Counseling Update
Feb. 2021
NEW SCHEDULE ALERT!!!
Our Girls’ Persist
Our Girls’ Persist program deliver success by our Big Five:
Create a safe space to be candid
Build a level of trust
Protect the privacy of our students
Deliver measurable practices and end of program analysis to aid in measuring the success of our students
Provide ongoing support, as needed
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Girls’ Persist Summer Program Dates: June 28, 2021-July 2, 2021 and July 26, 2021-July 30, 2021/ (9:00 am-1:00 pm). *Age waivers are available.
Note: Applications will be available March 1, 2021. Please email me with additional questions at carletta@theladytrailblazer.com or visit our website https://www.theladytrailblazer.org
All too often, adolescent girls ask the question, who am I? Girls potentially struggle with the unanswered question throughout adolescence well into their adult lives. We recognize if we can provide positive leadership, consistency, and a nurturing environment, our ‘why’, will always outweigh, our ‘what’. Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, develop, and excel.
What's the deal with the % on registration?
Remember:
Going to be Freshman - At Least 15 classes (Includes Advisement)
Going to be Sophomore- At Least 15 (Includes Admin. Diss & Advisement)
Going to be JR - At Least 13 (Includes Admins., Advisement, and Teacher Assistant)
Going to be Senior- At least 11 (Includes Admins., Advisement, and Teacher Assistant)
Why Choose International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Douglas County High School (DCHS)?
What our students have to say... The teacher’s perspectives and their ability to engage us gives us understanding about how ideas relate…they broaden our views and help us think critically. Sedique 2018 We are a community. We learn together about how to understand the world around us. Justin 2019 I am the captain of the track team and, I feel 100% prepared for college. Lina 2018 You can only do high school once, and I wanted the fullest experience possible so I chose IB. Through IB, I have made the best friends. Jan 2018 It has been one of the biggest blessings of my life…it opened my eyes to the ways I see and the ways I acquire knowledge. The diversity of students impresses me; the caliber of students impresses me. My classmates are amazing. Berkley 2018 IB boosted me forward a year, with a double major. I cannot say enough about it. Gigi (2011) University of Denver IB is a place for critical and creative thinking and is like college. It allows for independent thinking. John (2005) CUNY PhD IB enabled me to get acceptance at Yale and sent me to college ready. Angela (2008) Yale IB places you in a close-knit community of students and teachers who are intellectually engaged…when I came to Stanford I saw how prepared I was. Kara (2012) Stanford If this sounds like you, what might be the benefits as you look ahead to college?
● Creates a keen interest in civic engagement
● Enhances notable academic ability
● Teaches critical thinking abilities
Gives student an international outlook. Research suggests, for example, that IB students are more likely than their peers to complete their undergraduate degrees and pursue graduate work, and that they are more likely to be engaged in various aspects of university life. Other benefits include:
● You will learn time-management and study skills that will really help in college.
● You will learn to be a better writer- from journaling to formal research.
● You will likely have higher SAT scores.
● You can earn college credits for some of your courses (all Colorado state schools grant 24 hours of credit to students who earn an IB diploma). ● College scholarships can be much greater- they like IB graduates! In the spring of 2018, our IB grads were offered nearly $5 million in scholarships from various colleges- here are some individual student examples: -University of Oklahoma: $117,000 -Michigan State University: $320,000 -University of Pennsylvania: $267,212 -University of San Francisco: $100,000 -Duke University: $185,552 -University of Denver: $104,000 -University of So CA: $119,068 -Duke Kunshan University: $212,000 -Wake Forest College: $108,000
Check out IB at DCHS! Contact us at 303-387-1008 for more information.
“The College Board's Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes in a wide variety of subjects that you can take while still in high school. They offer you challenging coursework and a taste of what college classes are like.
You’re already using the skills it takes to succeed; AP challenges you to take them to entirely new levels.
You might think that AP classes are tough, and you might be right. But that doesn’t mean that you aren’t up to the task. If you are willing to work hard, you'll find that the qualities you use in other parts of your life can help achieve your goals. AP brings the college experience to your high school with the opportunity to earn college credits at thousands of universities. More students are ready for AP than you’d think. Roll up your sleeves and find out what AP can do for you.
By making the decision to take an AP course, you’re letting colleges and universities know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. AP courses signal to admissions officers that you’ve undertaken the most rigorous classes your high school has to offer. They see that you’ve challenged yourself with college-level course work and expectations, and have refined your skills to meet these expectations.” [From The College Board website]
Advantages of Taking AP Course Work
AP courses and exams represent the beginning of the journey through college-level academic challenges.
Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience may be better prepared for the demands of college courses.
Tuition savings are realized for students whose AP performance earns them college credit. More than 1,400 collegiate institutions award a full year's credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting satisfactory grades on a specific number of AP Exams.
Earning AP credit allows students to move into upper-level courses in their field of interest by exempting them from required introduction courses. In addition, students have the opportunity to complete their degree early.
AP students are eligible for honors and other special programs in college.
See this brochure to find out what it takes to take AP.
You may explore more information about Advanced Placement courses by talking to any AP teacher, your counselor, or by visiting the College Board website: Explore AP
Congrats to the 2021 National Signing Day participants:
Genevieve Bower (Softball) University of Rhode Island
Elayna Geiser (Swimming) SW Minnesota State
Margaret Kroening (Swimming) US Military Academy at West Point
Keegan Phillips (Basketball) UCCS
Cooper McBride (Basketball) North Central University
Megan Trindle (Soccer) Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Andrew Amayo (Football) CSU Pueblo
Connor Mantelli (Football) Delta State University
Financial Aid for Students
How do I apply for a grant or scholarship?
In most cases, grant and scholarship applications are handled by the source. To apply for these items, you should contact the agency/institution that is offering the grant or scholarship. To qualify for federal grants or loans you should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing a FAFSA, you will also be considered for State grants.
What types of financial aid are available?
A student may find assistance paying for college from many sources. It is important to understand from where the money is originating and your responsibilty if you receive the money.
Federal student aid is a primary resource for many students.
Web tutorials on Federal Student Aid:
- Overview of the financial aid process
- Types of federal student aid
- Responsible borrowing
State funded aid is allocated to participating institutions and disbursed to students.
Types of State Aid Available
*The following is a list of state assistance programs, which may be available at participating institutions in Colorado:
Colorado Application for State Financial Aid: CASFA is a safe, easy way to apply for state financial aid if you are a Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) student. Find out more about CASFA here
Colorado Need-based Awards: Includes the Colorado Student Grant, Colorado Graduate Grant. Available to qualified students with documented financial need.
Colorado Work-Study: Part-time employment program designed to assist students with financial need or work experience.
Dependent Tuition Assistance Program: Pays tuition, on-campus room and board for dependents of Colorado law enforcement officers, fire or national guard personnel killed or disabled in the line of duty, and for dependents of prisoners of war or service personnel listed as missing in action. Applications are available at the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
Colorado National Guard Tuition Assistance Program: Pays up to 100% of tuition costs at state supported institutions, for its members. For more information, contact a National Guard recruiter or the state tuition assistance office at (303) 677-8913.
*NOTE: All programs may not be available at all participating institutions.
Contact the institution for details and applications.
How much is college going to cost?
The actual cost of college varies depending on a number of factors including cost of tuition, fees, residency status, program of study, room/board, books/supplies, transportation and more. Below, you can view a history of tuition and fees at public institutions. For up-to-date tuition rates, contact your institution directly. Below are some documents to help put the cost of college and financial aid in perspective.
- History of Tuition & Fees for Public Institutions
- For Tuition & Fees at Private or Vocational schools, contact the school directly
- Student Budget Aid Guidelines
- State’s student financial aid policy, which includes many definitions to help you understand the financial aid process
How do I qualify for state aid or participate in an exchange/reciprocity program?
Where can I find assistance locating financial aid?
Keep Calm at Home
CE/CTE Information
How to Support Your Teen During a Pandemic
Resources for Parents and Adults
How to create distance learning family success- Cultures of Dignity
Parenting Well Podcast - Parent Engagement Network
New! #16 The Importance of Mental Health Nutrition
Forward Together, a new statewide campaign to build quality relationships with youth and adults
COVID-19 Resources for Parents
Activities for families at home
Academic support for families
Colorado Department of Education, Resources for learning at home
Remote learning resources
Mental Health Awareness (PSA)
Let’s Talk – Youth English - Video
Let’s Talk – Youth Spanish - Video
Your formula for success
As the above charts convey, Colorado public four-year colleges and universities consider a mix of factors in making freshman admission decisions:
- High School GPA
- Test Scores—either SAT and/or ACT (if taking the SAT, visit the Khan Academy to prep for the exam)
- Academic course mix and rigor (see below for more information)
- Extracurricular activities and other considerations (includes internships, work, sports, leadership, etc.)
High School GPA and Test Scores
Chart for GPA and Test Score Ranges of Admitted Freshmen
This chart provides the average GPA and ACT/SAT ranges for students Colorado colleges and universities have admitted. For example, “50 percent of admitted students had between a 3.0 -3.5 GPA and 1040 – 1300 SAT.” The online admission standards tool provides this 50 percent mid-range.
These ranges are NOT admission requirements but a guide to the admission standards at each institution. Students who have below the listed 50 percent ranges can still be competitive for admission if they are strong in other areas of their academic profile.
Academic course mix, rigor and grades
Four-year colleges in Colorado know that academic preparation, especially in English and math, will make you more likely to be successful in college. The Higher Education Admission Recommendations (HEAR) detail the number of high school courses in each subject area it is recommended you complete to be a competitive candidate for admission—see the chart below.
If you have challenged yourself by successfully completing Honors, AP, IB or college-level courses in high school, this will strengthen your application even more!
And if you successfully completed a capstone project or some other alternative form of education at your high school, colleges will consider it under your academic preparation review, provided it is included on your high school transcript.
College Admission Use of National Test
In the spring of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SAT and ACT exams were cancelled across the country, including for Colorado’s high school juniors. To address this issue, the General Assembly passed legislation that temporarily allows Colorado public institutions of higher education to determine whether to require national assessment test scores for admission for first-time freshman students who graduate from high school in 2021.
In short, the high school graduating class of 2021, the juniors who had their SAT exams cancelled, will have the option to submit SAT and/or ACT scores with their college applications to all public colleges and universities in Colorado.
Applicants who choose not to submit a test score for admission will be considered the same as students who submit test scores as institutions will be able to make informed decisions without the exams. Institutions look for reasons to admit students in Colorado. The following will be considered in making an admission decision without test scores:
- high school grade point average;
- number and mix of academic courses;
- rigor of courses like honors and higher level math courses;
- college level courses (like Concurrent Enrollment) completed while in high school;
- AP/IB courses and exam scores;
- work experiences including pre-apprenticeships, job shadowing and more;
- volunteering experiences;
- leadership experiences; and
- fit to the college campus (interest in offered majors, research into the institution, etc.).
What does the law do?
It allows state four-year colleges and universities to make it optional for applicants who are part of the 2021 high school graduation class to submit SAT or ACT test scores as part of the first-time freshman admission process. Subsequently, all public colleges and universities in Colorado have agreed to make it optional for applicants from the graduating class of 2021 to submit test scores.
What does that mean?
Students who are graduating from high school in 2021 will not be required to submit their SAT or ACT test scores as part of the college admission process to state four-year colleges and universities in Colorado.
Why is it specific to the high school graduating class of 2021?
The high school graduating class of 2021 were juniors when the SAT exams were cancelled in spring of 2020 due to the pandemic.
But won’t the SAT’s be rescheduled?
While the SAT exams have been rescheduled in the fall of 2020 for most school districts in Colorado, the exam will be provided around the same time many high school seniors apply for college admission. Additionally, the rescheduled dates may not work for some students. As a result, requiring SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission process from these students would result in an unnecessary and avoidable stress.
Can SAT or ACT scores still be submitted?
Yes. Absolutely. If students from the graduating class of 2021 still wish to submit their test scores to the institutions they are applying to, they certainly can do so. Colleges and universities will review their scores as part of the college admission process.
What will institutions consider as part of the admission process without SAT or ACT scores?
Institutions consider high school grade point average, a mix and number of academic courses successfully completed in high school, rigor of courses completed (for example, Concurrent Enrollment, AP/IB courses and exams, honors, etc.), work, volunteering and leadership experiences, and more. Some institutions require and/or consider essays and letters of recommendations as well.
But can a quality admission decision be made without the use of SAT or ACT scores?
Absolutely. National and state research demonstrates that the high school grade point average is the single best predictor of a student’s likelihood to stay, succeed and graduate from college. Using SAT and ACT scores in addition to the high school grade point average and other academic factors can be helpful in predicting a student’s success, but not always.
How do I let the colleges and universities I am applying to know whether I will be submitting my SAT or ACT scores or not?
Visit the first-time freshman admission web page for the colleges and universities you are interested in applying to for specific instructions.
Which colleges and universities does this impact?
All state four-year colleges and universities in Colorado are "test-optional" for the class of 2021:
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University Fort Collins
- Colorado State University - Global
- Colorado State University - Pueblo
- Fort Lewis College
- Metropolitan State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Western Colorado University
Some private colleges and universities in Colorado are already “test-optional” – these include: Colorado College; Regis University; and University of Denver.
Colorado community, junior, and area technical colleges are open admission and do not require test scores as part of the admission process.
Aren’t some scholarships dependent on SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, but colleges and universities are working to make most of these scholarships “test-optional” as well.
Are SAT or ACT scores used for other purposes at colleges and universities?
Yes. Often test scores are used to determine if a student is ready to be successful in college level English, math, and other academic courses. However, other indicators can be used to place students into college level courses as well. Additionally, students can submit test scores after the admission process if they wish their scores to be considered for course placement. Check with the academic advising office at the institution you are interested in for more details.
If I am not graduating from the high school in 2021, can I still apply for college admission without SAT or ACT scores?
The law is specific to students graduating from high school in 2021. However, if you are applying for college admission as a freshman and either do not have test scores or do not wish to provide them, contact the institution you wish to apply to for assistance.
If I am a transfer student, how does this impact me?
Applicants with 24 or more college level courses successfully completed after high school graduation have a different admission process and are not required to submit SAT or ACT test scores as part of the admission process. Learn more about transfer admission.
Planning for Guardianship for Students with Disabilities
