DestinationCollege2023

We are extremely excited to be celebrating our class of 2023 seniors in person this year.

Join us on

April 25, 2023

6 - 8pm

Statesville Civic Center

300 S Center Street

Statesville, NC 28677

RSVP on the EVITE - http://evite.me/9PhZjfW6Jr

At this event we will announce scholarship winners, distribute graduation cords, and hear from guest speaker Isreal Suarez.

To be included in the Senior Slide Show, please complete the following google form. Have a photo ready to upload to the google form.

We want to be the first to celebrate your graduation and accomplishments. So, put it on your calendar.

By this time of year, students are finishing up high school and planning for their freshman year of college. You should normally have all the information you will get from your schools and you should be able to make your decision and start forward in the transition process. This year is a little different, but there are still things that have to be done. Now is an especially good time to reevaluate your college decision process and confirm plans. Below are the typical tasks you should be doing and if there is any change.

1. Review ALL Documents and Information with your family.

• Admission Letters – Most college admissions letters give you details about the next steps. Some will have information about how to apply for additional financial aid, but by now if you have not made the effort, most of those options are behind you. Check the deadlines for a response on the school’s website. Dates might have changed.
• Financial Aid Award Letters – If you have gotten your award letters, GREAT – This means you can start comparing. If you have NOT gotten your award letter yet, go to the school’s portal and log in under your application account and click on anything to do with financial aid. You might have missed it.
• Still, Waiting on Award Letter? – Reach out to the school’s financial aid department via email. Most offices are closed and the staff is working from home. Because of the change to the economy, your award letter might be delayed and or not be what it might have been. Don’t be discouraged, just be informed. Here is a link to a video discussing how to compare your financial aid award letter.

2. Make a decision!

• Review the Family Budget and Offer Letter – Unfortunately, the current economic environment is not prime for a big spend. Even if you could get loans for added cost, your family might not be able to do today what you have been planning. Have a frank conversation and consider finances. Also, track all of your financial changes, loss of a job, impact, etc. You might need details about the change in family financial situation in the future. Example – Your sophomore year’s financial aid letter will be based on your 2022 taxes. You will want to be able to communicate 2022/2023 changes in details to make a case for need.
• Consider Distance & Travel – Prior to this health scare you might have planned to move across the country to go to school. This might still be the case, but for some, the current situation might cause you to rethink the distance of the school from your family. Don’t let this scare you, just be smart and think it through.
• What Factors are important to YOU – You fell in love with these schools for a reason, make sure those reasons still exist and make sure your priorities are the same in making your final decision.

3. Communicate Your Decision

• YES -- Tell the school you have chosen, Yes. Make sure you get your spot and there are no changes.
• NO – Once you are completely sure of your decision and received confirmation from your school of choice, tell the other schools, No. This might open space for other students who are waitlisted and will hopefully discontinue the LARGE volume of communication you keep getting from all of the schools you applied to.

4. Complete All Required Tasks

• Pay Deposit
• Complete Housing Application
• Sign up for Orientation.
• Ask about Registration Process

5. Stay Focused on Current HS Classes and Schoolwork

6. Celebrate your Accomplishments

• Crosby Scholars Senior Gala – April 25, 2023. Send Noah Baldwin a photo and complete the survey.
• High School Plans – Some schools are communicating next steps for Cap and Gown distribution and graduation plans. Stay in close contact with the school so you don’t miss anything.
• Friends and Family – Celebrate with your family. Be sure to share your big news. Email, text or some type of graduation announcement. Does not need to be a big thing. Remember your loved ones have invested a lot of time, support and love. They want to hear all the GOOD news in your life. Let them help you celebrate this big accomplishment.

7. Plan for your Future!

• Explore Dorm Room Ideas – Simple or Elaborate your dorm room will be your new home and you want to plan to make it yours. Go to the schools’ website to get dorm dimensions and have fun planning.
• Reach Out on Social Media and Join a Class of 2027 at your school social media group.
• Have Fun & Explore your campus virtually – Find ways to explore clubs, organizations, and activities that are available at your campus. Reach out to these groups and see how you can proactively engage.

Here is a link to a tool to help you think through decision making. Can be used in multiple ways. Thanks to Jane Riley at Crossroads Early College, for sharing this tool. Videos and process can really help.

An interactive tool to make your final college choice! (decisionacademy.org)

Our Crosby Scholars Senior Survey is now online. Click here and fill it out! We need all seniors to complete it. Thank you!

Be included in our Senior Slide Show Celebration and show where you're going to school next year with a picture! Snap a photo of yourself with a sign showing your new school, wearing that school's t-shirt, with your acceptance letter from that school, or something else that shows where you're going. Then, email it to nbaldwin@crosbyscholarsiredell.org. We'll include it in our slideshow at the senior celebration. Celebrate your college choice!

Be sure to gather the following documentation to be ready to apply for the Last Dollar Grants.

1. Student Aid Report - Generated from the FAFSA shows the EFC

2. Copy of Admissions Letter

3. Copy of Awards Letter

We hope to open this process in early May. The best way for you to be ready to apply is to gather these documents and have a PDF version ready. You should have gotten these documents in the mail, email or in some cases you will have to log into your college's portal and look in the financial aid tab to find. Remember if you are taking a screen shot of a screen online, please make sure your name and school name is visible.

Final Spring senior meetings are optional, only if you need additional assistance. You can find your senior advisor's contact information in your portal. Feel free to contact them with questions or to ask for a meeting--they want to help! We do need to know what is next for you, so please let us know what college you are attending or if you are planning on going into the military or straight to the workforce.

Iredell Crosby Scholars seeks students interested in promoting the program through visits to potential sponsors. Scholars must be willing to speak to small groups of business men and women about the program and share experiences and program impact. Board members and staff can be effective fundraisers, but no adult can match the power of student participant.

This is an excellent opportunity for future marketing and development, business, public service, and any profession where presentation skills are critical. If interested, send an e-mail to swegmiller@crosbyscholarsiredell.org. Please list your schedule availability during weekdays.

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