Friday, December 2, 2016

Accepted!!! Now what?

Many of you have received acceptance letters from colleges and universities around the country. 

Congratulations! 

Now what?! You have some big decisions to make but where do you even start?

Let's consider a few approaches to making your decisions! 
Remember: There is no such thing as a perfect college but you can DECIDE on the best college for you.  College really is what YOU make of it!

1) ASK QUESTIONS! Consider what is most important to you like distance from home, cost to you, sports teams on campus, course of study, clubs etc. Make a list of at least 10 questions that you can research and answer about your colleges. Create a chart to keep track of the questions and answers (something like this). You'll likely have to do some research to find your answers...but that's all part of the decision making process! 

2. Compare Financial Aid Packages! You'll need to consider  the cost of attendance for each school. This doesn't ALWAYS mean go to the school that will cost you the least! For example, if College A has the Major you want to pursue but College B does not, it may be worth it to attend College A! Don't lose sight of your long term goals. Here is some more info on assessing the $$$ part of your decision. Talk to people you trust especially when considering any loans! 

3. If you are able to do so, visit the campus (even if you've already been). You have now been accepted and are deciding where to spend a HUGE amount of time and energy over the next 2-4 years. Most schools provide opportunities to return after you've been accepted and even arrange for overnights where you stay in the dorms with current students. Let me know if you want help looking into this kind of opportunity! You get to learn first hand about life on campus by living it for a day or two! If you can't stay over night or won't be living on campus, you can probably find an event (a play, lecture, sports game) that's open to the public. Check it out! 

4. Talk to people who know and love you! While you don't have to do what they say, people who know you probably can help with the decision. They may bring up things you didn't think about and likely have your best interests at heart. Talking it through is also a great way to learn more about yourself and your interest in particular schools. Do you get really excited when talking about College B but not so much about College A? That tells you something important!!!! 

5. Pay attention to deadlines as they vary by school. You don't want to miss out out on your 1st Choice School because you missed the deadline for committing! 

As always, let me know if you have any questions! 







Monday, November 21, 2016

I completed my FAFSA>>>Now what?

High five for completing your FAFSA! But that's just the beginning of your financial aid journey. Take a few minutes to watch the video below:


Keep an eye on emails from FAFSA. You'll receive one with a link to your SAR shortly after submitting your FAFSA application. You may want to search your inbox for FAFSA and/or SAR (student aid report) to be sure you haven't missed it! Some students didn't read the whole thing and never got to the link for the SAR!

If you've already been admitted to any colleges, follow the steps provided in your admission paperwork/email to access your account for that school. Some of them may also create an institutional email address for you. You'll want to check that regularly (at least once a week!) in case they send you information about financial aid and enrollment to that email address! Consider making a calendar reminder to check weekly!

Check out the info provided by FAFSA about Next Steps here. There's info about verification, your SAR, how to claim your award $, and some details about the loan process should you choose to accept a loan.

Always talk to a trusted adult or friend about financial aid decisions. Remember you'll get financial aid packages from all the schools for which you submitted an application. You'll want to compare these offers as you decide what school to attend! Don't commit to anything until you've considered your options from a financial perspective too!!!


Monday, November 14, 2016

The Vocabulary of Finanicial Aid: A Glossary

The Vocabulary of Financial Aid: A Glossary 



Accreditation-
The US Department of Education recognizes that the school meets basic academic standards. Schools must be accredited to be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs. Make sure the schools you are considering are accredited! 

COA- Cost of Attendance
The total amount it will cost you PER YEAR to go to school. This number includes tuition and fees; room and board; and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care. It will include personal expenses, such as an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer; costs related to a disability; and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs.


DRN- Data Release Number
A 4 digit number given to you on your SAR (top right hand corner). It can be used to grant permission for your FAFSA data to be shared with other schools.

DEFAULT-
Failure to pay your loan according to the loan agreement or promissory note. There can be serious legal consequences of defaulting. Seek help before you choose to default!

DEFERMENT-
Postponing payment during which time interest does not accrue. You have to go through a process to request deferment. You can't just decide to stop paying!

DISBURSEMENT- 
Payment of federal aid funds to the borrower (usually the student- that's you!) by the school. This usually happens twice a year.

EFC- Estimated Family Contribution
The number used to determine your federal financial aid is based on the information you provide on your FAFSA.

FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FEDERAL STUDENT AID- 
This is financial aid provided by the federal government. You apply for the aid by completing the FAFSA. Grants, loans, and work study are all parts of Federal Student Aid. The money is to be used for college or career school costs at eligible schools.

FINANCIAL AID OFFER or PACKAGE-
The total amount of financial aid (federal and nonfederal) a student is offered by a college or career school. The school's financial aid staff combines various forms of aid into a “package” to help meet a student’s education costs.

FSA ID- Federal Student Aid Identification

INSTITUTIONAL AID-
Financial aid provided by the institution you are attending. This can come in the form of grants and/or scholarships for which you must submit applications.

INTEREST-
A loan expense paid to the borrower based on the interest rate and the remaining unpaid amount of the loan.

LOANS-
Money you borrow that must be repayed with interest.

PELL GRANT-
A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.

PERKINS LOAN-
A federal student loan, made by the recipient's school, for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. 

SAR- Student Aid Report
You'll receive a SAR after you've completed your FAFSA application. If you provided an email address, the link to your report will come via email. Provided there were no errors on or questions about your FAFSA, this will also include your EFC.

SCHOLARSHIPS-
Money awarded to you for your educational expenses that does not have to be repaid. Don't forget to APPLY for a pile of scholarships!

WORK STUDY-
You'll complete part-time work on campus as part of your federal student aid. The money earned will be used to pay your college expenses.



Don't forget to talk to trusted people in your life about financial aid decisions! 

Friday, November 4, 2016

$$ Scholarships $$

Hey, Seniors! I know we talk A LOT about scholarships...but you won't get them by talking! 
 YOU HAVE TO PUT IN WORK!
What's your game plan? How are you tackling this MAJOR PROJECT
Here are some ideas for managing all of the details, planning your timeline and WINNING

  • Set aside time every week to work on scholarships. Add it to your calendar and COMMIT to making it happen!
  • Start by searching for scholarships. Use the resources here! As you find scholarships you are eligible for, make a list in a spreadsheet! Prioritize! NOTE DEADLINES and Total $$$ you can earn! 
  • Once you have a list, get started on the applications. You'll be applying for many so set up a system for tracking which ones you are applying for, your log in info, what paper work you may need to send or upload (ie ACT Score Sheet, your Transcript). 
  • REMEMBER THE DEADLINES! Set reminders in your phone WELL BEFORE the scholarships are due. DON'T PROCRASTINATE
  • Ask for Letters of Recommendation ASAP!!! (See here for info on how to best do this!)
  • Have people you know well read your essay(s) AND have people you don't know so well help you too! Different perspectives and feedback will only strengthen your work!
  • SUBMIT! SUBMIT! SUBMIT! Remember, you can't be awarded scholarships if you don't apply! 
Find more helpful info on how to find and apply for scholarships here.

$$ Scholarships $$

Hey, Seniors! I know we talk A LOT about scholarships...but you won't get them by talking! 
 YOU HAVE TO PUT IN WORK!
What's your game plan? How are you tackling this MAJOR PROJECT
Here are some ideas for managing all of the details, planning your timeline and WINNING

  • Set aside time every week to work on scholarships. Add it to your calendar and COMMIT to making it happen!
  • Start by searching for scholarships. Use the resources here! As you find scholarships you are eligible for, make a list in a spreadsheet! Prioritize! NOTE DEADLINES and Total $$$ you can earn! 
  • Once you have a list, get started on the applications. You'll be applying for many so set up a system for tracking which ones you are applying for, your log in info, what paper work you may need to send or upload (ie ACT Score Sheet, your Transcript). 
  • REMEMBER THE DEADLINES! Set reminders in your phone WELL BEFORE the scholarships are due. DON'T PROCRASTINATE
  • Ask for Letters of Recommendation ASAP!!! (See here for info on how to best do this!)
  • Have people you know well read your essay(s) AND have people you don't know so well help you too! Different perspectives and feedback will only strengthen your work!
  • SUBMIT! SUBMIT! SUBMIT! Remember, you can't be awarded scholarships if you don't apply! 
Find more helpful info on how to find and apply for scholarships here.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

What types of Financial Aid are there?

Hey Seniors! We've talked a lot about the FAFSA and the federal Pell Grant, loans and work-study programs available with FAFSA completion. But there are OTHER options too! We've talked about Institutional Aid- money that is awarded to you by your school of choice. This can be need based, merit based and/or based on your chosen major/course of study. Get in touch with your College or University's Financial Aid Office and see what they offer! You may be able to search for Scholarships via their webpage too.

When should you be applying for Scholarships?

NOW! Even if you are a Junior or underclassmen...

There are scholarships for just Freshman. Now is the time especially if you are a Senior. Consider it your homework. Seniors, you should be spending a few hours a week researching scholarships, deciding which ones to apply for and then ACTUALLY APPLYING! As you near adulthood, this is a great test of your preparedness. No one can do it for you! Go get that $$$! 


Remember to look carefully at your scholarship options and avoid SCAMS!

Here are links to some of the Federal Grants:

Here's a great resource for SEARCHING for Scholarships! 


Here are some ideas about other places to look for/ask about scholarships:
  • your library’s reference section
  • foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
  • organizations (including professional associations) related to your field(s) of interest
  • ethnicity-based organizations
  • your employer or your parents’ employers

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Got Essay Anxiety?!

You guys! If you haven't started (and maybe even finished) your college application essays...

IT IS TIME! 

I know it can be hard to write about yourself and share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with total strangers. But it can be the MOST POWERFUL part of your application. Sure, grades and test scores matter but most colleges want to get to know YOU as a person with a story...not just the numbers and letters on your transcript! Your essay really is an opportunity for the people in admissions to learn more about WHY they should admit YOU to their college. 

TAKE A CHANCE! 

Be yourself! Make sure your essay 'sounds' like you. Just like you want people to be REAL with you, being REAL in your essay makes a difference! 

Start NOW! Select one of your essay topics. Set your timer for 30 minutes and just brainstorm. Write/type EVERYTHING that comes to mind...even if it's hot cheetos! I mean, try to stay focused on the topic and write any and everything that comes to mind. You may come across an idea or direction you weren't expecting BUT that will make an awesome essay! And remember, no one has to EVER see your brainstorming document. 

Check out the links below for some great tips on writing your BEST college essay! There are some video clips too. 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

FAFSA Preparation!

Hey Seniors! Your FAFSA Nights are FAST approaching...
Are you ready?! 
Below you'll find some helpful information (click the links!) about how to prepare, what to expect and what happens AFTER you've completed your application. Make sure you've signed up for an appointment in YOUR Future Center! 


 FAFSA is a FREE Application 

The FAFSA is FREE, so if a website asks you to pay to fill it out, you’re not dealing with the official FAFSA site. Remember, the FAFSA comes from the government, so it’s on a .gov site: fafsa.gov.

Check out this video: "After the FAFSA, what happens next?"

Here's some great information about accepting aid and what kind to accept first! Be sure to talk with a trusted adult (or two) about your awards. Remember when we talked about LOANS? You'll want to be extra thoughtful when considering these! 

SEE YOU AT YOUR FAFSA NIGHT! 

Monday, October 3, 2016

College Fair: How to Make the Most of It!

COLLEGE FAIRS: Coming to a high school near you! 

Prepare in advance for College Fairs happening at your high school and in your community. Here are a few tips! 

Before the Fair
Ask yourself the following questions:
  1. Do I want to attend a small school? Or a large, medium, or extra large school?
  2. What majors am I interested in studying? (It's ok to have a few ideas!)
  3. Do I want to attend a city school? Suburban? A school in the country?
  4. Do I want a 2 year degree? 4 year?
  5. Do I want to attend a single sex school? One that has religious affiliations?
  6. What special programs do I want at my college? (Sports, Arts, Clubs, Greek Life, Study Abroad, Cooperative Education, Latinx Programs) 
Take some time to research the schools that will be at the Fair. Make a list of schools whose Representative you DEFINITELY want to meet. 

Make a list of questions to ask the Representatives at the Fair. This is a great chance to impress them with the research you've done about their school AND share something about yourself. 

Bring a resume! Make sure it has up to date contact information including a professional email address. 

At the Fair
Start by visiting with the schools you DEFINITELY want to meet. You can visit others if you have time! 

Ask your questions! 

Provide your contact information to schools you are interested in having follow up with you. 

Take notes! Keep track of contact information of Representatives you met. 

After the Fair 
Review the information you gathered. Add/Subtract schools from your Apply List! 

Send a Thank You note/email to Representative at schools you are interested in attending. 




Friday, September 30, 2016

Letters of Recommendation!

It's that time of year, Seniors! I hope you all are making use of a checklist like this one or this one!
Get in the habit of setting reminders on your phone or other calendar so that you don't miss any deadlines

I'm sure you are all ready for your FAFSA completion. So, let's talk about another important step!

Letters of Recommendation!
 Yes, you HAVE to ask a teacher or two, maybe a counselor as well to say nice things about you. Below are some helpful hints on how to ask, what to prepare for your teachers/counselors, and how to stand out!

How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality.
Colleges value recommendations because they:
  • Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t
  • Provide personal opinions of your character
  • Show who is willing to speak on your behalf
Letters of recommendation work for you when they present you in the best possible light, showcasing your skills and abilities.

When to Ask for Recommendations

Make sure to give your references at least one month before your earliest deadline to complete and send your letters. The earlier you ask, the better. Many teachers like to write recommendations during the summer. If you apply under early decision or early action plans, you'll definitely need to ask for recommendations by the start of your senior year or before.
Remember that some teachers will be writing whole stacks of letters, which takes time. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush.

Whom to Ask

It’s your job to find people to write letters of recommendation for you. Follow these steps to start the process:
  • Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher — sometimes in a specific subject — or a school counselor or both.
  • Ask a counselor, teachers and your family who they think would make good references.
  • Choose one of your teachers from junior year or a current teacher who has known you for a while. Colleges want a current perspective on you, so a teacher from several years ago isn't the best choice.
  • Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club can make a great reference.
  • Consider other adults — such as an employer, a coach or an adviser from an activity outside of school — who have a good understanding of you and your strengths.
  • Perhaps most important, pick someone who will be enthusiastic about writing the letter for you.
  • If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid weak letters.

How to Get the Best Recommendations

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. Even if they know you well, it’s a good idea to take some time to speak with them. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory.
Here’s how:
  • Talk to them about your class participation.
  • Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of.
  • Tell them what you learned in class.
  • Mention any challenges you overcame.
  • Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work.
  • If you need a recommendation letter from a counselor or other school official, follow these guidelines:
  • Make an appointment ahead of time.
  • Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future.
  • If you need to discuss part of your transcript — low grades during your sophomore year, for example — do so. Explain why you had difficulty and discuss how you've changed and improved since then.
Whether approaching teachers, a counselor or another reference, you may want to provide them with a resume that briefly outlines your activities, both in and outside the classroom, and your goals.

Final Tips

The following advice is easy to follow and can really pay off:
  • Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
  • Give your references addressed and stamped envelopes for each college that requested a recommendation.
  • Make sure your references know the deadlines for each college.
  • Follow up with your references a week or so before recommendations are due to make sure your letters have been sent.
  • Once you’ve decided which college to attend, write thank-you notes. Tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Scholarship Opportunity!

Hey Seniors!

Here's some info on one of the MAJOR Scholarship Opportunities available to you.

From the Daniels Scholarship page:

"The Daniels Scholarship Program provides a four-year annually-renewable college scholarship for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities."


Here's the thing: As a Mentor, you've shown the qualities that Daniels wants! 

Have a look at the website and let's get started on your application. http://www.danielsfund.org/scholarships/


First things first:
PREPARE TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA ASAP! 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some other details:
To be eligible for the Daniels Scholarship Program, students must satisfy the following requirements at the time of application:
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Be a resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
  • Be a high school senior graduating from a school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
  • Earn ACT scores of at least 17 in each category (Math, English, Reading, Science); or an SAT Math score of at least 400 and Critical Reading score of at least 440. Writing scores are not required. All test scores must come from a single test and must be submitted by the application deadline. Super scoring is not accepted.
To get scores in time to apply, applicants must take
the ACT or SAT on or before:

To get scores in time to apply, applicants must take
the ACT or SAT on or before:
- ACT: October 22, 2016
- SAT: November 5, 2016
- SAT: November 5, 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

Find Your Top Colleges!

Find Your Top Colleges! 

Do you know you want to go to college but you aren't sure where? There are so many options out there to explore. A FUN way to do this is by taking quizzes online. Remember, these quizzes are for FUN but you can learn about schools, majors, and locations that you may not have considered or even knew existed. 


Have FUN exploring.

Answer some questions about what you are looking for in a college experience and get some new ideas! 


Which Top College is right for you?



Big Future will guide you.

Things to Consider When Researching Colleges
like food....for example. :)


Not sure what you want to study? That's ok! But here's a QUICK quiz that may help narrow it down.


*Remember, these are all for fun. They can expose you to new ideas for your college pathway for sure. But you decision should come after careful consideration and conversations with the people who know you the best! Ask lots of questions. Interview your favorite teacher on their college decision. Talk to friends and family who've gone to college. Talk to friends and family who haven't gone to college. Ask lots of questions! 

Monday, September 12, 2016

FAFSA Countdown:19 Days!

In just 19 days, the FAFSA application will open for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Are you READY?! 

Here's a checklist of what you'll need to complete the FAFSA application:


What You Need to Complete the FAFSA 


It is critical to bring all of the information requested for both the parent and the student to the FAFSA Workshop.
  
☐Social Security Numbers and Social Security Card (if applicable): Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to receive federal aid. Non-US Citizens may be eligible for institutional aid in Colorado. Parent does not need to be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 
☐ Student’s alien registration or permanent resident card (if applicable)
 ☐ Birthdates: Month/Day/Year (parent AND student) 
☐ 2015 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned last year (parent AND student, if applicable) 
☐ Student’s 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable) 
☐ Parents’ 2015 Federal Income Tax Return 
☐ 2015 untaxed income records (if applicable) o Social Security benefits statement o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) o Veterans benefits records o Disability benefits records
 ☐ Date and Year Parents were married and/or divorced
 ☐ Savings and checking account dollar amount (parent AND student, if applicable)
 ☐ Business and investment mortgage (not the home in which you and your family live) information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records (if applicable) 
☐ Your FSA-ID or FAFSA PIN numbers (parent AND student, if previously applied for).

 You can save a lot of time by creating your FSA-ID before the FAFSA workshop. To create an FSA-ID, go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Be sure to write the username and password down and bring them with you.
Here's a video that will walk you through the process!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLi0q7hkFns

Here's some info from DSF about why and how to complete the FAFSA in a timely fashion! 


FAFSA Countdown:19 Days!

In just 19 days, the FAFSA application will open for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Are you READY?! 

Here's a checklist of what you'll need to complete the FAFSA application:


What You Need to Complete the FAFSA 


It is critical to bring all of the information requested for both the parent and the student to the FAFSA Workshop.
  
☐Social Security Numbers and Social Security Card (if applicable): Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to receive federal aid. Non-US Citizens may be eligible for institutional aid in Colorado. Parent does not need to be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 
☐ Student’s alien registration or permanent resident card (if applicable)
 ☐ Birthdates: Month/Day/Year (parent AND student) 
☐ 2015 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned last year (parent AND student, if applicable) 
☐ Student’s 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable) 
☐ Parents’ 2015 Federal Income Tax Return 
☐ 2015 untaxed income records (if applicable) o Social Security benefits statement o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) o Veterans benefits records o Disability benefits records
 ☐ Date and Year Parents were married and/or divorced
 ☐ Savings and checking account dollar amount (parent AND student, if applicable)
 ☐ Business and investment mortgage (not the home in which you and your family live) information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records (if applicable) 
☐ Your FSA-ID or FAFSA PIN numbers (parent AND student, if previously applied for).

 You can save a lot of time by creating your FSA-ID before the FAFSA workshop. To create an FSA-ID, go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Be sure to write the username and password down and bring them with you.

Here's some info from DSF about why and how to complete the FAFSA in a timely fashion! 


Tuesday, September 6, 2016

How do I know what direction to GO?

It can be overwhelming to identify your next steps after high school! Luckily, you have a lot to choose from right here in Denver as well as Colorado. It's never too early to educate yourself about your options.

You can research all of our state schools here. As you know, Denver is home to Metro StateCommunity College of DenverUniversity of Colorado Denver, and University of Denver.

Another great option is Emily Griffith Technical College!  Check out some of the programs below:

Apprenticeship Training Division
College of Health Sciences and Administration
College of Creative Arts and Design
College of Trades, Industry
and Professional Studies