CCS Senior UPdate
5th Edition, January 2022, CCS Office of School Counseling
Who's Ready for 2022?
It's finally here- the year you'll always remember. You are the Class of 2022, and you've put in almost 13 years of hard work to get here. You've faced challenges and overcome obstacles. Maybe you haven't always succeeded- you certainly aren't alone! Each moment, day, and year offers the chance to do better. So get going, start with small changes, set your own pace, and begin again!
We are here when you need us! Find your School Counselor contact HERE. Check out topics in earlier Senior UPdates HERE .
- Semester 1 ends January 14th. That means students will earn .5 final grades for core academic classes. Seniors MUST work with teachers to improve any failing grades from Quarter 1 and to bring up grades for Quarter 2. If seniors fail any required semester course, they will have to RETAKE it during second semester in order to graduate.
- Have you met with your counselor about what you still need to walk?
- If the colleges you have applied to require Midyear Reports (first semester grades), request those from your school counselor in SchooLinks (instructions HERE). Even if your colleges do not require these (most do not), you may want to send them if you had a great semester and are awaiting an admissions decision. Questions? Ask your counselor!
- Complete your FAFSA! For FAFSA information click HERE. The earlier you apply, the more money you get. For help completing your FAFSA, find your I Know I Can advisor HERE or go to the IKIC website to see available dates and times for help. For FREE tuition to CSCC, complete this by April 15. More info. below.
- Finish up any college applications with 1/15 and 2/1 deadlines. Keep working on the CCS Application Checklist. Make sure to check with your SCHOOL COUNSELOR- they oversee all of your application materials! He/she may have special processes for you to follow.
No Time for Senioritis
You'll need to take placement tests for college, the military and some jobs. And, you'll need good habits in place to be successful for anything you choose to pursue.
So will you start behind the pack or with a head-start? Click the picture for tips!
Final Semester!
- Many students will still need to pass all scheduled, semester 2 courses for graduation.
- Before dropping challenging ones, consider what you will need to be successful for college! You will need to take placement tests- you do NOT want to place into and pay for remedial-level courses that don't even qualify for college credit! Click the pic for tips!
- Don't drop CCP courses without consulting with your school counselor.
- You may need to keep all classes for athletic eligibility.
Diploma Distinctions
- State Honors Diploma
- State Seals (for Seals info., click HERE)
- CCS Diploma of Distinction
- CCS Certificate of College Preparation
- CCS Certificate of Specialization
Click the picture for info. on diploma distinctions.
How Can Parents Help?
- Make sure your child and one parent has completed the FAFSA. Not done? Do it NOW.
- Have honest, open discussions about your family finances and how much you can provide for college.
- Make sure your child applies to at least one college your family can afford. That said, don't cross off colleges with high price tags that might offer scholarships/aid for your student.
- DO help your student search, apply for, and meet deadlines for scholarships. Even great students struggle getting this done. Every dollar helps!
- DON'T fill out applications for your student.
- Check with your employer, church and/or any organization you belong to about scholarships they offer.
- Compare financial aid award letters. Click HERE on how to negotiate for more financial aid. Find all the forms you need to appeal for more financial aid on SwiftStudent!
Featured Scholarships in SchooLinks Scholarship List
Sign in to your SchooLinks site for all access!
January Deadlines:
- 2022 Delta Legends Scholarship
- Lila M Van Sweringen Student Scholarship
- Ann Simpson Scholarship
- APIASF General Scholarship
- Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
- Believe in Ohio Statewide STEM Scholarship Program
- Engineers Foundation of Ohio Scholarships
- Kenneth L. Howard Endowed Scholarship Fund
- Live MÃ's Scholarship
- Point Foundation Scholarship
- Ohio Township Association Scholarship
- John McConnell Scholarship Fund
- I Know I Can Founders' Scholarship
- Charles L. Warren Memorial Heritage Scholarship
- Eta Nu Nu Chapter Scholarship
- OSU Franklin Co. Alumni Scholarship
- ESA Foundation Scholarships
I Know I Can Scholarships and Grants
- Founders’ Scholarship: Available to eligible Columbus City Schools seniors enrolling in a full-time, 4-year baccalaureate program at an accredited college. Worth up to $10,000. Application deadline: 2/1
- Dream Big Scholarship: Available to eligible Columbus City Schools seniors enrolling in a full-time, 4-year baccalaureate program at an accredited college, with an unmet need of at least $3,500. Worth $3,500. Application deadline: 3/1
- I Know I Can Grant: Available to eligible Columbus City Schools high school seniors or Columbus City Schools graduates currently enrolled in college. Worth up to $1,200. Application deadline: 4/1
- Click HERE for applications and HERE for more information.
Consider CSCC !
- New Columbus Promise Program: Remember- Columbus State is now FREE for all CCS graduates!
- It guarantees a scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and up to $500/semester in other expenses at Columbus State Community College and offers special services and support to help students succeed and get good jobs.
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), apply to Columbus State Community College, complete a Columbus Promise application, and graduate from high school. If you complete these steps, you will be accepted. The round one deadline to apply is April 15, 2022.
- Consider attending Columbus State for two years and transferring. If you work with a CSCC advisor, you can earn the right credits, transfer and graduate in four years total from any Ohio public university or from one of their Preferred Pathway partners!
- Consider one of CSCC's amazing 2-year degrees and/or credential programs. Finish fast and make big $ in an in-demand job!
- Undocumented students CAN take advantage of this great opportunity! See instructions HERE.
- Want extra challenge at CSCC? Apply for their Honors Program by April 1!
- Interested in more $? Check out Experiential Learning options and earn while you learn!
More College Savings Strategies
- Apply for every scholarship match you can. Small awards can add up to big money.
- Find scholarship resources for ALL HERE!
- Apply to a few more colleges where you know you can qualify for scholarships. Many private colleges can be very affordable for good students & might even extend deadlines.
- Keep working hard this year - especially in math courses. If you place into remedial courses (courses that are not college level), you will have to pay in time and money for classes that do not provide credit!