|
Counselors' Corner - December 2022
Happy Holidays! Is there a busier month than December? Make sure you ‘do busy’ on your terms, saying ‘no, thank you’ to preserve your own peace is a priority. It is so important to build healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety over the holidays – especially as we model coping mechanisms for our kids! All of us can be affected by the stressors 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. Meet-holiday-stress-with-mindfulness
I went to a professional development session on resilience and, wow, was it powerful! I was reinforced by the message that our current culture is building anxiety with obstacles in technology, isolation, and the developmental challenges of adolescence. Check out the Spark and Stitch Institute, a strong parent resource. I have read the author’s book Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen. I thought it was fantastic.
Senior Parents
83% of our seniors have completed at least one application to college. This is wonderful! I would expect another 10% or so to apply based on last year. Students may still be unsure about where to apply or what steps to take next. Counselors are always happy to help! Just send your student to see us to discuss post-high school options, including college, military, trades, and work.
As we move into the second semester, we begin to shift our senior focus from admissions to financing college. Click here for the counseling center’s slide deck on Understanding Different Sources of Financial Aid.
We strongly encourage parents to apply for federal student aid via FAFSA as a first step toward financing college. Some schools may also require the CSS Financial Aid Profile. Parents can only apply for the FAFSA online. FAFSA worksheets are available to print in PDF form to prepare. Step one is to apply for your financial aid ID (FSA ID) now at the website. Once you get your FSA ID, you can 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.
Tips on Applying for Financial Aid
- If you are in doubt as to whether or not to apply for aid…apply.
- Students will need their social security number.
- Secure the necessary forms. Check which form is needed by each college.
- Always read the entire form carefully.
-
Download the FAFSA Worksheets and use them as a rough draft.
-
Use the FAFSA Chatbot for help.
- Double-check that proper school code numbers are used. PROOFREAD!
- Keep a copy of everything you send (electronically or via mail).
- Do not send a copy of your taxes with the FAFSA or Profile.
- Investigate possible outside sources of aid.
- Read carefully any responses you get and respond.
- Call the college’s financial aid office for help with forms or problems.
- Develop a personal calendar.
- Meet all required deadlines.
Junior Parents
Counselors will once again be going into Junior’s English classes and/or present on Monday mornings during PLC time at 8:00 am for our College 101series. The goal is to share important information and education about post-high school planning and process for our juniors. Counselors will meet with students monthly.
Students should register now for the ACT and/or SAT tests that will be given in the second semester. Keep in mind the 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 an excellent idea since students will have addressed the entire Algebra II math curriculum required for the test.
You can go directly to the testing companies’ websites (www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.org ) to register and obtain more information about the tests.
We recommend registering early to secure a spot at your preferred testing center. Please pay attention to deadlines; there are financial penalties for late registration. When registering, you must use the Grosse Pointe South school code: 231-802.
Freshmen Parents
Counselors are working to meet individually with each of the freshmen so we can get to know each other better. If your freshman hasn’t met with his or her counselor yet, please encourage them to get in touch.
Wishing Health, Peace, and Joy to you and your family this holiday season!
| 
