College Information
College Updates and Process
Seniors, start applying to colleges in early August!
FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION DAYS:
We will be having college reps in the counseling office to assist seniors in applying for Colorado colleges October 17th-19th. Check back for more information.
FAFSA night:
Families are welcome to come to the counseling office for help applying for FAFSA on October 18th from 4-7, during parent conferences.
FAFSA how-to: Seniors and juniors please watch! This video provides information on applying for FAFSA (a free application for federal aid for college).
9th and 10th Grade
Primary focus: GPA
Use these years to focus on your high school courses making sure you have a good foundation of learning skills and grades
Explore different academic areas, extracurricular activities, and interests
One of these could be a major in college!
Consider different colleges and things you might need to focus on to be competitive
11th Grade
Primary focus: Planning
Create a list of colleges you are interested in attending
Visiting campuses on your own or with Alameda is a great way to learn about schools
If you are interested in specific programs or majors you can make sure the college has yours
Create a financial plan
Begin researching scholarships and grants - links below
Narrow down college list
12th Grade
Primary focus: Applying
Complete the common application to apply to many colleges at once (opens August 1st)
Complete the FAFSA for financial aid from the federal government (opens October 1st)
Complete the CAFSA for financial aid from the Colorado state government (Non-US residents)
Check the websites of schools you are applying to for additional scholarship opportunities
We recommend making a list of deadlines associated with each of the colleges you are applying to. Every college has different important dates so you need to be careful to make sure you have enough time to complete the entire application
Pay close attention to your Counseling Google Classroom for announcements, scholarships, and other important information
Helpful Links:
COLLEGE/TRADE APPLICATION PROCESS
Common Application (one application for multiple colleges) https://www.commonapp.org/apply Opens August 1!
Common App help for TEACHERS/RECOMMENDERS https://www.commonapp.org/counselors-and-recommenders/recommender-guide
Get SAT Scores. Log in to your account at www.collegeboard.org
College Admissions Tool www.coadmissionstool.org See what Colorado schools are a good fit for you!
Apprenticeship Information https://www.apprenticeshipevolution.com/students/
FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
Financial Aid Application www.fafsa.gov Opens October 1! Free application - Class of 2023, please use 2021 tax information. You are applying for aid for the 2023-24 school year (your first year of college).
FAFSA FAQ - Handout
Understanding Financial Aid - Types of Aid
Financial Aid Comparison Form Use THIS to help compare all awards and aid from colleges.
CASFA - Colorado Application for State Financial Aid APPLY (Non US Residents use this link)
SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Scholarship Tips for Applying - Helpful Hints
Find Scholarships: supercollege.com