Hello!

Happy New Year! Welcome to Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars! We are so glad you took the initiative to apply to our program to be a Next Level Scholar. We know that the pandemic and changes in school learning the past couple of years has been challenging for many students and their families. Please know that we are here for you and want to help you succeed both now and in the future!

This will be the first of many weekly newsletters you will receive from us. Each newsletter is typically filled with resources, updates about our program, reminders and more. We hope you find them helpful and welcome you to reach out if you have questions or suggestions on content (see blue suggestion box below or simply reply to this email).

Your first event with Dollars for Scholars will be a virtual orientation in January with a chance to win some prizes! We'll share more details with you and your high school adviser in the next couple weeks! This spring, we'll host our in-person kick off "Project Runway" at EMU and go on a campus visit.

We hope that you and your families are continuing to stay safe and healthy! We look forward to meeting you soon!
Marissa D'Angelo
Next Level Scholars Program Manager
Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars
mdangelo@drdfs.org
(734) 354-7274
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:
  • WELCOME: Meet the DRDFS Team!
  • NEW: Defining "Reach, Match, Safety" While Building Your College List
  • NEW: How to Start Planning for College in 10th Grade
  • Resource Spotlight: 4 Steps for Setting Goals in 2022
  • Featured Resources
WELCOME: MEET THE DRDFS TEAM!
All of us here at Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars are so excited to meet you and work with you throughout your time in the Next Level Scholars Program and Alumni Network! Over the next few weeks, we'll feature a different staff member and a little bit about their post-secondary pathway and some fun facts to get to know each of us.
NEW: DEFINING "REACH, MATCH, SAFETY" WHILE BUILDING YOUR COLLEGE LIST
It's never too early to begin drafting your college list. Maybe you've already started or maybe you're unsure of where to begin. Either way, DFS is here to help you with this! Use this document, created by DCAN (Detroit College Access Network) to help you get started.

A college list is a list of colleges and universities that could be a good fit for you. The list can include schools close to home or in other cities and states. Consider colleges that match your interests, goals, and what’s important to you! You can use average GPA and test scores, potential majors, and other factors to help you narrow it down. It is also helpful to start defining those schools on your list by "Reach, Match, and Safety" schools:


  • Match Schools: A match school is one in which your transcript mirrors that of the average freshman. Therefore, your GPA, SAT/ACT scores and coursework (college prep, honors, etc.) are all on par with those undergrads typically admitted. Add at least 3 to your list.

  • Reach Schools: Reach schools are colleges where your academic qualifications are below the average accepted student. You still have a chance of getting accepting -- add at least 1-3 to your post-secondary list.

  • Safety Schools: A safety school is one in which your academic credentials exceed those of the average accepted student. Consequently, there is a high probability that you will be admitted. Include 1-3 on your list.
NEW: HOW TO START PLANNING FOR COLLEGE IN 10TH GRADE
As you settle into your sophomore year, consider taking on new challenges to prep for college—this is a great time to do it!

  • Check out this blog post put together by College Board to help you think about some things you can do this school year to prep for your future!

  • This College Board checklist may also help you navigate the steps you can be taking now to begin the college planning process. 
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: 4 TIPS FOR SETTING GOALS IN 2022
FEATURED RESOURCES:

  • If you or your family are in need of any resources, please reach out to us at any time or explore this list of COVID-19 Resources