Ever wondered which college is right for you? How could you get into the college of your dreams? How to pay for college if you decided to go? Maybe you've never even considered college because you thought it was out of your reach. College application help is as close as your public library.

Launch Pad College App Program, a specially designed program of The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation, has been created to answer such college questions and to put the universe of college education within your grasp. Launch Pad has been developed to help mentor and guide you through the process of writing your applications for college, including how to find and apply for funding and financial aid for your college education.

Who has the right stuff?

Students need only have the desire to go to college to begin the process, and Launch Pad will help candidates begin planning for successful application to university, college, and/or community college.

Launch Pad is open to Fort Worth area high school students whether they are juniors and seniors on the verge of applying or eighth, ninth, and tenth graders wanting to start planning for college. For students in the eleventh and twelfth grade, there is specific help on applications and essay writing.

Start-Up!

Sessions of Launch Pad run an hour-and-a-half several times during the year, or students may book an individual appointment to discuss their goals and challenges.

The first sessions are Saturday, September 18 at the Central Library and the topics will focus on:

We recommend that you reserve a place, but all are welcome. Call (817)565-4747 or (817)871-8022 to make your reservation.

Meetings are held at the Central location of the Fort Worth Library at 500 West 3rd Street in downtown Fort Worth and other convenient locations. All sessions are underwritten by The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation and are free of charge to participants.

Countdown!

Candidates will attend Launch Pad sessions directed by an experienced college advisor and meet a variety of mentors and contacts from the college and professional worlds.

Sessions will emphasize the application essays, when and how to take standardized admission tests, tips on how to write an effective student resume, understanding the variety of college and university options - national, regional, international, and insights into financial aid application.

In addition, candidates will be exposed to various areas of potential specialty, to career and vocational programs, and to the successful choices of traditional and nontraditional students who have gone before them. Sessions are tailored to the needs of individual students, but usually address one or more of the following topics:

• Individual academic evaluation of educational background and strengths
• Academic evaluation (classes and grades)
• Personality assessment for self-presentation
• College assessment Can I, Could I, Should I Go to College?
  How Do I Make My List of Colleges?
  How Do I Pick My College?
  How Do I Get Into My "Reach" College?
  When Do I Do What to Get Into College?
  Can I Get Financial Aid for College?
  Community College vs. 4-Year College?
• Essay writing for college admission and scholarships
• "Next step" sessions with parents and students.

Each session will move the student forward in a practical way toward college application and admission and toward having choices in senior year.

Call (817)565-4747 or (817)871-8022 for more information or to sign up for a session.