DestinationCollege2021
Crosby Scholars Senior Program Newsletter - November 2020
College Application Status Survey
We have 273 seniors in the Crosby Senior Program and it is challenging to keep up with everyone. In an effort to see where everyone is and what type of help is still needed I am asking that you complete the 2021 College Application Status Survey.
We will use this survey to determine future resources needed, communicate information about specific scholarships, and direct opportunities from other sources to the appropriate students, based on Path, Schools and Major.
Please complete this Survey by November 30, 2020
If you are struggling, please contact us immediately.
Jen Jamison - jjamison@crosbyscholarsiredell.org
Noah Baldwin - nbaldwin@crosbyscholarsiredell.org
or your Senior Advisor
Timelines for Success
Written by Noah Baldwin
Picture this: you’ve created your college list, and you’re struggling to decide when to apply. You begin to think, “Should I apply early?” The short answer to your question is yes! However, like most things in life, there’s more than meets the eye.
Early action and early decision: two deadlines you most likely have come across if you have begun or are interested in beginning your college application process. But, when deciding which deadline you want to meet, it is important to know what these terms mean for you as you start to send materials to each school on your list. If you have decided to apply early, you may be thinking, “Aren’t early action and early decision the same?” Well, I’m here to tell you that they couldn’t be more different. Here’s how.
Early Decision
If you’re thinking about applying early decision, you must first recognize that this choice is binding. Put simply, students admitted to a school through early decision are required to enroll in that college. It should also be known that some schools only accept early or regular decision applications; Duke University, for instance, uses this approach. With that said, taking note of the application requirements of each school on your list early on can prevent future headaches and heartache down the line. Another aspect to keep in mind when applying early decision is your potential financial aid award package. Financial aid award dates and policies vary by school, so you don’t want to wait months to receive a less-than-stellar offer from a university you’re now obligated to attend. In other words, when deciding when and where to apply, you must ask yourself, “Am I, or my family, prepared to take on the financial responsibilities of each school on my list?” If the answer is no, you may want to reconsider submitting that early decision application. Here are some other quick facts to note:
- The early decision deadline for most schools is early to mid-November.
- Applying early decision informs the college that they are your first choice.
- You cannot apply early decision to more than one school at the same time.
- If you are not admitted to an institution, you will be rejected or deferred.
- If you are deferred, your application will be considered again for regular admission, and you can then apply to other institutions.
- For schools that require early decision applications, you can apply early and choose to receive your admission notification during the regular decision period.
Early Action
Unlike early decision, applying early action is a non-binding option, meaning that you are not required to enroll in a college if you are admitted. This gives you the flexibility to apply to, and if you’re accepted, weigh financial aid packages from many schools at once. Here are some things to note about early action:
- Deadlines: Oct. 15th for UNC-Chapel Hill and Nov. 1 for most NC schools
- Applying early action gives you access to scholarships and financial aid early on.
- Your major of choice can affect when you need to apply. For instance, some Design and Engineering programs — among others — require students to apply early action.
- Don’t forget about COVID-19! Applying regular decision may affect your chance of admission, as colleges now want to fill their seats earlier.
So, what did we learn here? For starters, assessing the strength of your application and budget is key if you’re considering applying early decision; being bound to a college you can’t afford is never a good spot to be in. And if you are still unsure when to submit your applications, applying early action is a safe and effective way to go.
I know. I know. This probably seems like an advertisement for early action, but it’s ultimately your decision when and where you choose to apply. Just don’t apply too late, okay?
Upcoming Senior Academies
Every senior is required to attend two academies by January 30, 2021. Many of you have already met that requirement. We will continue to offer programs not only for those who need academy credit but for all seniors that would benefit from the information. The next 3 academies are highlighted in the images below.
LIVE Zoom Sessions
- College Admissions Conversation - BIG Announcement from Wingtate - November 11, 2pm
- College 101 "Freshman Survival" - Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3 & Dec 17
- Evaluating your Financial Aid Award Letter - November 21, 2020 10 am
- Destination Community College - Date TBD - Working with Mitchell Community College on this one.
RECORDED Sessions - Sign up in Portal and instructions will be sent to you.
- Scholarships
- Essays
SELF PACED ACADEMY
- bit.ly/speakcollege - Print the 2-page fill in the blank document and after you complete the session send me your answers.
- Academy Credit for FAFSA COMPLETION - Upload your Student Aid Report to your Crosby Student Portal and email NBaldwin@crosbyscholarsiredell.org and we will give you an academy credit.
If you still need to meet this requirement, please register in your portal now for the academies that best match your needs and schedule.
Your Social Media May Be Under The Magnifying Glass
What do you reveal about yourself through your social media accounts? Do colleges consider any of this information while making admissions decisions? Some do! Think of your social media page as your electronic resume.
· Review Honor Codes at the colleges to which you submit applications
· Remember, colleges admit students to a community
· College proof your social media pages
· Google search yourself
· Don’t be afraid to show your personality, but consider your audience
· Watch posts from friends
· Be careful what you follow and like
Community Service Deadline
Each Senior must complete a minimum of 2 hours of community service. The deadline for Seniors to complete the community service requirement and submit the signed form is January 31, 2021! You can submit any community service that you've completed since February. Click here for a copy of the 2020-2021 Community Service Form.
Complete your community service requirement by November 30th for a chance to win a Chick-fil-A gift card. Two seniors will win!
Crosby Scholars Scholarships
To be eligible for any Crosby Scholarship you will need to complete all of the Senior Requirements.
- Create a video showing the world what you aspire to for a chance to win a $500 scholarship.
- Your video needs to be 60 - 75 seconds long and should tell your story, including how Crosby Scholars is helping you achieve your dreams for the future, in an engaging, relatable way.
- The deadline is Dec 28th.
Joyce Kohfeldt Scholarship $1,000
- Awarded to a graduating Crosby Scholar senior who has overcome adversity while pursuing his or her educational goals and has emerged with a remarkable story of determination.
- Applicant must plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university.
- The deadline is Jan 5, 20201
Mooresville Rescue Squad $1,000
- $1,000 Scholarship will be awarded to FIVE applicants. Funds made available by the Mooresville Rescue Squad. Crosby Seniors who live in Iredell County below exit 42 are eligible.
- Applications must be complete and include the student's activities resume and an essay with the answer to the following statement.
- What are your education and Career Goals? How do you plan on impacting your community in the future? Min 250 word count max 500
- The deadline is Jan 31, 2021
Students must apply for scholarship on the Crosby Scholars Student Portal. Additional information and deadlines can be found online.
Application and Scholarship Essays--Need Help?
November/December Senior Advisor Meeting
November/December senior meetings are due by December 31st. You can find your senior advisor's contact information in your portal.
Senior Program Requirements
CSS/Financial Aid Profile
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid
When completing your financial aid forms, use income records for the 2019 tax year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, electronic filing is the fastest way to apply for financial aid. It also has the ability to call to your attention many omissions errors before you submit your application. Electronic filing also reduces the chance that your data will be rejected and makes it less likely that you will have to correct your information later.
Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and select Start A New FAFSA. You will complete one FAFSA prior to each school year you attend college. (After the first year, you will complete and submit a renewal FAFSA.) The colleges you list on your FAFSA (up to 10) will receive your information from the federal processing center electronically and will use your results to create a student financial aid award that may include federal, state, and institutional aid. List all colleges on your FAFSA to which you have applied but not been denied admission. You may apply for aid prior to being admitted.
Iredell County Crosby Scholars Senior Program
Email: jjamison@crosbyscholarsiredell.org
Website: crosbyscholarsiredell.org
Location: 124 4th Crescent Place, Statesville, NC, United States
Phone: (704) 873-5005
Facebook: facebook.com/crosbyscholarsiredell
Twitter: @iredellcrosby