Tuesday, November 28, 2017

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! 




Monday, November 13, 2017

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. 

Monday, November 6, 2017

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