# Pathfinder Project Guide ## Overview In this one-on-one Tier 3 project, 11th-grade students will: * Research their top-choice institution’s admission criteria, deadlines, costs, and academic programs. * Develop a realistic backup plan using key decision criteria. * Compare and evaluate scholarship opportunities. * Create an actionable, time-bound college-entry timeline. * Articulate their decision rationale in a structured journal entry. This 210-minute guide empowers students to build informed, feasible college-entry strategies. ## Materials * [Pathfinder Project Guide](#pathfinder-project-guide) * [Scholarship Search Tips](#scholarship-search-tips-reading) * [Backup Plan Matrix](#backup-plan-matrix-worksheet) * [Timeline Feasibility Rubric](#timeline-feasibility-rubric) * [Decision Rationale Entry](#decision-rationale-journal) *** ## Session Breakdown (210 minutes) ### Session 1: Top-Choice College Research (60 min) 1. Identify your **#1 institution** and list its key features:**Your Findings:**

* Location and campus environment * Admission requirements (GPA, test scores, extracurriculars) * Application deadlines and fees * Estimated costs (tuition, housing, living expenses) * Available majors or programs of study 2. Reflect on why this institution is your top choice. Consider academics, culture, career alignment, and personal fit.**Reflection:**

*** ### Session 2: Backup Plan Mapping (45 min) Use the [Backup Plan Matrix](#backup-plan-matrix-worksheet) to compare two alternative colleges or pathways. 1. Complete the matrix criteria: selectivity, cost, location, program strength, and personal fit. 2. Identify one “safety” and one “target” [backup.**Backup**](https://backup.Backup) **Plan Summary:**

*** ### Session 3: Scholarship Comparison (45 min) 1. Review [Scholarship Search Tips](#scholarship-search-tips-reading) to identify at least three relevant scholarships. 2. Create a comparison chart (award amount, eligibility, deadline, required materials).**Scholarship Comparison Table:**

3. Rank your top two scholarship opportunities and justify your [choices.**Ranking**](https://choices.Ranking) **Justification:**

*** ### Session 4: Timeline Creation (30 min) 1. Draft a timeline with key milestones: application prep, test dates, portfolio/workshop deadlines, scholarship submissions. 2. Use the [Timeline Feasibility Rubric](#timeline-feasibility-rubric) to self-assess realism and [completeness.**Proposed**](https://completeness.Proposed) **Timeline Sketch:**

*** ### Session 5: Final Decision Rationale (30 min) Complete the [Decision Rationale Entry](#decision-rationale-journal). Address: * How your top-choice plan aligns with your goals. * How backup plans and scholarships support your timeline. * Contingency steps if deadlines or eligibility [change.**Final**](https://change.Final) **Rationale:**

*** By following these structured sessions and leveraging the linked materials, students will emerge with a clear, actionable plan for college entry and the confidence to navigate the admission process.

Project Guide

Reading

Worksheet

Rubric

Journal

Pathfinder

Cassandra Dennis