Winter 2009 Newsletter

Dear Parents and seniors:

Happy New Year. I hope everyone had restful and happy holidays. This letter is intended to remind you of a few loose ends which require your attention. I am certain that the next term, your last in the senior year, will be more leisurely than the first. Please remember that senior grades are considered critical by the colleges and although I know everyone would like to relax, second term grades do matter.

For all of you who have applied to Cal State or UC, you should have received confirmation of receipt of your application at each campus. If for some reason you have not, call or email that campus to determine if your application has been received. Occasionally a UC will ask for current grades and if you receive that request, of course reply promptly; otherwise when your first term grades are available, send them to each college/university except the UC and Cal State. Be sure you use only one email account for all of your college correspondence as you will receive admissions notification by email.

To add variety and interest to your senior year, you may wish to take a course at SBCC or at UCSB. Of course you need to have the approval of your counselor for credit; a college course can be a way to keep you energized and interested in the last term of your senior year. Try something new! Open registration at SBCC continues through Jan.26 and the semester begins on Jan.26. If there is any change in your schedule, do notify each college. If you receive an honor or distinction, promptly inform each college as well.

This is the time to apply for financial aid. On the last page of your senior calendar, I have listed the major, reputable web sites. The Fafsa can be filed on line now along with the gpa verification (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Many schools require their own Profile and this should be filed now also. You should not pay for any scholarship application. Merit awards are usually posted in the schools’ guidance office and I encourage students to frequent their school’s guidance office to determine which ones they fit and to also research through the search engines suggested. Do be aware that in these economic times, the colleges are saying that they will be “need aware” not need blind in awarding financial aid.

Personal interviews will take place this month and usually students will be called by a local alumnus, alumna once their application has been received Many schools do not interview but for those who do, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to personalize your application. I am happy to spend time with students practicing a mock interview so that they feel confident.

Please do e mail me or call with questions or concerns. This group of seniors is such a talented group: I feel privileged to have worked with each of them. With best regards and my sincere wishes for the coming year…

Cordially,

Bonnie R. Corman PhD