Hormel Inspired Pathways

It’s important to recognize that you should build a college list BOTH when graduating from HS and when transferring from community college to a four-year college. Below is a guide to building a college list that suits your goals and aspirations.

1. Assess Academic Fit

Before anything else, prioritize academics. Determine whether the prospective colleges offer the major you’re interested in. It’s equally important to categorize potential schools based on admission likelihood into Reach, Target and Safety categories.

• Reach Schools (<25% chance of admission): These challenging schools include your dream institutions or those known for their stellar financial aid. While they’re ambitious, it’s wise to apply to two-three to see if you get lucky.
• Target Schools (40-60% chance of admission): These institutions align well with your academic credentials and are the best fit for your goals. Applying to four-six target schools gives you a balanced chance of acceptance without overextending.
• Safety Schools (>75% chance of admission): These are schools where you are very likely to be admitted. Choose at least three that you would be happy to attend, as they often also present scholarship opportunities.

2. Explore Different College Types

Understanding the variety of college experiences available can help narrow your list to those that match your preferences and needs.

• Community Colleges: A guaranteed safety school, community colleges are an excellent cost-effective option that can also provide a pathway to further education. You can use these to start your college career or earn your entire degree, depending on your goals. 
• Liberal Arts Colleges: Known for their small class sizes and close-knit communities, these colleges focus on a broad-based education. They excel in readying students for advanced studies (like master’s, law, and doctorate degrees) and fostering one-on-one faculty relationships.
• Research Universities: These colleges have lots of options in terms of majors and research opportunities. While they offer vast resources, the environment may be more impersonal due to the larger student population, and for some it can be difficult to build connections with professors due to the large class sizes and competition. 
• Public vs. Private: Consider whether a public or private institution aligns better with your financial situation and academic needs. Public colleges often present lower initial price tag rates for in-state students, while private colleges might offer more in terms of personalized attention and financial aid packages and scholarships. They also can differ greatly in terms of culture, which we’ll discuss in bullet 4.

3. Evaluate Financial Fit

Financial considerations are pivotal in the college selection process. Calculate the potential costs of attendance against your budget and available financial aid. Use the Net Price Calculator to determine how much a college will cost. EVERY college is required to have one. The easiest way to find them is to Google the name of the college and the words Net Price Calculator.

*If you expect to receive financial aid from a school, you should be sure to look at the Full-Need Met colleges, this is a list of about 100 colleges with the best financial aid programs in the country. If you have questions about how to find them, ask an Inspired Pathways advisor.*

4. Consider Geographical and Cultural Fit

Think about where you’d like to study. Proximity to home, climate, cultural environment and campus diversity should all play roles in your decision-making. Attending a college in a region where you feel comfortable can greatly enhance your educational experience. This can also be one of the biggest differences between private and public. Public colleges are often representative of the places where they are located, whereas private colleges have a large variety of niche cultures that can differ greatly from one to the next.

5. Visit and Engage

Whenever possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment. Attend virtual tours or reach out to current students or alumni to gain insight into the school’s culture and community. With schools like those on the Full-Need Met list, visiting can sometimes even help you get admitted, because it shows that you’re interested in the college

6. Set Up a List Assessment Meeting!

Once you’ve created your list, set up a meeting with an Inspired Pathways advisor. They will review it to make sure that the colleges fit your academic goals, and will help you find additional colleges that may also be a fit. Additionally, they can help you identify private colleges with robust financial aid programs that may end up being much less expensive than local public colleges.

Conclusion

Building a college list is a strategic process that encompasses academic, financial and personal preferences. By exploring a diverse range of options and aligning them with your overall goals, you’ll set the foundation for a promising college experience. 

Members of the Inspired Pathways team recently visited the PLANTERS^® Fort Smith, Ark. location to connect with team members about the exciting college education benefits available through the Inspired Pathways program. 

Over the course of two days, Inspired Pathways advisors engaged with PLANTERS^® team members, providing valuable insights and answering questions on topics like program eligibility, financial aid and the college application process

“Getting additional touch points with team members is so important to ensure that everyone who wants access to the program knows about the opportunities and understands how to take full advantage,” remarked Inspired Pathways Program Director Nate Lockett after the visit. “We were able to speak with dozens of employees interested in the free community college component of the program for their children. And we connected with many others interested in learning more about our advising program and how it can support their child throughout the college application process.”

If you have a child interested in either community college or four-year college, have them submit an application, or reach out to the advisors to learn more about what the college journey could look like for your family.

1. Understand the Purpose

Know what colleges seek in LORs, including:

• Academic performance and intellectual curiosity
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement
• Personal qualities like resilience and creativity

2. Consider Your Relationships

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak positively about your growth. Ideal choices include:

• Teachers: Particularly those in core subjects where you excel and have a good rapport. These are the most important. Choosing two in subjects related to your major is a must for many of the most selective colleges. 
• Counselors: They can provide a comprehensive view of your academic journey. Almost all schools require counselors to provide a recommendation.
• Extracurricular Advisors and Employers or Mentors: Supervisors can vouch for your work ethic and readiness for college. Not all colleges will accept these, but if you have a strong relationship with one, it can’t hurt.

4. Ask Early

Reach out to potential recommenders during the spring of your Junior year. This allows them time to prepare thoughtful letters—and will make sure your teachers haven’t reached their limit. When you ask, explain why you chose them and share your college goals.

5. Provide Helpful Information

Supply recommenders with materials to help them write effective letters. This may include:

• Your resume or a list of achievements
• Specific experiences or projects to highlight
• Information about the colleges you’re applying to

This guidance makes it easier for them to personalize their recommendations.

6. Follow Up and Express Gratitude!

Keep recommenders updated on your application status and thank them after your process ends. This gesture is courteous and helps maintain relationships for the future.

For decades colleges and universities have relied heavily on two tests to help them make their admissions decisions. For just as long, educators have argued that these tests don’t accurately reflect a student’s ability to be successful in college. Placing so much weight on a single standardized test has led students to ignore the activities that ARE indicators of future success like enrolling in challenging classes, having a job or engaging in experiential learning opportunities so that they can spend a significant amount of time preparing for a test.

Due to the pandemic, in 2020 colleges were forced to remove their testing requirements. This prompted the testing companies to implement some long-desired changes. The essays, arbitrary vocabulary sections and point deductions for incorrect answers have been removed in favor of more reading and evidenced based questions, and options for taking the test remotely.

Now four years out from the pandemic, 80% of colleges still don’t require the SAT or ACT. However, a large number of colleges and universities have become what is known as “Test Optional” schools. This means you can submit a test score if you would like to. A good score can make it more likely that you will be eligible for scholarships and other awards.

Furthermore, a small number of the colleges with the nation’s very best financial aid programs are starting to require testing again. This list of colleges includes most of the Ivy League schools and many other top universities.

What does this mean for current high school students who are planning on college? First, it’s a good idea to at least try the SAT or ACT, because a good score can significantly improve the likelihood of getting into top colleges and receiving strong financial aid packages.

Because colleges are reviewing students more holistically than they were five years ago, it is important to push yourself in multiple areas. In addition to good grades and test scores, colleges really want to find students who are:

• Taking the most challenging classes at their high schools, especially the APs (Advanced Placement).
• Engaging in some sort of meaningful work outside of the classroom. That can be clubs, volunteering, internships, sports or jobs.
• Making a positive impact on a community they are a part of, including but not limited to their town, school or even their own household.

While standardized testing will likely never go away totally, it is no longer recommended to spend hundreds of hours or thousands of dollars on test prep. Your time would be much better used working to improve your grades and finding an area outside of school that you’re passionate about and can become more involved in.

For those looking to get ready for the SAT or ACT, we recommend using Khan Academy’s test prep program. It was created in collaboration with the organization that oversees the SAT, it is absolutely free, and most importantly, after taking their diagnostic exam, it tailors its questions to the specific needs of the student studying.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visits:

Attend an information session and campus tour

Most colleges offer information sessions and campus tours for prospective students. These are great opportunities to learn more about the school and get a feel for the campus. Make sure to be engaged and ask questions during the presentation, which are often given by the very people who will be reading your application.

Meet with an admissions officer

Try to arrange a meeting with one of the college’s admissions representatives. By meeting with an admissions rep, you’ll be able to ask specific questions and at the same time demonstrate your interest in the college. Demonstrated interest is a factor that approximately 50% of four-year colleges consider when assessing applications. The smaller the college, the more likely they are to consider demonstrated interest.

Sit in on a class

If possible, try to attend a class in your area of interest. This will give you a better sense of what the academic experience is like at the school and whether the teaching style and classroom environment are a good fit for you. Also ask about the facilities related to your intended major—you want to know what resources and hands-on learning opportunities are available.

Explore the surrounding area

Take some time to get a feel for the area around campus, to better understand what it’s like to live there. This can include checking out nearby restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, as well as looking at housing options. Remember, this is the place that you’ll call home for the next few years!

Overall, the key is to be curious and attentive during your visit. Visiting is the best way to figure out if a school is the right fit for you and may even help you get accepted.

Between March and April, high school seniors are sent Financial Award Letters by all the colleges they were admitted to. These letters give a detailed breakdown of the total costs of the university, along with a description of the various scholarships, grants and loans being offered to the student. 

The official looking nature of these documents leads many to believe that they are set in stone. However, this is not the case, as there are legitimate reasons why a family can and should work with the college to try and increase the amount of aid being offered. 

Because these legitimate reasons are rarely publicized by the colleges–they don’t want to give out more money if they don’t have to–it can be very helpful to work with an Inspired Pathways advisor to find out just how you may be able to increase your award. Below are a few examples of how we’ve helped students in the past. (Note: for privacy reasons, we have removed any distinguishing details.)

Change of Circumstances

FAFSA uses a family’s “prior, prior tax information,” meaning that for students planning to start college in the fall of 2024, they will use financial aid Information from the 2022 tax year. For families whose financial status has changed over those two years, it is important to submit a Change of Circumstances form, which can vary by college, to get your information updated and ensure you maximize your aid. This is one of the most common ways we’ve successfully helped students increase their award and we’ve successfully done so for students attending both two- and four-year schools. Students receiving support from Inspired Pathways have increased their federal award by as much as $14,000 over two years by submitting a Change of Circumstance form. 

Appeal the Award

Appeals can be submitted for any reason the family wants, but are by far most effective when being used for one of the two following reasons:

1. All of the information that the school has is correct, however there are other aspects of the students life that have not been taken into account. 
2. The information they have is incorrect. 

Students receiving support from Inspired Pathways have increased their college scholarship by as much as $82,000 over four years through the appeal process. 

Request Increase Due to Better Offer

When a student has a better offer at a college that is not their first choice, the student can reach out to their preferred college and see if it’s willing to match the offer from the other institution. While this route does not always work, colleges do very much want to bring in students who view them as their top choice, because those students are much more likely to stay throughout the course of the four-years.  

Students receiving support from Inspired Pathways have increased their college scholarship by as much as $16,000 over four years by requesting their top college match a better offer.

A college-going culture fosters the belief that college is a viable and attainable option, particularly for underrepresented and first-generation students. It encompasses attitudes, policies, practices, and support systems that encourage students to aspire to and prepare for college.

Central to a CGC is the expectation that all students will consider college as part of their future and are provided pathways to get there. This mindset is cultivated through various initiatives, including academic guidance, mentoring, and outreach programs that provide information about college options, admissions processes, and financial aid. 

Over the last 20 years high schools, NGOs, and colleges have worked to promote the institutionalization of CGC at high schools throughout the country, especially focusing on those that have large numbers of first-generation college students. The Hormel Inspired Pathways program is the first effort of its kind to develop a Corporate College-Going Culture.

The most important aspects of a CGC include:

1. Expectation of College Attendance Instilling a belief among students, families, and staff that pursuing education is an attainable goal for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
2. Academic Preparation Ensuring that students have access to a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum that aligns with college admissions standards. This includes providing support in critical areas such as math, literacy, and study skills.
3. Access to Resources and Information Providing comprehensive information about college options, admissions processes, scholarships, and financial aid. This includes workshops, one-on-one guidance, and access to college admissions professionals.
4. Family and Community Engagement Actively involving parents and community members in the college planning process. This can be achieved through workshops, informational sessions, and open communication about the steps necessary for college preparation.
5. Mentorship and Support Establishing mentorship programs that connect students with mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their college preparation journey.
6. Collaboration with Local Institutions Partnering with local colleges, universities, and organizations to create pathways for students. This may include campus visits, guest speakers, and internships that expose students to the college experience.

College advising programs significantly improve the likelihood of college enrollment and completion for underrepresented and first-generation students. In fact, research has shown that programs like Inspired Pathways almost double the odds that a student will enroll in college after they graduate from high school. However, only about 5 percent of students from these backgrounds have access to these types of programs. 

“In addition to setting expectations and providing a financial pathway to college, these programs also aid in establishing a college-going culture within the community. Students hear the message that everyone is expected to plan for their futures beyond high school and to consider college as an option.”

Glaser & Warick, 2016, p.7

Research indicates that there are four key features to effective college access programming and Hormel Inspired Pathways was designed to address each.

1. Help students navigate the college admissions process 

Helping students complete college applications and prepare for entrance exams are the most important predictors of enrollment. Programs with the strongest evidence for effectiveness, all include this component.

The Hormel Inspired Pathways program is designed to teach students about each aspect of the college and financial aid process. Our program and workshops walk students through this process while also providing access to college admissions professionals if and when they have questions along the way.

2. Prepare students academically 

Access to a college preparatory curriculum while in high school is one of the most critical variables for helping students gain access to postsecondary education (Corwin, Colyar, & Tierney, 2005; Cabrera & La Nasa, 2001; Perna, 2000). 

The Inspired Pathways’ workshops discuss what colleges are looking for in applicants and how high schools students can gain access to the programs, courses, and experiences that will give them the best chance of being admitted into their top choice college. 

3. Provide support

Support is a predictor of college attendance and completion (Perna, 2000). Social support helps students see college as a realistic option. Students are more likely to plan to attend college if they are in an environment that promotes college enrollment. (Hossler, Schmit, & Vesper, 1999).

Inspired Pathways’ mentoring program provides students with a Hormel mentor, who works with their mentee to help them believe that college is in their future. Through instruction and support from the Inspired Pathways Director and advisors, mentors have all the tools they need to offer this crucial support. 

4. Involve and encourage parents/family 

Students with parents who are knowledgeable about college are more likely to attend college. Effective outreach programs address this predictor by involving parents and other family members, providing college information to parents, and teaching parents how to support their children’s education (Perna, 2002; Corwin et al., 2005; Swail & Perna, 2002). 

Inspired Pathways starts with the parents, fostering involvement from the beginning. Throughout the program, students and parents are asked to engage with our college planning workshops, and have the opportunity to work one-on-one with the Inspired Pathways Director and advisors.

These challenges resulted in significantly lower FAFSA completion rates, especially among first-generation and low-income students — the groups that often benefit the most from completing their financial aid applications. 

Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 cycle, we expect the challenges to continue. Some FAFSA publications indicate a return to the October 1 opening application date, but the fine print indicates that this will only be for a portion of the student population. The vast majority of students will have to wait, many until early December or later. 

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The full 2025-2026 FAFSA won’t be open to the general public until December.

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At Inspired Pathways, we are already working with our college partners on mitigation strategies, just as we did last year. Despite having dozens of students face FAFSA issues within our Class of 2024 scholarship group, we had no one lose their scholarship because of those issues. To ensure that we have the same success rate this year, we encourage all students and parents to prepare early. Below are some steps you can take to move the process forward:

• Create your FSA ID now: The FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification) is a username and password that allows students and parents to access U.S. Department of Education websites, including the FAFSA application. It serves as a digital signature and is used to confirm identity when applying for federal student aid. Both the student AND the parent need to create their own, and it can be created at any time.
• Prepare your documentation: More than half of families are able to use the IRS retrieval tool to automatically upload tax information, but many others will have to enter it manually. Get the following documents ready in case you have to enter the information manually: social security number, driver’s license number, federal tax returns from 2023, access to current bank statements. 
• Attempt to apply early: Some students will be able to apply on October 1. We suggest checking to see if your application is available as close to that date as possible. If it isn’t, try every other week until you are able to complete your application. 
• Keep us in the loop: Let us know if you’re having any trouble with your application. We’ll make sure to note it on your file so you won’t miss out on anything. We’ll provide support if the issue you’re facing can be resolved from the outside, and we’ll work with your college to make sure there is no delay in your education.