College Now Student News

MEET GEAR UP PARMA

Students: Want to work on your plan for your future? Connect with your GEAR UP Parma Advisor! You can schedule an appointment here.

Normandy: Mrs. Walsh

Parma High: Ms. Pollard

Valley Forge: Mr. Lengel

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

Click the links below to register for the events that interest you!

College Affordability: The Ins and Outs of Paying for College
October 14 at 5 pm
October 22 at 6 pm
FAFSA Completion Office Hours
October 15 at 4 pm
October 24 at 6 pm
What We Know about College Admissions During COVID-19
October 14 at 3 pm
October 15 at 5 pm
What We Know about Testing During COVID-19: Importance of Entrance Exams
October 17 at 11 am
Freshman Night: Commitment to High School
October 20 at 5 pm
October 28 at 3 pm
Junior Night: Starting the Year Strong
October 21 at 3 pm
October 27 at 5 pm
Sophomore Night: Freshman Year Recap
October 22 at 5 pm
October 29 at 6 pm

VIRTUAL COLLEGE TOUR BUS

Get a feel for campus without ever leaving your house. Register below for as many virtual college tours and info sessions as you would like to start learning about various college campuses across Ohio. See which one you could see calling home for the next four years!

Miami University, 10/14 at 4 pm
Bowling Green State University, 10/15 at 4 pm
Ohio University Tour #1, 10/21 at 3 pm
University of Cincinnati, 10/22 at 3 pm
Ohio University Tour #2, 10/28 at 3 pm
Kent State University, 10/29 at 3 pm

GEAR UP REWARDS

DID YOU KNOW that not only can you learn about yourself and plan your future using the tools GEAR UP is sharing, but you can now be REWARDED with GEAR UP swag?! It's true!

Students in grades 8 through 12 can earn incentives and shop in the Virtual GEAR UP Parma Store. What do you need to do to earn incentives? There are a wide variety of options - you can complete tasks in Naviance, do a lesson in Naviance (found on the home page), participate in a workshop or seminar, complete college or scholarship applications, earn a digital badge, meet with your advisor, and more...

Items you can earn include mugs, tumblers, highlighters, wireless earbuds, backpacks, and more! We have over 20 items to choose from. The more you do, the more you can earn!

Once you complete an activity, go to www.pcsdconnects.org and find the link on the home page. Browse the items and pick out the one you want, then fill out the electronic form to share what you did and what you would like. The item will be safely delivered to you either at school or at home depending on how you are attending school once your activity has been verified. Please give us two weeks to process your orders.

Questions? Contact Cathy Graham at [email protected].

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

Meet Sanibel, a senior at Valley Forge High School. She is a creator who loves photography and is in the VisCom program; an athlete who is varsity in both cross country and swimming; a volunteer as a GEAR UP Ambassador; and a student. Sanibel has been exploring her options to continue her education after high school to one day become a counselor. She is not only applying to college - but also applying for scholarships!

Sanibel started her scholarship journey last year as a junior. Her mom encouraged her to get started, telling her "You don't have to be a senior to apply" (great advice, Mom!). She has worked on several scholarship applications, and right now is applying for the QuestBridge Scholarship. Her favorite scholarship to date was the Doodle for Google and, even though she did not win last year, she is already planning this year's entry.

The best part of Sanibel's scholarship journey is learning that you do indeed win! In May, Sanibel learned that she won a $1,000 prize from the College Board Opportunity Scholarship. How? Practicing for the SAT using Khan Academy. There are still several prizes left, and Sanibel is continuing to complete several of the tasks. Not only did she win money, but participating also helped her with the SAT last March as she practiced for the test every day.

"Sometimes it was stressful to find the time to do the work, but I really benefited from having a routine," Sanibel said.

Sanibel's advice for students just starting high school is simple: "Don't stress out. If you start early looking at careers and choices, you will know what you need to do."

2021/2022 FAFSA

IS NOW OPEN FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS!

WHAT is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid

WHY should I complete the FAFSA?

Students interested in continuing their education past high school should complete the application so that they are eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid.

WHAT do I need to complete the FAFSA?

Students and their parents/guardians will need their Social Security Numbers, 2019 Federal income tax returns, 2019 W-2s and other records of money earned, bank statements, and records of investments, as well as any records of untaxed income. An FSA ID is also required to sign the FAFSA electronically.

WHEN do I need to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA opens on October 1st every year for the following academic year. Students should complete the FAFSA for the first time during their senior year of high school and each subsequent year after as they intend to be enrolled in a postsecondary program.

One-on-one FAFSA help is available by appointment:

At Normandy, October 14 from 5 pm - 8 pm

At Valley Forge, October 27 from 5 pm - 8 pm

Students from all PCSD schools are welcome at either session

WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING THIS MONTH?

NINTH GRADE TASKS

Learn how to calculate grade point average (GPA)
Take the PSAT
Investigate volunteer opportunities
Start a resume to keep record of your involvement

TENTH GRADE TASKS

Take the PSAT or Pre-ACT
Attend a Financial Aid Workshop to learn about the various forms of financial aid available for college funding
Sign up for activities to keep you motivated and on track
Continue to document activities by adding them to your resume

ELEVENTH GRADE TASKS

Attend the Junior Meeting held for students and families
Continue to look at college visit opportunities in Naviance to meet visiting college reps
Consider getting a job, volunteering, or joining a club in the community
Take the PSAT/NMSQT
Schedule an appointment with your College Now advisor to discuss test taking strategies
Watch three RoadTrip Nation videos on Naviance or another college/career platform

TWELFTH GRADE TASKS

Begin college applications
Register for the SAT and/or ACT
Complete personal statement and/or college/scholarship essays
Check deadlines for admissions, scholarships, and other aid for all institutions you are interested in attending
Research scholarships
Attend a College Now College Affordability Night session
File your FAFSA
Continue setting money aside for your college expenses

Have questions about these tasks?

Contact your College Now advisor!