Senior Fall!

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 tasks 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. 

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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. The application opens October 1!

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

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

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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. 

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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. 

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

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

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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! 

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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! 

APPLY TO SCHOLARSHIPS! 

• 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! 

Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines!

Don't forget about your institutional scholarship applications! Get started NOW so you have plenty of time to refine them AND submit BEFORE the deadline! #reducestress

Here are a few other scholarships to check out! 

La Raza Youth Leadership Institute Scholarship  -Due March 8th, 2 $1500 for MSU Denver and 7 $1000 for Community College of Denver 

El Cafe del Futuro Scholarship -20 $5,000 scholarships 

MCA Denver Failure Awards Scholarships - Top Prize $10,000

M.R. Hellie Memorial Scholarship - $500-$5,000 awards

Hearthstone Housing Scholarship- Adams County Residents Only  - $500-$5,000 awards

Davis-Putter Scholarship - $10,000 per year maximum award

Hispanic Scholarship Foundation - $500-$5,000 awards

Education First Scholarship - West and North HS Students are eligible. Due 3/15/19

Click here for MANY MORE Scholarships! 

Institutional Scholarship Links!

See below for links to scholarships from YESS' most attended colleges! 

Colorado State University

Community College of Denver 

Arapahoe Community College 

Metropolitan State University of Denver 

University of Colorado- Denver 

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 

University of Northern Colorado

CU Boulder- DUE FEBRUARY 15TH

Remember to apply for scholarships at your Top 2 or 3 colleges!!!! This way, you'll receive a few options for Financial Aid Awards...you never know which school will offer you the best award! You have to have been admitted to the school and set up your portal/email with the college to complete the scholarship applications. Most of schools have a March 1 Deadline for institutional scholarships. Be sure to check and plan accordingly. To Sign In to most of the schools above, you'll have to activate your account with the school. Search your personal email for information from each school on how to log in! Make sure you are keeping track of usernames and passwords! 

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Scholarships! Private and Institutional!

Hey Seniors! If you've been slacking on scholarship applications, now is the time to ramp up your search and completion of apps.

Remember to look for Private AND Institutional scholarships. Private scholarships will be the ones offered by different businesses (McDonald's) and organizations (like YESS!). Institutional scholarships are offered by the schools you've been accepted to and are ONLY valid if you attend the school that awards you the scholarship. So, you can't use a scholarship from Metro to attend CCD!

Take some time to identify your top 2-3 colleges of choice and begin scholarship applications for EACH of these schools. Perhaps your 2nd choice school will give you a ton of scholarship $$$ and that may impact your decision on where to attend. We don't want to close any doors too soon!

You can usually find institutional scholarships by logging into your portal/dashboard for each school. Let me know if you have any questions! Some schools have built in search engines so you can enter your GPA, for example, and the search will identify which scholarships you can submit. Other schools will require more search time from you. Please remember you can share your essays for review with yess.emily@gmail.com as google docs!

Most institutional scholarships are due March 1st. Be sure to confirm deadlines for each of your top choice schools! This HAS to be something you set aside time for like homework or a part time job. Remember, the rewards for winning scholarships will PAY OFF next year!

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! 

Class of 2017! Scholarship Info!

YESS Class of 2017! 

SCHOLARSHIPS!

Congratulations on your high school success and ALL of your college scholarships! You are an IMPRESSIVE group of young adults! 

Please keep in mind that your scholarships may all have different requirements, documents needed, and deadlines for accepting  your awards. I'd suggest using your google calendar and alerts to keep track of your deadlines....Let me know if you want help with that or check out this tutorial! 

Remember to check the email address you provided on scholarship applications AS WELL AS your college email. Make time to do this SEVERAL times a week. 

Below are some important links for your DSF Scholarship! 

DSF link for Submitting Documents + Forms

DSF Scholarship Policies and Deadlines

Daniels Fund Scholars, be sure to check your Portal! 

If you are an All Ways Up Scholar, remember your UP Through Education Summit is on July 15th, 2017. Attendance is REQUIRED for you to be awarded your scholarship! 

YESS Scholars, your scholarships are reimbursement based. You'll need to complete the Intent to Enroll form, submit Proof of Enrollment and a Bill/Proof of Purchase to receive your scholarship dollars. Proof of Enrollment would include your finalized class schedule, for example. The Bill/Proof of Purchase requirement can be met by providing an image of a receipt from the school book store or screenshot from your bill on your StudentHub/Portal. 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

$$ Scholarships $$

Hey, Seniors! I know we talk A LOT about scholarships...but you won't get them by talking! 

 YOU HAVE TO PUT IN WORK!

What's your game plan? How are you tackling this MAJOR PROJECT? 

Here are some ideas for managing all of the details, planning your timeline and WINNING! 

• Set aside time every week to work on scholarships. Add it to your calendar and COMMIT to making it happen!
• Start by searching for scholarships. Use the resources here! As you find scholarships you are eligible for, make a list in a spreadsheet! Prioritize! NOTE DEADLINES and Total $$$ you can earn! 
• Once you have a list, get started on the applications. You'll be applying for many so set up a system for tracking which ones you are applying for, your log in info, what paper work you may need to send or upload (ie ACT Score Sheet, your Transcript). 
• REMEMBER THE DEADLINES! Set reminders in your phone WELL BEFORE the scholarships are due. DON'T PROCRASTINATE. 
• Ask for Letters of Recommendation ASAP!!! (See here for info on how to best do this!)
• Have people you know well read your essay(s) AND have people you don't know so well help you too! Different perspectives and feedback will only strengthen your work!
• SUBMIT! SUBMIT! SUBMIT! Remember, you can't be awarded scholarships if you don't apply! 

Find more helpful info on how to find and apply for scholarships here.

$$ Scholarships $$

Hey, Seniors! I know we talk A LOT about scholarships...but you won't get them by talking! 

 YOU HAVE TO PUT IN WORK!

What's your game plan? How are you tackling this MAJOR PROJECT? 

Here are some ideas for managing all of the details, planning your timeline and WINNING! 

• Set aside time every week to work on scholarships. Add it to your calendar and COMMIT to making it happen!
• Start by searching for scholarships. Use the resources here! As you find scholarships you are eligible for, make a list in a spreadsheet! Prioritize! NOTE DEADLINES and Total $$$ you can earn! 
• Once you have a list, get started on the applications. You'll be applying for many so set up a system for tracking which ones you are applying for, your log in info, what paper work you may need to send or upload (ie ACT Score Sheet, your Transcript). 
• REMEMBER THE DEADLINES! Set reminders in your phone WELL BEFORE the scholarships are due. DON'T PROCRASTINATE. 
• Ask for Letters of Recommendation ASAP!!! (See here for info on how to best do this!)
• Have people you know well read your essay(s) AND have people you don't know so well help you too! Different perspectives and feedback will only strengthen your work!
• SUBMIT! SUBMIT! SUBMIT! Remember, you can't be awarded scholarships if you don't apply! 

Find more helpful info on how to find and apply for scholarships here.

Letters of Recommendation!

It's that time of year, Seniors! I hope you all are making use of a checklist like this one or this one!

Get in the habit of setting reminders on your phone or other calendar so that you don't miss any deadlines! 

I'm sure you are all ready for your FAFSA completion. So, let's talk about another important step!

Letters of Recommendation!

 Yes, you HAVE to ask a teacher or two, maybe a counselor as well to say nice things about you. Below are some helpful hints on how to ask, what to prepare for your teachers/counselors, and how to stand out!

How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

from: big future by College Board

Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments and personality.

Colleges value recommendations because they:

• Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t
• Provide personal opinions of your character
• Show who is willing to speak on your behalf

Letters of recommendation work for you when they present you in the best possible light, showcasing your skills and abilities.

When to Ask for Recommendations

Make sure to give your references at least one month before your earliest deadline to complete and send your letters. The earlier you ask, the better. Many teachers like to write recommendations during the summer. If you apply under early decision or early action plans, you'll definitely need to ask for recommendations by the start of your senior year or before.

Remember that some teachers will be writing whole stacks of letters, which takes time. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush.

Whom to Ask

It’s your job to find people to write letters of recommendation for you. Follow these steps to start the process:

• Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher — sometimes in a specific subject — or a school counselor or both.
• Ask a counselor, teachers and your family who they think would make good references.
• Choose one of your teachers from junior year or a current teacher who has known you for a while. Colleges want a current perspective on you, so a teacher from several years ago isn't the best choice.
• Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club can make a great reference.
• Consider other adults — such as an employer, a coach or an adviser from an activity outside of school — who have a good understanding of you and your strengths.
• Perhaps most important, pick someone who will be enthusiastic about writing the letter for you.
• If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid weak letters.

How to Get the Best Recommendations

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. Even if they know you well, it’s a good idea to take some time to speak with them. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory.

Here’s how:

• Talk to them about your class participation.
• Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of.
• Tell them what you learned in class.
• Mention any challenges you overcame.
• Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work.
• If you need a recommendation letter from a counselor or other school official, follow these guidelines:
• Make an appointment ahead of time.
• Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future.
• If you need to discuss part of your transcript — low grades during your sophomore year, for example — do so. Explain why you had difficulty and discuss how you've changed and improved since then.

Whether approaching teachers, a counselor or another reference, you may want to provide them with a resume that briefly outlines your activities, both in and outside the classroom, and your goals.

Final Tips

The following advice is easy to follow and can really pay off:

• Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
• Give your references addressed and stamped envelopes for each college that requested a recommendation.
• Make sure your references know the deadlines for each college.
• Follow up with your references a week or so before recommendations are due to make sure your letters have been sent.
• Once you’ve decided which college to attend, write thank-you notes. Tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

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! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

FAFSA Countdown:19 Days!

In just 19 days, the FAFSA application will open for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Are you READY?! 

Here's a checklist of what you'll need to complete the FAFSA application:

https://www.educationquest.org/pdfs/FAFSAchecklist.pdf

What You Need to Complete the FAFSA 

http://www.denverscholarship.org/sites/default/files/multi_file/subsection/download/OFFICAL%202016%20DSF%20FAFSA%20Dates%20Flier%20-%20FINAL_0.pdf

It is critical to bring all of the information requested for both the parent and the student to the FAFSA Workshop.

  

☐Social Security Numbers and Social Security Card (if applicable): Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to receive federal aid. Non-US Citizens may be eligible for institutional aid in Colorado. Parent does not need to be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

☐ Student’s alien registration or permanent resident card (if applicable)

 ☐ Birthdates: Month/Day/Year (parent AND student) 

☐ 2015 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned last year (parent AND student, if applicable) 

☐ Student’s 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable) 

☐ Parents’ 2015 Federal Income Tax Return 

☐ 2015 untaxed income records (if applicable) o Social Security benefits statement o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) o Veterans benefits records o Disability benefits records

 ☐ Date and Year Parents were married and/or divorced

 ☐ Savings and checking account dollar amount (parent AND student, if applicable)

 ☐ Business and investment mortgage (not the home in which you and your family live) information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records (if applicable) 

☐ Your FSA-ID or FAFSA PIN numbers (parent AND student, if previously applied for).

 You can save a lot of time by creating your FSA-ID before the FAFSA workshop. To create an FSA-ID, go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Be sure to write the username and password down and bring them with you.
Here's a video that will walk you through the process!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLi0q7hkFns

Here's some info from DSF about why and how to complete the FAFSA in a timely fashion! 

http://www.denverscholarship.org/students/college/steps/fafsa#fafsa-what-and-why

FAFSA Countdown:19 Days!

In just 19 days, the FAFSA application will open for the 2017-2018 school year. 

Are you READY?! 

Here's a checklist of what you'll need to complete the FAFSA application:

https://www.educationquest.org/pdfs/FAFSAchecklist.pdf

What You Need to Complete the FAFSA 

http://www.denverscholarship.org/sites/default/files/multi_file/subsection/download/OFFICAL%202016%20DSF%20FAFSA%20Dates%20Flier%20-%20FINAL_0.pdf

It is critical to bring all of the information requested for both the parent and the student to the FAFSA Workshop.

  

☐Social Security Numbers and Social Security Card (if applicable): Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to receive federal aid. Non-US Citizens may be eligible for institutional aid in Colorado. Parent does not need to be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

☐ Student’s alien registration or permanent resident card (if applicable)

 ☐ Birthdates: Month/Day/Year (parent AND student) 

☐ 2015 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned last year (parent AND student, if applicable) 

☐ Student’s 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable) 

☐ Parents’ 2015 Federal Income Tax Return 

☐ 2015 untaxed income records (if applicable) o Social Security benefits statement o Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) o Veterans benefits records o Disability benefits records

 ☐ Date and Year Parents were married and/or divorced

 ☐ Savings and checking account dollar amount (parent AND student, if applicable)

 ☐ Business and investment mortgage (not the home in which you and your family live) information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records (if applicable) 

☐ Your FSA-ID or FAFSA PIN numbers (parent AND student, if previously applied for).

 You can save a lot of time by creating your FSA-ID before the FAFSA workshop. To create an FSA-ID, go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Be sure to write the username and password down and bring them with you.

Here's some info from DSF about why and how to complete the FAFSA in a timely fashion! 

http://www.denverscholarship.org/students/college/steps/fafsa#fafsa-what-and-why