College+Project

= DUE OCTOBER 15 = =

= =The College Unit: An Independent Project= The College Process doesn't have to be so scary. Once you get started, you'll find that your to-do list is pretty easy to check off as long as you have a plan. As part of our college unit, you will work on creating very important pieces of your college portfolio. This assignment is independent and will take place outside of class. On this site, you will find a variety of tips and guidelines that will help you help yourself through this process. Ultimately, Mrs. Overly will oversee and edit all three components, and students may conference with Mrs. Overly in order to write a number of revisions that will help earn a final grade of an A before the deadline.


 * All final parts of this portfolio must be printed on professional paper and paper clipped (not stapled). No cover page is needed and full names will be used on all these pieces, not social security numbers.**
 * Total Points: 100**

=Part One=
 * The other day, we were visited by Del Tech and the representative explained that upon applying for Del Tech, you will need to take a placement test. This placement test will determine if you need to take remedial classes before taking credit classes at Del Tech. In order to gain an understanding of what to expect when taking this placement test, I want you to take the sample test. There are about two questions per category. After you have decided your answer, check your answer. When you are complete, you are to type up a 15 line (not 15 sentences) paragraph (double spaced, font 12,Times New Roman font) that will give a true summary of how you did on the test. Talk about each section.**
 * Questions you can work into your paragraph:**
 * Did you do better in some sections than others? Do you believe that you would pass this class and skip these extra courses? How does this sample test make you feel about senior year?**
 * SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS**
 * When you are complete, you can move onto correcting your resume. We will meet in the classroom tomorrow where I will collect your revised resume and sample test paper.**

=Part Two=
 * Resume:** You will design a professional resume that will highlight your best accomplishments. You may choose to write an academic, an athletic, or a work resume. The only difference is which information is on the 'top' of your resume. The purpose of your resume will determine the organization of the material on your resume. For example, if you write an academic resume, your academic details will list first.

First, you'll need to find a resume design that is appropriate for your purpose and visually attractive. Use this site to find hundreds of resume examples. 2010 RESUME SAMPLES

Also, feel free to use the resume builder application on our computers here at school but know that the templates on this site are limiting and (awfully) frustrating.

With the computers at school, the best way is to click on the start button, new office document, other documents, select resume wizard. The [|Visual Importance of Resumes] cannot be overlooked. Take a look at this very brief article on how to measure the visual impact of your resume.

1. Your resume will have to include an objective. An objective is a one sentence statement that tells the reader specifically what you hope to gain through this resume. The catch is to make it sound mature and confident. //For example: I look forward to working with children in a leadership position.// 2. Your resume should include what you have accomplished and what positions you held, not just a long list of organizations you were supposedly involved with. 3. Your resume should absolutely not include hobbies or interests, nor should it include the highlights of your glorious middle school years. 4. The items on your resume must begin with most recent to least recent. 5. Your resume should remain on one page. There are exceptions, but those exceptions are reserved for individuals who have an exceptional amount of relevant accomplishments. *See me to help you make this decision.

=**Part Three**=
 * Cover Letter:** A cover letter is a formal letter that allows the reader to learn more about you and your ability to fulfill a particular task. The cover letter is not a summary of your resume, but rather, a testament to your enthusiasm and confidence that you can meet the expectations of the challenge. For this assignment, you will write a letter to a potential employer or current employer with intentions of improving your current position or gaining a new one.


 * Cover Letter Outline**

I. Efficiently draw attention to the occasion of your letter. (Why are you writing? Name drop a connection. Explain how you heard about the position.) II. Discuss the skills you have gained already. Support your best characteristics with objective examples. Sound excited, confident, and eager. III. Make the connection for your 'future' boss how the skills you already have will REALLY benefit what he/she will need for this position. Offer up what you can provide. IV. Close your essay with confidence and a sincere interest in continuing this conversation at THEIR convenience. Be sure to appear flexible and willing to communicate further. Close with 'Respectfully, Sincerely' and LEAVE SPACE for you hand written name. Type your name a couple lines below.

Empower your accomplishments by using this handy list of [|Cover Letter Action Words] [|Take a look at this Sample Cover Letter] but be aware that cover letters are personal and this is only a sample. [|Cover Letter Instructions]

[|College Project Peer Edit]

[|Good Looking Resume/Cover Letter Tips] This link will talk about font, color, and all sorts of other tid-bits that I think you'll enjoy.

PART FOUR: IMPACT ESSAY 1-2 pages
For this 1-2 page essay (which can be used for college application, scholarships, or contests), you can choose to write ONE of the following essay choices: 1. Describe an important person or event in your life that has had a lasting impact on the person you are and want to be. 2. (Fill in the blank) I appreciate ___________ so much more than I used to and 'this' is why. 3. Describe an experience that really made you look at the world differently. What about the world do you realize more now than you used to? Explain your story.

You have two choices for writing this kind of essay. You can write a five paragraph essay with a thesis and three topic sentences. OR, you can write a short story that really captures the story.