Jr/Sr Handbook Crosby Scholars Iredell County

CROSBY SCHOLARS

IREDELL COUNTY JUNIOR/SENIOR HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 ABOUT THE PROGRAM 03 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 04 REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED 05 COLLEGE ADVISING 06 COLLEGE ADVISING CONTINUED 07 ADMISSIONS TOP 10 TASKS 08 TEST PREP TIPS 09 COLLEGE LIST & TOURS 10 ESSAY WRITING STRATEGIES 11 FINANCIAL AID TIPS 12 RECOMMENDATIONS 13 BENEFITS & RECOGNITION 14 RESOURCES 15 GLOSSARY 19 JUNIOR/SENIOR STAFF 20 COMMUNICATION

CROSBY SCHOLARS IREDELL COUNTY

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

WELCOME! Whether you're looking to enroll at a four-year or two-year college, enter the workforce, or even pursue military enlistment, our mission is to prepare you for what comes next after high school.

As a Junior/Senior Crosby Scholar, you'll have access to a wide range of relevant and up-todate resources including college advising, test prep, essay review, YouScience career aptitude testing, workshops, and more FOR FREE! We can't wait to hear about your college and career goals, and we're so excited to help you reach them!

The Crosby Scholars Iredell Junior/Senior Staff

02

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1

COMMUNITY SERVICE: ANY NON-PROFIT ACTIVITY JUNIORS: Submit 2 or more hours of service by January 31

2

SENIORS: Submit 2 hours of service by January 31

ACADEMIES: CLASSES FOR COLLEGE PREP JUNIORS: Complete 1 or more academies by January 31

SENIORS: Complete 1 academies by January 31

Register in the Crosby Scholars Student/Parent Portal

3

COLLEGE VISIT/FAIR FORM: EXPLORE COLLEGES Submit the form after exploring 4 colleges at a college fair, in person, or virtually by August 31 of senior year.

Students can complete this requirement anytime before the senior year deadline.

Tip: Senior requirements can be completed junior year!

Example: Complete 2 academies as a junior to fulfill the senior academy requirement.

03

REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED 5

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROGRAM ORIENTATION This is your chance to learn more about what you'll need to succeed as a member of the program! We'll also give you insight into how Crosby Scholars will guide you through the college admissions and financial aid processes!

(Orientations will occur in the fall of junior year) Note: This cannot replace an academy.

6

COMPLETE 3 GOOGLE FORMS INITIAL MEETING: Tell us about yourself!

Any college/career goals? (Due August 30 senior year) APPLICATION STATUS: Tell us where you are! Let us know how can we help you through the admissions process.

(Due December 31 senior year) STUDENT DECISION: Tell us where you're going! What are your plans after high school? (Due April 15 senior year)

7

POSSIBLE RANDOM DRUG SCREENING

04

COLLEGE ADVISING STARTING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS? LET'S WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER!

JUNIOR SCHEDULE & REQUIREMENTS

1

FALL: Complete Advisor Selection Form

2

WINTER: Advisor selected or assigned

3

SPRING: Initial Advisor Meeting

SENIOR SCHEDULE & REQUIREMENTS

4

SUMMER: Summer Advisor Meeting

5

FALL: Fall Semester Check-In

6

WINTER: Spring Semester Check-In

DEADLINES ADVISOR SELECTION FORM: Due December 31 INITIAL ADVISOR MEETING: Due May 31 SUMMER ADVISOR MEETING: Due August 31 FALL SEMESTER CHECK-IN: Due December 31 SPRING SEMESTER CHECK-IN: Due April 15

05

COLLEGE ADVISING CONTINUED INITIAL ADVISOR MEETING Let's get to know each other! We'll go over your college/career goals and develop a plan as you begin the admissions process and think about your college list.

SUMMER ADVISOR MEETING Time to dig a bit deeper and build upon what was discussed during your first meeting!

Summer is a great time to tackle admissions essays and explore sites like Common App.

FALL SEMESTER CHECK-IN Have any questions before you submit an application? Let's talk about it! You'll also receive reminders about the FAFSA and other financial aid resources.

SPRING SEMESTER CHECK-IN You've been accepted! We can explore your admissions letters, financial aid awards, and scholarships to help you make the big decision.

06

ADMISSIONS

TOP 10 TASKS 1

DEVELOP YOUR COLLEGE LIST

2

CREATE A CALENDAR WITH DEADLINES

3

VISIT/TOUR COLLEGES

4

KNOW HOW YOU'RE APPLYING & CREATE ACCOUNT (COMMON APP, CFNC, COLLEGE WEBSITE)

5

BRAINSTORM ESSAY TOPICS

6

WRITE & REVIEW ESSAY DRAFTS

7

REQUEST TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

8

RESEARCH POTENTIAL COST OF COLLEGE

9

CREATE FSA ID & APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (FAFSA)

10

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

07

TEST PREP TIPS 1

RESEARCH & SELECT A TEST (ACT/SAT)

2

KNOW REGISTRATION DEADLINES & TEST DATES

3

GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME TO PREP & RETAKE

4

DECIDE ON A TARGET SCORE (EXPLORE COMMON DATA SETS ON COLLEGE SITES)

5

RETAKE TESTS IF NECESSARY

Want to be considered for National Merit Scholarships?

Don't forget to take the PSAT in the fall of junior year at your school!

You will have the option to submit 4 score reports for free after you register for a test. If you are a strong test-taker, this may be a good idea.

However, self-reporting your scores and submitting offical score reports when required by a college is the safest and most recommended option.

TEST-OPTIONAL SCHOOLS: Scores aren't required for admission, but other aspects of your application will be considered more TEST-BLIND SCHOOLS: Scores do not affect admissions decisions even if they are submitted

08

COLLEGE LIST & TOURS AN IMPORTANT -- AND FUN -- STEP IN YOUR ADMISSIONS PROCESS!

LIST CREATION

COLLEGE TOURS

Creating your college list involves knowing what you want to gain from your college experience. Not sure where to start? Asking yourself a few important questions can help guide you in the right direction.

Think: What are my interests? What is my learning style? What are my goals for the future? Do I have a preference for location or distance?

A great way to learn more about a college while immersing yourself in their culture is by participating in an inperson tour. While on campus, you'll have access to knowledgable tour guides who'll be happy to answer your questions and showcase what sets their university apart from the rest.

Many schools even offer you the option to explore their campus on your own!

Understanding which aspects you're looking for in a college makes creating your list much easier, so be specific with your preferences and don't be afraid to be a bit picky. After all, you're going to want to enjoy your time on campus!

Unable to have an in-person visit?

Consider looking into virtual options.

Most schools provide the public with 3D interactive tours online, giving you the ability to travel on campus wherever you are!

Be sure to submit your College Visit/Fair Form, and register for our Creating Your College List Academy!

Links on Resources Page

09

ESSAY WRITING STRATEGIES MAKE YOUR ESSAY MEMORABLE WITH THESE TIPS!

1

BE YOURSELF! YOUR ESSAY IS ABOUT YOU.

2

READ YOUR SELECTED ESSAY PROMPTS CAREFULLY

3

WRITE SOMETHING YOU WOULD ENJOY READING

4

BE MINDFUL OF TONE & UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE

5

LEAVE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR INTRO AND CONCLUSION

6

TRY ANSWERING THE PROMPT CREATIVELY

7

USE A GRAMMAR AND SPELLING CHECKER (EX. GRAMMARLY)

8

BE EXPERIMENTAL! (TRANSITIONS, QUOTES, IMAGERY, ETC.)

9

ATTEND A CROSBY SCHOLARS ESSAY WRITING ACADEMY!

10

SUBMIT YOUR WRITING TO CROSBY SCHOLARS FOR REVIEW!

10

FINANCIAL AID TIPS WHEN COMPLETING THE FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID): 1

COMPLETE THE FAFSA ASAP AFTER IT OPENS (APPLY BEFORE MARCH 1ST)

2

IF POSSIBLE, USE THE IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL WHEN IMPORTING TAX INFO

3

KEEP FSA ID (USERNAME & PASSWORD) IN A SAFE PLACE FOR YEARLY ACCESS

4

READ SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY!

5

APPLY FOR CROSBY SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIPS AND LAST DOLLAR GRANTS!

After your FAFSA is complete, expect an email from the U.S. Department of Education with your Student Aid Report (SAR) attached.

Keep this email and keep track your SAR, as it contains your EFC and other information you may need to apply for Scholarships.

FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid; this form is recommended for ANYONE interested in applying for financial aid for college or graduate school FSA ID: Your username and password created to access the FAFSA and the U.S. Department of Education's online systems

11

RECOMMENDATIONS 1

REQUEST RECOMMENDATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (EARLY SENIOR YEAR)

2

KNOW WHICH TYPE OF RECOMMENDATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY

3

UNDERSTAND HOW MANY RECOMMENDATIONS YOU NEED PER COLLEGE

4

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE THE MOST WIDELY ACCEPTED BY COLLEGES

5

YOUR RECOMMENDER SHOULD BE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU WELL

Recommendations can sometimes be a deciding factor during the admissions process, as they showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. A good recommendation may highlight your accomplishments, personality, and character among other noteworthy qualities you have.

ACTIVITY RESUME: A list of every activity you're participating in and outside of school; giving this to your recommender may help them write a more detailed letter of recommendation.

FERPA WAIVER: A quick and easy form that is completed before you request recommendations; you'll want to waive your right to view your recommendation letters, as colleges are looking for authentic and honest responses

12

BENEFITS & RECOGNITION NOW THAT YOU'RE A CROSBY SCHOLAR, HERE'S WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU!

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

- Monthly Newsletters - Essay Review - SAT/ACT Prep - Scholarships - Last Dollar Grants - Career Exploration - Service Hours - Mock Interviews - Parent Academies

SENIOR RECOGNITION & AWARDS SENIOR GALA: Join us for a night of celebration as we honor our graduating Crosby Scholars!

CORD & CERTIFICATE: Just in time for graduation!

SENIOR SLIDESHOW: Share your after-high school plans, and send us a photo of yourself to be featured in this presentation!

SENIOR GIFT: Something special to congratulate you for completing the Crosby Scholars program!

13

RESOURCES CROSBY SCHOLARS LINKS

- Crosby Scholars Iredell Website - Student & Parent Portal (Academies, Scholarships, Last Dollar Grants, & more!)

- Community Service Form - College Visit/Fair Form - Junior/Senior Crosby Scholars Journey Maps

COLLEGE APPLICATION LINKS

- Common App Website | Coalition App Website - College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) - North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) - CollegeBoard - BigFuture College Planner - YouScience Career Guidance Log In - U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard - ACT Registration and Test Dates - SAT Registration and Test Dates - College Essay Advisors Common App Essay Guide

FINANCIAL AID LINKS

- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) - BigFuture Scholarship Search

14

GLOSSARY ACT/SAT College entrance exams used by most colleges and universities to determine college readiness and admissions ASSOCIATES DEGREE An academic degree awarded by a community college after completion of two years of study BACHELOR'S DEGREE An academic degree awarded by a college or university after completion of 4+ years of study CFNC The College Foundation of North Carolina is a free, comprehensive online resource designed to help all North Carolina students and families plan, apply, and pay for college COALITION APP A standard college application form that is accepted by over 150 colleges and universities COLLEGE LIST A list of researched colleges that is broken into three categories (Safety, Target, and Reach)

COMMON APP An undergraduate college admission application that students may use to apply to any of more than 900 member institutions; this application is most widely used by students COMMON BLACK COLLEGE APP An undergraduate college admission application that students may use to apply to over 60 Historically Black Colleges and Universities COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE North Carolina's annual campaign to support college access during the month of October, including Free College Application Week CSS PROFILE The College Scholarship Service Profile is an online application created by CollegeBoard that allows college students to apply for non-federal financial aid DEFERRED ADMISSION An opportunity for a student who has been admitted to delay or defer enrollment for a year or semester

15

EARLY ACTION (EA) A non-binding option to submit your college application before the regular deadlines EARLY DECISION (ED) An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in that college if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets for financial needs.

EFC The Estimated Family Contribution is an index number that colleges use to determine how much financial aid they're eligible to receive FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by prospective and current college students in the U.S. to determine their eligibility for financial aid FINANCIAL AID Money that is given or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, work- study, and loans.

FIRST GENERATION STUDENT A college student whose parents do not have post-secondary education experience or have not completed a college degree FSA ID The Federal Student Aid Identification is an electronic signature used to sign the FAFSA and federal education loan promissory notes. The FSA ID consists of a username and password.

GRANT A form of financial aid that usually does not have to be repaid HBCU Historically Black Colleges or Universities are institutions that were originally founded to educate students of African American descent LOAN Borrowed money that is used to pay for college which must be repaid and includes interest and fees NCAA The National Collegiate Athletic Association is the governing body of college athletics and is responsible for regulating student-athletes

16

NET PRICE CALCULATOR (NPC) A tool that allows prospective and current students and their families to estimate the cost needed to pay in a year to cover education expenses PRIORITY DATE OR DEADLINE The date by which your application -whether it's for college admission, student housing, or financial aid -must be received to be given the strongest consideration RCN The Residency Certification Number is a unique identifier that RDS assigns to you when you begin the RDS interview.

It may be requested by NC colleges when applying.

RDS The Residency Determination Service is a centralized residency service for all students seeking admission to, and an in-state tuition rate at, a NC public college or university REACH SCHOOLS Your test scores, GPA, and/or class rank are below those of the majority of accepted students at these schools.

REGULAR DECISION (RD) A non-binding deadline for college applications. This falls after the early action deadline for most schools.

ROLLING ADMISSION (RA) A process where a college or university evaluates applications as they come in rather than evaluating all applications after a set deadline ROOM AND BOARD The cost of having a place to sleep (room) and food to eat (board) while at school SAFETY SCHOOLS Your test scores, GPA, and/or class rank are above those of the majority of accepted students at these schools.

SAR The Student Aid Report is the electronic or paper report you receive summarizing your FAFSA and EFC information SCHOLARSHIP A financial award that is given to a student that does not have to be repaid

17

TARGET SCHOOLS Your test scores, GPA, and/or class rank closely match those of the majority of accepted students at these schools.

TRANSCRIPT The official record of your coursework at a school or college. Your high school transcript is required for college admission TUITION AND FEES The quarterly or semester charges imposed to attend an institution of higher education and required as a condition of enrollment WORK STUDY A job that is used as a supplement to your financial aid; usually a job on campus

18

JUNIOR/SENIOR STAFF HAVE A QUESTION? FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO ANYONE ON OUR TEAM!

JENNIFFER JAMISON Junior/Senior Program Manager EMAlL: jjamison@crosbyscholarsiredell.org

MARIAH ROSEBORO Junior/Senior Near Peer Advisor EMAIL: mroseboro@crosbyscholarsiredell.org

RACHAEL REYNOLDS Advising & Outreach High School Specialist EMAIL: rreynolds@crosbyscholarsiredell.org

19

COMMUNICATION HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND US!

CONTACT US! IREDELL COUNTY CROSBY SCHOLARS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP 124 Fourth Crescent Place, Statesville, NC 28625 www.crosbyscholarsiredell.org

|

Email: info@crosbyscholarsiredell.org

FOLLOW US! FACEBOOK: Crosby Scholars Iredell County INSTAGRAM: @crosbyscholarsiredell TWITTER: @iredellcrosby

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED? Update your email and cell phone number in the Crosby Scholars Student/Parent Portal

20