of student autonomy and the necessity of utilizing support services (tutoring, labs, faculty office hours). Academic integrity and responsible use of technology are foundational to professional reputation. Unit 21: Current / Former College Students as Role Models for College Success
Ongoing Activities	Maintaining a digital "College Profile" database to track admission deadlines and programs of interest. Participating in virtual or in-person campus tours and gathering student perspectives. Development of a "Personal Stress Management Plan" and practicing relaxation exercises. Capstone Project: A comprehensive presentation of the student's chosen postsecondary path, including a cost analysis and housing investigation.