Happy November!

Professional Communication and Emotions

Our high school juniors have been working on professional communication, and, at our Full Group Meeting, they worked through communication scenarios. Communication is not just about knowing what to say. It also can trigger all sorts of emotional responses - like anxiety or guilt. So our social work interns helped us think through these emotions, with the help of Inside Out.

A College Student Leader noted:

"At MTB, we stress how important communication is with your teachers, parents, and counselors."

One Fellow reflected:

"Communicating my feelings and being honest can be very nerve-wracking."

That's why we talk about communication and practice!

Our juniors will put their professional communication skills to work as they reach out to first-generation college graduates from Passaic and elsewhere to learn about their college journeys and professional careers.

College Finances

We have also been thinking about the all-important issue of college finances. Our seniors are investigating a range of schools. Private and out-of-state institutions can sometimes be more affordable (surprisingly!) than in-state public schools. Applying to lots of schools can also allow you to use multiple financial aid packages to bargain for more aid (also surprising).

College bills are complicated and hard to understand, and there are sometimes hidden costs. So our Leaders shared their bills and talked with the Fellows about exactly what they meant.

One Fellow reflected:



"I learned about college expenses and how these can be scary, but with the correct guidance, these can be tackled"

A College Student Leader noted:

"I got to talk about my bill and one Fellow was fascinated with the amount of aid I was given. I got to explain the different charges and how you can pay those charges through programs like EOF or the Honors Program to help with things such as books. We also spoke about the importance of FAFSA!"

Wellness

This month, our social work interns ran sessions focused on communication, professionalism, and time management. These short sessions run throughout the month, and students attend one per month.

Financial Aid for Seniors

Seniors applying (or considering applying) to certain private institutions need to complete the CSS Profile. This application opened October 1, and we will hold a walkthrough session on Saturday, November 9, 10-11:30. This session is open to others in the district, so feel free to invite friends.

Congratulations to Kelmys on being a finalist

in QuestBridge!

One of our High School Senior Fellows has been named a QuestBridge National College Match Finalist. 

What does this mean?

Finalists are selected based on academic achievement and financial need. Those selected apply to college partners and are considered for the Match Scholarship. Our Fellows will be ranking their match schools, and, if they match, they will be admitted early (December 2) with a Match Scholarship. 

If they don't match, they will continue through QuestBridge Regular Decision.

We congratulate our finalist and wish him luck through this next stage of the process.

We also congratulate all our MTB Fellows who threw their hats into the ring for QuestBridge and were not selected. We KNOW good things come to those who strive and apply! Your turn will come! 

Finally, we celebrate our MTB Leaders who supported their Fellows through this process. Thank you for leading the way!

Ask a Question

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Ask anything and everything by going to this form. Don't be shy! bit.ly/AskMTB

Question: What's FAFSA?

Question: What's FAFSA?

Answer: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the free application for federal student aid.

You need to complete the FAFSA each year to be eligible for federal grants (that's free money - up to $7,395 - that doesn't ever need to be paid back), work-study funds (for jobs on campus), and/or loans. Completing the FAFSA form is easier than ever and helps you pay for college or career/trade school. In addition, many institutions and the state of New Jersey use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for additional state and school aid. Students who are US citizens (or eligible noncitizens) are eligible, regardless of their parents' citizenship.

The FAFSA is completely safe, regardless of parents' citizenship status or tax-filing status.

This year, the FAFSA will open December 1.

Question: College Visits?

Question: Does MTB arrange for college visits?

Answer: No. We don't have the resources for that.

Some of our students want to go to school locally. Others decide to go away from home, and they may decide to attend a school they have never visited (which is totally fine). We support our students in recognizing their options and choices.

We encourage MTB High School Fellows to take advantage of the opportunities many colleges provide for visits. Some schools offer Fly-In Programs (usually in the fall of senior year). These programs require an application, and students may be invited to visit (with all travel expenses paid). These programs are a great way to check out a school and make connections (and there is no requirement to attend or even apply to that school).

Last year, Nelsie attended a Fly-In Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

This year, Kelmys will attend a fly-in program at Swarthmore College and Disha and Ashley R. will attend a fly-in program at Bentley University in Boston.

Coming Soon - Mark Your Planner!

Our third Full Group Meeting is on Saturday, November 16, at 10 AM (Zoom) and Sunday, November 17 at 4 PM (Zoom).

Our juniors will be reporting on their interviews with professionals and seniors will be checking in about their college application goals and managing the stress of that process.

Follow MTB on Social Media!