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, DestinationCollege2019, 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 on February 20
In January, Program staff hosted a workshop and a webinar entitled, "Your February Score Matters" during which you had the opportunity to become familiar with the ACT Plus Writing test; learn test-taking strategies; and discover how colleges use your scores in recruitment, admission decision-making, and scholarship consideration.
Now that you understand the role and importance of the ACT, it's time to get prepared to take the test at school on February 20. Because this is a real test, you can send these scores to colleges if you choose. Your February score matters both as a potential part of your college application and to serve as an introduction to standardized tests as they relate to admission!
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.
Thursday, Feb. 8, 4:30-6:30pm - Math and Science Sections
Monday, Feb. 12, 6:00-8:00pm - English and Reading Sections
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4:30-6:30pm - English and Reading Sections
Monday, Feb. 19 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 120 Crosby Scholars juniors, so register TODAY!
Congratulations Madilyn!
Only ONE Junior Requirement Remains Among So Many Exciting Spring Opportunities
Attending one Mandatory Rising Senior Meeting (MRSM) or webinar is the final requirement of the Crosby Scholars Junior Program. During this meeting or webinar, you will learn about Senior Program requirements, how the Program works with you throughout the college admission and financial aid processes, and finally, as you decide where to matriculate. During this meeting and in subsequent webinars, we will also discuss the Senior Advisor Program, which will allow you to make an informed decision when choosing your Senior Advisor.
Be on the lookout for details in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal and via email. Registration is required and is limited to 150 scholars per session. Ask your parent to attend the session or to watch the webinar with you.
Thursday, February 22 at 6:30pm - Goodwill Industries Building
Wednesday, February 28 at 2:45pm - Goodwill Industries Building
Thursday, March 1 - 6:30pm - Webinar*
Monday, March 5 - 6:30pm - Kernersville location
Monday, March 12 at 6:30pm - Goodwill Industries Building
Tuesday, March 13 - 6:30pm - Webinar*
Thursday, March 15 - 6:30pm - Goodwill Industries Building
Wednesday, March 21 - 6:30pm - Goodwill Industries Building
Monday, March 26 - 6:30pm - Goodwill Industries Building
*You must have access to an Internet connection and a computer with speakers to watch the webinar.
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: February
- Wake Forest vs. NC State Basketball $15 Tickets: February
- Mandatory Rising Senior Meetings (MRSM)*: February and March
- Officer Nominations and Elections: February and March
- Cultural Awareness Scholarship Opportunity - Piedmont Opera, March
- ACT Score Interpretation Session: May 2 (counts toward one Crosby Senior Academy credit)
- Take the ASVAB: May 19 (counts toward one Crosby Senior Academy credit)
- Student Panel: May 23
- Webinars:
SAT Prep Webinar - March
College Visits Webinar - March
Senior Advisor Program Webinars - March
How To Get In 101 Webinar - April 12
Creating a Target List of Colleges Webinar - April 17
Check your email and Crosby Scholars Student Portal regularly for new events and to register for activities that suit your interests.
* Attending one MRSM 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.
It is important to understand your PSAT score report and how to use the report to prepare for the SAT. The following resources are available to assist you:
- 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.
Student Search Service® is a free program that helps students connect to colleges and nonprofit scholarship agencies. It does not share scores.
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 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 can fulfill the college fair/college visit requirement. You can also complete the 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. 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 a unique leadership challenge? If so, register your name to the voting ballot for 2019/2020 Crosby Scholars PRESIDENT at your high school!
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 the opportunity you are seeking! Review 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 21 and March 18. Voting through the Crosby Scholars Student Portal will begin on March 21.
The Presidents-elect will be invited to attend this year's Senior Honors Gala which will be held on April 30 and the Breakfast of Champions which will be held on May 22.
Presidents must be rising seniors and have cumulative GPAs of 2.5 or higher.
Hurry! Update Your Cell # RN! Mongoose is Coming......
Juniors, we are excited to announce a new opportunity to receive text messages from the Crosby Scholars Program! As you begin preparing for senior year and the college admission process, we want to help you be as successful as possible. We will text you reminders about deadlines, upcoming programs, and collect data from you to improve messaging across all our communication. We will begin using the Mongoose Texting platform to communicate with you throughout the remainder of your junior year, over the summer, and into your senior year. We need your help for this exciting program to work effectively! Please log in to your Crosby Scholars Student Portal and update YOUR cell phone number. No Spam. We Promise.
You can find a PDF document of the Junior Program notebook in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal and on the Crosby Scholars website. Use this notebook as a guide for all things Crosby Scholars, and as a way to keep up with important information during your Junior year.
Junior Spring Semester 2019 Check List
o Confirm your cell phone number is correct in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal to participate in the Mongoose texting platform (new initiative for the Class of 2019)
o Check e-mail and Crosby Scholars Student Portal at least weekly
o Follow the Crosby Scholars Program on Twitter @CrosbyScholars
o Read and refer to the destinationcollege2020 newsletter
o Complete the officer self-nomination form by March 18th if you are interested in serving as the Crosby Scholars President at your school next year
o Elect your school’s President – cast your vote through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal. Ballots open on March 21 and close on April 15.
o Complete your Senior Advisor Form in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal by March 28th
o Connect your PSAT Score Report with Khan Academy® for FREE personalized SAT practice
o Register for June 8th ACT at www.act.org, by May 3rd, if you plan to take it
o Prepare for the ACT with Kaplan® Online Prep Live
o Register for May 4th SAT at www.collegeboard.com, by April 5th if you plan to take it
o Confirm test dates and registration deadlines for the fall SAT’s
o 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
o Review career plans and decide which type of school is right for you (4-year, 2-year, etc.)
o Work on narrowing your choices and confirming your target list of colleges
o Prepare for your Mandatory Rising Senior Meeting with Crosby Scholars Program staff – details will be sent to you via email
o Follow prospective colleges on social media
o Continue to visit college campuses – be sure to submit your College Visit/Fair form for Crosby Scholars requirement
o Create a Common Application account, if applying to colleges using the Common app
o Create a CFNC account, if applying to colleges using the CFNC app
o Create a Coalition Application, if applying to colleges using the Coalition app
o Starting this summer, begin drafts of application essays, if required at colleges on your target list
o Register to attend the Junior Crosby Scholars Events this Spring
o Attend Live Sessions – register through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal
§ College Tours with Crosby Scholars: Spring Break, dates and colleges TBA
- ACT Score Interpretation Session: May 2nd
- Take the ASVAB: May 19th (fulfills half of your Crosby Senior Academy requirement)
- Student Panel: May 23rd
- Participate in Webinars - – register through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal
- SAT Prep Webinar – March 27
- College Visits Webinar – March 19th
- Senior Advisor Program Webinars – March 6th and March 22nd
- How To Get In 101 Webinar – April 12th
- Creating a Target List of Colleges Webinar – April 17th
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