Second Semester Senior!!!!

Hey Seniors, Congrats on making it through the FIRST semester of your Senior Year. 

ONE MORE TO GO! 

Here are some thoughts on making the most of your next few months of high school....

• Slow down! Take time to appreciate the people around you even the challenging ones! Think of all of the lessons you've learned and how you've changed over the last 4 years. 

• Stay FOCUSED! It's easy to get sidetracked. You are almost across that finish line...BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO FINISH. Your grades and attendance still matter.  

• Dream BIG! Imagine your dream future. Where will you live, what will you do and, most importantly, who will you choose to spend your time with especially your free time. Some people think we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with...Who are you?

• Apply for ALL the scholarships. Come on, you knew I was going to say that!!! :)

• Use a checklist like this one so you stay on top of your college admissions and financial aid requirements. Check that college email!!!! 

Please let me know if you have any questions as you continue on your Road to Success! 

Have fun out there! 

I've applied to college(s). Now what?!

Hi Fives, Seniors! 

You've submitted college applications and are opening doors for your future....It's important to have a few choices and there is still plenty of time to apply to other schools. But what else can you be working on?

1. Fill out the FAFSA! Most of you have done this but if you haven't THE TIME IS NOW! Let's set up an appointment to get this done! 

2. Keep your grades up. I know it's hard as you get further along in your Senior Year. Senioritis is REAL! But your grades STILL matter. Your colleges will get your Final Transcript and they can 'un-admit' you. 

3. Check your COLLEGE email! Make sure the admissions office has all of your application pieces. Your colleges will send you information about establishing an email account with them. YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS REGULARLY! If you don't, you could miss out on deadlines, $cholarship opportunities, and other important information. If you have trouble remembering user names and passwords, make sure to make a note in your phone so you can log in!

4. Apply for ALL of the $cholar$hips! Seriously, apply for as many as you can. Use the Scholarship List on the right side of this page and consider setting up a Fastweb.com search that will email you scholarships you are eligible to receive! 

College and Scholarship Essays!

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. 

Carve out some time over Thanksgiving Break to work on essays! 

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 takis! 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. 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions

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:

• Federal Pell Grants  
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)  
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants  
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants  

Here's a great resource for SEARCHING for Scholarships! 

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx

Don't forget the YESS Scholarship Resources page too!
http://yesscollegeandcareercorner.blogspot.com/p/scholarship-resources.html

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

College and Scholarship Apps! It's your JOB!

Hey Seniors! The time is NOW for completing your college and scholarship applications! Think about the process as a part time job...that can pay off in $cholar$hip dollar$ as well as in higher earning$ over your lifetime once you graduate. Remember, this is true for certificates, associates degrees, AND bachelors degrees.

Commit to a few hours a week of work on your applications! Be sure to have a few trusted adults read your essays! Label your essays well as google docs. For example, "Emily Webster MSU Essay" so that your readers know it's your essay!

Remember to use your College App Info Sheet to help you complete your applications accurately. You should apply to at least 3 schools....one you're sure to get into, one you will likely get into and a REACH school...one that may be a bit harder to get into. But now is the time to try!


Click here to search for Scholarships!

Click here for Essay Writing Tips! 

Click here for some help deciding where to apply! 

Scholarship Essays!

Hey Team 2018! 

It's CERTAINLY time for you to be working on your scholarship essays! Here are some tips! 

1. Grab your reader's ATTENTION! 

Out of the First Lines below, which one would you be more likely to read??? 

• Example #1: Strong leadership skills are important for many reasons.
• Example #2: November 12, 2004, was the day I lost everything.

Think of how you can stand out from the pack and use YOUR unique voice! 

2. Edit and reuse your Essay (don't make MORE work!).

With a few edits, you can adjust your essay to be used for more than one application. Be sure that you are answering the specific question for each essay but keep in mind, there is usually overlap of topics! 

3. Keep your readers INTERESTED!

Be creative. Think outside the box. While your mom or dad may be your biggest role model, a lot of students will likely say that...Can you come up with a different answer? Or a unique approach? 

4. Follow the Essay Instructions.

The guidelines are there for a reason. Don’t write under the limit. Don’t write over the limit. Submit the application early...you will not get an extension. Be sure to answer the question(s). If they ask for the file as a .pdf, take the time to send it as a .pdf. 

5. Stay Focused on the TOPIC.

Be sure everything you write is connected to the topic. Do not go on a tangent just to add words to meet a word count. Readers are reviewing A LOT of essays and just need one reason to stop reading. 

6. Have a Point!

THESIS THESIS THESIS

You can look at your thesis as your one-sentence answer to the essay question. The rest of your essay should fully support your thesis statement and paint an intriguing picture for your readers. 

7. Check Your Essay for Spelling Errors.

In fact, have a friend and a teacher/counselor check your essays too. 

8. Use Correct Grammar and Punctuation.

Take your time to write, read, re-read and re-write as needed. Do your best and then seek help from someone you know is a good writer (see #7). 

9. Care About What You’re Writing.

When choosing your topic or thesis, be sure it is something that you personally care about sharing. You'll stand out as passionate! Bonus- It is easier to write about topics that you care about! 

10. Avoid Repetative Conclusions.

Don't just rewrite your thesis. Find a new way to restate it when wrapping up your essay. End with a STRONG, INTERESTING conclusion. Take your time when crafting this! 

.

FAFSA Checklist!

On October 1st, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for completion. Below is a list of the items you need to complete your application for FREE $$$$ for college including most technical schools (Emily Griffith Technical College).

Be sure to get these items together NOW so you are ready!

Here’s what you’ll need:

 Your Social Security card and driver’s license (if you have one).

Your parents income tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms from 2016 if you are a dependent (and you are unless declared otherwise). 

• If you are employed, bring your tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms from 2016! 

 Records and documentation of other nontaxable income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security income, veteran’s benefits, military or clergy allowances (if applicable). 

 Any additional applicable financial information, such as taxable work-study, assistant-ships, fellowships, grants and scholarship aid reported to the IRS, combat pay or special combat pay and cooperative education program earnings. 

 Records of any additional nontaxable income: Examples include: child support received, veterans’ non-education benefits, money received or paid on your behalf, etc. 

 Current bank and brokerage account statements, including records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments (if applicable). 

 Business or investment farm records (if applicable). 

 Records relating to any unusual family financial circumstances, such as anything that changed from last year or anything that distinguishes the family from the typical family in terms of unusual marital situations, living situations, separations, etc. Examples include: high non-reimbursed medical and/or dental expenses, unusually high dependent care costs (e.g., for a special needs child or an elderly parent), death, divorce, salary reductions, job loss and private K-12 tuition. 

 When filling out and submitting your FAFSA electronically, you’ll need an FSA ID to sign the form. If you don’t have one, you can create a FSA ID online. If you are applying as a dependent- again, you are unless declared otherwise – one parent is required to sign as well. To electronically fill out your FAFSA online, your parent should also apply for a FAFSA ID at the same site. 

 If you are a male, 25 years or younger, you must be registered with Selective Service. 

Check out this worksheet for further information.

(Checklist above pulled from the Fastweb site.) 

Senior Year 1st Semester Checklist!

Hey Seniors! I know you have A LOT going on...SAT prep and testing, homecoming, sports, clubs, enjoying the last year of high school, work, AP/Honors classes, concurrent enrollment, etc, etc.

Don't forget your Post-Secondary Planning! Check out the checklist below to help guide your planning, application and access process. As always, let me know if you have ANY questions!

FALL OF SENIOR YEAR! 

• Finalize your College/Post-Secondary Program Application List! Be sure to include some schools that may be harder to get in to as well as at least one school to which you will for sure be admitted. This list can include colleges, apprenticeships, military and/or technical schools. These are all GREAT post-secondary options. 

• Prepare for and complete the FAFSA. Use the search tool in the blog to find LOTS of information regarding what documents you need, creating a FSAID and other info about the process. 

• Stay focused on your grades and extracurricular activities. These remain important parts of your resume. Finish strong! 

• Keep track of deadlines! Consider using calendar reminders on your phone to alert you well ahead of deadlines (so you take time to work on applications) as well as the day applications are due. 

• Meet with your School Counselor. They will need to know what schools/programs you are applying to so they can send Transcripts, Score Reports, and other application items. Be sure to give them access to the required forms WELL in advance. Be sure to THANK them for their help. 

• Continue researching scholarships, add them to your College Research Spreadsheet, and complete these applications! 

• Ask for Letters of Recommendation NOW! Be sure you are giving your teachers, counselors, etc enough time to write you an AWESOME letter. If you wrote one for yourself last year, you an share it with them along with your resume to help them out! 

• Complete your College/Post-Secondary Program applications as soon as possible. Even if a school has a deadline in the spring, aim to complete your application by Thanksgiving Break. Put yourself at the TOP of the pile! 

• ASK for help! If you have questions, ASK them! It's ok to not know everything about the post-secondary process. It's a whole new world. If something doesn't make sense, ASK! This is a good habit to get into as you'll have LOTS of questions once you get to college. ASKING for help is part of being an adult, trust me! 

FAFSA and your FSAID!

In a few short weeks, you'll be able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid! You can start to prepare NOW! Check out the resources linked below for more info and instructions on how to create your FSAID. Make sure you save this information in a secure location. A parent or guardian will also need to create an FSAID in order for you to submit your FAFSA!

Here's the link for creating your FSAID. Follow the directions carefully. I'd recommend taking a screenshot of your Security Questions and Answers so that you never get locked out of your account. Remember, do NOT use your school email address! Your parent or guardian will also need to make an FSAID to sign your FAFSA application. Ideally, they need an email address to do this. We can always set one up for them if they don't have one! It is essential that your name, SSN, and date of birth are entered exactly as they appear on your Social Security card otherwise you will get an error. 
Let me know if you need help with either process or have any questions (especially about Social Security cards and numbers)!

Prepare NOW to complete your FAFSA as early as October 1st. Check out this 12th Grade Checklist to guide your preparation and keep you on track. If you are not in 12th grade, this page has links to other great resources for you.

Is college right for you?

Not everyone wants to or even needs to attend a traditional college. There are so many post-secondary (after high school!) options. Let's figure out which one is right for you! Remember, you can complete a certificate program right after high school, head to work, and college is STILL an option in your future. It's a big decision with a lot of factors like money, family responsibilities and your own interests.

If you don't know much about your college options, here  is a quick slide show that will tell you about the different types like liberal arts, community colleges and technical schools.

If you know you want to attend college, check out the resources here. Take some time to answer the questions that will help you narrow down your choices. There are SO many great schools...but only a few are just right for you. You'll want to identify at least 4 that REALLY interest you. Don't forget to add them to your YESS College Research Sheet!

The Denver Metro area has a lot of great opportunities to earn certificates and advance your career even if you don't want to attend college. Look into Skilled Trade opportunities that interest you. Then look for local schools that provide training in this area AND/OR Apprenticeships. (What's an Apprenticeship? Find out here for DPS Students and here!) Did you know you can study Welding at the Community College of Denver? Check it out!  Emily Griffith also has A LOT of really interesting programs that won't take as long or cost as much as a college degree. BUT you can earn just as much money, depending on what you study. They have programs like Accounting, Clock Repair, Video Production and Editing, Real Estate and Practical Nursing. Have a look and see what interests you!
On the Lincoln Tech Denver Campus, you can check out programs ranging from Nail Technician to HVAC, and Medical Coding and Billing.

If you are more interested in an Apprenticeship, do some research at CareerOne Stop. Let me know what you find!

It's never too early to start your research so even if you are not a Senior, make sure you are using your YESS College Research Sheet! If you lost the link, email me at yess.emily@gmail.com and I can give you access!

College and Scholarship Application Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started your college application essays...

NOW IS THE 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. 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/tips-for-writing-an-effective-application-essay-college-admissions

SAT Prep!

If you are concerned about your SAT scores, 

TAKE ACTION! 

You have time to practice and improve prior to the October testing date. Check out this link for great FREE test prep resources. Think about SAT prep as just another homework assignment. Make sure you are fitting in time a few days a week to practice. Just like your favorite sport, video game or other hobby- Practice makes perfect....well, great improvement anyway!

A few other tips:
This may sound obvious but MAKE SURE YOU'RE REGISTERED! Talk to your school counselor to double check and if you need any help. Sometimes Fee Waivers are available too!

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE TEST! The best way to do this is to take Practice Tests! There are different sections and different types of questions. Spend time with ALL of the sections/types of questions even if they feel easy to you.

SET A STUDY SCHEDULE! You know I'm a fan of the Google calendar....block off a few hours a week and have your phone/email remind you. If you are concerned about your GPA or other pieces of your application, great test scores can make a difference. Some schools also have required minimum scores for admissions. Check out your Top Schools requirements!

LEARN TEST TAKING STRATEGIES! There are some simple tips that can really help you ace your SAT. Take some time to review the suggestions here and here!


TWO of the MOST Important Tips: Get a good night's sleep and be sure to have some breakfast as brain food before the test! 

Class of 2018! Why go to college?

Hopefully you're thinking about your future...What's next for you after high school? In about 9 months, you'll be a High School Graduate. Time is going to FLY between now and then. Be sure to make time to PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE! Do your research and have conversations with the people who know you best (and some who don't!) about what your Future will look like. 

It's YOURS! 

Check out the content below from "The Common Application"

Maybe you're the first in your family to go to college. Maybe you're worried about the cost of tuition. Or maybe you're not a fan of homework and exams at the moment. If any of these ring true, you might be wondering, "Is college worth it?" In a word: YES. And here’s why:

College is the most valuable investment you can make in your future – both financially and personally. 

How Going To College Helps You Financially

Let's pretend that there are two versions of you: one with a high school diploma and one with a college degree. Can you guess which version will earn more money? 


Over the course of a lifetime, someone with a college degree will earn $1 million more than someone with a high school diploma.
 As for someone with a graduate degree? Their earning potential will be even higher. 


In the simplest of terms: higher education = greater financial stability. Money isn't everything, of course. But if you want to give yourself the best chance to earn a comfortable salary, a college degree is not optional; it's essential.

How Going To College Helps You Personally

Let's get back to those two versions of you: the one with a high school diploma and the one with a college degree. Can you guess which version will have a broader network of connections?

When you step outside of your comfort zone and onto a college campus, you enter a world filled with fresh faces, diverse backgrounds and various worldviews. In addition to sparking lifelong friendships, a college community broadens your horizons – fostering a period of self-discovery and personal growth.

College is about defying expectations, breaking the mold, and finding yourself. 

You have curiosity. EXPLORE IT.

Whatever intrigues you, college is your opportunity to pursue that interest at a deeper level.

• Enroll in classes and sign up for activities that excite you, without the structured limitations of your high school curriculum.
• Meet people from various backgrounds and cultures who have interests similar to and different from your own. They’ll introduce you to new interests you didn’t know you had.
• Become a part of an enriching campus community and ultimately realize that we live in a globally interconnected world – a concept that will spark your curiosity and stimulate your growth.

You have purpose. BECOME IT.

No matter how uncertain your future seems right now, college will show you that everyone has a role to play in our society, including you.

• Get exposed to a variety of professions and resources to help you discover the career path that matches your interests and motivates you to become the best version of yourself.
• Gain the skills and knowledge to become anything you want to be, while living independently and preparing for your future.
• Make a difference. Meet mentors and fellow student-leaders who compel you to contribute, inspire you to give back, and shape you into a stronger global citizen.

You have potential. EXCEED IT.

College is your key to increasing your economic mobility, unlocking your earnings potential, and shattering preconceived financial expectations.

Whether you dream of owning a home, traveling the world, or starting a family – your goals are attainable, but they require financial stability. Here's how your likelihood of achieving economic success improves with a college degree:

• A high school dropout can expect to earn $973,000 over a lifetime.
• Someone with a high school diploma can expect to earn $1.3 million over a lifetime.
• A worker with some college but no degree earns $1.5 million over a lifetime.
• An Associate’s degree-holder earns $1.7 million over a lifetime.
• A worker with a Bachelor’s degree will earn $2.3 million over a lifetime.
• Graduate degrees provide for even higher earnings. A Master’s degree-holder earns $2.7 million over a lifetime, a Doctoral degree-holder earns $3.3 million over a lifetime, and a Professional degree-holder earns $3.6 million over a lifetime.

Remember: An investment in college is an investment in yourself. 

Back to School!

TODAY is the first day of school for a lot of you, High School AND College Students! I'm looking forward to hearing how things go. Send me  text and let me know! 

Here are some tips for making it through your 

FIRST WEEK OF COLLEGE! 

TAKE NOTES! You have so much going on right now...it'll be hard to remember everything. You are learning new names, new places, and new expectations for school. Write down the important stuff so you can review it later! 

GO TO ALL OF YOUR CLASSES! Seriously. No explanation needed. 

ASK QUESTIONS! If you have a question, it's likely some of your classmates have the same one. Ask! It's a new adventure and NO ONE expects you to know everything. 

USE YOUR CELLPHONE CALENDAR! Put important dates in your calendar NOW! Set reminders. 

TALK TO CLASSMATES! You don't have to be BFFs but connecting with a few people in your classes makes a difference. And who knows, maybe you'll become BFFs!

STAY CALM! Make time for whatever keeps you level headed. This is a STRESSFUL time, no question. Talk a walk, call a friend, paint, draw, listen to your favorite music, dance, etc. 

NEED HELP? There are A LOT of people who want to see you succeed including me! Text me! Email me! We can figure it out together. (720) 446 9688 emily@yessinstitute.org

Important Auraria Campus Dates Fall 2017

CCD-

New Student Orientation

Tue, Aug 1 8:00am - 2:00pm

Thu, Aug 3 8:00am - 2:00pm

Mon, Aug 7 11:00am - 5:00pm

Wed, Aug 9 8:00am - 2:00pm

Fri, Aug 11 8:00am - 2:00pm

Mon, Aug 14 11:00am- 5:00pm

Tue, Aug 15 8:00am - 2:00pm

Wed, Aug 16 12:30pm- 4:30pm

Fri, Aug 18 8:00am - 2:00pm Welcome BBQ August 30 and 31, 2017, 11am - 2pm Important Deadlines!

8/14/17	Tuition Payment Deadline
8/21/17	Classes Begin
8/26/17	Last Day to Register for 15-Week Courses.

CCD Academic Calendar


Metro-

New Student Convocation

August 17, 2017, 6:00 - 8:30pm, PE Events Center

Metro Academic Calendar 

UCD-

Convocation Friday, August 19, 2017, 3:30pm - 8:00pm, Tivoli Commons UCD Academic Calendar

*Be sure to check TUITION DEADLINES AND ADD/DROP DEADLINES!

Freshman Orientation Questions to Ask!

 It's time to be a Freshman again! Can you believe it?! Have a look at the questions below. Take some time to identify about 10 that are most relevant and important to you. You may want to print them out or write them down so you are prepared to ask some of them during Orientation. Many of them will be answered. Don't forget to take notes and ask for clarification. Odds are if you are wondering the answer, a few of your fellow freshman are too. 

  What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
  What can I get for free on campus? 
  What is the best kept secret at this school?

 Academics

• o   Are some majors or departments considered stronger or more popular than others?
• o   How large are the classes?
• o   Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• o   Are the professors accessible outside of class?
• o   What academic resources are there?
• o   What kind of classes have smaller section meetings? What are they like?
• o   Are there any especially popular classes or must-have professors?
• o   How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses?
• o   Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• o   How’s the Wi-Fi? 
• o   How are freshman advisors assigned?
• o   What kind of career/academic advising services are offered here?
• o   Is it easy to change your major?
• o   How do I declare or switch a major?
• o   How do I create my schedule? Can I add/drop classes later?
• o   How would you describe the freshman experience, in terms of advising or any classes that everyone has to take?
• o   Do the professors hold office hours? How often can students interact with professors outside of class?
• o   How many hours of class do students typically have each week? How much homework outside of class?
• o   Are finals more exam-based or project / essay-based?
• o   Where are the best places to study on campus?
• o   What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• o   Are there any research methods or databases I should learn about for my classes?
• o   How do I pay for my tuition? Books? 
• o   Who can help me with my Scholarships and Financial Aid? 
• o   When should I buy textbooks?
• o   What sort of financial aid opportunities are available?

          Support Services: Social/Emotional and Academic 

• Can you get help from professors outside of the classroom?
• Is there free academic support or tutoring? Is it effective?
• What kind of learning disability resources does the school offer?
• Is there a writing center to help with essays and research papers?
• Are academic advisers accessible and effective?
• Do the librarians help with research?
• Do students organize study groups or online discussion forums?
• Are there computer labs?
• How accessible and helpful is health services?
• Do students or administrators organize conversations for students to talk about their feelings on important issues and events?
• Are there social orientation programs for freshmen? Are they enjoyable?
• Is there career counseling? Is it helpful?
• Are there campus-wide emergency-alerts?
• If I feel overwhelmed and need to talk to somebody, where should I go?
• How do I contact my roommate prior to moving in?
• Can I request a different roommate if we don’t get along?

         Extracurricular

• What are some of the most popular extracurricular activities and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What divisions are the sports teams? What about intramurals or exercise classes?
•  How do I sign up for or indicate interest in a specific club or organization?
• Can you talk about the fill-in-the-blank club? (Examples might include the student newspaper, student magazine, international relations clubs, art groups, science clubs, musical performances, plays, bands, ensembles...whatever you’re interested in!)
• In what ways do students connect with and volunteer in the surrounding community

• Campus and Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• Are there movie theaters and concert venues? What about good cafes for getting work done or finding the perfect snack?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• How ethnically diverse is the campus?
• How many international students are there? What countries do they come from?
• Do students stick around or go home on weekends?
• What’s the party scene like?
• Have there been any recent student protests? What were they protesting, and how did staff and faculty respond?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?
• Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a part-time job?