'Tis the Season (for college planning)

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NOVEMBER ROUNDUP

NEWS, TIPS, & RESOURCES FROM

BRIGHT FUTURES COLLEGE CONSULTING

'Tis The Season (for college planning)

It is with tremendous gratitude that we enter into the holiday season. It is an honor and privilege to work closely with our students, helping them build their bright future.

We are swelling with pride for our seniors who worked so hard and are now awaiting admission decisions. Encourage your student to take a look at their Birkman Strengths page to remind them that they are the prize.

Diving into college research, activity planning, and SAT/ACT strategy with our sophomores and juniors has been fun! Meeting virtually means that there is a lot of Zoom screen-sharing and links flying back-and-forth in the chat box. It's a treasure hunt to find programs and environments where each unique student will thrive. Your student is at the center of it all.

Bright Future's College Planning Programs are designed to empower and guide students to develop and achieve their college and career goals.

Birkman Special ~~$800~~ $650!

We don't do this very often, but with so much uncertainty and change this year, we want each of you to experience the validating and affirming power of the Birkman. Give as a gift, or invest in your own growth towards self-awareness, authenticity, and satisfaction.

The Birkman objectively identifies strengths, interests, and needs to affirm and empower. Self-awareness is the key to great decision making!

For the entire month of December, we’re gifting the Birkman Assessment for only $650 (regularly $800) for both the Signature Report and 90 minute feedback session.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER

*NEW PODCAST EPISODE*

Blended Families Navigating College Planning & Applications

Dr. Dennard is joined by Jayna Haney, founder of The Bridge Across for Single Parents and Stepfamilies to discuss how blended families can best approach college planning and support their teenager through the

college application process.

LISTEN HERE

CLASS

OF 2021

SENIORS

Students: We're so proud of you! While you're awaiting admission decisions, remember to keep cool and stay confident- you've been intentional and thoughtful.

Now is the best time to begin applying for scholarships! Some of my favorite search engines are GoingMerry and FastWeb, others listed here. Ask your high school counselor about scholarships offered locally.

After you "submit", remember to check each college's portal and click here to make sure your application is complete. Consider reaching out to admissions to inquire about interview opportunities. We can help you prepare, or download our college interview prep guide found at the bottom of this article.

Wondering how to best spend your upcoming holiday break? Here are some words of wisdom to keep the momentum going.

Parents: Discussing your teen's application process with family and friends can feel awkward. Instead of "none of your business", try these thoughtful responses to 7 probing questions parents ask each other.

Here is a checklist of documents you'll need in order to apply for need-based financial aid through the FAFSA & CSS Profile. Remember, you'll need to do this each year you'd like to be considered for funding.

CLASS

OF 2022

JUNIORS

If you haven't yet, register for an SAT and/or ACT. Remember that registration deadlines are typically a MONTH prior to the test date.

SAT scores will be released December 7-8, so now is the perfect time to see how your ACT score stacks up!

During the weekends of December 5 & 12, take a FREE practice ACT with Applerouth and receive a detailed Diagnostic Score Report to give you a sense of which test is the best choice for you. For more details and registration information, click here.

One of the best ways to gain insight into a potential major/career is to conduct informational interviews. Make a goal to connect with someone this month! Here are 8 insightful questions to ask in an informational interview.

Parents: Don't postpone the "college budget" talk with your student. Here are 4 tips to get the financial conversation started. Not actually sure what you can afford, this calculator estimates the amount your family that contribute to your student's education.

If you are planning a road trip or travel over the holidays, check out a college campus nearby using this interactive map of colleges.

CLASS

2023

SOPHOMORES

Parents: Start thinking about your 2021 financial moves! Believe it or not, but Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 will be the year that colleges will use to assess your need for financial assistance (through the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile). Make any changes in 2020 in order to position yourself for maximum aid. Not sure where to start? Contact our college financial planning expert, Raymond VanBuskirk.

Students: Given the unique circumstances of this year, you might find yourself in a position to branch out or level up. Revisit your Birkman Interests page or practice some self-reflection. Which classes or activities do you love? Is there something you've always been curious about or would like to learn to do? Could you take the lead on a project? Set a goal and take the first steps this holiday break!

Virtual Event: Gap Year Fair

Nov 30-Dec 5

If you're considering a gap year, these series of events will serve as an excellent introduction and will help you begin planning. Speak with industry leaders about their specific programs or about the value gained from a year of perspective-changing experiential learning. Register here.

Another one of our favorite gap year resources is Gap Year Association.

Your Bright Futures counselor will be happy to discuss if a gap year could be a valuable experience for you.