Postsecondary counseling newsletter

December 13th, 2023

Seniors and Families,

I'm sure it feels really great to be coming to the end of the semester! I am sending out this newsletter with a handy dandy winter break TO DO list. Please spend some time working on the following items over break:

WINTER BREAK TO DO LIST



College Applications

I do not plan to work over break. This means that if you still have applications to submit and you plan to work on them over break, you can do one of the following:

1. Move them to the "Applied" column in Scoir now and I will pre-send your documents
2. Move the school to the "Applied" column after you submit and I will send your documents when I return on Jan. 2nd.

Either option is just fine - colleges are fine with receiving documents ahead of time.

FSA ID

If you do not yet have a student or parent FSAID, now is the time to get one. Please follow the link above and complete the process for both student and the parent. This should be done prior to FAFSA night on Tuesday, January 23rd.

Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly.

Mark your calendar for the FAFSA night and Scholarship fair! See flyer for more info

Scholarships

All Seniors have been provided with instructions on how to apply for scholarships and where to look. Seniors should be actively applying NOW!

Here is how to prioritize your time in applying for scholarships:

Institutional (these are scholarships awarded by the colleges to which you've been accepted). There is usually one general application that is accessed through your student portal that you create after you've been accepted.

State and Local Scholarships

National Scholarships

Also check out web search engines and apps:

• Scholarship Owl
• Bold.org
• Cappex Scholarship List
• College Board
• Going Merry
• Fastweb
• IEFA International Scholarship Search Tool
• Peterson's
• Raise.Me (More like a scholarship predictor/estimator for specific schools)
• Scholarships.com
• TFS Scholarships
• Unigo

Applying to College: Deadlines

Early Decision (binding commitment if admitted): Nov. 1st & 15th

Early Action (NOT committed if admitted): Nov. 1st & 15th

Regular Decision: For most schools it is January 1st.

Schools with regular decision deadlines that are earlier than Jan 1:

-University of Washington 11/15

-University of California system and most CA schools: 11/30

Rolling Admission: There is not an official application deadline - you can apply just about any time up to approximately 1 week prior to the start of classes for the term. Community colleges have a rolling deadline. Examples of these schools are: PCC, San Juan College, or any other Community college such as Colorado Mountain College.

**Remember, it is a graduation requirement that each senior apply to at least one college. Everyone should aim to have all of their college applications subitted prior to winter break. This will allow time to shift our focus to completing the FAFSA and applying for scholarships***

Upcoming College and Career Events

1/23: FAFSA night & Scholarship fair 4:30pm-8:00pm

College & Career Events Calendar

Financial Aid & Paying for College

Check out this podcast episode from Dartmouth College about paying for college and why you shouldn't always take the sticker price at face value.

December resources for 2th-graders

• Complete and send out all RD applications no later than mid-December. If you applied Early Decision/Early Action, you might want to hold on submitting additional applications and sending off the CSS Profile to the rest of your list until the early news is in. Just make sure not to miss any deadlines.
• Write thank you notes: Share gratitude with your teachers for writing letters of recommendation for you.
• Check your applicant portals and emails: You must check your emails and portals daily throughout the winter months. If you miss a request for more information or an additional document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so check regularly.

Resources:

Check out this How to apply to College at AHS slides presentation

Are you interested in construction, education, early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, or nursing?

• The Career Advance Colorado program provides free training for in-demand jobs through

the state’s 19 community and technical colleges.

• Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in qualifying programs will have tuition, fees,

course materials, and other costs completely covered while program funding is available.

• Students must apply for federal and/or state financial aid to enroll in a Career Advance

Colorado program.

Article: Pueblo Community College offers tuition-free options for high demand jobs

Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!

Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following healthcare certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as Care Forward Colorado funding allows.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Nurse Refresher
• Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy
• Sterile Processing
• Paramedic Certificate
• Echocardiography Certificate
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Office Certificate

Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!

INTERNSHIP/EMPLOYMENT & other OPPORTUNITIES:

LINK & LINK 2.0

Thinking about a different elective other than what is offered at AHS for next semester? What about a LINK 2.0???

LINK 2.0 is a great way to continue with an internship you had and loved, or start something new. Students who complete 60 hours of internship with a qualified mentor will be awarded .5 elective credit (one semester's worth). This is a great way to continue to build your resume and demonstrate rigor as a senior!

Please reach out to Elliot if you have LINK questions or to make arrangements for a LINK 2.0. His email is: elliot.baglini@animashighschool.com

Erin Cummins-Roper (she/her)

Director of Career & College Counseling  

Animas High School |Tel: (970) 247-2474 | x2335 | Cell: 970-903-1617

www.animashighschool.com 

Schedule an appointment with me!

Office hours:

T/TH 1:00pm-3:00pm

Fridays: 9:00am-12:00pm

Financial aid and scholarship help every Friday 12:00pm-3:00pm