Monday, January 30, 2017

I've done some college research but...

" I've done some college research but..." 
  • I don't remember what schools I looked up.
  • I liked some of the schools I looked at but forget why. 
  • I researched so many schools, they are all running together.
  • none of them are in a city. 
  • etc, etc. 
Remember the research grid some of you completed last week? Well, here is something similar in digital form SO YOU WON'T LOSE IT and you can update it regularly. As you do your college (re)search, keep this document open in another window and ADD the answers as you look through college webpages. Then the info is ALWAYS available to you. Fill in as much info in each box as you can! 

Make sure that when you open this google sheet, you opt to make a copy of it and save it to your own drive. Once you open the document via the link below, click file and select "Make a copy..."
If you have questions on how to do this, just let me know! I'll check your "My College (re)Search" sheet next time I see you, so get started TODAY! 

Here's the link to the sheet.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Hey, Juniors! What time is it?!

COLLEGE TIME! 

I know you have a lot going on RIGHT NOW and it may be hard to make time to think about college...but let's start the process. 
Believe me, it'll save you some stress next year. Just as your current Senior friends!

This should be a fun process as you explore your opportunities. I know most of you have some great ideas about where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do (I'm super impressed, by the way). There are SO many options out there though. Take a few minutes to answer some questions and see if you learn anything new! 


Take some time each week to research colleges and post-secondary training programs near and far. Make sure you keep track of what you find. I'd start a google doc/sheet where you can save school names, weblink and other important information. Maybe rank schools you've researched on a scale of 1-5 starts. Be creative! Whatever works for you! 

Check out these tips for building your college list. Now is the time to brainstorm so write ALL of your ideas down. Want to go to college in a far away state or even another country? Want to go to Stanford but aren't sure how to make it happen?
WRITE IT DOWN! 

When I see you next, I'll want to see your brainstorm list of colleges and post-secondary programs you'll consider. Fill up a page and HAVE FUN EXPLORING! 


Monday, January 9, 2017

Second Semester Senior Year! What do I do?!

Hey Seniors! The countdown is ON! You are in the final months of your High School career. 

So, what's important now?! 

Check out the list below and consider setting reminders and deadlines in your phone's calendar. Trust me, it works! 
  • Visit colleges that you are considering attending if you are able
  • Make a final decision about which college to attend and notify the school of your decision 
  • Give your school counselor/DSF Advisor a copy of your college acceptance notice 
  • Keep track of all college deadlines for fees and paperwork 
  • Notify the schools that you will not be attending 
  • Continue to search and apply for scholarships opportunities 
  • Remember your 2nd Semester grades DO MATTER! 
  • Give your school counselor/DSF Advisor a copy of any scholarship award letters
  • Continue to keep track of important financial aid and scholarship deadlines 
  • Check you email for your SAR (Student Aid Report), if you haven't already
  • Compare financial aid packages from different schools
  • Create a Pros/Cons List for your possible colleges to help you decide where to attend
  • Get in touch with the Financial Aid office at your school (or schools) of choice 
  • Talk to your peers and trusted adults about the whole process
  • Let your school counselor/ DSF Advisor know which college you will be attending so they can send out your final official transcript including 2nd semester