Career & College Counselors » Planning and Support

Planning and Support

How to Create a Compelling College Application & Supplemental Essays

July 16th - Aug 13th

(Or watch on-demand)

 

You'll get access to:

  • Live (or recorded) sessions with me throughout the course
  • 20+ step-by-step video lessons on crafting strong supplemental essays and the Common Application
  • 45+ successful sample essays and student applications that did an awesome job (with analysis)
  • 70+ step-by-step guides to writing the supplemental essays for most highly-selective colleges
  • My comprehensive essay revising tool with my favorite brainstorming exercises, essay organizing tools, and sample essays
  • Hours of recordings of me analyzing and giving feedback on student essays
  • Live weekly Q&A sessions with me throughout the course
  • Some fun. Yep, this whole college application process can be a ton of fun

Want the Longer

Audio Version?

 

Check out our three-part podcast, Navigating Mental Health Disclosures in the College Application, which features practical advice from an admission officer, a college counselor, and a former student who chose to disclose.

Part 1: Listen Now

Part 2: Coming July 23rd

Part 3: Coming August 6

Check Out

the Written Guide

 

Check out our latest blog post; Should I Discuss Mental Health in my Personal Statement or College Application (And if so, how?)

This is one of the most in-depth guides we've ever published. We're especially proud of it and excited for the good it could do. Feel free to share with anyone who may benefit from the content.

Watch My Video Podcast with Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling

We cover, among many other things:

  • Angel’s brainstorming work for his own imagined college essay (yes, really)
  • What Angel’s core values have to do with his self-care journey
  • Strategies and techniques Angel (and Ethan) use for self care
  • How does Angel see the US college landscape (and/or admissions process) changing in the next 5 years? 
511: Identity, Self-Care, & the Future of College Admission w/ Angel Pérez | CEG Podcast

 

Prefer to Listen?

Podcast Episode #511

Identity, Self-Care, and the Future of College Admission

Listen as Angel and I discuss his core values, his personal journey with self-care, and how he sees the US college landscape changing in the next five years.

🎙️ Other New Episodes 🎙️

Podcast Episode #512

Navigating Mental Health Disclosures in the College Application: The Counselor Perspective

Check out the first of our three-part series on mental health disclosures in the college application with Chris Loo, Director of College Counseling at The Stony Brook School. Chris's advice is practical, heart-centered, and informed by her experience as a mental health and college counselor.

🎥☀️ What's HOT on the CEG YouTube Channel?🔥🎥

How to Stand Out on Your Supplemental Essays

Learn how to save 20+ hours as you craft the essays BESIDES your main personal statement, which many colleges often use to help set you apart from students with similar grades and activities.

How to Hook Your Reader & Write Better College Essay Openings

In this video, I'll show you 9 creative techniques to make sure the opening (AKA hook) of your college essay helps you stand out. I'll also share 4 common openings you want to avoid, as well as my all-time favorite college essay opening.

 📚 CEG Reads & Resources 📂

How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List

You only get 150 characters on the activities list for the Common Application. How do you make the most of them? Here are some tips with accompanying college activities list examples.  

How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section

In this blog post we cover the “Additional Information” section, which is basically the place on the application that asks some version of “What else would you like us to know?” 

 

Interested in learning more about the Common App Activities List and Additional Information Section? Take a look at my upcoming online course:

We're excited to announce that the College Essay Guy Parent Community is back for another year and packed with more events and resources than ever before for 2024.

 

Wanna take a look inside? Here's CEG Community Manager (and former admissions officer) Tom Campbell, giving you a guided tour:

 

Included in the Parent Community

  • Informative & Interactive Weekly & Monthly Sessions — Learn practical steps to help your teens navigate the admissions process and maximize the opportunities they have. Gain valuable insights from experts in the admission field.

  • A Detailed Monthly College Counseling Calendar — Get reminders of important deadlines right when you need them.

  • Expert College Counseling Advice — Connect with veteran counselors during regular office hour sessions.

  • Connect with Other Parents — Expand your knowledge and connect with other parents of college-bound teens like you.

  • Real Time Interaction — Join live sessions and ask questions, or drop a question or comment in 

All Things Essays: How to Bolster, not Bulldoze Your Child's Application Process

Thurs July 11th, 12pm-1pm PT (3pm-4pm ET)

 

In this session, Tom Campbell and Calvin Pickett, College Essay Guy’s Director of One-on-One Essay Coaching, will share best practices for parents and guardians who are looking to support their child with actually completing their applications (including essays), but aren’t sure just how much they should be involved.


In this webinar, we'll be covering:

  • Common mistakes that families make when attempting to help their child with their essays and applications
  • How admissions officers read and evaluate essays (hint: it’s not a writing assessment!)
  • Ways you can be a valuable idea sounding-board for your child
  • An inside look at the way our team works with students one-on-one on essays and applications

College Visit Dos and Don'ts

Thurs July 18th, 12pm-1pm PT (3pm-4pm ET)


College visits are one of the best ways to get to know if a college is a good fit or not. Join us for a discussion on different types of college visits and some great activities to try while on campus.

 

In this webinar, we'll be covering:

  • What types of college visits are there?
  • Options if you don't have time or money to get there
  • Exploring on campus beyond the admissions session and tour
 
Join Today for Just $27

Students Discord Communityc

High school students can join a separate private community with content tailored specifically for students, including: 

  • Weekly sessions with college admissions experts and advisors and Live Ask-Me-Anything sessions

  • Incredible college essay resources and advice

  • A community of peers collaborating to plan the transition to college

  • Lots more.

It's all free, all the time.

Join Here
We have been receiving a fair amount of emails from students inquiringk about our Nursing Program.
 
 THIS YOUTUBE video touches the surface on the PRE-NURSING process.
See the Info sessions schedule in the sidebar.

KHS College & Career Planning Supports and Programs

 

Individual and Family Conferences — Individual and family conferences to discuss post high plans are scheduled upon request starting in the spring of junior year. 

 

Sr. Year Kick Off Night—Fall:  Information to kick off the senior year. Alumni  attend to share about their college/career experiences. College and grade level counselors share information for a successful senior year. Leadership share important graduation and senior year event information. For seniors and their parents.

 

Jr. Future Planning Night--Information night for juniors and their parents held in the fall. Information from the college & grade level counselors and the class leadership.

 

College Financial Aid Information Night-held in the fall at our school. Open to all students and parents.

 

IBDP. IBCP. AP, RS Information Night - This event is for students and parents to receive information and ask questions about the following programs offered here:  International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, International Baccalaureate Career-Related Program, Advanced Placement, and Running Start (dual college and high school credit). This night is scheduled in the fall before registration for the following school year.

 

College & Career Planning Class Visits College and grade level counselors meet with seniors once in the fall and juniors in the fall and spring to go over important tasks and information related to graduation and college & career planning. 

 

College & Career Speakersabout 70-80 local and mainland college admission and career reps visit us each fall (few in the spring as well). Students sign up on Naviance. Teacher permission is required to attend. Open to all students.

 

Summer/Fall College Kick Start WorkshopsStudents will build their college list, learn about the application process, Common Application, the college essay, letters of recommendation, financial aid, scholarships and more. For seniors only.

 

Personal Transition Plan (Jr. Guidance Course) This semester credit is required for graduation and taken during jr. year.  It provides students with knowledge and skills in learning about themselves, exploring life goals, careers and occupations, relating school subjects to future career needs, and making tentative long and short-range educational and/or career plans.

 

Advisory ClassAll teachers provide guidance activities to their advisory students.  Classes meet once a week during all 4 years of high school. Some college and career readiness activities are prepared by the CCRC.

PSAT/NMSQT® Test—Fall—All students in gr. 9-11 are able to register for this exam that is given on campus once a year in the fall. Registration information is available in the library, office, and H-101. The test is administered once a year.   https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10

 

ASVAB® Test-Fall & Spring—The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. Students in grades 10-12 can sign up to take the test to help with career planning.  This test is administered on campus once in the fall and spring. https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab

 

Advanced Placement—AP® Program  The AP curriculum, administered by The College Board, consists of standardized high school courses that are roughly equivalent to undergraduate college courses. After completing an AP class, students typically take the AP exam in that subject, which can earn them credits and accelerated placement in college. Registration for courses takes place in November for the following school year. Application forms and fees are required. https://ap.collegeboard.org/

 

Dual Credit/Running Start Program --Running Start is a program that allows “eligible” high school students to take a college course at a University of Hawaii system campus as part of their high school coursework. The unique partnership between the Hawaii State Department of Education and the University of Hawaii System allows public and charter high school students to attend college classes during the fall, spring, and summer while earning both high school and college credits. Deadline for students to meet with their grade level counselor is Oct. 1 for Spring semester and Feb. 1 for Summer and Fall semesters. https://www.hawaii.edu/dualcredit/running-start/

 

College & Career Fair Fall and Spring —Students are invited to sign up to attend the NACAC College Fair with the school in the fall, usually followed by a UH Manoa campus tour. Students and families can attend on their own.  Register for the fairs at:  https://www.gotomyncf.com/Registration/EventSelectForState?stateName=All

 

Local College Campus Tours

--driven by student interest. Dates and information to be announced.

 

 

 College Planning Year by Year -

see planning calendars attached in the right column

 

Grade 09  EXPLORE and select your course selections for high school carefully. Insure that you will have the necessary academic courses for 4-year colleges and requirements to play Division I or II sports if desired. Begin exploring post-high school interests. Take the PSAT to get a feel for the test and to identify areas that you need to work on! All 9th graders will take the Pre-ACT in the spring. Complete Inventories and set some goals for yourself.  Get involved in student activities, including athletics.    HAVE FUN! READ!

 

Grade 10 PLAN your high school experience with rigorous academics, occupational exploration, testing and self-appraisal. Take art, keyboarding and world language for post-high school preparation. Remember, colleges look for a school record that reflects a rigorous course load.  Take the PSAT in the fall.  All 10th graders will take the Pre-ACT exam in the spring.  Complete the Career Interest Inventories and set goals.  Check the Kaiser website for college planning information. FOCUS! READ!

 

Grade 11 ACT on your plans toward your goals. Take the PSAT again in the fall. Begin gathering information via Internet, college handbooks or visit the Career and College Resource Center in H101.  Visit colleges if possible. All juniors should take the ACT in the spring at school.  Take SAT in the spring.  Register on your own. Keep up with your Advisory and SCOIR assignments.  Meet with college admissions counselors, career speakers, and college fair. Schedule an individual and family conference with the College & Career Counselor in the spring.  Attend the College Kick Start Workshops during the summer before your senior year.  Your junior year is most critical. Make it reflect your true abilities.  READ! VOLUNTEER! DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

 

Grade 12 CHALLENGE yourself academically through your last year in high school. Take the SAT and ACT again if needed.  Attend college application workshops in H101 during summer and fall.  Make an appointment with College Counselor at least one month prior to application deadlines.  When choosing a college, carefully consider your interest and abilities, and research financial aid and your goals. Be realistic. Applications should be completed no later than the end of the first semester. Work on financial aid and scholarships during the 2nd semester. Finish the year on a positive note.  Colleges expect students to continue with a rigorous course load and strong academic performance through the end of the school year.  Make sure final transcripts are sent to the college to which you are attending. GET IT DONE!

 

 

Do you qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch?

 

Students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program may also qualify for waivers for the PSAT (gr. 11 only), ACT, SAT, AP,

NCAA, college applications, etc. Please check with Ms. Nii in the college and career resource center and APPLY FOR the FREE OR

REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM to find out if you are eligible. EZMealApp

 

 

Do you qualify for testing accommodations?

 

Students who need accommodations for testing should speak to their grade level counselor right away.

 

 

Grade Level Counselors 

 

Norine Ishii, c/o 2024                           x 2246      [email protected]

Branden Kawazoe, c/o 2025               x 2240      [email protected]

Rene Tottori, c/o 2026                          x 2242       [email protected]

Stephanie Takashima,  c/o 2027         x 2244      [email protected]

IB Program Coordinators

Kristie Yamamoto, Middle Years Programme        [email protected]
Shareen Murayama, Career–Related Programme  [email protected]
Bradley Bogard, Diploma Programme                    [email protected]

 

Our Missiont

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) originated with other TRIO programs in the Higher Education Act of 1965 and has been present on the Mānoa campus since 1970.  Its mission is to increase the graduation and retention of first-generation college students and those with high financial need.  Our office, TRIO Mānoa, is a SEED department in the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.

 

Visit our How to Apply page for eligibility criteria.

Completing the KapCC app:
 
How to select a degree:
 
Select Programs:
 
How to use the Add Program tab:
 
New Student Orientation
 
MedProctor - uploading immunization records

Tools to Plan, Decide & Apply to Your Dreama College

Explore Colleges

Get Matched & Let Colleges Apply to You

Take Virtual College Tours

Find Scholarships to Pay for School

Take a Quiz to Find Your Perfect College Fit

Explore College Majors

Since 1995, our mission has been to help connect students with the right schools for them. Joinc thousands of other students and start your search with CollegeXpress.
College Navigator is your direct link to nearly 7,000 colleges and universities in the United States. If youc are thinking about a large university, a small liberal arts college, a specialized college, a community college, a career or technical college or a trade school, you can find information on all of them here.
All hosted by the US Department of Education.
  • Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs,USDOE admissions, results, and more.
  • Start your career and build your skill set through apprenticeships.
  • Tools for career exploration.
  • Student financial aid and FAFSA link.
Click here or on the logo for more.
KnowHow2GO is a campaign designed to encourage students and veterans to prepare for college. Explore thek site to learn more about the steps you need to take to be college-ready.

Welcome To Fair Opportunity Project!f

We are so glad that we can work with you on the college application process. We provide mentorship, essay review, FAFSA support, virtual office hours, a step-by-step Guide, and many other resources, all at no cost to students.

Check out what you qualify for here!

These resources are developed by experts and we make them radically accessible for all–regardless of your financial standing, your family’s college history or your immigrant status.

A gathering place for some of our favorite guides and resources.

From The Pod: Resources for LGBTQ+ Students from Campus Pride 🎙️c

CampusPride.org is THE go-to resource for LGBTQ students and their families and my guest on this episode, civil rights champion Shane Windmeyer, is the one to thank for its very existence.

 🎨 TeenLife Guides 🔬

 

Our friends at TeenLife created three new rad guides for exploring potential majors and career paths. They're packed with tools for students to explore career paths, and include details on career exploration programs, scholarship opportunities, and planning tips. 

Transfer App Deadlines Coming Up: Essay Guides + Database 

 

In case you missed it, thought I'd re-share  some of our favorite resources for transfer applicants if you're looking to transfer and find a new college home:

Sharing a few resources that you may find useful in the coming months.c

 

9th & 10th Graders

College Admissions Timeline - A high-level timeline and list of resources that tracks the college admissions process from 9th through 12th grade.

Finding Your Purpose - Research shows that finding your purpose can lead to greater health, less depression and less anxiety. Check out the Purpose Challenge from the very awesome Greater Good Science Center in Berkeley.

Learning How to Learn - This free course from Coursera covers some useful topics for any high schooler, including learning how to "chunk" studying tasks, tackle procrastination, and better understand the relationship between sleep and learning potential.

The Values Exercise - It's great to begin the college planning journey by thinking about your core values. How do you find those? This video will help you find them in less than 5 minutes.

 

11th Graders

How to Create a Great College List - Spring is a great time for juniors to begin thinking about developing a college list. (Not decide—I said begin!) This guide will help you discover: Who am I and what do I want from college? How can I learn more about colleges? How can I assess my admission chances?

How to Research Colleges (Without Visiting a Campus) - Wondering how to "visit" colleges in the midst of a global pandemic? This guide can help.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation - Junior year teachers are great candidates for recommendations. But what goes in that letter, plus when (and how) do you make the request? Find out here.

 

12th Graders

Study Tips in College: MIT's Office of the First Year has a series of awesome guides and resources for helping students develop study plans and time management skills as they transition into the first semester of college.

How to Write a Scholarship Essay: A Complete Guide + Examples - This guide answers the top 10 most common scholarship essay questions. You'll also find a spreadsheet you can use to track scholarship prompts.

College Interview Guide - In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to prep for an interview (even if you only have an hour). But first: How much do interviews really matter?