Seniors and Families, October 25th, 2023

Wow! It has been a busy month of appplying to college for our seniors! We had over 30 seniors attend our college and cupcakes event last week and more than 50 college applications were submitted for free! Did you miss out on applying during Colorado Free app days? Don't fret - you have not missed any application deadlines yet. See the section below on Application Deadlines for more information on when you need to be ready to submit your applications. Have questions? Come see me for help!!

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

10/31: Western CO University in-person visit to AHS @ 9:00am

11/1: Early Decision/Early Action deadine for many colleges

11/1: Continuing DLC Dual enrollment registration @ 9:00am

11/16: PCC offsite course registration @ 2:30-4:00

11/28: New FLC Dual enrollment advising/registration @ 12:00pm

College & Career Events Calendar

Dual/Concurrent Enrollment

Interested in taking college classes away from AHS campus next semester at PCC or FLC for college and AHS elective credit? Please take a look at this email to find out how to make it happen!

Financial Aid & Scholarships

From our member schools

We've collected upcoming events from our Coalition member schools are hosting with the goal of explaining the financial aid process and answering students' and student supporters' questions. All are welcome at the following events (click the event to register):

• Nov. 1: Stockton University | Financing Your Education
• Nov. 2: Colby College | Affording College: Financial Aid Session
• Nov. 16: Stony Brook University | Financial Aid Basics

FAFSA

FAFSA Completion is now a Graduation Requirement at AHS

It is time for Seniors to begin the FAFSA process! While the FAFSA form is not available yet, we can begin the process by having students and parents apply for their FSAID.

Q: What is the FSAID?

A: It is the username and password that is unique to the student and the parent that is used to access and electronically sign the FAFSA.

Students will be applying for their FSAID at school in the coming weeks and will then be able to assist parents in applying for theirs at home.

Q: What if I don't live with my biological parents?

A: Come chat with me about whether or not the Caregiver you live with should get an FSAID or if you will be considered an independent student for financial aid purposes.

CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Most students will not need to complete the CSS Profile. If you are applying to a private or selective school you may need to submit the CSS Profile.

CSS Profile Webinar Event

CSS Profile Line-By-Line – Free Webinar Event Hosted by College Aid Pro

November 2, 2023 @ 7:00pm ET / 4pm PT

Feeling anxious about the CSS Profile or finding it hard to get started?

Well, we got you covered! Join Peg Keough and Matt Carpenter, CAP College Planning Experts, for a thrilling walk through of how to complete the form without all the stress. We’ll go into an actual CSS Profile so you can see your Dashboard and how to navigate through all the sections.

We’ll cover:

1. The critical mistakes to avoid when completing the form.
2. How (and who!) to login/access the CSS Profile.
3. How to complete and submit the form.
4. Who requires the CSS Profile and when is it due.
5. Business & Homeowner Do's & Don'ts
6. What Divorced/Separated Families should know

We’ll also touch on the FAFSA and provide guidance on what you can do now to prepare before it goes live.

REGISTER NOW

All registrants will receive a recording so go ahead and register now, even if you can’t make it live.

Don't let the CSS Profile stress you out! Join us November 2nd, and we'll equip you with the skills and knowledge to confidently tackle this key step in the college process.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Scholarships

Look for scholarships with deadlines at least a month in advace to give yourself time to apply. Get help applying for scholarships during Financial Fridays office hours on Fridays from 12:00-3:00

• Check out this How to Find and Apply for Scholarships handout
• National Scholarship listing
• State and Local Scholarship listing

Resources:

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

October/November resources for 12th-graders from the College Essay Guy:

• How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Decision or Early Action: Double-check your ED/EA deadlines—some are 11/1 and some are 11/15. Note that some school-based scholarships require that you apply by the early deadline.
• University of California and CSU: For those of you applying to the UC and CSU systems, the applications are due on November 30th.
• FAFSA + CSS PROFILE: Start filling out these forms to make sure to meet the deadlines set by the colleges on your list.
• College Application Fee Waivers: Find out if you qualify for fee waivers and, if so, how to get them.
• Resource guide for low-income students or those experiencing homelessness: Learn more about college costs, financial aid, and available services.
• Supplemental essay responses: If you’re applying to schools that require additional essays beyond the main personal statement, this is a must-read.
• Interview with colleges that offer them: Depending on the school, you can either sign up on its website or respond to an invitation it sends via email.
• Demonstrated interest: Remember that it’s important to let the colleges on your list know that you’re really interested in attending their schools. Keep connecting with college representatives when they visit your school, your community, or via virtual sessions online.
• Research scholarships: Continue to research scholarship opportunities, making special note of requirements and deadlines.

The Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network is dedicated to working with high schools and access organizations to widen pathways to higher education for rural and small-town students.

Upcoming events (click to register):

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!

ore InfSunday, November 12, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2023 Virtual College Fair -NovemberM

INTERNSHIP/EMPLOYMENT & other OPPORTUNITIES:

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

About the program: For over 60 years, the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has brought together leaders from across the government with students from around the country for a week designed to prepare young people for civic leadership. USSYP is currently accepting applications for its 2024 program. 

Who can apply: High school juniors and seniors with leadership positions in student government, civic, or educational organizations are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is October 20.

More information about the Senate Youth Program is available HERE.

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: [email protected]

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