Everyone
If you're a senior, make sure you read until the end for important resources!
In just a few days you will be visiting Colorado universities! (Remember to wear walking shoes and pack a sack lunch.) This is a great time to think about some of the questions you would like to get answered on this trip. For example, “What programs is the school known for? What is campus life like? What kinds of financial aid are available?”
College App & Admissions Timeline: This timeline and set of resources can track the college search and application process from 9th through 12th grade.
Academic Planner: Use Infinite Campus to update your Academic Plan based on your goals. It’s a great idea to discuss this plan with your parents. In February, we will use this plan to make your schedule for next school year. (Note that you probably won’t get all the classes you request, but we will do our best.)
9th-graders
Big 5 Personality Assessment: Learn more about your strengths, challenges, and communication and learning styles.
Build healthy routines: You are more than a brain! Prioritize sleep, healthy food choices and exercise.
10th-graders
Virtual college tours: Curious about what college is all about, but not feeling ready for an in-person visit? Have fun searching through these student-driven virtual college tours.
11th-graders
How to create a college list (with tracking spreadsheet): Use this guide and organizing tool to begin building a list of schools that you’re excited about. If you prefer, you can also use Naviance to identify your favorite colleges.
How to research schools without visiting a campus: You don’t need to step on a college campus to begin researching schools. Here are four resources that will show you how.
Going test optional: What is it? Confused about whether or not test scores matter? Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
FairTest: Looking for a comprehensive list of colleges and universities with test-optional admission policies? Here you go.
Experiencing learning differences? Researching the available support services and programs will be a critical part of your list building. Learn the differences between accommodations in high school and services offered at colleges. I also have a book in my office about schools that offer great programs for students with learning differences. Come check it out!
12th-graders
Check your Seminar Room for tips on writing your personal statement, scholarship notices, and schools to consider.
The long weekend is a great time to work on applications to major scholarships and colleges.
The College Essay Guy has wonderful resources for– you guessed it– writing college essays on your applications. You can pay for specific individual support, but I think their free resources are great. (And you can schedule a meeting with Ms. Cook by emailing cook_rachel@svvsd.org for specific individual support.)
Free Application Days! Colorado offers free applications to all Colorado public universities and some private colleges from October 15-17, 2024. Instructions for each college are in the attached link. (Normally, it costs $65 to apply to CU Boulder and $50 to apply to CSU.) Even if you’re not sure if/where you want to go to college next year, this is a free chance to see what your options are.
The Boettcher Scholarship provides 50 Colorado seniors with full-tuition scholarships to schools in Colorado. The initial application is due November 1st.
The Daniels Fund provides up to $100,000 scholarships for any college in the United States to Western students who demonstrate leadership potential, financial need, and academic goals.
The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides students in public Colorado schools with a $104 per credit hour stipend. It takes about 5 minutes to sign up (just have your social security number ready) and can save you thousands of dollars.
Supplemental essay responses: This is your go-to guide when applying to colleges that require more than a personal statement.
How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Decision or Early Action: Double-check your ED/EA deadlines—some fall as early as October 15th. Note that some school-based scholarships require that you apply by the early deadline.
FAFSA + CSS PROFILE: FAFSA will open in December. CSS is open!
College Application Fee Waivers: Find out if you qualify for fee waivers and, if so, how to get them. Please reach out to me if you would like more information about this.
Resource guide for low-income students or those experiencing homelessness: Learn more about college costs, financial aid, and available services.
Supplemental essay responses: If you’re applying to schools that require additional essays beyond the main personal statement, this is a must-read.
Interview with colleges that offer them: This is so helpful in giving your admissions counselor a better idea of who you are and why you’re great! Depending on the school, you can either sign up on its website or respond to an invitation it sends via email.
Demonstrated interest: Remember that it’s important to let the colleges on your list know that you’re really interested in attending their schools. Keep connecting with college representatives when they visit your school, your community, or via virtual sessions online.
Research scholarships: Continue to research scholarship opportunities, making special note of requirements and deadlines. I will be sharing more information about local scholarships in December once college applications are completed.
Scholarships for the SAT: Interested in taking the SAT again but not sure that your family can afford the test fee? Contact Ms. Cook.
Schedule a meeting with me . I am happy to support you in the whole process. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to help you research.
Cheers,
Ms. Cook