Connections Newsletter

October 25, 2024

CLASS OF 2025 - Joanna Peters

You can submit the CSS Profile now, please check college sites to see if the CSS Profile is required.

FAFSA is expected to open December 1. Here’s how you can get ready for December 1.

When adding a college to your Colleges I Am Applying To, please read the categories and choose the correct answer in the dropdown boxes. I have created a PowerPoint pdf that will walk you through each step. It is also saved on our webpage and in Naviance. When adding a college, it is imperative to read the words on the screen and specify the correct dropdowns. Be sure you check the college REQUIREMENTS ASAP; your teachers and Ms. Peters work while you work but you need to give us time to write those letters. And remember, “this is so complicated,” said no student who came into Connections for assistance with this process.

If you have the option to upload your unofficial transcript into your application, remember these are available in your Infinite Campus account.

Upcoming Application Deadlines Letter of Rec Deadlines:

Request Connections letter by Oct 25, Teacher Letters by Nov 1 for Applications due on Nov 15.

Request Connections letter by Nov 4, Teacher Letter by Nov 11 for Applications due on Dec 1.

For applications DUE after Dec. 1, you should ask your senior teachers to write your letters.

For those of you also auditioning or submitting portfolios, be sure you check those deadline dates as these applications and auditions are IN ADDITION to your admissions application. Stop by Connections with any questions.

Some colleges offer application fee waivers, check with the school or this list before you apply.

Debunking the Myths of Private vs. Public College: Is it always less expensive to go to a public college than a private college? No, sometimes those private institutions have more financial aid available. Some colleges have more merit-based aid for students. Some colleges have more need-based aid. Some colleges adjust their financial aid, so students do not need student loans. How do you know? You can get an estimate by going to the FINANCIAL AID CALCULATOR required on EVERY college website or use College Scorecard.

PSAT/NMSQT

Sophomores and Juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam on October 10, should be notified by College Board soon that scores are available. Here is a guide on how to understand your scores. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation website has valuable information on their scholarship program, including a student guide.

Save the Date

Upcoming Events in Connections

Tuesday, October 29, 12:20: Grinnell College

Scholarships, Financial Aid and Other Awards

The Daniels Scholarship Program helps make college possible for motivated and ambitious students. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance at partner schools within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.* A full list of partner schools is available here. Scholars who choose to attend a school outside our 4-state region receive up to $25,000 a year for qualified educational expenses. Deadline to apply is October 18.

Johnson & Wales University is offering their 2025 Future Food Scholarship. This scholarship appeals to students who are passionate about food innovation and culinary arts; awards include two full four-year tuition scholarships and three $5,000 renewable scholarships.

Enrichments

The UNC Future Teacher Conference will be on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm in Greeley. This free conference for students and their teachers/guardians offers a day of informative activities designed to help you learn just what it takes to become an educator. Sign up early, spaces fill up quickly.

Career Highlight - Financial Quantitative Analyst

Are you interested in a career that allows you to use math and solve problems? Consider working as a Financial Quantitative Analyst. In this position, you will develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Check out the link above for more information.

Upcoming SAT and ACT Test Dates

The next SAT testing date is December 7, 2024. Register by November 22, 2024.

Additional test dates: November 2 and December 7, 2024; March 8, 2025

Schoolhouse offers free SAT Turing Bootcamp.

The next ACT testing date is December 14, 2024. Register by November 8, 2024.

Additional test dates: December 14, 2024 and February 8, 2025

Connections Center (Career & College)

Joanna Peters, Director - Junior, Senior

Katina Dahl, Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomore, AP, PSAT/NMSQT

Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - College & Career Visits, Community Service

Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104