Foundry Cohort April 2024

What are Foundry Cohorts? Small group (5-10 students/parents) sessions that will meet once per week for 1.5 hours over a six-week block of time. Kenny (Founder of Foundry Admissions) will lead each session.

Where Will the Cohorts Meet? All sessions will be virtual on Zoom. Participants will be provided the zoom link and cohort resource package upon sign-up.

What are the Dates of the Cohort? April 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21(all sessions run 7:30pm-9:00pm)

What Will be Covered in the Six Sessions?

• Session 1: College Admissions Overview! In this session, we will cover all the basics to ensure you know the ins and outs of how the college admissions process works. Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to create a balanced college interest list.

• Session 2: Goal Setting and Finding Your Fit. In this session, we will talk about the importance of goal setting the in admissions process and how to identify colleges that will be a good fit for you. Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to develop a set of classroom, extracurricular, and reading/writing goals for the next six months.

• Session 3: Navigating the Common Application. In this session, we will walk through the Common App platform together to ensure you are an expert! Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to create their initial activities list and establish their free Common Application account.

• Session 4: Understanding the Financial Aid Process. In this session, we will talk about financial aid, merit aid, the FAFSA, and scholarships. Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to experiment with various college net price calculators (NPCs).

• Session 5: Writing Effective College Application Essays. In this session, we will focus on the keys to identifying what essays will need to be written, how to brainstorm, and how to write great application essays. Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to begin brainstorming topics to use for the Common App Personal Essay.

• Session 6: Observations from the 2022 and 2023 Admissions Cycles. In this session, we will review lessons learned from prior admissions cycles using examples of what went well and what didn't when it comes to applying to colleges. Practical Application: At the conclusion of this session, students will apply the lesson to build their initial long-term admissions plan.

Resources to Keep: Participants will also receive resources to help further navigate the admissions process. Additionally, there will be time during each session to ask participant-specific questions.

Who are the Cohorts Designed For? High School Students (all grades) and their families. Parents are welcomed (and encouraged) to attend the sessions with their students!