Latino College Expo 2015 Silver Anniversary Leadership Summit March 14, 2015 @ NYU 1. The College Experience Attendees will learn about the commitments, opportunities and benefits of college life. Topics will include balancing your schedule, academic demands, extracurricular activities/student leadership, social life, GLBTQ, taking care of your health and avoiding the “Freshman 15” and some other unique aspects college life has to offer. Engage in Q&A with students, fraternity/sorority members, and graduates to find out some “inside info” on college life. 2. The Artistic Way Led by a panel of professional artists, actors, musicians, producers, and college admissions personnel for an inside view from the artistic and professional perspectives. This seminar will also provide you with some insight and knowledge needed in preparing for auditions, portfolios and interviews that will allow you to stand out. 3. "Free Money" Applying to college can be intimidating, confusing and expensive. This session will address the essentials of applying to college, from crafting competitive applications to completing financial aid paperwork. Participants will also learn how to research and access various types of funds to pay for college. There are millions of dollars that go unclaimed by prospective students. This info session will touch upon programs such as EOP, HEOP, SEEK/CD and others. Resources will be shared such as websites, organizations and strategies to apply and obtain as much “free money” as possible to help make college affordable and more attainable. 4. Inside Info on Standardized Tests Do you really know what the SAT, ACT, CLEP, Subject exams actually mean for college admissions? What’s the difference? How much do these tests truly matter? What about test-optional schools? Wonder how the scores are calculated, what they mean and how super-scoring works? Hear some insider answers. Have a better idea of which test is right for you as well as a few test prep strategies that may help improve your scores, gain you access to scholarships and opportunity programs, and increase your chances for acceptance into your dream school. 5. Life After College Has so much focus and fuss on choosing and applying to colleges got you stressed? Wondering what happens after college? This info session will give you an opportunity to ask alumni from several programs and schools all you want to know. Alumni return to share their personal journeys since graduating from college. Find out what colleges they attended, when they decided their majors, the career paths they chose, how they stayed connected to their schools, communities and more. 6. Are You Ready? The guidelines for student athletes (boys & girls) are very specific and vary as they apply to Division I, II, and III sports. Your performance, both academically and athletically, will impact scholarship eligibility and interest from coaches. Hear the facts from a panel of coaches, student athletes, and athletic directors. Get in "tip top shape" to tackle the application and recruitment process. 7. L.A.T.I.N.A.S. Looking At Taking Initiative & Nurturing Academic Success - covering topics that impact Latinas today. Led by a panel of accomplished and inspirational Latina leaders, this session will help to dispel stereotypical myths of Latinas of yesterday while introducing and reinforcing more modern roles, studies and careers of the Latinas of today and tomorrow. Discussion will lead you towards new ideas, possibilities, strategies, and tools to understand how to step into your power as a budding young woman in this ever changing world. (for girls only) 8. The GAP Year Deciding whether to take a break between high school and college to explore the world, make some money, take a few preparatory classes, do internships, improve your test scores, do community service or something else? The ‘gap year’ is becoming a popular option more and more students are considering and doing. This session is a must if you are thinking about taking any time off after graduating high school as certain financial aid and admissions factors may be affected. Understand how to best utilize a ‘gap year’ and create a plan of action to keep yourself on a successful track that will still lead to college. 9. Real Men Addressing the obstacles that affect our young men today, this session will cover many issues that hinder a young man's decision making abilities, showing of emotions, egos & attitudes, as well as best practices in becoming a more well-rounded, grounded young man who is poised for positive leadership. Poignant discussion led by professional men who have experienced considerable success in overcoming setbacks or "sticking it out" in difficult situations will be shared in order to better navigate and tackle difficulties as you move forward, not only in the college process, but life. (for boys only) 10. 2-Year Options To Community or not to Community? That is a very good question. Come hear a few very good answers. There are several thoughts to think about when considering 2-year options for college. Understand how to develop a plan of action that will help you make the decision that’s right for you. Admissions reps and Alumni of 2-year schools will discuss how to navigate through selecting courses, academic support, financial aid, opportunity and honors programs. They will share some inside info on starting with 2-year programs and transferring to 4-year schools, articulation agreements, career services and more. 11. Admissions Basics What comes first? Knowing the schools you want to go to or taking the SAT or ACT? It all depends on a few key factors. Knowing when to start on the college process and taking specific steps will help to alleviate as much unnecessary stress as possible. How should researching schools be done? When is the best time to visit? What are schools really looking for? How important are the standardized tests vs. no test at all? These questions will be addressed along with preparing a portfolio, interviewing, essay writing, letters of recommendation, deadlines, handling stress, things that make you stand out, qualifying for Ivy Leagues, opportunity programs (EOP, HEOP Seek/CD ...) and more. 12. BEING a Partner in the College Process (*** PARENTS /GUARDIANS ONLY! - NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED ***) As your child is attending info sessions during the Leadership Summit we are offering a session for you as well to help you become a partner in the college selection process. As a parent/guardian there are many things to know and be aware of as you and your child go through the application process and beyond. Information shared during this time will also help guide you while connecting with representatives and gathering information while attending the Latino College Expo in the afternoon. Understand applying for financial aid including loans, grants and scholarships as well as various opportunity programs available such as EOP, HEOP, SEEK/CD, admission basics and more. The success of your child making and securing the right college choice is critical. The more parents/guardians are aware and involved during the application process, the greater success they will attain. These info sessions will consist of rotating panelists such as guidance counselors, parents, college admissions representatives as well as panelists from student sessions who may be available to speak on their corresponding topics. You will walk out feeling better prepared to enjoy the Expo. Be that knowledgeable consumer to better support your child during the journey in seeking college as the next step in their lives. Help them to make the choices and matches that are right for them.