Issuu

CN 1: January + February

CN 2: March + April

May + June + July (no notes due)

CN 3: August + September

CN 4: October + November

December

CN 5: January + February

CN 6: March + April

CROSBY SCHOLARS CN #1 OUTLINE, CLASS OF 2026

DUE DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2025

ADVISOR INSTRUCTIONS

Use this outline to guide your conversation in your initial meeting with the scholar. Keep for your records. Review the Crosby Scholars Senior Roadmap and Advising Calendar provided by Crosby Scholars staff. After the meeting, submit Conference Notes 1 via CrosbyConnect to confirm the scholar has fulfilled this requirement. The digital version of this outline is linked to the team calendar and provides the most current information

MEETING OUTLINE BY TOPIC GOAL

Confirm High School Enrollment and Graduation Date

Remind the scholar the Senior Program is Portal driven. Log in to the CrosbyConnect.

To have accurate data. Advisor reports school enrollment and projected graduation date on the Conference Notes 1 Form. Scholar edits CrosbyConnect. Review plans if the scholar is graduating early and confirm scholar is enrolled in the courses needed to fulfill graduation requirements.

To confirm that scholar and parent contact information is accurate. The scholar's email address displayed in the portal should be the email address the scholar checks most often. Place an emphasis on Parent 1 - They will be copied on emails. Ask scholar if they need assistance navigating CrosbyConnect.

Review Senior Year Course Selection

Complete Think Like a Senior (TLS) Requirement

Review Senior Program requirements listed on the back of the Crosby Scholars Senior Program Roadmap Communicating with the Senior Program

Advisor's Role

To confirm scholar is enrolled in the most challenging courses in which they can succeed + has entered 4-year plan in Naviance.* Stress the importance of continuing with challenging courses their senior year. Ensure they will fulfill graduation requirements, and encourage them to speak with their school counselor to discuss their senior year schedule.

To confirm a plan to complete this Junior Program requirement. Juniors must attend one TLS session and they register through their CrosbyConnect. During TLS, juniors will be introduced to building a target list of colleges and decision plans to prepare them to create a plan for applying that suits their goals and preferences. View dates here.

To develop a plan to fulfill Senior Program requirements. Help your scholar to know the difference between Program requirements and expectations. Assist scholar with completing cf/v and community service requirements as a junior. Juniors who complete 4 or more service hours will fulfill both their junior and senior year requirements.

To review the ways the Senior Program shares information with scholars and families. Communication methods include email and text messages, CrosbyConnect, the Crosby Scholars website, and monthly newsletters. Remind scholars they are encouraged to contact the Senior Program, Financial Aid, and Advising Team via email and phone calls.

To help the scholar engage with and realize the full benefits of meeting with a Crosby Scholars Advisor. Explain in detail the various ways the advisor can assist the scholar including developing a target list of colleges, completing college applications, reviewing essays, communicating with colleges, fulfilling program requirements, and securing funding to pay for college. Help the scholar identify ways the advisor can assist them with their individual needs. View the role and responsibilities here.

Discuss the importance of visiting college campuses and complete the college fair/visit requirement.

To help scholars fully investigate schools before applying and especially before enrolling. Emphasize a college that seems ideal by reputation or online can make a much different impression in person Remind them that ruling a college out is just as significant as confirming their interest Assist the scholar with scheduling a campus visit The list of spring college visits with the Program staff will display on the team calendar. Resources: BigFuture's Campus Visits: Know Before You Go; CTCL Four Tips for a Productive Campus Visit, How to Prepare for a College Fair TikTok; NACAC's What you Need to Know for In-Person Fairs and What you Need to Know for Virtual Fairs

Begin Paying for College Discussion

Update Student Naviance Account (WS/FCS students only)

Explore Standardized Testing Plan + Discuss school based ACT

To encourage scholars to explore the family's plan to pay for college and what financial assistance is available. It is important for scholars to talk to their parents/guardians now about paying for college as they develop their target list of colleges. Contact the Crosby Financial Aid team as they can assist with this conversation. Share this article and view resources here.

To help scholars use their Student Naviance account. Encourage scholar to log in to the student Naviance account and set up their main home page to reflect what post-secondary pathway they are interested in. (They can change this as often as they wish!) Once the scholar builds an application list, the scholar should update the Colleges I’m Thinking About list in Naviance. Access the Naviance College App Product Reference Guide here.

To ensure the scholar knows how to check the most up-to-date information at each college regarding testing requirements and options. Help them decide about testing with their target colleges in mind. Inform them that there are exceptions to test-optional and test-flexible admission. Review fairtest.org with them. Encourage them to take advantage of FREE test prep through Crosby Scholars and/or by practicing online prior to the March 26 ACT statewide administration. View Crosby test prep dates here.

Attend one Think Like a Senior (TLS) Session*

Read Monthly Newsletter

Update 4-year plan in Naviance

Submit College Fair/Visit Form* via CrosbyConnect

Submit Community Service Form* via CrosbyConnect

*Requirement

Discuss paying for college with parent/guardian

Schedule campus visits during school holidays

Attend school and focus on performing well in class

If you have questions or need guidance, contact the Crosby Scholars Advising Program at advising@crosbyscholars org or Student-Selected Advisor Coordinator, Cindy Zimmerman, at czimmerman@crosbyscholars org Only wsfcs scholars have Naviance accounts

CROSBY

CROSBY SCHOLARS CN #2 OUTLINE, CLASS OF 2026

DUE DATE: MAY 1, 2025

ADVISOR INSTRUCTIONS

Use this outline to guide your conversation in your next meeting with the scholar. Keep for your records. Review the Crosby Scholars Senior Roadmap and Advising Calendar provided by Crosby Scholars staff. After the meeting, submit Conference Notes 2 via CrosbyConnect to confirm the scholar has fulfilled this requirement.

CONFERENCE NOTE #1 TOPICS TO REVISIT: GOAL

Review Spring entries displayed in the Crosby Scholars Senior Roadmap including junior year requirements

Discuss the importance of visiting college campuses and demonstrate interest in schools

To confirm a plan to complete each junior spring entry. Help the scholar create and execute a plan to fully utilize the spring semester to prepare for the upcoming college application season. Scholar must submit a community service form AND attend one TLS session by April 1. Help scholar submit the cs form during your meeting.

To help scholars fully investigate schools before applying and to demonstrate interest in schools. Assist scholar with scheduling summer and fall campus visits. Share Open House dates as they become available. If scholar has completed the requirement, have scholar submit the CF/CV Form during your meeting.

To confirm a plan to complete each junior spring entry. Help the scholar create and execute a plan to fully utilize the spring semester to prepare for the upcoming college application season. If scholar has volunteered for at least 4 hours, have scholar submit the community service form during your meeting.

MEETING OUTLINE BY TOPIC GOAL

Prep for March 26 ACT + Confirm Standardized Testing Plan

Determine First-Generation Status

To ensure the scholar is prepared to take the ACT at school on March 26 and learns current testing requirements and options at target colleges. Review scholar's current scores including the March 26 score and evaluate how they compare to first year profiles at target colleges to create a testing plan. Review future ACT + SAT test dates and test-prep opportunities with their target colleges in mind. Visit fairtest.org Scholars applying to test-optional schools have time to decide whether or not to submit test scores provided they didn't enter school names when they registered to take the tests. Attend FREE Crosby ACT test prep sessions

To ensure that first generation status is correct in CrosbyConnect. Invite conversation about being a first gen student. Inform the scholar of Crosby Scholars scholarships for first-gen scholars and review the services available to guide first-gen students and families through the admission and financial aid processes.

Review Mid-Year Academic Profile

Build a Balanced Target List

Review College Decision Plans

To ensure scholar knows their GPA and understands what colleges will see when they apply to college. Review the transcript record provided. The scholar should keep in mind their GPA, courses taken, and grades earned as they build a balanced target list of colleges. Stress the importance of junior year performance in the admissions process. Remind scholar it is the year when most students take more challenging classes, and it will be the most recent full-year performance before applying to college. Confirm the scholar is enrolled in the most challenging senior year courses in which they can succeed and alert scholar that colleges will review their senior year courses.

To help scholar confirm what colleges they will to apply to. Scholars must know their current academic profile to evaluate match and consider their preferences to evaluate fit Encourage the scholar to use these tools to research colleges: Naviance, CollegeBoard College Search Tool, Big Future's Choosing the Right College for You, College Scorecard | U S Department of Education, College Navigator | College Search Tool to identify schools Review the categories: likely + target + reach schools It is important to only include schools the scholar would be happy to attend View the two academy recordings: Jump into College Research + Create Your College List (coming soon).

To confirm scholar understands each decision plan and what they will commit themselves to in choosing how to apply. Confirm scholar understands the timeline of the admission cycle for each. Review the various college decision plans and help the scholar consider which decision plan is best for them.

MEETING OUTLINE BY TOPIC GOAL

Review College Application Types

Discuss Potential Majors and Areas of Interest + Relate this to Target List

To ensure scholar is aware of the various college application types, and how to use them for greatest efficiency in applying. Encourage scholar to create an account in alliance with their target list of colleges Introduce ways to apply to college for free, including but not limited to, College Application Week through CFNC and Common App fee waivers Encourage the scholar to check the school's website for the most current information on application types accepted.

To assist students in thinking about academic areas of interest that they might want to focus on in college as a major. Have a conversation with the scholar about their academic interests and to reassure students that it is perfectly normal NOT to have a specific major when they enter college To educate students interested in majors such as nursing, business, etc about a possible second (after admission) competitive process they will face in order to pursue those majors at certain schools To remind the scholar to ensure colleges on their target list offer potential majors that interest them by looking up the list of majors on the individual college websites they are considering To encourage the ASVAB as a no-cost investment in better understanding their strengths and interests, and remind scholar that they will not be contacted to enter the military if they take this test Encourage scholars to visit the FREE ASVAB Career Exploration Program to align skills and interests with post-secondary options. College Board's The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Major

Begin Understanding College Costs + Scholarship Search

Review Crosby Scholars Guide to Letters of Recommendation

To help scholar begin to understand and consider college costs while creating a target list of colleges. Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA) of colleges is an important step in determining affordability and creating a plan to pay for college Using a Net Price Calculator can help scholars understand how much a college may cost them after financial aid has been awarded Understanding college costs will allow them to make a smarter financial choice about which schools to pursue. Explain how scholarships can help them and their family pay for college and become familiar with ways to search for scholarships

To help scholar select people who know them well and advise them to choose people who can speak to their growth as a student, an athlete, or as a school leader To emphasize that the student should submit only the number of recommendations that a college requests! It is important to ask permission to give their recommender's name and contact information and ask far enough in advance to allow time for a quality recommendation Consider asking core subject teachers (in person) before they leave for summer break and explain why they asked that teacher. Remind scholars that recommendations can make a huge difference in their application so if they are optional at the colleges under consideration, the scholar should still submit them.

Review Senior Academy Pathways

SCHOLARS TO-DO LIST

To assist scholars in proactively deciding which Senior Academies will be the most helpful for them to attend To explore with students which pathway best reflects their needs and to remind them that they are required to attend one academy and are encouraged to attend all academies they believe will benefit them Often times it can be very helpful for a scholar to attend academies over the summer when they tend to have fewer commitments Registration opens via the student portal Academies have started

attend FREE Crosby ACT test prep - take ACT on 3/26 @ school

read the monthly newsletter + the weekly emails

apply to join the Crosby Scholars Leadership Council

submit college fair/visit Form* via CrosbyConnect

submit community service form* via CrosbyConnect

receive Class of 2026 tee--shirt

*Requirement

draft a balanced target list of colleges

update or create a CFNC, Common App, etc accounts continue paying for college discussion w/parent/guardian schedule campus visits + research fall Open House dates ask teachers for letters of rec before summer break

If you have questions or need guidance, contact the Crosby Scholars Advising Program at advising@crosbyscholars.org or Student-Selected Advisor Specialist, Cindy Zimmerman, at czimmerman@crosbyscholars.org.

CROSBY SCHOLARS RISING SENIOR SUMMER OUTLINE, CLASS

OF 2026

ADVISOR INSTRUCTIONS

Use this outline to guide your summer communication with the scholar and keep it for your records. Review the Crosby Scholars Senior Roadmap and Advising Calendar provided by Crosby Scholars staff. Conference notes are not due during the summer, but scholars should review this outline to prepare for the fall.

CONFERENCE NOTE #1 TOPICS TO REVISIT: GOAL

Review Senior Program requirements listed on the back of the Crosby Scholars Senior Roadmap

Discuss the importance of visiting college campuses and complete the college fair/college visit requirement

To establish a plan for fulfilling Senior Program requirements during the summer, when scholars typically have fewer commitments. Use the summer before the senior year to complete program requirements, such as submitting community service and college fair/visit forms, and attending at least one Senior Academy

To help scholars thoroughly explore schools before applying and demonstrate their interest. Assist them with scheduling summer and fall campus visits. Share Open House dates as they become available. Emphasize that college visits can help scholars decide whether to apply and not to confirm what they believe they already know It’s equally important to rule out colleges as it is to rule them in

Review Standardized Testing Options + Finalize Testing Plan

To ensure scholars understand the testing requirements and options at target colleges. Discuss their current scores and compare them to first year profiles at target colleges to develop a testing plan. Review upcoming ACT + SAT test dates and test-prep opps Remind the scholars that at test-optional schools, they have until they submit their applications to decide whether or not to include their scores

CONFERENCE NOTE #2 TOPICS TO REVISIT: GOAL

Finalize a Balanced College List

Review College Decision Plans + College Application Types + Deadlines

To assist scholars in finalizing their college application choices, encourage them to use the following tools: CollegeBoard College Search Tool, Big Future's Choosing the Right College for You, College Scorecard | U S Department of Education, College Navigator | College Search Tool Remind scholar to consider acceptance rates, first-year profiles, and compare the middle 50% stats to their own academic profiles. They should watch the ondemand recording of Build Your College List senior academy here.

To help scholars confirm their decision plan and application type, ensuring they understand the commitments involved and choose the most efficient approach. Encourage the scholars to enter the fall with a well-prepared plan to meet application deadlines. They should join the College Admissions Process FAQs senior academy zoom webinar on July 14.

Review Senior Academies Pathways

Review Summer entries listed in the Crosby Scholars Senior Program Roadmap

To register for Senior Academies that best reflects their needs. Remind them of the requirement to attend at least one academy. Encourage them to attend all academies they find beneficial. Often, it can be helpful for scholars to attend academies over the summer when they have fewer commitments. The full list of academy offerings will display in CrosbyConnect. Currently, scholars can view the senior academy summer preview here. Encourage scholars to earn academy credit this summer.

To ensure scholars have plans to complete each summer roadmap entry. Encourage them to fully utilize the summer before the senior year to help ease the stress and pressure of the fall application process.

MEETING OUTLINE BY TOPIC GOAL

Complete Residency Determination (RDS)

Create Application Accounts

Write Drafts of College Essays

Update Activities Resume

To confirm that scholars are residents of North Carolina, they must complete RDS. RDS allows scholars to use a single residency determination for admissions applications to NC public 2- and 4-year colleges and universities and to demonstrate residency for state aid programs at all NC colleges and universities, both public and private. Scholars must first establish a CFNC account to complete RDS and must do so before filling out admission applications to NC public 2- & 4-year colleges. They should the Intro to RDS senior academy zoom webinar on July 8.

Toprepareforthecollegeapplicationprocess.Afteridentifyingwhichapplications theywillusetoapplytotheschoolsontheirtargetlist,scholarscanbegincreating accountsthissummer CoalitionApplication,CFNC,CommonApplication,Common BlackCollegeApplication,QuestBridge,UniversalCollegeApplication,andothers. Thesewebsitesprovideguidanceontheapplicationprocessandsimplifyapplyingto multiplecollegeswithasingleapplication.TheyshouldattendtheCommonApp101 senioracademyZoomwebinaronJuly21. ScholarscancreateaCommonAppaccountbutshouldavoidenteringinformationin theMyCollegestabuntilAugust1,asitwillnotrollover Scholarsmaybegin completingtheMyCollegestabonAugust1

To confirm the application requirements at each school on target list. Scholars should research whether essays are required. Assist scholars in selecting the essay prompts that best suit them. Encourage them to utilize the various Crosby Scholars essay review services that display in CrosbyConnect as each becomes available. For Summer Academies, they should watch the on-demand recording of Essay Writing 101 here + attend the Essay Writing 201 Zoom webinar on July 24.

To ensure scholars’ most recent activities and awards are accurately displayed on their resume. Help scholars identify which activities best represents them. Prepare to transfer those entries onto the college application, keeping in mind, it is not likely there is enough room to include all resume entries on a college application. It is most important for the scholars to demonstrate the positive impact they have had on their community through their participation in activities.

To encourage scholars to fully utilize the summer prior to their senior year. Suggest the following activities: visiting college campuses; choosing admission essay topics and writing drafts; creating accounts such as CFNC, Common App, etc.; fulfilling academy requirement; submitting RDS; submitting college fair/college visit forms; submitting community service forms; taking the ACT and/or SAT; and more! Remind scholars to stay in contact with their Crosby Scholars Advisor over the summer.

watch on-demand senior academy recordings

read the weekly email

update activities resume

submit College Fair/College Visit Form* via CrosbyConnect

submit Community Service Form* via CrosbyConnect

maintain regular contact with your Crosby Scholars Advisor

*Requirement

create a balanced target list of colleges

establish application accounts CFNC, Common App, etc choose admission essay topics + write drafts schedule campus visits + research fall Open House dates complete Residency Determination (RDS)

If you have questions or need guidance, contact the Crosby Scholars Advising Program at advising@crosbyscholars org or Student Selected Advisor Coordinator, Cindy Zimmerman, at czimmerman@crosbyscholars org