CCMR Readiness
CCMR Readiness
Embedded Files
Here at Van Alstyne High School, we are always working towards the future with our students by providing opportunities to be more prepared for college, a career, or the military. We hope you enjoy the SPRING Edition of our CCMR Newsletter.
CCMR Coordinator: Annie Smith
Academic Counselor Last Names A-L: Bobbi Dyer
Academic Counselor Last Names M-Z: Denise Jensen
Senior Seminar Teacher and Sponsor: Dacia McBryde
Make sure you look back at previous newsletters for different types of information. In the Fall and Winter Newsletters, the following topics were discussed...
College Checklists & College Application Information
How credits from Grayson transfer and Co-Enrollment Programs
Scholarships , Tuition Assistance Programs & Financial Aid
ASVAB and Military Academies
Certification Programs, Internships, and Apprenticeships
Mrs. McBryde's Minutes
Mrs. McBryde's Minutes
Mid-Year Transcripts are available in Xello. If your college needs this, please be sure to request through Xello!
Senior Dates were handed out during the Senior Meeting in January. You can also find in the Class of 2025 Google Classroom.
College Wall/Decision Day Decisions are due by April 1. Please fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/N2Tj6aezPCHwP2gB7
The 2025 Scholarship Opportunities page is updated regularly! Check back often for scholarship opportunities. (Linked in 2025 GC)
What do Seniors use Xello for?
What do Seniors use Xello for?
College Applications
Transcript Requests
Requests for Letters of Recommendation
Community Service Hours
Resumes
There are links to Xello in the Senior Google Classroom, as well as on the Counselor Page.
Early Spring Senior College Checklist
Early Spring Senior College Checklist
Continue Fall and Winter Checklists!
Keep active in school. Final transcripts are turned into your future college. If you have been waitlisted, the college may want to know what all you have accomplished between your original application date and when your name comes up again for review.
Work with Mrs. McBryde and your counselor to resolve any issues with scholarships, FAFSA, or college applications.
Complete housing application if your are living on campus your first year of college.
Complete your college's institutional/departmental scholarship application if available.
Create a way or update your college spreadsheet to track Award Letters so that you can make a final decision on which college you will attending.
Once accepted to a college, check your COLLEGE email often!! They will communicate information about your application, your award letter, housing, freshmen orientation, and more during the spring!!
College Housing Applications
If you are living on campus, you must complete the housing application online with your college. Housing is usually first-come, first-serve, so turn those applications in early. Turning the application in early also gives the college time to match you as best they can with a roommate.
Institutional & Departmental Scholarships
Most merit-based scholarships are awarded based off of the Freshman Application first submitted by the student. Federal Aid, Loans, and Work-Studies are awarded through the FAFSA application.
However, most colleges have an institutional scholarship application as well. These scholarships are usually donor-based and are generally specific to certain student characteristics, degrees, or departments. Make sure you check with your college and complete this additional application if available.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Priority FAFSA deadline is February 15th!
Priority FAFSA deadline is February 15th!
Financial Aid is typically awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Get those applications in quickly! The majority of colleges will require the FAFSA as part of their admission process and it is a graduation requirement in the State of Texas. Check out our previous newsletters, the CCMR webpage, or email Mrs. McBryde for assistance!
Financial Aid 101: What is Financial Aid? What types of Financial Aid are there?
Financial Aid is money to help you pay for college. It can come in a variety of forms such as loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study. Check out the resources to the right for more information!
Special Types of Financial Aid
Texas Workforce Solutions may offers tuition assistance for students with disabilities, usually with a 504 or IEP plan, who qualify.
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
Texas Tuition Assistance Programs
Several colleges in Texas offer FULL scholarships for students who qualify based on their financial need and academic ability.
The University of Texas System just released an upgraded turion assistance plan for families with an AGI of 100,000 or less!
The Texoma Promise is a commitment and partnership of North Texas school districts, Grayson College, universities and the Texoma community. The Texoma Promise Program covers tuition and fees through a combination of grants and scholarships.
Tuition Exemption for Students who are Blind or Deaf
Texas residents with a vision-related disability (e.g., blindness, significant visual impairment) are determined eligible by Vocational Rehabilitation Services Offices through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Students must contact their local TWC office to apply.
Texas residents with a hearing disability who meet certain criteria are determined eligible by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). To apply, students must submit the Application for Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver (Form 3900) to HHS.
Tuition Exemptions Related to Individuals Currently or Formerly in Foster Care in Texas
To find out whether you are eligible for this tuition exemption, contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and request Form 1810: DFPS Verification of the State College Tuition and Fee Waiver. The form is processed by either DFPS Adoption Eligibility staff or Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff.
Check out these websites for additional information on tuition waivers and exemptions.
Scholarships
Check out the VAHS Counseling Webpage or the Senior Google Classroom for a list of local scholarships!! Many scholarships can be used for a traditional college path AND technical colleges/certification programs.
National Scholarship Information
National Scholarship Information
Students should select one or more major national scholarship websites, create a profile, and start looking for scholarships. GoingMerry, Fastweb, BigFuture, Scholarships.com, Chegg, etc. are all great options. Quick links for Fastweb and GoingMerry are included here.
Still looking for a college close to home for a good price? Looking to get the "basics" out of the way or earn an industry certification (EMT, RN, HVAC, Cosmetology, etc.)? Check these local Junior College out! Scholarships and Financial Aid can be used with these institutions!!
Still considering looking to a branch of our Military?? Check these resources out!
MARINES
Valerie Trevino, Silvestra.Trevinozapata@marines.usmc.mil
ARMY
Joshua McKee, joshua.b.mckee.mil@army.mil
NAVY
Brent McClendon, usnavymcclendon@gmail.com
AIR FORCE
David Theophilos, david.theophilos@us.af.mil
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Michael Hawk, michael.f.hawk.mil@army.mil
What jobs might I qualify for from my ASVAB score?
What jobs might I qualify for from my ASVAB score?
Check this article out about the different minimum requirements for entry into the different military branches, as well as scores that may be required for each job within that branch.
Have you already worked with a recruiter? Be sure to let Mrs. McBryde know!
STEPS OF ENLISTMENT
Meet with a Recruiter
Take the ASVAB.
Complete MEPS process.
Determine career path.
Sign oath of enlistment.
Decide when to go.
Page updated
Report abuse