College and Scholarship Application Essays!

You guys! If you haven't started your college application essays...

NOW IS THE 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. 

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 hot cheetos! 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

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! 

Class of 2018! Why go to college?

Hopefully you're thinking about your future...What's next for you after high school? In about 9 months, you'll be a High School Graduate. Time is going to FLY between now and then. Be sure to make time to PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE! Do your research and have conversations with the people who know you best (and some who don't!) about what your Future will look like. 

It's YOURS! 

Check out the content below from "The Common Application"

Maybe you're the first in your family to go to college. Maybe you're worried about the cost of tuition. Or maybe you're not a fan of homework and exams at the moment. If any of these ring true, you might be wondering, "Is college worth it?" In a word: YES. And here’s why:

College is the most valuable investment you can make in your future – both financially and personally. 

How Going To College Helps You Financially

Let's pretend that there are two versions of you: one with a high school diploma and one with a college degree. Can you guess which version will earn more money? 


Over the course of a lifetime, someone with a college degree will earn $1 million more than someone with a high school diploma.
 As for someone with a graduate degree? Their earning potential will be even higher. 


In the simplest of terms: higher education = greater financial stability. Money isn't everything, of course. But if you want to give yourself the best chance to earn a comfortable salary, a college degree is not optional; it's essential.

How Going To College Helps You Personally

Let's get back to those two versions of you: the one with a high school diploma and the one with a college degree. Can you guess which version will have a broader network of connections?

When you step outside of your comfort zone and onto a college campus, you enter a world filled with fresh faces, diverse backgrounds and various worldviews. In addition to sparking lifelong friendships, a college community broadens your horizons – fostering a period of self-discovery and personal growth.

College is about defying expectations, breaking the mold, and finding yourself. 

You have curiosity. EXPLORE IT.

Whatever intrigues you, college is your opportunity to pursue that interest at a deeper level.

• Enroll in classes and sign up for activities that excite you, without the structured limitations of your high school curriculum.
• Meet people from various backgrounds and cultures who have interests similar to and different from your own. They’ll introduce you to new interests you didn’t know you had.
• Become a part of an enriching campus community and ultimately realize that we live in a globally interconnected world – a concept that will spark your curiosity and stimulate your growth.

You have purpose. BECOME IT.

No matter how uncertain your future seems right now, college will show you that everyone has a role to play in our society, including you.

• Get exposed to a variety of professions and resources to help you discover the career path that matches your interests and motivates you to become the best version of yourself.
• Gain the skills and knowledge to become anything you want to be, while living independently and preparing for your future.
• Make a difference. Meet mentors and fellow student-leaders who compel you to contribute, inspire you to give back, and shape you into a stronger global citizen.

You have potential. EXCEED IT.

College is your key to increasing your economic mobility, unlocking your earnings potential, and shattering preconceived financial expectations.

Whether you dream of owning a home, traveling the world, or starting a family – your goals are attainable, but they require financial stability. Here's how your likelihood of achieving economic success improves with a college degree:

• A high school dropout can expect to earn $973,000 over a lifetime.
• Someone with a high school diploma can expect to earn $1.3 million over a lifetime.
• A worker with some college but no degree earns $1.5 million over a lifetime.
• An Associate’s degree-holder earns $1.7 million over a lifetime.
• A worker with a Bachelor’s degree will earn $2.3 million over a lifetime.
• Graduate degrees provide for even higher earnings. A Master’s degree-holder earns $2.7 million over a lifetime, a Doctoral degree-holder earns $3.3 million over a lifetime, and a Professional degree-holder earns $3.6 million over a lifetime.

Remember: An investment in college is an investment in yourself. 

Back to School!

TODAY is the first day of school for a lot of you, High School AND College Students! I'm looking forward to hearing how things go. Send me  text and let me know! 

Here are some tips for making it through your 

FIRST WEEK OF COLLEGE! 

TAKE NOTES! You have so much going on right now...it'll be hard to remember everything. You are learning new names, new places, and new expectations for school. Write down the important stuff so you can review it later! 

GO TO ALL OF YOUR CLASSES! Seriously. No explanation needed. 

ASK QUESTIONS! If you have a question, it's likely some of your classmates have the same one. Ask! It's a new adventure and NO ONE expects you to know everything. 

USE YOUR CELLPHONE CALENDAR! Put important dates in your calendar NOW! Set reminders. 

TALK TO CLASSMATES! You don't have to be BFFs but connecting with a few people in your classes makes a difference. And who knows, maybe you'll become BFFs!

STAY CALM! Make time for whatever keeps you level headed. This is a STRESSFUL time, no question. Talk a walk, call a friend, paint, draw, listen to your favorite music, dance, etc. 

NEED HELP? There are A LOT of people who want to see you succeed including me! Text me! Email me! We can figure it out together. (720) 446 9688 emily@yessinstitute.org

Important Auraria Campus Dates Fall 2017

CCD-

New Student Orientation

Tue, Aug 1 8:00am - 2:00pm

Thu, Aug 3 8:00am - 2:00pm

Mon, Aug 7 11:00am - 5:00pm

Wed, Aug 9 8:00am - 2:00pm

Fri, Aug 11 8:00am - 2:00pm

Mon, Aug 14 11:00am- 5:00pm

Tue, Aug 15 8:00am - 2:00pm

Wed, Aug 16 12:30pm- 4:30pm

Fri, Aug 18 8:00am - 2:00pm Welcome BBQ August 30 and 31, 2017, 11am - 2pm Important Deadlines!

8/14/17	Tuition Payment Deadline
8/21/17	Classes Begin
8/26/17	Last Day to Register for 15-Week Courses.

CCD Academic Calendar


Metro-

New Student Convocation

August 17, 2017, 6:00 - 8:30pm, PE Events Center

Metro Academic Calendar 

UCD-

Convocation Friday, August 19, 2017, 3:30pm - 8:00pm, Tivoli Commons UCD Academic Calendar

*Be sure to check TUITION DEADLINES AND ADD/DROP DEADLINES!

Freshman Orientation Questions to Ask!

 It's time to be a Freshman again! Can you believe it?! Have a look at the questions below. Take some time to identify about 10 that are most relevant and important to you. You may want to print them out or write them down so you are prepared to ask some of them during Orientation. Many of them will be answered. Don't forget to take notes and ask for clarification. Odds are if you are wondering the answer, a few of your fellow freshman are too. 

  What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
  What can I get for free on campus? 
  What is the best kept secret at this school?

 Academics

• o   Are some majors or departments considered stronger or more popular than others?
• o   How large are the classes?
• o   Are the classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
• o   Are the professors accessible outside of class?
• o   What academic resources are there?
• o   What kind of classes have smaller section meetings? What are they like?
• o   Are there any especially popular classes or must-have professors?
• o   How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses?
• o   Are students usually able to take their first choice courses?
• o   How’s the Wi-Fi? 
• o   How are freshman advisors assigned?
• o   What kind of career/academic advising services are offered here?
• o   Is it easy to change your major?
• o   How do I declare or switch a major?
• o   How do I create my schedule? Can I add/drop classes later?
• o   How would you describe the freshman experience, in terms of advising or any classes that everyone has to take?
• o   Do the professors hold office hours? How often can students interact with professors outside of class?
• o   How many hours of class do students typically have each week? How much homework outside of class?
• o   Are finals more exam-based or project / essay-based?
• o   Where are the best places to study on campus?
• o   What are the hours for the library? Do these change during reading periods or exam weeks?
• o   Are there any research methods or databases I should learn about for my classes?
• o   How do I pay for my tuition? Books? 
• o   Who can help me with my Scholarships and Financial Aid? 
• o   When should I buy textbooks?
• o   What sort of financial aid opportunities are available?

          Support Services: Social/Emotional and Academic 

• Can you get help from professors outside of the classroom?
• Is there free academic support or tutoring? Is it effective?
• What kind of learning disability resources does the school offer?
• Is there a writing center to help with essays and research papers?
• Are academic advisers accessible and effective?
• Do the librarians help with research?
• Do students organize study groups or online discussion forums?
• Are there computer labs?
• How accessible and helpful is health services?
• Do students or administrators organize conversations for students to talk about their feelings on important issues and events?
• Are there social orientation programs for freshmen? Are they enjoyable?
• Is there career counseling? Is it helpful?
• Are there campus-wide emergency-alerts?
• If I feel overwhelmed and need to talk to somebody, where should I go?
• How do I contact my roommate prior to moving in?
• Can I request a different roommate if we don’t get along?

         Extracurricular

• What are some of the most popular extracurricular activities and why?
• What clubs or other opportunities exist for community service?
• Do sports play a large role on campus? What divisions are the sports teams? What about intramurals or exercise classes?
•  How do I sign up for or indicate interest in a specific club or organization?
• Can you talk about the fill-in-the-blank club? (Examples might include the student newspaper, student magazine, international relations clubs, art groups, science clubs, musical performances, plays, bands, ensembles...whatever you’re interested in!)
• In what ways do students connect with and volunteer in the surrounding community

• Campus and Surrounding Area

• Where do students tend to hang out on and off campus?
• Are there movie theaters and concert venues? What about good cafes for getting work done or finding the perfect snack?
• How would you describe the presence of Greek life? Do a lot of students belong to fraternities or sororities?
• How ethnically diverse is the campus?
• How many international students are there? What countries do they come from?
• Do students stick around or go home on weekends?
• What’s the party scene like?
• Have there been any recent student protests? What were they protesting, and how did staff and faculty respond?
• What are some big campus events, like homecoming or alumni weekend?
• Is it easy to get around campus or get off campus without a car?
• What transportation options are there around campus?
• Is it a safe area to walk around at night? What kind of safety measures are in place?
• Do many students work on or off campus? How easy is it to find a part-time job?

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!