Yours is a Story

Often, the interview question/response that stumps people is TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.  Yours is a fantastic journey. Open a Word document, then save it to your Google Drive. From there, start working on YOUR Hero's story.   I have added a link of the Hero's Journey patterns and critical obstacles below.  Click on the link to review the handout online.             Your Heroic Journey

College Myths

Busting College Myths

There's a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to college, so we're here to help separate myth from reality and give your family an inside look at what to expect. Read more at this link:
Busting College Myths

Setting and Achieving Goals

Feeling overwhelmed? Lots of college-bound high school students do. Here's one solution: Set some goals. Having a plan in place—a road map—takes the anxiety out of any journey or transition, including the one you will make from high school into college.

If you're having trouble focusing on your studies, if your life is too busy and complicated, goals can help you set priorities and focus on the activities that are most important to you. Keep remembering: Your success has short-term AND long-term value to you, your family and your community. Turning hopes and dreams, such as college and the possibility of becoming a Dell Scholar, a Smith Scholar, or a Gates Millennium Scholar, into reality takes setting and achieving goals. But where do you start?

Start S.M.A.R.T.
Get S.M.A.R.T. About Goals

A great way to take control is to set SMART goals—ones that are:
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely

Setting And Achieving Goals

Important Senior Contact Information

Your SENIOR YEAR will be busy, and to get information needed quickly, use this Handy Dandy Contact Information sheet to know WHO to contact for WHAT. Follow this link: Important Senior Contact Information or see the information below:

Interview Skills

You receive a call from a member of a scholarship committe.  You are a semi-finalist. Would you be ready?  Use this handy dandy link to make sure you are ready.  At the end of it, you will find the Summer 2015 Mr. & Miss Upward Bound questions.
Interview Skills

Creating a Résumé

Your résumé--both an academic and workplace-oriented--need to be completed as soon as possible.  Some scholarships require a résumé with submission.  



You can add to your documents throughout the year as you earn more honors and awards.

Request for Letter of Recommendation

It's scholarship time and one of the most important parts will need to be completed by a teacher, counselor, or principal.  Here's a Handy Dandy form to download and fill out to request this letter of recommendation. If you have to give information, go to the Important Senior Contact Information for the correct email and/or address for Upward Bound staff giving letters of recommendation.  Click this link and get started!

Request for Letter of Recommendation

Transcript Request Draft

Hey Seniors, did you know that colleges need to be sent a copy of your academic transcript as part of your application? Its also a requirement if you are part of the Senior Success Seminar! If you're wondering how to go about getting it to them, then this post is for you!

College Vocabulary Need to Know

There's a lot to know before your child heads off to college, including understanding all the terms you'll hear between now and then. Is a college the same as a university? Can your student study liberal arts even if he/she doesn't go to a liberal arts college? And what is a liberal arts college anyway? Learn some college lingo now.

Gates Millennuim Scholarship Timeline

When the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the $1 billion Gates Millennium Scholars Program, it had students like yours in mind—young people who perform well not only academically, but also exhibit leadership skills and do their part to serve the community. Academic achievement, community service and leadership remain the three key selection criteria.

If your child is eligible for consideration as a Gates Millennium Scholar, here are ways you can help him or her be the strongest possible candidate throughout high school and year by year.
Every Year of High School, Your Student Should...

Why College Is Worth It

Many high school students think of college as the ticket to a bigger salary, and statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show a strong relationship between a college degree and earnings. But higher potential earnings are only the beginning of the benefits.

Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay

It’s a pretty safe assumption that everyone planning to apply for scholarships is able to write. It is difficult to get very far in high school or college without at least some rudimentary written communication skills. It’s certainly impossible to make it through the ACT, SAT, or college applications -- especially beyond “You’re Accepted” without them. 

So when you come across essay scholarships, it can be easy to get discouraged and think that there’s going to be way too much competition and you have no chance of winning. After all, everyone can write. However, not everyone is willing or able to put in the effort required to write well.  Writing scholarships become excellent opportunities for those students dedicated and diligent enough to write a scholarship-worthy essay.

AAEOPP Scholarship

ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM PERSONNEL

PRE-COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PACKET

TRIO Works- Because We Care!

The link will take you to the application for AAEOPP (Alabama Upward Bound and Talent Search).   You will need 1) a transcript; 2) 2 letters of recommendation; 3) a strong essay (300-500 words).