Objective: For students to explore different colleges and majors that relate to career paths that they are interested in. As well as learn the admission and scholarship requirements of different institutions so they know what to work towards. Each student will select a different college (no student in the same class may choose the same college/university). Students will create a powerpoint presentation on their selected school as well as write a 500 word (1 page single spaced or 2 pages double spaced) essay persuading a group of their peers to attend their selected university.

What PowerPoint Presentation must include in no particular order:

Name of College / University
Where the school is located
When the school was founded
School mascot
School motto
School colors
3-5 fun facts about the school
Notable alumni
Majors that the school is most known for
Admission requirements
Tuition cost
Scholarship tiers and scholarship requirements
Acceptance rate
Graduation rate
Why you choose this school

College / University selection will be during class on April 20th and close on April 23rd. If you do not submit a school by April 23rd, I will assign one to you and you will not be able to research the school of your choice.

Your essay will be graded similar to that of an SAT writing prompt. I am aware that after June the SAT writing test will not be offered but I personally love their grading rubric. Their essay standard provides an excellent opportunity for you all to prepare for your college and scholarship essays. In addition, using research to write essays will be 50% of your first-year english college course so we can practice early in a more, fun way! I will be using the SAT writing rubric to grade your essay on your ability to analyze your research collected as well as your writing ability. Your essay prompt is as follows:

Write an essay in which you explain and build an argument persuading a group of your peers to attend your selected university. Use the research you gathered as supporting evidence to persuade your readers.

You will be graded on both the powerpoint and your essay. This is your final project so it will be weighted more than your other assignments and quizzes. It is weighted at 50% and will count twice so do your very best! Your powerpoint must include all of the required information, contain appropriate images, and contain no grammatical errors. Your essay must compliment and relate to the powerpoint. Your essay should demonstrate that you are well informed about the college/ university you researched, and should persuade me to want to attend your selected college.

The rubrics are below:

Grading Rubric for PowerPoint

5
(90%-100%)
4
(80%-89%)
3
(70%-79%)
2
(60%-69%)
1
(Below 50%)
Content
Content is accurate and all required information is presented in a logical order.

Content is accurate but some required information is missing and/or not presented in a logical order, but is still generally easy to follow.
Content is accurate but some required information is missing and/or not presented in a logical order, making it difficult to follow.
Content is questionable. Information is not presented in a logical order, making it difficult to follow.
Content is inaccurate. Information is not presented in a logical order, making it difficult to follow.
Slide Creation
Presentation flows well and logically. Presentation reflects extensive use of tools in a creative way.
Presentation flows well. Tools are used correctly.
Overall presentation is interesting.
Presentation flows well. Some tools are used to show acceptable understanding.

Presentation is unorganized. Tools are not used in a relevant manner.
Presentation has no flow. No tools used.
Slide Transitions
Transitions are smooth. Transitions enhance the presentation.
Smooth transitions are used on most slides.
Smooth transitions are used on some slides
Very few transitions are used and/or they distract from the presentation.
No transitions are used.
Pictures, Clip Art Background
Images are appropriate.
Layout is pleasing to the eye.
Images are appropriate. Layout is cluttered.
Most images are appropriate
Images are inappropriate.
No images
Mechanics
No spelling errors. No grammar errors. Text is in authors own words.
Few spelling errors. Few grammar errors. Text is in authors own words.
Some spelling errors. Some grammar errors.
Text is in authors own words.
Some spelling errors. Some grammar errors. Most of text is in authors own words.
Many spelling and or grammar errors. Text is copied.