Senior Year Is Here!

Class of 2026

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S.O.A.R.

NM

Separation process: �Support AND Independence

Students are the drivers for these processes and decisions

• Parents are often in the driver’s seat for financial aid

Set up a schedule:

• Once a week, set time aside for discussion and updates
• Sunday evenings over ice cream or a cup of tea, afternoon walk, etc.
• Via email Wednesday with response by Friday (to have weekend privileges)

What’s Next?

Community College

Job/Career

4 Year College/University

Military

Vocational/Technical College

Gap Year

“I don’t have a clue…”

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Agenda

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Graduation Details

Graduation will take place at Wellington MHS stadium on May 21, 2026 at 6:30pm

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Cap, Gown, and graduation announcements - ordering will be (mid-Oct) - students will purchase their cap and gown - gowns will be maroon

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Graduation Ceremony Planning

Mr. Buffington will be working with a group of students and staff to plan the ceremony - we are establishing traditions and are excited for the opportunity - if you want to be a part of this, tell Mr. Buffington at:

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marcb@psdschools.org

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Connect with us!

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Join the Google Classroom: F2HQGAA

Join Remind:

Text code: @d24cc9

to 81010

YEARBOOK ITEMS

SENIOR QUOTES

SENIOR PHOTOS

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!!

Seniors can submit their quotes to be featured with their photo here.

Many seniors opt to submit their own photos for the yearbook that replace the default school photo. You can do that here!

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This information is also sent out in our Friday newsletters!! Submissions for senior quotes AND photos are due no later than October 20th, 2025

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Communications!

Check email

• School email a couple times per week
• Personal email (address used in your college applications, etc.)
• College email (when applicable)

Set up your voicemail (and check it)

Respond to text messages

If you are on social media and connecting to colleges, military, etc., check for messages there too!

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Be Aware of Deadlines

Senior year is all about DEADLINES –

• college apps,
• financial aid & scholarships,
• changing courses,
• ordering your announcements
• completing all your requirements to GRADUATE!

Most deadlines are NOT flexible!

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Graduation Requirements & College Expectations, Finding College Options

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Graduation vs. �College Entrance Requirements

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PSD GRAD REQUIREMENTS

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• English…………….…….40
• Math…………………..….30
• Science……………….….30
• Social Studies………....35
• World Lang/Culture..10
• Electives……………..….. 65

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COLORADO HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS (HEAR)

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• English………….…..…..40
• Math……………………..40
• Science…………………..30
• Social Studies…………30
• World Language…..10-30
• Electives…………….....20

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*Entrance requirements vary by college

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Turn Down the Pressure and Find YOUR Fit

Consider location, majors, size, cost, campus life, etc.

Look at admissions requirements

• Research
• Xello—School Selector
• Big Future
• College Reps & Fairs
• Visits

Consider costs and your budget

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College List Building

Special Notes:��*Selective Service�*Student Athletes

*TREP �

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Selective Service

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NCAA--Athletics in College

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Want to play Division I or II, be sure you have:

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• Taken appropriate courses per NCAA published requirements
• Registered at www.eligibilitycenter.org
• Sent your ACT/SAT scores directly from the testing agency (check with your college to see if required)
• Sent your transcript to NCAA (studentvue → course history → unofficial transcript)
• Paid the NCAA fee (or talked with counselor to get a fee waiver)

**NCAA compliance is your responsibility. Your counselor is here to help.

Apprenticeships at FRCC

Nationally recognized training programs, apprenticeships combine real work with learning - both on and off the job. With apprenticeships in healthcare, manufacturing, IT, tree care and more, FRCC has much to offer both students and the employers that hire them.

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What Makes an Apprenticeship Different?

Different than internships and other training programs, apprenticeships are specially designed programs that include five core elements:

1. Paid Employment
2. On-the-Job Learning
3. FRCC-Provided Instruction
4. Mentorship
5. Credentials

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Xello

Login to your Xello account to see local apprenticeships or stop by the College and Career Center to speak with Ms. Ford or Mrs. Newbanks in Work-Based Learning.

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FRCC Degree and

Certificate Programs

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ASCENT Program = FREE year at FRCC, Aims, Metro, or UNC��PSD will pay all TUITION + BOOKS + FEES (no supplies)�Application comes out in the Spring!

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Check out the TREP Program for 2 years of free tuition at FRCC, AIMS, Metro, or UNC**

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Application opens in November. See your Counselor or Ms. Ford if interested.

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**The State of CO is re-evaluating funding for this program. There is a possibility it may be eliminated. Stay Tuned. �

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Do you want to become an Educator?

**Subject to change. Books, fees, and supplies are the responsibility of the student in TREP.

KRISTEN BESANCENEY

Concurrent Enrollment Coordinator

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Email: kbesance@psdschools.org

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Cell: 970-657-3175

Admissions & Application Process: �What, When, Where, Why, and How!

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We suggest a goal of

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To beat almost all deadlines

How Many Colleges?

On average, PSD seniors apply to 3 schools.

• 5-8 schools is common nationwide
• 9-13 is recommended if you are applying to highly selective colleges
• Consider admissions requirements and your financial situation:
• Reach
• Target
• Safety

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WHAT is Needed for most 2-year or Technical Colleges’ Applications

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For Admissions

For Scholarships

What is Needed for most 4-year Colleges’ Applications

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GPAs (Grade Point Average)

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Education—

Grades (use your course history in StudentVue)

Rank = Exact

• Rank weighting = Unweighted

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If you use your “Cum GPA”:

• GPA scale = 4
• GPA weighting = Unweighted

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If you use your “5 Point GPA”:

• GPA scale = 4
• GPA weighting = Weighted

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Admissions Averages & Criteria

• Colorado State University
• 3.3-4.0 GPA
• 23-28 ACT
• 1120-1300 SAT
• Essay and letter of rec
• November 15th Early Action deadline
• CU Boulder
• 3.66 GPA
• 27 ACT
• 1180-1350 SAT
• Essay and letter of rec
• November 15th Early Action deadline
• University of Wyoming
• 3.46 GPA
• 21-27 ACT
• 970-1235 SAT
• Front Range Community College
• Open Admissions
• Rolling Admissions

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• University of Northern Colorado
• 3.02-3.8 GPA
• 19-25 ACT
• 1030-1230 SAT
• December 1st Early Action deadline
• University of Denver
• 3.71 GPA
• 28 ACT
• 1110-1310
• Essay and letter of rec
• Nov 1 Early Decision/Early Action
• Colorado Mesa University
• 3.15-3.83 GPA
• 20-25 ACT
• 1020-1200 SAT
• Rolling admissions

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*Applications are accepted at later dates as well, but offer less access to scholarships, etc.

(Test optional)

(Test optional)

(Test optional for admission, not for scholarship)

(Test optional)

(Test optional depending on major and scholarship)

(Test optional)

What is Test Optional?

Test Optional might mean:

1. Students have an equal chance to be admitted with or without a test score. Scholarships can also be awarded with or without test scores.
2. Test score is not needed for admissions, but is required for scholarships
3. Test score is not needed for admissions, but is increases opportunity for scholarships
4. A strong test score makes a student much more likely to be admitted than a student who doesn’t submit (even if everything else is the same)

Test Blind:�College will NOT consider your test scores for any admission or scholarship reason, e.g. University of California schools

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Self-reporting your grades

Choose SEMESTER grading system:

• 10-credit class = 2 grades
• 5-credit class = 1 grade

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• It is more important to reflect the credit than exactly when you took the course

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College Application Process

The Student’s Responsibility:

• Complete application
• Pay application fee
• Submit essay (if needed)
• Request letters of recommendation and follow-up (if needed)
• Request test scores from testing agency – check college!
• Request Transcript & pay fee to WMHS (Counseling office)

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WMHS Responsibility:

• Sends Transcripts
• Sends Letters of Recommendation, if needed, for students not using Common App
• Sends School Profile
• Has Fee Waiver Applications available for students who qualify (if applicable)

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How and When** to Apply?

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**Other deadlines may apply for your major, scholarship and/or financial aid

Always check with your specific college for final dates!

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Coalition App

• Avoid if possible
• It connects to a platform SCOIR, which we don’t have at WMHS
• Most colleges on the Coalition Application have at least one other application option
• Colleges will NOT penalize you for using a different platform to apply!

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Colorado Free Application Days!

Submit your applications for colleges/universities in Colorado on October 7-9 to waive application fees ($30-65 each)

Prepare ahead of time so you can simply hit submit!

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CO

18-20

* CSU now has FREE app day EVERYDAY for CO residents *

OCTOBER 7-9

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Admission Processes (Options vary by college)

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Letters of Rec:

Help colleges understand YOU! ��Your academic & personal background, your character, & why you will be successful in your next step.

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Transcript Request Process

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This can all be done through…

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Essay

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Application Helpful Hints

After applying

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Students with IEPs, 504s, or disabilities

• Look for colleges with an appropriate level of support for your needs
• When you visit a college, meet with their disability support personnel (Disability support services, Learning support services, Office of special education programs, Center for students with disabilities, etc.)
• YOU must self-identify and advocate for accommodations or support

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Identity and college:

Consider your fit

• Hispanic Serving Institutions
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• LGBTQIA+ friendly campuses
• Religiously-affiliated colleges
• Tribal Colleges
• Women's Colleges or Men’s Colleges

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Finish strong!

Colleges, tech schools, gap programs, and the military can all rescind their decisions on you if you do not finish in a way consistent with your prior years.

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Financial Aid

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Types of Financial Aid

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FAFSA

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�FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Students who are Undocumented/�Do not have a Social Security Number

• In-state tuition available for students who have attended high school in CO for one year
• You would not qualify for the FAFSA, but the CASFA is available for state aid for colleges in Colorado and works similarly to FAFSA.

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FAFSA

All students should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible *starting in October of senior year.

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For the 2026-2027 school year, the FAFSA is based on 2024 taxes of parents and students.

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• https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• Go to the website ASAP and get your FSA ID

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Key Terms

• Contributor
• Everyone with information on the FAFSA
• Financial Aid Offer
• Estimated money the student can receive
• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Formerly EFC, the number sent to colleges to determine aid eligibility
• FSA ID
• Personal login information. All contributors must have FSA ID
• Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange (FADDX)
• Replacing IRS Data Retrieval tool
• Must agree to this at start of FAFSA

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WMHS Seniors/recent Grads are almost always “Dependent” on the FAFSA

• Unless they (the student)…
• Is married
• Has a child they financial support at least 51%
• Are active duty in the military
• Have been in foster care since they turned 13
• Have had both parents deceased
• Are an unaccompanied youth at risk for homelessness

Who do I include?

• If your parents are married and in the same household, include both.
• If they are not married and/or are in separate households:
• Choose the parent/household who provides most financial support
• If that is equal, choose the parent/household who you live with more
• Make sure to include stepparent if applicable.
• Must be biological or adoptive parent (except for stepparent) to be included.
• If Aunt/Uncle, Grandma/Grandpa, etc. raised student but did not legally adopt, they are not a contributor.

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CASFA

• CASFA is the State Financial Aid application for undocumented, Colorado ASSET students

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• In-state tuition available for students who have attended high school in CO for one year

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• You would not qualify for the FAFSA, but the CASFA (Colorado Application for State Financial Aid) is available for state aid for colleges in Colorado and works similarly to FAFSA.

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• Apply here.

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Types of Aid:

Grants

• Funds do NOT have to be repaid
• Are for the most those with the most financial need
• Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch almost always qualify for grants
• Plus, many other students qualify depending on their family's situation and the college’s cost

Loans

• MUST be repaid
• Available from the government and from private sources (federal Stafford loans, federal PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, institutional loans, private loan programs)

Work- Study

• Students earn money by working part-time on campus
• Sponsored by college/government
• Say “Yes” to the question on the FAFSA that asks if you are interested in work-study eligibility (it’s not required if you do qualify)

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Learn more about CSU’s Colorado Tuition Assistance Grant and the Federal Pell Grant.

Read more about the Colorado Promise Scholarship and The Pack Promise.

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Colorado Promise Tax Credit

Read more about the Colorado Promise and find a list of participating schools at: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/colorado-promise

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• Colorado Promise provides students with tuition and fees for their first two years of college in the form of a yearly refundable tax credit if they have a family income of $90,000 or less.

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• Students who enroll in a qualifying program will have tuition and fees covered, after scholarships and grants, and can begin claiming tax credits in the following year.

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• Eligible students may attend Colorado public postsecondary institutions—including community colleges, public four-year colleges and universities, area technical colleges, and local district colleges. Students must enroll at a participating institution within two years of graduating high school (or equivalent).

Other financial processes

CSS Profile

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Used by about 400 colleges/scholarship programs (mostly for private schools)

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Usually due early: Form available Oct. 1

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Check scholarship priority deadlines for each school

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You pay a fee: $25 for 1 college, $16 for each additional college (free for family income up to $100,000)

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Gathers financial information similar to the FAFSA, but more in depth

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COF

Provides a tuition stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college.

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You already applied to COF if you have ever applied to FRCC. Pay attention to reminders to “Authorize funds” to the college you attend--usually a quick process in your college portal.

Scholarships

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MW

Scholarships

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Colleges

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Admissions-based (automatically considered when you apply)

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Foundation (requires separate application usually found in the college’s portal that you can access after applying)

Websites:

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FastWeb

Big Future (College Board)

Scholarships.com

Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, Raise.me

Boettcher

Daniels

WMHS

PSD Senior Scholarship Application

Teacher, Counselor, Principal Nominated

WUE

(Western Undergraduate Exchange)

Reduced tuition rates available at some public colleges in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Tuition rates at 150% of In-state

Varies by college—can be a highly competitive award or automatic to all who are accepted to the college

Esteemed Scholarship CU Boulder

As of Sept 1, 2023 and subject to change

Green & Gold Scholarship: Colorado State University

Colorado Mesa University

Common Scholarships for PSD Seniors:

Scholarships from organizations/donors

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PSD Senior Scholarship Application

• 30+ local donors who offer award to PSD seniors

• Application in mid-December, due in January

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Quest Bridge�(essentially a full-coverage award at a highly selective college)

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• Open to all students, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the United States.

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• Finalists typically come from households earning less than $65,000 annually for a family of four, and often less. 

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• Strong academics:
• Mostly A’s in challenging courses
• Top 5-10% of graduating class
• SAT >1260 or ACT>27 (if taken)
• Strong writing, intellectual spark, determination

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• Application available now online: www.questbridge.org,
• Usually due late September

As of Sept 1, 2023 and subject to change

Boettcher Scholarship—�(up to a full ride or full tuition/fee scholarship in Colorado)

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a graduating Colorado high school senior who has lived in Colorado for your full junior and senior years of high school;
• Apply during the fall of what is your final year of high school, even if you are considering taking a gap year after graduation;
• Graduate from a Colorado high school; and
• Be a citizen, legal permanent resident, or lawfully present (including through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)) in the United States –OR--Meet the requirements and have applied or started the process of applying for citizenship, legal status or lawful presence.

For students who exhibit:

• Superior scholastic ability
• Evidence of leadership and involvement
• Service to community and school
• Outstanding character

Apply directly online at www.boettcherfoundation.org

Include your counselor’s name/email as “Recommender” right away!

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As of Sept 1, 2023 and subject to change

Daniels Fund Scholarship�up to $25,000/year anywhere

Selection Criteria:

• Strength of character
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to serving their communities
• Academic performance or promise
• Well-rounded personality

Finances: AGI of $85,000 or less. Income can be higher for multiple dependents.

Earn a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 in high school (on an unweighted 4.0 scale), AND earn a minimum SAT Math score of 490 and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score of 490, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category (writing score not required). Super scoring is not accepted.

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As of Sept 1, 2023 and subject to change

Do I need to test?

Check your colleges for test expectations for:

• Admissions
• Your possible Major(s)
• Scholarships

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Does your College/Military Academy require a writing test (available only w/ACT)?

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Military

• ASVAB test required

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Upcoming SAT/ACT tests

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• Register directly at collegeboard.org or actstudent.org - WMHS test registration in SchoolPay
• Cost $55-68/test. See your counselor for a fee waiver if you qualify for free/reduced lunch
• Locations vary by test (NOT available at WMHS). Students often find test seats open at CSU, Loveland, Greeley, Denver, Cheyenne, etc.

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Getting Scores to Colleges:

• Many colleges will require that scores be sent directly from the testing agency (~$12/score sent)

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Accessing your scores:

• Pick up paper score report from the counseling office
• Online via College Board - you may need to link your account (ask your counselor if you need help)

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Resources to practice for the SAT:

• Xello
• College Board
• Khan Academy

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Net Price Calculators

On the college’s website, look for

“Net price calculator”

You will probably enter information about you. But usually NOT identifying information like your full name or SS#

Some colleges offer automatic scholarships, based on your ACT/GPA.

To get a better sense of total cost, many colleges gather information like what the FAFSA will ask you.

You usually need parent information.

When you enter your academic information and your family’s financial information, you will usually get an estimate like this

What about saving money next year?

• CLEP Tests—placement exams to test out of classes and earn credits(costs vary)
• Consider a lower cost college
• Live at home
• Residence hall savings
• Apply to a less selective college to increase your competitiveness for merit aid
• ASCENT/TREP Programs

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Resources & Upcoming Events

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KD

Counseling Office and�College & Career Center

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Check Google Classroom, Remind & your school email!

College Application Workshops @ WMHS

Keep an eye on Google Classroom for upcoming dates and locations of workshops.

Workshops may include:

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Application Support

Colorado Free Application Day

Visits from College Reps

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FRCC Advisor at RMHS�

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Transcript To-Dos

• Make sure you are on-track for on-time graduation
• Make a plan with your counselor to make up any outstanding credits (don’t forget your College & Career Readiness Measure)
• Review your Quarters 2-4 schedule to make sure you have what you need to be set up for your postsecondary goals

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WMHS

College, Career & Military Fair

October 2

3:00pm-5:30pm

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WMHS SR/Parent College �Planning & Financial Aid Night

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th AT WMHS

7:00 PM (~ 1 HOUR)

FOLLOWING BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT

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Topics include:

• Options
• Getting In
• Applying Overview
• Application Details
• After Applying

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• Financial Aid (FAFSA)
• Net Price Calculator
• Cutting Costs
• Next Steps

College Fairs in PSD

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MON September 15

In-State College Fair

at Fossil Ridge HS

6pm -7:30pm

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TUES October 7

Out-of-State College Fair

at Poudre HS

5pm-7:30pm

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Why attend college fairs?

• Learn more about schools you might want to attend
• Network with college admissions professionals - colleges keep track of who attends!
• Can’t make it to visit a school? College fairs “bring” the school directly to you

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All Colorado public colleges and universities & some private CO institutions waive application fees for all in-state students

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October 7 - 9

Attention Seniors: Important SAT Information

• SAT Date: October 22nd, 8:15 AM - 12:00 PM
• Location: Wellington Middle-High School
• Fee: $60 (Sign-up and payment due by September 25th)

Why This Matters:

• This is your chance to improve your SAT scores before graduation. Higher scores can boost your college applications and scholarship opportunities.

How to Register:

• You and your parents should have received an email with the links for registration and payment. Make sure to complete both by September 25th.

Special Accommodations:

• If you qualify for testing accommodations, contact Mrs. Shinn or Ms. Manzanares by August 29th.

Important Notes:

• This SAT opportunity is for seniors only. Juniors will have the chance to take the SAT in the spring.

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If you have questions or need help, reach out to your counselor! Or Ms. Manz

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Registration

SchoolPay

Interested in joining the military?

• High school diploma (not GED) is required by most branches
• Prep for ASVAB
• Prep for physical test
• Investigate the career options in each branch
• Investigate scholarship, military academies, and ROTC options
• Tattoos, prior drug use, legal convictions, and physical/mental health conditions may affect enlistment options

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ASVAB Test �(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) �at WMHS on October 29 at 8:15 AM�

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Students in grades 10-12 may register at

https://forms.gle/w988UrnQgFtizsop6

(must be logged in to your PSD account)

Registration QR Code Below

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General information about the ASVAB tests is at www.asvabprogram.com

Next Steps

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NM

To Do…1^st quarter

• Start checking SCHOOL EMAIL for important college updates
• Research prospective colleges
• Have a candid family discussion about financing plans
• Set up visits at colleges you are considering
• Take or retake the SAT, ACT, ACT with Writing, (as needed for your colleges/scholarships)
• Apply to your college(s) in the next 2 months

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To do… soon

• Explore the scholarship and financial process for each college, make a calendar so you don’t miss any deadlines

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• Apply for FAFSA starting in December

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• Apply for Scholarships as they are available

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Senior Information Page

Senior Information Page

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What’s Next? Small steps!

• Step one: Your student will attend mandatory Senior Meeting - September 3rd
• Step two: Your student will attend their individual senior meeting with their counselor to review progress towards graduation and get questions answered

Senior meetings will begin week of September 8th

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