MSA MentorshipThe Mentorship philosophy

Building the bridge between Islam & EducationA tour of the college admissions process

Context

Who am I?

Context

www.msamentorship.com

Goals

Fall 2012

MIT MSAMentorshi

p

Online Education

Fundamentals

Core problems for Muslims

Core problems in education

Model & history

Habits of effect & success

Topics

Topics1) Philosophy & College Admissions

2) How to Make the Most of Your Summer

3) Academics & AP’s

4) Extracurricular Activities

5) College Visits & Being Muslim in College

6) Productivity & Presentation

7) Essays & The Common Application Essay

8) Letters of Recommendation

9) Interviews

10) Resumes, Forms, & Common App

11) Choosing a Major & Career Development

12) Financial Aid & Scholarships

13) Islam & Education

THEMES

Winning Strategies

Islamic Duty

Tapping Your

Inspiration

Help You Help

Yourself

MentalityConfidence

3 Steps to ApplicationsResearch College Options

Seek Advice / Visit

Apply to Colleges Academics and Research Extracurricular Activities Personal Essay Recommendation Letters Interview{

Step 1: Research College Options

Answer questions about your needs & preferences:1. What caliber (level) of student am

I?2. How competitive is the admission

process?3. How is the university reputation?

Student life?4. What do I want to study?5. What is the expected cost of

attendance?6. Where do I want to live and study

that works for my family?

Create a list of colleges that meet

these needswww.collegeboard.

com can help

MSA MentorsCurrent

Students/Alumni

Step 2: Seek Advice

If you really want to… School Counselors Family/Friends

Online Articles

Faculty

Step 3: Apply to CollegeMY NUMBERS

GPA, Class Rank, SAT, ACT

Pile A

Pile B

Step 3: Apply to College1. Academics and Standardized Tests

Shows you can handle rigor, challenge, and consistency

2. Extracurricular Activities Shine your uniqueness

3. Essays Gives your application a voice More than just your personal essay!

Step 3: Apply to College

4. Recommendation Letters Gives your application credibility

5. Interview Gives your application credibility

SAT / ACT More than just your

GPA Did you challenge

yourself?

Academics & Standardized Tests

Academic / Career Related Volunteer / Community Service Athletics / The Arts What am I learning? SKILLS Since you HAVE to write/interview on

your activity, make it extremely special to YOU

Extracurricular Activities

Personal Essay Painting a picture Different writing approaches

Write, Revise… Then REVISE… Then REVISE!!!

Essays

Where to get them from? Variety

Familiarity with you as a person, not just as a student

How to approach teachers, coaches, supervisors, etc.

Recommendation Letters

Practice and prepare Different perspectives

COMMUNICATION

Interview

All stems from PREPARATION PREPARATION helps you perfect TIMING

How to Think About the Application

TIMING makes your life easier

and helps you stand out!

Get in the mind of Admissions Officers!!!

Be the BEST and if you’re not the best, be SUPER UNIQUE

1) Educating ourselves will be our primary weapon against extremism and Islamophobia.

10 Things About Islam & Education

2) Our religion is special because it doesn’t end at belief.  It gives us the equipment and value system to actively improve ourselves and our world.

3) Religion does NOT always have to be on the tongue, but it must ALWAYS be in our heart.

10 Things About Islam & Education

4) Education is only half-baked without a value system.5) Striving for top universities enriches the academic path and works directly towards breaking our cycle of economic, social, and political disenfranchisement.

6) We overlook ills in the Muslim community and try to tackle the easy and obvious.

10 Things About Islam & Education

8) Building bridges between the classroom and Islam can enrich our experience of both.

7) Communicating Islam requires both an understanding of the religion and an understanding of our audience.

9) Being a better learner ALL stems from building confidence and knowing our motivation.

10 Things About Islam & Education

10) Education provides the MEANS for learning, which in turn

helps us improve as Muslims.

Mentorship Structure - 2013

Mentorship Folder