Connections Weekly Newsletter
October 20, 2023
Class of 2024
Post Chat: This week seniors completed the Clifton Strengths Explorer. This is one of the inventories that not only highlights their top talents but also gives them action steps for the future. Knowing strengths can help them with resume, interview, and team development in the future. Many companies utilize a similar inventory called Strengths Finder 2.0 to improve teamwork, communication, and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Explorer themes, here is a short webcast.
When asked who had interviewed for a job, they all agreed that one of the questions was “What are your strengths?” Our hope is that seniors will be one step ahead of their peers with this knowledge. In Naviance, the 10 Clifton Strengths Explorer themes of talent are: Achieving, Caring, Competing, Confidence, Dependability, Discoverer, Future Thinker, Organizer, Presence, and Relating; for Strengths Finder, there are 34 themes.
Should I submit test scores? This is another response you’ll hear from me “It all depends”. For example: one college states: We have updated our language around our "test-optional" policy. Students who have written SAT or ACT tests, and wish to have these considered in their assessment, may submit their scores. Please note that applicants to Engineering are required to fully disclose any and all test scores.” Another college states that “merit scholarships are still awarded based upon GPA and test scores. WE are test-optional for admission.” Bottom line: check the admissions and scholarship sites of all colleges!
Letters of Recommendation: Remember to check your application deadlines for colleges and scholarships. We work while you work. For an application deadline of November 15, request your letters from teachers by November 1, and from Ms. Peters by October 25. As a reminder, here are the steps to request letters. Click here for a complete list of 2023-24 Application Deadlines. Note: The deadline for the November 1st application has passed; those deadlines were October 2 (Connections) and October 16 (teachers).
CLASS OF 2025
Class of 2026
Goal Setting Post Chat
Sophomores set an academic goal using WOOP - Wish, Outcome, Obstacle(s), and Plan. What do you hope for, what would be the result of attaining that wish, what could get in the way, and how do you get around the obstacle to the result? Talk with your teen about their goals. Remember, you have access to goals and inventory results in Naviance. We also worked on Resumes. Encourage your teen to keep track of activities starting the SUMMER AFTER 8th grade and add to their resumes with as much detail as possible (Qualify and Quantify).
Class of 2027
Save the Date
College Visits, College Fairs, and Career Chats are open to 9th-12th grade students. Sign up in Naviance under "What's New" at least one day in advance of session.
Upcoming College Rep Visits/Career Chats
Monday, October 23, 11:25 – Grand Canyon University
Friday, October 27, 10:30 – Career Chat: Lt. Kiersten Tarvainen of CSFD and Crew
Pikes Peak State College offers basic Firefighter Certificates. Students may have the cost of the program covered by Career Advance Colorado.
Friday, October 27, 1:15 – Virginia Tech
Friday, October 27, 2:10 – Thomas Aquinas College
In the Community
Tuesday, October 24 – Free Inclusive College Fair, UCCS – Berger Hall, 5:30. Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can explore inclusive programs from around the country and learn about options. Registration required.
November 5 – NACAC College Fair, Denver, CO Convention Ctr., 700 14th St.,1:00-4:00
Virtual
Go to College Fairs is offering a series of specialty virtual fairs this fall. Live fair hours are 12:00pm - 2:00pm and 6:30pm - 9:30pm (ET) each date for the following fairs:
First-Generation Virtual College Fair - Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Learn more here or Register now!
Sunday, November 12 – 11:00am-4:00pm
The Coalition for College offers a wide variety of resources. These upcoming classes help in the college application and financial aid process.
Succeeding in College as a First-Generation Student - November 7, 8:00-9:00pm
Preparing to Complete the FAFSA - November 28, 8:00-9:00pm
Scholarships, Awards and Other Financial Aid Information
Have questions about the CSS Profile? The FAFSA and the CSS Profile are separate applications that help colleges determine your need-based eligibility for aid. We are seeing more schools using the CSS Profile with the delay in the FAFSA application. Look at each school’s website to see if they require either/or both Here are some FAQs.
Net Price Calculator: Historically, the Net Price Calculator has been a handy tool to get an estimate of college costs specifically to your finances. It is required that ALL colleges have this tool on their website. We send you to the Net Price Calculator Center (ed.gov) since you can find the calculator for all colleges here. Please note, that there has not been an update to the format that reflects the FAFSA changes, However, you can get an estimate from this site - just know that the new FAFSA changes might affect your results.
Applying to Colorado State University is free all year for Colorado students. To get started with an application, check out these online instructions, and here for help.
At Oklahoma State University students who demonstrate a commitment to service and have a proven record of leadership can apply to the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program. Out-of-state students who are awarded the scholarship will receive an out-of-state fee waiver for four years, $5,000 during each of their first two years (with an opportunity to serve as a mentor to receive an additional $5,000 their third year), and a study abroad program. The deadline to apply is November 1.
The 2024-2025 Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) and The Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Scholarships are open. Click here for more information and to apply. Deadline is January 9, 2024.
College News
Sacred Heart University is now offering freshmen from any major the opportunity to spend their fall semester at our vibrant Dingle, Ireland, campus through our Dingle Scholars program. Students simply select the option on their Common Application to be considered or contact their admissions counselor directly.
Mount Holyoke offers on-campus and virtual info sessions and interviews throughout the fall, as well as campus tours. Learn more about availability and how to select a date and time on our website.
Consortiums allow students to enroll at one college and take courses at other schools within the consortium. Check out the 5 Colleges Consortium including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke, Smith College, and University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Earlham College is a small liberal arts school with programs like engineering, business, neuroscience, Japanese studies, and equestrian management - click here for a complete list of programs. It is free to apply and test scores are optional.
UC Merced has webinars and events designed for prospective students scheduled throughout the fall. UC Merced's commitment to student success continues to earn national recognition, find out more here.
ENRICHMENT AND OTHER RESOURCES
Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program will be hosting virtual information sessions on November 14 and December 6. This paid summer internship is designed to give students the opportunity to work with aerospace scientists and engineers in Colorado Springs.
High Point University is introducing its Premier Life Skills University’s Streaming Service, HPU+. With new episodes launching every Thursday, this service features digital personal and professional developmental coaching.
Oxbridge Programs offers summer academic programs in the world’s leading universities. This cultural enrichment experience allows students to explore cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Cambridge.
Rework America Alliance provides resources to help workers from low-wage roles move into better jobs. If you know someone who is not a TCA student receiving professional career assistance from our Connections team but has questions about work resources, share this link for Rework America Alliance.
COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
Wellesley College offers virtual tours and virtual information sessions for interested students.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
Connections Center (Career & College)
Katina Dahl, Career and College Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomores
Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - Rep Visits, Community Service
Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104