DestinationCollege2020
Crosby Scholars Junior Newsletter, February 2019
Our Mission
We will assist public middle and high school students in Forsyth County in preparing themselves for successful college enrollment.
Our Vision
We seek to ensure that every public school student in Forsyth County has the opportunity to attend college.
This newsletter, DestinationCollege2020, is published in August, November, February, and May to keep you informed of activities, deadlines, and program opportunities. It is your responsibility to know deadlines and program requirements, so read your newsletter and log in to your Crosby Scholars Student Portal regularly to find out all the latest information.
Your February Score Matters - FREE NC Statewide ACT Rescheduled to March 12
On January 31st, Program staff hosted a workshop entitled, "ACT Prep Kick-Off" during which students and parents had the opportunity to become familiar with the ACT Plus Writing test; and discover how colleges will use your scores in recruitment, admission decision-making, and scholarship consideration.
Now that you understand the role and importance of the ACT test, it's time to get prepared to take the test at school on the rescheduled date of March 12. Because this is a real test, you can send these scores to colleges if you choose. Your February score matters as many colleges require applicants to submit either an ACT or SAT score!
Taking the ACT is more than just showing up on test day with pencils and a calculator and hoping for the best. It is a process best begun with formal preparation that includes reviewing test-taking strategies and completing a practice exam with those tips in hand. Attending test prep sessions is a small time commitment with a potentially large payoff. Understanding the format of the test and how to approach the questions boosts confidence and allows for a calm, measured approach on test day. Preparing well can produce score results that mean taking fewer standardized tests, saving money, time, and energy for other aspects of the college admission and financial aid processes. Begin with attending one or all of the following FREE test prep sessions, take these opportunities seriously, and appreciate the benefits of your effort.
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 6:00-8:00pm - Math and Science Sections
Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:00-8:00pm - English and Reading Sections
Monday, Feb. 11, 6:00-8:00pm - English and Reading Sections
Thursday, Feb. 14, 6:00-8:00pm- Math and Science Sections
These test prep sessions will be held at the Goodwill Industries Building at 2701 University Parkway, W-S. Register through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal. Each session is limited to 100 Crosby Scholars juniors, so register TODAY!
Only ONE Final Junior Requirement Among So Many Exciting Spring Opportunities
Attending one Think Like a Senior session or webinar* is the final requirement of the Crosby Scholars Junior Program. During this meeting or webinar you will learn about the Senior Program requirements, how the Program works with you throughout the college admissions and financial aid processes, and finally, through making your big enrollment decision. During this meeting and in subsequent webinars we will also discuss the Senior Advisor Program, so you can make an informed decision when choosing your Senior Advisor.
There will be live sessions and webinars available for YOU to fulfill this requirement. Be on the lookout for details in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal and via email. Registration is required and is limited at each session. Ask your parent to attend the session or to watch the webinar with you.
Log in to your Crosby Scholars Student Portal for details about each session and to register. Space is limited so don't wait!
Think Like a Senior Sessions and Webinars:
February 28 – Webinar, 7-8:30pm
March 5 – Clemmons location, 6:30-8pm
March 6 – Goodwill, 6-7:30
March 11 – Goodwill, 6-7:30pm
March 14 – Kernersville location, 6:30-8pm
March 16 – Webinar, 10am-11:30am
*You must have access to an Internet connection and a computer with speakers to watch the webinar.
Spring into your Senior Year Community Service!
On February 27th (WSFCS Early Release Day) help the Crosby Scholars Program color 600 Easter Eggs that are printed on 8.5 x 11 inch sheets of paper and fulfill your 2019-20 community service requirement! Register in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal.
Submit an approved community service form by noon on March 27 to be entered into a drawing for a $200 American Express gift card. **We will only host the drawing if we receive 200 or more forms, so encourage your peers to participate.
Wow! Check Out What The Crosby Scholars Program Is Offering YOU This Spring!
Check out these upcoming Spring activities and events. More information is posted in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal!
- ACT Prep Sessions: ongoing in February
- Think Like a Senior Session/Webinar (TLS)*: Beginning the end of February through March
- Officer Nominations and Elections: February and March
- Understanding your ACT Score
- Taking the ASVAB
- Student and parent panel
- Webinars:
Visiting College Campuses
Creating a Target List
Preparing for the SAT
SAT Subject Tests
Check your email and Crosby Scholars Student Portal regularly for event information and to register for activities that suit your interests.
*Attending one Think Like a Senior Session or Webinar is the final requirement of the Junior Program!
What Is Your PSAT Score Report Doing For YOU?
If you took the PSAT/NMSQT on October 10, you should have received your 2018 PSAT/NMSQT scores in December. Each school distributed scores to students differently, so if you have not received your scores by now, stop by your Student Services office to inquire.
Student Search Service® is a free program that helps students connect to colleges and nonprofit scholarship agencies. It does not share scores.
It is important to understand the information presented on your PSAT score report and how to use your report to prepare for the SAT. The following resources are also available to help you interpret your PSAT scores and begin studying for the SAT:
- Get the Most From Your Score Report – video
- Connect with Khan Academy® for FREE personalized SAT practice
- Use Your Score Report to select Advanced Placement (AP) courses for your senior year course schedule – your score report shows AP courses that are a great match for you
- Access College and Career Planning with Road Trip Nation’s Roadmap to Careers
Your junior year score report will indicate if you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scores are automatically sent to the National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Scholarship Program, and the Telluride Seminar Scholarships.
Spring Break is Coming!! So, it Must Be Time to Visit College Campuses!!
Spring break is a great time to visit college campuses. Take some time to research schools you are interested in, then talk to your parents about going to visit those schools. We recommend visiting colleges early and often to narrow down the list of schools to which you are interested in applying.
It's okay if you go on a college visit and realize you don't like the school. It is better to rule out a school before you apply, than to spend time applying, pay an application fee, and then realize you don't really like the campus environment. Further, making your own college decisions (with assistance from your parents or trusted adults) will make you feel confident about your future.
While visiting college campuses as a junior, you may fulfill the college fair/college visit requirement. You can find the document here. You also may fulfill this requirement by attending a college fair at your high school.
As a Crosby Scholar junior, you will be invited to visit college campuses with Program staff during Spring Break and over the Summer. The invitation will be sent to you via email.
Be A Crosby Scholars Leader!
Have you ever wanted to run for elected office and represent your peers? Are you ready for your next school leadership challenge? If this sounds like you, register your name to the voting ballot for 2018/2019 Crosby Scholars PRESIDENT at your high school when it opens in a few weeks!
Presidents are the face of the Program and encourage other scholars to succeed.
If you want to:
- Be more involved with your fellow Crosby Scholars
- Represent your class at Crosby Scholars functions
- Promote the Crosby Scholars Program to underclassmen
- and much more
…this could be your best role! Check out the complete job description in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal.
If you would like to run for Crosby Scholars president at your school, please submit a self-nomination form through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal between February 18 and March 10. Voting through the Crosby Scholars Student Portal will begin on March 18.
The Presidents-elect will be invited to attend this year's Senior Honors Gala which will be held on May 2 and the Breakfast of Champions which will be held on May 21.
Presidents must be rising seniors and have cumulative GPAs of 2.5 or higher.
Next Steps? Junior Spring Semester Check-List
- Confirm your cell phone number is correct in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal to participate in the Mongoose texting platform
- Check e-mail and Crosby Scholars Student Portal at least weekly
Follow the Crosby Scholars Program on Twitter and Instagram: @CrosbyScholars
Read and refer to the May issue of the Destinationcollege2020 newsletter
Complete the officer self-nomination form by March 10th if you are interested in serving as the Crosby Scholars President at your school next year
Elect your school’s President – cast your vote through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal. Ballots open on March 18 and close on April 14
Complete your Senior Advisor Form in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal by March 28th
Connect your PSAT Score Report with Khan Academy® for FREE personalized SAT practice
Register for the June 8th ACT at www.act.org, by May 3rd, if you plan to take it
Prepare for the ACT with Kaplan® Online Prep Live
Register for May 4th SAT at www.collegeboard.com, by April 5th if you plan to take it
Confirm test dates and registration deadlines for the fall SAT’s
Confirm test dates and registration deadlines for the fall ACT’s
Complete two hours of community service and submit your community service form to our office
Review career plans and decide which type of school is right for you (4-year, 2-year, etc.)
Work on narrowing your choices and confirming your target list of colleges
Prepare for your "Think like a Senior" Session with Crosby Scholars Program staff – details will be sent to you via email
Follow prospective colleges on social media
Continue to visit college campuses – be sure to submit your College Visit/Fair form for Crosby Scholars requirement
Create a Common Application account, if applying to colleges using the Common app
Create a CFNC account, if applying to colleges using the CFNC app
Create a Coalition Application, if applying to colleges using the Coalition app
Starting this summer, begin drafts of application essays, if required at colleges on your target list
Register to attend the Junior Crosby Scholars Events this Spring
College Tours with Crosby Scholars: Spring Break- NC Central University and Salem College, Virginia Tech, Dates TBA
Visiting College Campuses Webinar: March 27
Creating a Target List Webinar: April 9
Preparing for the SAT Webinar: April 3
Understanding Your ACT Score: April 23
SAT Subject Tests: April 25
Taking the ASVAB: May 18
Student Panel: May 20
Parents can monitor their junior's Crosby Scholars student portal, view announcements and events, and confirm if their student has fulfilled program requirements by logging in to their Crosby Scholars parent portal. If you need assistance accessing your parent portal, please email highschool@crosbyscholars.org.
Crosby Scholars Community Partnership
Email: highschool@crosbyscholars.org
Website: crosbyscholars.org
Location: 2701 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC
Phone: 336-725-5371
Facebook: facebook.com/crosbyscholars
Twitter: @crosbyscholars