Instructions Part 1 | Forget The Rankings

You will not need your unique access code (found in the second half of your card deck) until Part 2.

Gather Your Cards: Separate the white cards from the black cards in your "Forget The Rankings" card deck. Set the black cards aside - you’ll need them for part 2.
Download the digital workbook that accompanies this activity. Use is as a guide!
Initial Sorting: Read each white card carefully. Consider its meaning and relevance to your college search.
- Sort the cards into three piles:
  - Most Important: These are the criteria that you absolutely cannot compromise on.
  - Somewhat Important: You’d like to have these criteria, but they aren't deal-breakers.
  - Not/Less Important: These are criteria that aren't significant factors in your college decision.
Card Clarification: If you're unsure about a card's meaning, flip it over. The back of the card provides additional explanations and questions to help you decide its importance.
Refine Your Top Pile: Look at your "Most Important" pile.
- If you have more than 5 cards, re-evaluate and narrow it down to your top 5 most crucial criteria.
Record Your Top Criteria: Write down the names of your top 5 criteria on the provided "Forget The Rankings Worksheet." Keep this worksheet handy as you continue your college search.

Remember:

Be honest with yourself about what truly matters to you in a college.
Don't be afraid to change your mind or adjust your piles as you go. Your preferences might evolve as you learn more about yourself!
The top 5 criteria you identify here will be your guiding stars as you explore potential colleges during step 2.

Gather Your Materials: Separate the white cards from the black cards in your "Forget The Rankings" card deck. Set the black cards aside - you’ll need them for part 2.
Individual Sorting:
- Student: Independently read each card and sort them into three piles: Most Important, Somewhat Important, Not/Less Important. If unsure about a card, use the back for clarification.
- Trusted Adult: Do the same, considering what criteria might be important to the student and their future success.
Discussion and Alignment:
- Compare your piles. Discuss any differences and similarities.
- Use the questions on the back of each card to guide your conversation. Talk about why certain criteria are important to each of you.
- Aim to reach a shared understanding of the student's most important criteria.
Refine the Top Pile (Together): Focus on the combined "Most Important" pile.
- If you have more than 5 cards, work together to narrow it down to the 5 most essential criteria for the student's college search.
- Consider both the student's personal preferences and the adult's insights on what might contribute to a successful college experience.
Record the Top Criteria: Write down the final 5 criteria on the "Forget The Rankings Worksheet." This will be important during step 2 of this process.

Additional Tips for Collaboration:

Create a safe and open space: Encourage honest and respectful communication.
Active listening: Both the student and adult should actively listen to each other's perspectives.
Ask open-ended questions: Use questions like "Why is this important to you?" or "What do you envision in a college environment?" to encourage deeper discussion.
Respect differing opinions: It's okay to disagree, but try to find common ground and understand each other's viewpoints.