Preparing High School Seniors with successfully transitioning to and through their first year of college.
The Senior Year Experience (SYE) is an initiative of the Pre-College University to increase the number of students who successfully enter college with the necessary plan and tools to be successful inside and outside of the classroom. The long-term goal of the SYE is to provide its members with the skills and access necessary to enhance their academic preparation, while at the same time assisting them with developing and maintaining a comprehensive and targeted strategic plan for their college and career. As a result, students will be better equipped to meet the rigorous challenge of their freshman year.
The SYE is comprised of monthly sessions aimed at preparing high school seniors for the out-of-classroom college experience. From financial aid and financial management, to developing and maintaining healthy relationships, we will walk the student through each component found vital for successful transition to college.
Program Components
The SYE will begin with a virtual orientation session, during which participants and their parents or guardians will receive a comprehensive overview of the program and be invited to articulate their desired objectives. Upon mutual agreement, both parents and students will be required to submit a written commitment confirming the student’s full participation in the program.
Program Format
Orientation – Participants will be presented with list of available session subjects and encouraged to discuss and decide which five they would like to be a part of their personalized curriculum. These will take place from session three through session seven. Student will be required to come to the first session with at least four goals for the academic year.
Session One – SMART Goals: Students will be taught how to make their Goals Specific-Measurable-Attainable-Relevant-Time Based.
Session Two – Time Management: Students will review their SMART Goals and be taught to use a specialized document to monitor and track their progress towards them.
Session Three through Seven – We will cover the five topics chosen by the student in a logical sequence. Each session will yield a document to add to the student’s personalized strategic plan.
Session Eight – Program Review: Student will participate in a lessons-learned activity, audit all of their deliverables, and develop a quarterly follow-up plan.
Students are guaranteed the chance to attend at least one college fair during the academic year, with the added benefit of having PCU staff present to guide and assist them.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be current high school juniors preparing to enter their senior year.
- Applicants must be planning to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university immediately following graduation; and
- Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 on a 4.00 grading scale.
Application Requirements
- Personal Information – This includes Name, Date of Birth, Demographic Information, Address, Phone Numbers, email address, social media profiles, Career Interest, etc.
- School and community clubs/organizations – This includes all clubs and organizations, years participated and positions held.
- Work/Volunteer Experience – This includes Employer, Employer City and State. Title/Position, Start/End Year and Type of Opportunity.
- Additional Information – This section includes any additional information you would like to provide to assist with the acceptance decision.
- Academic Transcript – The applicant will be requested to provide an unofficial transcript from the current high school.
- Resume – The applicant will be requested to provide a current resume.
- Recommendations – The applicant will be required to two letters of recommendation (Note: In the online application, please identify two recommenders to submit letters electronically.)
Personalized Experience Investment: $500 (includes 8 Monthly Sessions and a College Fair attendance)