Postsecondary Counseling Newsletter

April 1st, 2025

Juniors and Families,

We have two college visits this week:

• Western Colorado University - Tuesday, April 1st @ 12:45 in the circulatory space
• Harvard University (yes that Harvard University) - Thursday, April 3rd @ 3:30

A few reminders about other important upcoming events:

• Southern Ute Career Fair Field Trip this Thursday- students attend school this day like normal. We will depart from school at 9:30 and return by lunch.
• 4/9 @ 5:30 - AHS Junior Postsecondary night
• 4/17 5pm-8pm Admissions Case Study & College Fair: RSVP NOW! (see below)

Academic Advising and Course selection for next year: I will meet with each Junior individually before the end of the school year. During this meeting we will discuss course selection for next year along with other postsecondary planning items. Each student has a spreadsheet template that has been assigned to them in the class of 2026 College & Career Google Classroom where they will plan their courses for next year. This is not their formal request (this will happen through Infinite Campus in late April or early May), but rather a tool to guide students in planning prior to formally requesting their courses in IC. Please take a look at the following:

• 2025-2026 Elective Choices
• 2025/2026 DRAFT course catalog
• FLC Dual Enrollment information
• Slides: Guide to Course Selection and postsecondary readiness

I would like for each student to have considered their course selections for next year prior to my meeting with them and we will then discuss in more detail during our meeting. For students thinking about an FLC class, they generally fit into Junior's schedules well during 1st or 7th period. It is quite difficult to make FLC classes work in other elective periods.

AHS Spring Junior Postsecondary night - attendance is REQUIRED

Where: AHS Commons

When: April 9th, 5:30-7:00pm

FOOD PROVIDED!

It is vitally important that both Juniors and a parent/guardian attend! For folks that might normally have to work during this time, please request this time off so you can attend. Food will be provided.

Information that will be covered:

• Getting ready for Senior year in spring and summer of Junior year
• An overview of the college application process and timeline - systems and procedures at Animas High School
• How to apply to college
• Application deadlines: which one is right for me?
• How do I get a letter of recommendation?
• SAT scores - should I retake?
• How do I use Scoir?
• How do I get Erin to send my transcript and other supporting documents to colleges?
• Financial aid process and timeline
• FAFSA
• CSS Profile

4/17: Admissions Case Study 5:00-8:00pm @ AHS

Mark your calendar for this incredible opportunity to learn about the admissions process and meet admissions officers! Open to all AHS students. The list of attending colleges will continue to grow as I continue to receive RSVP's. Feel free to share this opportunity with friends at other high schools in the area! REGISTER HERE

NACAC Virtual College Fairs

Free and open to the public, National College Fairs are the perfect place to kick off your college search.

Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college.

Use a fair to:

Explore your options. Each fair draws representatives from 175 to 400 colleges. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe.

Ask questions. What’s college life like? What majors are popular on campus? Chatting with representatives from a variety of colleges can help you cement your own preferences.

NACAC Virtual College Fair - April 27 More Info

Opportunities

We are accepting referrals for our Summer Wilderness Mentorship Program in La Plata County. We have scholarships available for qualifying families. Cohorts begin April 15th!

We will have a male and female cohort this season. These will be affinity cohorts in the front country and backcountry. All students will receive weekly mentorship, wilderness skills weekend, outdoor rock climbing day programs, and a six day backpacking course. 

The full program is $4K a student--but again, families can qualify for full or partial scholarships. 

For more information:

Chris Brown, LSW

(He/him/él)

Founder and Director of LifeWays LLC

chris@lifewayscommunity.com

www.lifewayscommunity.com

c: 970-422-2304