WELCOME CLASS of 2021

WELCOME TO SENIOR SUCCESS!

Over the next 6 weeks, we will do some crucial work to make sure you are ready for your Senior Year. You will notice there are multiple assignments, as well as multiple ways you will access the documents, start scholarships, and get the "inside track" to know when everything is due.

Joining our Senior Success Seminars will be the AWESOME Master Tutor Jamaica Dunigan.  Throughout the summer, we will also have special guests to address important topics.

Each Senior Academic Development (aka Senior Success) will have a short video (probably no more than 15 minutes).  If at all possible, please watch it LIVE on Zoom, so if you have questions, you won't have to type them, submit them, and then wait for a response.  It WILL be recorded...or so we hope.

So, get ready!  We have LOTS to do!

• Go to the ZOOM link in the next assignment.

• Add your email to get the UMUB Seniors blog (this can be your UM email, your Gmail, or both)!  It is in the lower RIGHT hand section on this page.

• Follow the NOTES with each assignment.

COVID-19 Relief

From SCHOLLY

Apply today to receive $200 in cash assistance to help cover expenses during this global crisis. This application takes less than two minutes.

“At Scholly, we’re proud to be known for big scholarship and student loan payoff payoffs. But in these unprecedented times, we believe it’s our duty to help as many students and their families as possible. By providing $200 in cash assistance, we aim to provide essential financial help to buy groceries, health supplies, and other necessities to those in need. If you’re a student, parent of a student, or graduate, we encourage you to apply today.

Complete your application below. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and are subject to approval and available funds.”

https://myscholly.com/relief/

NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR UMUB SENIORS

Good morning!  

We have another scholarship offering.  Save this format, as you will use it in several other applications that are not as narrow as this one.

Marlena Hayes Memorial Scholarship $500

Here are the guidelines:

• Picture (See sample)
• 400-600 word essay
• Introduce yourself
• Goals
• Involvement in UB
• Community involvement and/or leadership
• Choice of college you hope to attend (can go under goals with your choice of major)
• Plans on pursuing a health care field

CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE FROM LAST YEAR
Marlena Hayes Memorial Scholarship Sample

Due to Mrs. Buff (buffmj@montevallo.edu)

April 15, 2020

What qualifies as a health care field?

• Any type of Medical or PreMed major
• Physical Therapy
• Nursing
• Lab technician
• Mental Health Counseling

Thinking of YOU

Update for March 14th activities and beyond

SENIORS, 

Please help us pass the word along:

NO SUPER SATURDAY, ACT TESTING, or CAREER DAY tomorrow, March 14th.

Due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, and out of concern for the safety of our campus community, the University of Montevallo will extend its spring break, March 16-27.  Beginning Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 10, classes will be taught online and via other alternative instructional methods. 

THEREFORE, WE WILL NOT HAVE ON CAMPUS TRIO UPWARD BOUND WEEKDAY SESSIONS ON MARCH 31 and APRIL 6.  

However, will offer online tutoring.  For students needing assistance with tutoring (including online assignments from your school), scholarships, and/or want to work on ACT Skills, TRIO Upward Bound Programs can help.  Please contact Mrs. Buff (205) 516-5007 (buf2teach@gmail.com) or Jamaica (251) 767-7193 (jamaicadunigan@gmail.com). 

These decisions are based on current best practices from the CDC and public health officials regarding social distancing as a prevention strategy for disease transmission. This remains a fluid situation and UM will continue to monitor it closely.

   

Please continue to monitor, montevallo.edu/coronavirus-information throughout the coming weeks for regular updates.

Keep in touch and stay healthy!

SENIOR UPDATES March 10, 2020

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW

March 16-17   BRIDGE INTERVIEWS

• Watch for email with more details.
• Plan to attend EARLY FRESHMAN ORIENTATION at UM on April 24th.  

April 14  Deadline for CE and CS credit 

• For UB scholarships
• For info on ALL scholarships.

April 21, 2020  COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

• Wear your college T Shirt (or College Colors)
• Invite your parents
• Get ready to SMILE

MORE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS TO COME

May 5  UB AWARDS 

• All seniors will receive some level of a book scholarship.
• DRESS UP!

I'M BACK!

I'm back, and I CAN'T WAIT to see you Tuesday, March 10th.  We have another important Senior Success during the 3rd block (the only one in March).  In this session, I will discuss:

• Bridge Interview Dates
• UB Scholarships...and I KNOW you want to know about these
• College Signing Date
• March and April Scholarships
• May 4 Awards Ceremony

I am so thankful to be getting healthier and I want to hear about all of you!

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

TODAY is the deadline for College Counts.  There is no essay, so you can get this done!  

Tomorrow is the deadline for Regions Riding Forward.

COLLEGE COUNTS DEADLINE APPROACHING

The COLLEGE COUNTS DEADLINE IS APPROACHING!

Closes – February 27, 2020 – 11:59 pm/CST

If you have taken any Advanced, Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment classes APPLY.  

Last year, some who had a higher ACT or income still got the $4,000 award.  

https://treasury.alabama.gov/collegecounts-scholarship/

I am putting January 2020 transcripts in Google Docs TODAY.

Tonight's reminder

GOOD AFTERNOON!

Here's a quick reminder that Bridge applications are due this evening.  

When you finish, you can put it in your drive and send it by email the attachment (with the essay) to buffmj@montevallo.edu/buf2teach@gmail.com.

The AWESOME Jamaica will be handling Senior Success this evening, but I will see you soon!

SENIOR SUCCESS SEMINAR January 7, 2020

Here are the notes from the January 7th Senior Success Seminar.  I've been saying this a lot lately, but 

Click this link for the PDF of the handout.
Senior Success Seminar January 7, 2020

A NEW YEAR IS UPON US

Greetings, Seniors!  

A new year...your graduation year... is upon us.  

Before you know it, you will have walked across the stage and into the next phase of your life.  IF you plan to continue on to college (as I know most of you do), you will need these special "gifts" to aid you.  

• Scholarship offers
• Admission offers
• Your Financial Aid package from the college you plan to attend
• Healthy relationships
• Poignant memories
• Crucial skills

The next 10 days may be a "Make It or Break It" time for key scholarships.  Review guidelines carefully so see if you meet GPA, ACT, and income requirements.  

• SAEOPP is due to me by January 8 (I can edit your essay as soon as you finish it).  I have to submit your application, so get it done soon.  
• SMITH Scholarship is due by January 10.  Completed, it's 40+ pages, so you need to get this done NOW.  

I will be available ALL DAY (8:00--5:00) on January 2 and 3 and January 9 (8:00--2:00) at my office.  This is the BEST WAY to get help.  I can't write your essays, but I CAN give you help.  

Today....GRRRR....I'm assisting females who qualify with Linly Heflin.  Tomorrow, I will be ready to help with other scholarships.

SMITH RECOMMENDATIONS

I just completed ONE Smith recommendation.  My part is 6 pages printed (YIKES!).  You need to make sure you let your recommenders know IMMEDIATELY so they can get their part done.  

Ms. Cottrell said that she needed to know IF you needed a recommendation from her no later than December 20.  

SMITH (up to $15,000 per year for 4 years)

IN PAST YEARS, WINNERS HAVE WORKED 3—6 weeks on the application.  YOU MUST HAVE ALL ESSAYS DONE BY January 6^th so I have time to edit them all.

·       ACT of 20 or higher

·       3.0 or higher GPA

·       Pages 1 and 2 of your parents’ 1040 (Scan and your Google Drive)

·       FAFSA SAR (Download and put in your Google Drive)

·       ESSAYS (START THE APPLICATION TO SEE WHAT IS REQUIRED).  Let me know your email and password.

·       FULL LIST of Community Service and volunteer work  (estimate the total number of hours)

·       FULL LIST of Honors and Awards

·       Leadership—If you have held office in an organization or have been a TRIO Upward Bound Ambassador, put this on your résumé.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You MUST request these before December 14^th (My recommendation is to request the letter NOW and include your detailed résumé.) 

Please make an effort to get this done ASAP so that the professional you ask has time to do it.  
SELECT PEOPLE WHO KNOW YOU WELL. 

o   I will be your main recommender.  I write good letters, about your character, drive, academic abilities, and goals for college.  Make sure to let me know what your goals are and where you plan to attend college.  For seniors who have already asked me for letters of recommendation, yours are DONE. I need a DETAILED résumé. 

§  Mary Jo Buff

§  University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound Academic Coordinator

§  UB Station 6268 Montevallo, AL 35115

§  buffmj@montevallo.edu

§  (205) 665-6289

o   Either a teacher/principal at your school can be a 2^nd recommender.

§  You will need all of this information for the 2^nd recommender.

o   Ms. Cottrell, a pastor, youth leader, or another teacher can be a recommender if you need a 3^rd one—SMITH USUALLY REQUIRES 3.  (If you use Ms. Cottrell, please have your résumé to her with your request for a letter of recommendation.

§  Alexandria Cottrell

§  University of Montevallo TRIO Upward Bound Student Development Coordinator

§  Acottre1@montevallo.edu

§   (205) 660 1043 (text Ms. Cottrell’s Google Voice)

§  You will need all of this information for the 3^rd recommender.

Other people who can help you

Jamaica Dunigan                 jamaicadunigan@gmail.com (251) 767-7193

            Editing essays; Ideas for topics in Smith essays/goals for the future

Nick Preston                        npreston@montevallo.edu (205) 299-7076

            Ideas for topics in Smith /goals for the future

Tiffany Thomas                   thomastiffany142@gmail.com (205) 769-5103

Ideas for topics in Smith and Linly Heflin essays/goals for the future

Gabby Pringle                     pringleg@bibbed.org        (205) 454-2296

Ideas for topics in Smith and Linly Heflin essays/goals for the future

Stephanie McGregor         mcgregors51498@gmail.com (256) 861-4305

Editing Essays; Ideas for topics/goals for the future

UM ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT WAIVER

GOOD NEWS!  

Seniors, if you meet this two criteria, you may not have to pay the $100 Enrollment Deposit Fee Waiver here at UM.  Here are the requirements:  

• IF you are planning to attend UM in the Fall of 2020 and
• IF you qualify for a Pell Grant

Follow this link to apply:  https://dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com/Submit/Form/Page?form=340a109f-daea-42f8-afb0-c4733fd8f16b&page=148397&token=GKlFs6XJuENK1gF2xAo6QO6uGWUlPdj2fvehixQFK%2Bc%3D

A special SHOUT OUT to Nick Preston for letting me know this even exists!

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!

Smith Scholarship 2020 UPDATE

OK. We now know what is expected on the Smith application. It is VERY intense...when done, it is 42 pages of information printed. EVERYTHING HAS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE, and you will need help, so start it NOW.

(These responses need to be about 250 words.  MAKE THEM THOUGHTFUL ANSWERS...SOMETHING THAT WILL STAND OUT).

• Describe a special person (friend, teacher, relative) who has helped you in good and bad times?
• What are your greatest STRENGTHS or TALENTS?
• What is the greatest weakness or the biggest mistake you have ever made? (Please describe in detail--Do not limit your answer to “stole a candy bar”)
• What have you done to combat this weakness or changes you have made to prevent yourself from repeating this mistake?  
• Explain your Financial Need.  Write about your family life, income, and other restraints that contribute to your Financial need.
• Why do you want to go to College?  

SMITH (up to $15,000 per year for 4 years)

IN PAST YEARS, WINNERS HAVE WORKED 3—6 weeks on the application.  YOU MUST HAVE ALL ESSAYS DONE BY January 6^th so I have time to edit them all.

• ·       ACT of 20 or higher
• ·       3.0 or higher GPA
• ·       Pages 1 and 2 of your parents’ 1040 (Scan and your Google Drive)
• ·       FAFSA SAR (Download and put in your Google Drive)
• ·       TRANSCRIPT
• ·       ESSAYS (START THE APPLICATION TO SEE WHAT IS REQUIRED).  Let me know your email and password.
• ·       FULL LIST of Community Service and volunteer work  (estimate the total number of hours)
• ·       FULL LIST of Honors and Awards
• ·       Leadership—If you have held office in an organization or have been a TRIO Upward Bound Ambassador, put this on your résumé.

Here are the new Smith questions (2020) 

Provide your own personal reasons instead of generic standard examples.

The Essay (Actually, there are 2).

·        Applicants own essay on future plans of accomplishment for yourself.  It is important that organization, spelling, grammar as well as content be reviewed or proofread.  (At least 500 words minimum, 1000 preferably)

·        Applicant’s own essay documenting community and civic oriented activities or assistance to family.  (At least 500 words minimum, 1000 words preferably)

I will be available on January 2, 3rd, and 6th. My suggestion is that you MAKE TIME to come to UM to work on this.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING NOW

So December is here.  I've set up an outline of what you should be doing for scholarships in December and January.  Remember, don't look at the due dates as much as WHEN you can begin.  Get busy NOW making use of EVERY opportunity you can for help. 

TWO MAJOR SCHOLARSHIPS COMING DUE SOON

• Linly Heflin (December 30)  Females with 23 or higher and qualify for a Pell Grant
• https://linlyheflin.formstack.com/forms/2020_scholarship_application
• Smith Scholarship (January 10)  Students who have overcome adversity, excelled in school and leadership  (It's a new application, so the prompts may have changed).
• https://smithscholarships.smapply.io/

Both of these scholarships are HUGE (both in the rewards of an astounding scholarship and in what will be expected of you).  BOTH NEED TO BE STARTED NOW.

After seeing HOW LATE everyone waited to do the actual Dell application, I've set up several additional dates to help you.

• December 7  Super Saturday  8:15--12:15  If you are working on scholarships, you need to be here, (and this would be a GREAT time to get help from MJB and other tutors).

• December 14  SPECIAL Super Saturday  8:15--12:15 You must sign up/cancel by 12:00 noon on Friday, Dec. 13.  (Again, this would be a GREAT time to get help from MJB and other tutors).  The Smith Scholarship is HUGE and will take at least 3-4 weeks to complete.  START EARLY!
• December 19-21  There will be SOME help available for editing essays, but the main parts of Smith/Linly Heflin should be done 

UM closes on December 16th, but I will have SOME time (as will other tutors) to help you with your applications.  DO NOT wait until December 24-25 to work on these.  I WILL NOT be available.  Furthermore, I will have limited time on December 29-30 because of family.  

Please plan to be at the December 10th Senior Success Seminar.  We will ALL be together and I will be leading the charge to make sure you know what to do.  

A WORD OF WISDOM

Thousands of students WANT scholarships, but only those who put sufficient time, effort, and  thought into them actually EARN a scholarship.  Why do I say this NOW?

Apparently, the deadlines are what you are looking at.  That’s not good. Seldom have winning essays been written in a few days, which is what MOST of the seniors are doing.  It takes time...planning on your part, and NOT waiting until it is a holiday weekend to do them.  That’s what has happened with the DELL Scholarship, even though the scholarship opened in OCTOBER.  THIS IS NOT GOOD.
Again, WHY?
     1) No one may be available to help you.
     2) You run out of time. 
     3) You make careless mistakes (like not capitalizing the              word I) or don’t adequately answer the questions.  

When a scholarship OPENS, start on it then.  Take care in completing the application thoroughly, and make sure that your application STANDS OUT.

To simply say you NEED a scholarship is not enough.  You have to CONVINCE the scholarship committee of your worth.  Let them see your effort, your drive, your purpose.

SAEOPP Scholarship Due to MJB January 8

Seniors,
The information for the SAEOPP Scholarship has just been released.  Here is the part you need to be working on now:  

These are two different scholarships for TRIO Students in the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina).  You will need to select ONE of the two scholarships and write your essay, demonstrating your outstanding academics and community service OR narrative about overcoming major challenges and obstacles to persevere academically.  

We will be able to nominate ONE PreCollege Scholarship application from EACH of the three proposals.  We will be able to nominate ONE Survivor application from EACH of the three proposals (This means we can nominate a total of 6 students for these scholarships--so you will be competing against each other for the BEST application in each category). 

I will give you the paper application and rubrics that will be used to grade your applications at the Senior Success Seminar on December 10.  

VII. Essay (400-500 words)

Essay Topic for Pre-College Scholarship  
Please describe in your own words (answer all 4 parts):

What character traits you possess that have helped you to overcome personal adversity?
Your degree of commitment to pursue a college education.
How do you anticipate making a contribution to society?

How has your involvement in TRiO assisted in preparation for college and life success?

Essay Topic for Survivor Scholarship
Please describe in your own words (answer both parts):
How are you a "survivor"?

How will NOT receiving this scholarship affect you?

Dell Scholarship and Linly Heflin Deadlines Approaching

The Dell Scholarship is due on Sunday, December 1.  

Go ahead and complete the registration using this link https://apply.dellscholars.org/Eligibility/Quiz to see if you qualify.  If you were on Free Lunch last year, you can click YES to the Free/Reduced Lunch part.  

GET THIS DONE NOW.

Here is information about the Linly Heflin Scholarship.

http://www.linlyheflin.org/stories-from-scholars/

This is a scholarship for females who have a 23 or higher on the ACT, a 3.4 or higher GPA, and have an EFC of 0000 on the FAFSA.  The award is $7,000 for 4 years (so this is BIG).  It is due DECEMBER 31.  The scholarship can be found here:

https://linlyheflin.formstack.com/forms/2020_scholarship_application