UMUB ACADEMIC SESSIONS 2017--2018

Here are the dates for the TRIO Upward Bound Academic Sessions. Students check in from 5:00--5:25.  Classes begin at 5:30, and students are dismissed at 8:30.  New students will NOT attend the September 19th session.  New students should ride the bus for the October 2nd session.

COLLEGE ADMISSION 101

For some Upward Bound students, that VERY special letter has come in--your first letter of college admission.  WHOO HOO!  And, while this is exciting news, there's more to be done.  

• Before you snap a picture, use a small piece of paper to cover up your STUDENT ID number. Then, SHARE it--to the world if you want but especially for me.
• Put your Letter of Admission in your senior binder so that, when we have our first Upward Bound Senior Success Seminar on October 3rd, we can scan your letter for your digital file.  You will thank me later for this, especially when scholarship committees ask for verification.
• Review what the letter says to do next--log into your student account, attend a preview day, etc.
• Look at departmental scholarships for your school.  These are sometimes merit-based, but other times, they want an essay, portfolio, or audition.  
• Keep a check list of different college admissions and then figure out which college is right for you (based on academic interest, finances, and environment). 

If you applied to UM this past summer but haven't gotten a letter of acceptance, we need to figure out why.  Sometimes, they need more paperwork.  Othertimes, they want an Admission Fee.  (Remember the Request for Admission Deferral I gave you this summer).  If you need more of these, just let me know.

For others, who didn't meet ACT or GPA requirements, you need to get busy.  The deadline for the October ACT is September 16th, so you may want to go ahead and register now.  

It's important for ALL SENIORS to have an OUTSTANDING semester, because these are the grades scholarship committees will see last on your transcript.  SHOW YOU ARE COLLEGE BOUND!

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH BY STATE

Here is a link to a website where you can do a scholarship search by state:  Scholarship Search by State.   

Of course, if you want to search other states, you can--just remember that oftentimes, you will have to pay out of state tuition rates.

There are LOTS of scholarships listed here.  Look through the different pages--especially by school and see what scholarships are available at particular schools where you you are interested in attending.

SENIOR CONTACT INFORMATION

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT & COMMUNITY SERVICE SUMMARIES

Seniors, if you created a shared file in your Google Drive, I have uploaded a copy of your status report, which details Community Service and Cultural Enrichment totals.  

I know some of you are trying to update your resume and/or fill out scholarship applications, so this will help.  I am also trying to make sure your transcript is in your drive.  If you have an ACT score higher than the copy in your drive folder contact me so I can update that information, too.

Most importantly, stay focused!  Senior year can be fun, but it can become stress-filled if you don't stay on track.  Contact, either by calling or by text.  

QUESTBRIDGE--Deadline September 27

2017 National College Match

Apply by September 27 for full scholarships to top colleges

QuestBridge students have succeeded academically while experiencing long-term financial hardship.

We are looking for academically stellar students who have demonstrated a level of academic achievement that meets the admissions standards of our college partners. These are students whom you can envision thriving on the campus of a leading college. In addition, students must demonstrate ongoing financial hardship.

The characteristics below are based on successful QuestBridge applicants from previous years, and are not strict requirements or cut-offs:

Academic Achievement:

• In the top 5% or 10% of their class.
• Have received mostly A’s in the most rigorous classes available.
• Strong standardized test scores (if taken).

Financial Qualification:

• Household income is less than $65,000 a year, and often less for a typical family of four, with minimal assets.
• Often eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Personal Circumstances:

• Often in the first generation in their family to attend a four-year U.S. college.
• Strong personal character and unusually high level of family responsibility (caring for siblings, part-time work to support family financially, etc.)
• Extracurricular achievements, such as leadership or community activities.

SCHOLARSHIP SEASON

The SCHOLARSHIP SEASON HAS BEGUN!

I will put some of the links on FB, but I will try to list some of the major ones here.  You should CAREFULLY read the information to see if you qualify (most have GPA requirements, income levels (found on Page 1 of your parent's tax forms), essays, documentation of leadership and service to the community.  

The Horacio Alger Scholarship 
(DEADLINE October 25th)--Go to this scholarship link HERE. "The Horacio Alger Association honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education." 

You have a story to tell, and your essays should be thoroughly thought out and edited (put these in your Google Drive Senior folder and make sure it is shared with Mrs. Buff buf2teach@gmail.com).  View details about the scholarship here with this poster link Horacio Alger Scholarship Poster.

ACT DATES AND DEADLINES

It's time for the ACT again.  If you are a senior and have not scored what you want (20 minimum) or 30 for the full paid scholarships, look at the September and October dates--but check band schedules/other events that may hinder you.  PLAN AHEAD.  Most of the BIG scholarships have Dec. 1 or early Jan. due dates.