Jump Start your Senior Year!

YESS Class of 2019! Take some time NOW to get started on your plan for life AFTER high school.

I know it seems early but the more you do now, the better! 

Let me know if you have ANY questions. 

1) College and Scholarship APP Prep:

Check out the prompts at the following link: 

https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/2018-2019-common-application-essay-prompts

 

Write an essay for TWO of these prompts. These will be useful for college and scholarship essays. 

2) Begin RESEARCHING scholarships for which you are eligible. 

BE SURE TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU FIND! 

Check out the options here: http://yesscollegeandcareercorner.blogspot.com/p/scholarship-resources.html

If you want a google sheet that is set up for tracking your research, let me know. 

3) Not sure what you'd like to do after high school? Take some time to complete these questions: https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip 

When you are done, you'll have some ideas about post- high school education options AND career paths. 

BE SURE TO WRITE THEM DOWN and EMAIL them to me! 

4) Send me a list of your TOP 3 Choices for after High School- this could be colleges, apprenticeships(job training education), etc. Please include the $$$ cost of attendance for each of your TOP 3 choices! Keep in mind, your Top 3 Choices may change over the next few months as we do more research. No problem! 

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! 

Your Junior Spring College Prep!

Hey Juniors, get college ready! Here are some things you should focus on between now and your Senior Year! 

1. Stay focused on your grades! Colleges will be looking at your Junior year grades when you submit your applications in the Fall. Finish the semester strong.
2. Start researching possible majors and colleges you'd like to attend. Don't forget to use your College Research spreadsheet to keep track on info. You can also keep track of job titles that sound interesting to you and discover related majors that way.  
3. Make a list of scholarships for which you'd be eligible. Make sure to add them to the Scholarships tab on your College Research spreadsheet! 
4. Get to know your counselor and Future Center Advisor at school. They'll be able to help you with mailing your transcripts, writing letters of recommendation, and possible fee waivers for your applications. 
5. Visit colleges if you can. Start with the Auraria campus! You can schedule tours online. Community College of Denver, Metro State University, UC Denver
6. Choose challenging classes for Senior Year. Remember, you have to show colleges that you are outstanding and up for challenges! 
7. Prepare for the SAT and/or ACT. Check out this great, FREE resource. While test scores are not the only thing colleges look at, they can separate you in a crowd. 
8. Keep your resume up to date. This is a great habit to get into for your future. You have to learn how to best express your strengths and accomplishments. Again, you are trying to STAND OUT in a crowd! 
9. Start working on a personal statement and other essay prompts. Trust me, the work you do on personal statements and other essay prompt now will help reduce your stress in the fall. You'll also have much better essays to submit since you worked to make them better and better over time. 
10. Plan your summer activities. Remember  your resume? Summer is a great time to add new, unique and challenging experiences to your personal history! Here are some pre-collegiate opportunities to consider. 

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! 

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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