Scholarship Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started (and maybe even finished) your scholarship 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 Winter 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

Start your Scholarship Search Soon! (aka NOW!)

YESS Superstars! 

Now is the time to start your college scholarship search...even if you are a freshman! 

Check out the following search engines to begin. Remember, if you create a log in, keep your user name and password in a secure place! Make a note in your phone or in a google doc connected to your email address. I'd choose 1 or 2 of the following sites where you create a log in. Keep the other sites in mind for your searches though! 

1) Chegg- Scholarships and College Exploration

2) Fastweb - Create and complete a profile for personalized scholarship opportunities!

3) Cappex - Find scholarships, compare colleges and check out your chances for admission

4) Big Future - College Board - This is a great resource for SO MANY parts of your college search including scholarships.

5) YESS Scholarship Resources - Individual scholarships are listed as well as links to scholarship search engines. Bookmark this page and check out all of the additional resources too!

Start by finding scholarships that you are eligible for and be sure to paste the links in to your College Research spreadsheet: Scholarships I'm Eligible For! tab (either saved in your google drive or create one here). Be sure to note the application requirements and start outlines for any required essays. Remember: this process is like a part time job with the potential BIG PAY of your college tuition being covered by scholarships!

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.