Happy Holidays! As radio stations shift to 24 hour holiday music and media keeps reminding us about shopping days it is so important to build healthy coping mechanisms to dealing with stress and anxiety over the holidays – especially as we model coping mechanisms for our kids! All of us can be affected by the pressure of the season so consider taking time out of every day to breathe, live in the present, and feel gratitude for our many blessings. Here is a great blog to get started.
Senior Parents
As college admissions are trickling in for the early birds, many students (especially in the arts communities) are just getting their college applications sent out. Other students may still be unsure about where to apply or what steps to take next. Remember that we are always happy to help! Just send your student in to see us and we will be more than happy to sit down and talk post-high school options.
As we move into the second semester, we begin to shift our senior focus from admissions to financing college. We strongly encourage parents to apply for federal student aid via
FAFSA
. Some schools may require the
CSS Financial Aid Profile
.
Parents can only apply for the
FAFSA online
.
FAFSA worksheets
are available online to print in PDF form to prepare. In order to apply for financial aid you must go online to
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Step one is to apply for your financial aid ID (FSA ID) now at the website. Once you get your FSA ID, you will be able to fill out the application immediately. If you are not sure that the FAFSA will be fruitful, we recommend that you complete it anyway as an opportunity to trigger institutional aid offers that you may not otherwise receive. Colleges will start awarding money as soon as they receive your information from the federal processing center, so don’t delay. Some schools may require the CSS Financial Profile. Click
here
to see the list of schools on the profile.
When we met with kids at the end of November we introduced them to
Scholly
. This website is a scholarship search engine that works to connect you to scholarships. Each student was given a special code so that this is free for six months. Another great resource is
Fastweb
Tips on Applying for Financial Aid
1.
If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for aid…apply.
2.
Students will need their social security number.
3.
Secure the necessary forms. Check which form is needed by each college.
4.
Always read the entire form carefully.
5.
Download (or pick up from the counseling center) the FAFSA Worksheets
and use them as a rough draft.
6.
Double check that proper code numbers are used. PROOF READ!
7.
Keep a copy of everything you send (electronically or via mail).
8.
Do not send a copy of your taxes with the FAFSA or Profile, colleges will ask
you to submit them directly to them if they are required.
9.
Investigate possible outside sources of aid.
10.
Read carefully any responses you get and respond.
11.
Call the college’s financial aid office for help with forms or problems.
12.
Develop a personal calendar.
13.
Meet all required deadlines.
14.
Do not get distracted by frauds that guarantee aid in return for an
enrollment fee.
Junior Parents
Junior Meetings!
Each year we attempt to meet individually with each Junior (and parents if they would like to join us) to have an in-depth, personalized discussion about college searching, applying, and financing. In efforts to meet with more students, we have moved these meetings up from Spring to Winter. So make your appointments now! We are anxious to get started.
Students should register now for the ACT and/or SAT tests that will be given in the second semester. Keep in mind dates for AP testing and final exams. Remember, that your child will take a free SAT at South in April as a part of the state tests. This score is official and may be used for college applications. Taking an April or June ACT is a great idea since students will have addressed the entire Algebra II math curriculum required for the test.
We recommend that you register early to secure a spot at your preferred testing center. Please pay attention to deadlines; there are financial penalties for late registration. When you register, you will need to use the Grosse Pointe South school code: 231-802.
Sophomore & Freshman Parents
We spoke with freshmen on December 4 about suicide prevention and awareness. They are an impressively informed group! We challenged them to share with a trusted adult the information that we provided on signals that someone may be hurting and considering suicide. Also add to their phone contacts the 24/7 text line for help 741741. Just text “Hello” to engage someone to help! Also the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a great resource for both the individual that is hurting and their supporters. Free 24/7 help is available.
This holiday season you may find yourself loading up the family car for places near and far to visit and vacation. Consider taking a detour to a convenient college on the way and doing a short tour. This is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to some new options that they may never have thought about for college. It can be so valuable to get a sense of priorities and possibilities for College. Even if the student dislikes their visit that is time well spent because they can continue to hone their wish list for the perfect college match. If you don’t have any travel plans consider taking a “Gas Tank Tour” to a few local colleges. At this point it is all about exposure to develop that sense of desire and motivation for next steps in education!
Peace and Joy to you and your family this holiday season!