Crosby Scholars Winter Newsletter
Happy New Year! We're off to a great start for 2015!
"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." Sydney J. Harris
Senior Program
In order for each senior to have a one-on-one advisor, we need your help. Please consider volunteering in this important mentoring role for Crosby Scholars. Senior Advisors will meet with students individually to tailor a post-secondary educational plan that meet's each student's needs. Senior Advisors meet monthly, beginning in September and ending in April. A training session will be held in August.
Please call our office at 704-762-3512 if you would like to help.
Rising Senior Meetings
What is FAFSA?
Filing your FAFSA is the first step in applying to more than 90% of federal financial aid available to seniors. Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid.
Please check with the financial aid office of the colleges you are interested in attending to find out their FAFSA deadline.
For more information about FAFSA, click here.
FAFSA Day at Catawba College - February 28, 2015
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Register online at www.catawba.edu.
FAFSA Day usually takes place before many college deadlines for submission. However, it is important that you check with colleges that you are considering to make sure their deadlines are not earlier than February 28. If their deadlines are earlier, please do not wait for the FAFSA Day program!
Parent Corner
Student Portals
Academies - Register through Student Portal
- 7th/8th Academy Dates: January 24 and Feb. 7 at RCCC. Check in 9-9:30am and pickup at 11:45am
- 6th Academy: March 14 and 21 at Catawba College from 1-4pm.
Junior College Tour
You MUST register through your portal if you plan to go.
Get the Most Out of Your College Tour
1. Make a list of colleges that interest you. Then search for colleges that have programs of interest to you. You may learn about some colleges you weren't aware of.
2. Start a file to keep brochures, notes, and information.
3. Check on the college website under their upcoming events calendar. Is there a student play, an art exhibit, a sports event, or a lecture that may be of interest to you? If so, schedule your tour around dates of events. You and your student can gain valuable insight into the college by attending events. This is also a perfect time to meet and talk to parents of current students to ask questions and get their input on the college.
4. Call the college and schedule a tour. It is best to avoid holidays and breaks if you want to get the "real feel" for the college and talk to current students.
5. While on your tour, take lots of pictures. You can use these to compare colleges as you move toward your college application process.
6. Take notes. What are your initial feelings about the campus? What do you like? Dislike?
7. Grab a school newspaper. They are usually located in the Admissions Office or Library. This will give you a feel for what the students on campus are involved in or what the college is doing.
8. After your official tour, take time to walk around the campus on your own. Go back to see areas of particular interest.
9. Talk to current students. You can find students hanging out in the Student Union, cafeteria, or around campus. Students love to talk about their college life experiences. Don't be afraid to ask them questions!
10. Eat on campus or ask students for restaurants they recommend near campus.
11. Drive through the college's town. This will help you and your student get a feel for the area.
12. Check college websites for more campus visit opportunities. Most colleges offer a Junior Day or Open House. These visits are usually a half day or full day visit. These visits cover more in depth information about their programs and college life. Many colleges offer an overnight campus visit where your student will get to spend the night with college students in a dorm room. Many also offer students the opportunity to sit in on a class lecture.
13. Remember to keep everything in your Campus Visits file. You may need the information to help narrow your application process.
Narrowing Your College Search
1. Do you want a large university setting with large classroom sizes, a medium sized campus, or small campus where you can receive personal attention from professors? In large campuses, you may have a longer walk across campus in varying weather conditions versus a smaller campus.
2. What academic programs interest you? You may know exactly what program you are interested in, you may not know exactly what you want to to study but have an idea of several areas of interest, or you may prefer a liberal arts education.
3. Do you want to attend a college close to home or in another state? Keep in mind climate changes and tuition differences in out of state schools.
4. Are strong sports programs important to you? Does the college have major team sports, club sports, and intramural teams?
5. How strong is the career placement center?
6. What internships or study abroad opportunities does the college provide?
7. What kind of campus housing does the college offer? Is it important to stay on campus all four years? Is off-campus housing available?
8. What extra-curricular opportunities are available?
9. Are you interested in Greek Life? Find out about fraternities/sororities on campus.