FAFSA Checklist!

On October 1st, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for completion. Below is a list of the items you need to complete your application for FREE $$$$ for college including most technical schools (Emily Griffith Technical College).

Be sure to get these items together NOW so you are ready!

Here’s what you’ll need:

 Your Social Security card and driver’s license (if you have one).

Your parents income tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms from 2016 if you are a dependent (and you are unless declared otherwise). 

• If you are employed, bring your tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms from 2016! 

 Records and documentation of other nontaxable income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security income, veteran’s benefits, military or clergy allowances (if applicable). 

 Any additional applicable financial information, such as taxable work-study, assistant-ships, fellowships, grants and scholarship aid reported to the IRS, combat pay or special combat pay and cooperative education program earnings. 

 Records of any additional nontaxable income: Examples include: child support received, veterans’ non-education benefits, money received or paid on your behalf, etc. 

 Current bank and brokerage account statements, including records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments (if applicable). 

 Business or investment farm records (if applicable). 

 Records relating to any unusual family financial circumstances, such as anything that changed from last year or anything that distinguishes the family from the typical family in terms of unusual marital situations, living situations, separations, etc. Examples include: high non-reimbursed medical and/or dental expenses, unusually high dependent care costs (e.g., for a special needs child or an elderly parent), death, divorce, salary reductions, job loss and private K-12 tuition. 

 When filling out and submitting your FAFSA electronically, you’ll need an FSA ID to sign the form. If you don’t have one, you can create a FSA ID online. If you are applying as a dependent- again, you are unless declared otherwise – one parent is required to sign as well. To electronically fill out your FAFSA online, your parent should also apply for a FAFSA ID at the same site. 

 If you are a male, 25 years or younger, you must be registered with Selective Service. 

Check out this worksheet for further information.

(Checklist above pulled from the Fastweb site.) 

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! 

Summer Bridge Opportunities!

Hey, Seniors! Some of you are a mere 24 hours from graduating high school. 

Congratulations! 

The adventure is JUST BEGINNING! 

As we've discussed, your transition to college will be an exciting AND challenging one. College is VERY different from high school (YAY!) and will provide you many opportunities to use your problem solving, self-advocacy, and critical thinking skills. You'll have MORE freedom and MORE responsibility. There are a few opportunities open to you this summer to further prepare you for the BIG ADVENTURE of college. Check these out! 

Open to Community College of Denver Students:

TRIO Summer Bridge

Summer Bridge Scholars

Open to University of Colorado- Denver Students:

Pre-Collegiate Summer Bridge

Open to ALL Students and held on the Auraria Campus:
Denver Urban Scholars Summer #succeedlikeaboss Program 
Contact me for details! emily@yessinstitute.org

Open to all YESS Students attending one of the following schools- CCD, UCD, MSU, CSU, CCA, Adams State, CSU-P: 
Colorado Challenge Summer Institute

Open to Arapahoe Community College Students:
Start Now! Program

Each of these opportunities will help ease the transition to college and ensure you've completed EVERYTHING you need to start college in the fall. In many cases, you'll earn FREE college credit during these programs! It's a great chance to meet your fellow students, professors, school staff and be prepared for your first semester as a FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENT! 

College Fair: How to Make the Most of It!

COLLEGE FAIRS: Coming to a high school near you! 

Prepare in advance for College Fairs happening at your high school and in your community. Here are a few tips! 

Before the Fair

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I want to attend a small school? Or a large, medium, or extra large school?
2. What majors am I interested in studying? (It's ok to have a few ideas!)
3. Do I want to attend a city school? Suburban? A school in the country?
4. Do I want a 2 year degree? 4 year?
5. Do I want to attend a single sex school? One that has religious affiliations?
6. What special programs do I want at my college? (Sports, Arts, Clubs, Greek Life, Study Abroad, Cooperative Education, Latinx Programs) 

Take some time to research the schools that will be at the Fair. Make a list of schools whose Representative you DEFINITELY want to meet. 

Make a list of questions to ask the Representatives at the Fair. This is a great chance to impress them with the research you've done about their school AND share something about yourself. 

Bring a resume! Make sure it has up to date contact information including a professional email address. 

At the Fair

Start by visiting with the schools you DEFINITELY want to meet. You can visit others if you have time! 

Ask your questions! 

Provide your contact information to schools you are interested in having follow up with you. 

Take notes! Keep track of contact information of Representatives you met. 

After the Fair 

Review the information you gathered. Add/Subtract schools from your Apply List! 

Send a Thank You note/email to Representative at schools you are interested in attending.