DestinationCollege2021
Crosby Scholars Junior Newsletter, February 2020
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, DestinationCollege2021, is published monthly beginning in spring of your junior year to keep you informed of activities, deadlines, and program opportunities. It is your responsibility to meet deadlines and fulfill program requirements. Reading the newsletter and logging in to your Crosby Scholars Student Portal regularly will keep you connected to the latest program information.
Are you ready for February 25? Your score matters!
The ACT (pronounced A-C-T) is an entrance exam used by many colleges as one criterion in deciding whom to admit. The test has four sections with multiple-choice questions: Reading, Math, Science, and English, and includes an optional 40-minute writing test. Students typically take the ACT for the first time during the fall or spring of the junior year of high school. Juniors in North Carolina have the privilege of sitting for the test during the school day at their home high school for FREE, and Crosby Scholars can help them take full advantage of this opportunity.
Did you miss the Crosby Scholars Program's Decoding the ACT: Why Your Score Matters webinar? Click here to listen to a recording of that webinar.Become familiar with the ACT Plus Writing Test; learn test-taking strategies; and discover how colleges will use your scores in recruitment, admission decision-making, and scholarship consideration. The webinar was hosted by Elizabeth Owens of Owens Test Prep.
FREE ACT Prep - Be Prepared for February 25!
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 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 process. Begin with attending one or both of the following FREE test prep sessions, take these opportunities seriously, and appreciate the benefits of your efforts.
ACT Boot Camp I: (English/ Reading) will be held on February 10, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.
ACT Boot Camp II: (Math/Science) will be held on February 19, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m.
Seating is limited at each boot camp to the first 100 Crosby Scholars juniors! Register your attendance through your Crosby Scholars Student Portal. Both boot camps are held at the Goodwill Industries Building, 2701 University Parkway, W-S.
You can register for one or both sessions, but you must register separately. This event is for students only.
These boot camps are hosted by CapEd Test Prep. Additional FREE test prep sessions will be offered throughout the spring and summer.
Test Optional/Test Flexible Colleges
Remember that applying test optional is not a cop-out; it is an opportunity to communicate to colleges your knowledge and talents that are not always captured through a specific standardized test score.
Test Optional Schools and The ACT/SAT Score Report:
When you register for either the ACT or SAT, you will be given the opportunity to list four schools to automatically send your score report to for FREE. If you are applying to any test optional schools, you may want to consider whether or not you add the test optional school to the 4 free reports during registration. By automatically sending your score report through the registration process, you may not be able to remain test optional once you begin to apply. There is no right or wrong decision and it is up to each student to decide which schools to add on the free score report. Please note, if you choose not to list a school during registration and later decide to send the score report, there may be a fee associated with sending.
Select Your Senior Year Courses Thoughtfully and Carefully!
Data collected from college admission offices report grades and the academic rigor of their course loads - including the senior year - weigh more heavily in admission decisions than standardized test scores, high school class rank, or demonstrated interest in attending.
As you meet with your counselor to schedule your senior year courses, please know that academic achievement in high school is a strong indication of ability to succeed in college. Taking challenging courses helps you prepare for college work and future success, so for your senior year enroll in the most challenging courses in which you can experience success and don't lose momentum as you enter college.
Parents, you are encouraged to contact your child's counselor and teacher(s) if you have questions about course assignments for next year. Please make note that you may choose a course different than the one assigned based on your child's standardized test score(s). You will need to complete the parent choice request form and return the form to the school counselor.
The Registration Handbook can be found electronically on WSFCS Website
Calling All Future Wingate University Bulldogs
The February 15 visit to Wingate University is scheduled in conjunction with the new Crosby Scholars/Wingate University Scholarship. Visiting campus is an opportunity for you to see firsthand the ins and outs of what your collegiate experience can be. Take advantage of this unique chance to dig into, and unpack, what it would be like to study, socialize and relax at Wingate should you choose to apply there.
We will visit Wingate rain or shine, and lunch will be provided free of charge.
After registering in your Crosby Scholars Student Portal, you will receive a permission slip via email. It must be returned to our office by Monday, February 10.
If you haven't completed the college fair/college visit requirement, you may use this visit toward fulfilling that requirement. As a Crosby Scholars junior, you will be invited to visit other college campuses with Program staff.
How Do You Spell Stress Relief?
Here are a few stress-busting techniques for high school students:
Exercise regularly by walking, running, jumping rope, practicing yoga, or working out with YouTube videos. You don't need an expensive gym membership to stay fit.
Breathing Exercises can be done anywhere (EVEN DURING THE ACT) and will provide instant relief when you are overwhelmed by anxiety. Here is a three-minute video to help you get started.
Music Choose the artist/composer that brings a smile to your face.
Organization What 12-letter word bedevils us all from time to time? Use an agenda (paper or digital) to record assignments, test dates, etc.
Healthful Diet Stress can lead to overeating, particularly of foods high in fat and calories, or what we think of as comfort food. Planning ahead is an effective technique for consuming healthy meals.
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