Please mark your calendar for Fall Junior & Family postsecondary night on Thursday, Oct. 12th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

During this meeting we will discuss in depth:

• What does postsecondary planning look like for Juniors - what will we be doing this year?
• Creating the college list & other exploring other postsecondary options
• Junior TPOL overview - the mock job interview, exploring postsecondary pathways and schools
• Financial planning for postsecondary education - how are we going to pay?
• LINK: Leading Internships for New Knowledge - a complete overview of the process, opportunity for Q&A with Elliot

Click for the College & Career Events Calendar

LINK

Elliot is currently holding individual meetings with Juniors to begin LINK planning. Click HERE or Use the QR code to schedule an appointment.

Junior Postsecondary planning:

what you should be thinking about right now

1. DO WELL AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF IN ALL OF YOUR CLASSES

One of the best tips for junior year is to challenge yourself academically. When colleges evaluate your application, they consider the strength of curriculum on your transcript. They want to see that you took advantage of the variety of courses available to you and did well in them. If you're not taking advantage of concurrent enrollment this semester, think about it for next semester. Also consider Honors in math, humanities, or both. Check out this Course selection and rigor presentation for more information.

2. COMMIT TO AND SHOW INITIATIVE IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Your activities outside the classroom can help colleges see what talents, expertise and interests you have beyond academics. Focus on one or two activities that genuinely interest you and through which you can demonstrate initiative, commitment, accomplishment and leadership. Many colleges consider the quality and depth of an applicant’s extracurricular activities over the number of activities on their application.



3. MEET WITH Erin CR BEGINNING IN OCT. TO DISCUSS COLLEGE PLANNING

4. TAKE SAT PRACTICE TEST

All Juniors will take the SAT at AHS for free in April. Although most colleges are now test optional for admission, strong test scores can help your application stand out at colleges that consider them. As you research colleges, be sure to review any college's test acceptance policies, so you can plan accordingly. A good way to begin to prepare for the SAT is to take the PSAT - all Juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT on Oct. 10th & 11th for free at AHS. Once you receive your PSAT scores, you can use those scores to study for the SAT in April if you'd like.

5. ATTEND COLLEGE FAIRS AND PRESENTATIONS TO HELP YOU START YOUR COLLEGE LIST

Whether you attend virtually or in person, college fairs and presentations are great opportunities to learn about schools and connect with admissions reps. Check college websites for information about virtual student panels, guided tours, or webinars for students and parents, see below for a list of upcoming college fairs.  

Regional College Fair at DHS

What: Colleges from CO, NM, UT, WY, MT, and AZ will be at Durango High School to talk to YOU!

When: Sept. 19th, 6:00pm-7:00pm *this is different than the date on the flyer distributed at the back to school open house and is the correct date

Why? Talk to admissions representatives to learn about different colleges and their offerings to help you form an idea of what you're looking for in a college. Learn about what is out there for you!

WESTERN SLOPE COLLEGE FAIR & CMU TOUR

We will be taking 20 students on a visit to Colorado Mesa University and the Western Slope College Fair in Aspen!

When: Saturday, Sept. 30th-Sunday, Oct. 1st

Details: Transportation, lodging, and meals provided.

Depart Animas High School Saturday morning, tour CMU Saturday afternoon, stay in Glenwood Springs Saturday night, attend Western Slope College Fair Sunday, return home Sunday evening.

Cost: $50/student, students who qualify for the USDA free and reduced lunch program attend for free. Students who do not qualify for F&R lunch but for whom the cost would present a barrier to attending can indicate this on the interest form.

Want to go? Fill out this interest form. Spaces will be first come, first served with Juniors and Seniors getting priority if the trip fills up.

Parents/Caregivers: Interested in chaperoning? We could use an additional driver or two, particularly to transport students' bags. Please email Erin CR @ collegeandcareer@animashighschool.com to sign up. Additionally, if you'd like to donate funds to sponsor a student, we welcome your donation!

DENVER - In Person

Sunday, November 5, 2023, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

2023 Fall Denver NCF 

More Info

Sunday, September 10, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2023 Virtual College Fair -SeptemberMore Info

Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2023 Virtual College Fair -OctoberMore Inf

Sunday, November 12, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2023 Virtual College Fair -NovemberMore Info

FAFSA Completion is now a Graduation Requirement at AHS

In Spring 2023, AHS was awarded a Fund my Future grant through the Colorado Dept. of Eduation to provide college-going support and increase the number of students who complete a student aid application (FAFSA/CASFA) before graduating high school. The Fund My Future Grant requires that all students at Animas High School complete the FAFSA or complete this waiver during their senior year.

As part of our increased effort to improve the number of students at AHS who complete the FAFSA, we will hold Paying for College Workshops for all grade levels, and assist students and families in using financial aid forcaster tools to gain a better understanding of what types of financial aid they might qualify for when the time comes and how to plan for postsecondary education with your individual financial situtaion in mind.

INTERNSHIP/EMPLOYMENT & other OPPORTUNITIES:

The purpose of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission is to involve youth participation in city government as stated in the Children, Youth, and Family Master Plan resolution that the City Council adopted in March 2009. The goal is to create opportunities for meaningful youth involvement, to develop citizenship skills in Durango’s youth, foster greater understanding of their concerns and contributions, and encourage greater youth participation in community issues.

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