College Counseling Updates – Kris Nilsen’s All Things College
Nilsen’s News
Class of 2022! September 28, 2021
Click Here for all things college!
Relocation of Mrs. Nilsen
Dear Families,
Due to the water issues at the upper school, Mrs. Nilsen ill be using Mrs. Padovich’s office for meetings with families and learners.
RESCHEDULE “ALL ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2022” ZOOM MEETING
Due to issues beyond my control, I feel it is best to postpone the zoom meeting until next week.
Thursday, October 7th
6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/8816321018?pwd=aEg2dndEMmlyZ2YwQjFhRzhzbE1UUT09#successMeeting
ID: 881 632 1018
Password: College
Information on Senior Events and College applications will be discussed.
Parents and seniors HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend!
Event will also be recorded.
FAFSA/CADAA OPENS THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST!
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Billions of dollars goes unused every year because students do no fill out the FAFSA/CADAA.
Here’s How to Get Ready for the FAFSA!
- Create an FSA ID (Learner and one parent): https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid – needed to sign the FAFSA.
- Fill out the application: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- IRS DRT: The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) allows students to get parent’s tax information and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA form. Much easier than entering the information line by line. Click on the link to use the IRS Retrieval Tool for the FAFSA: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/resources/irs-drt-text
- Add colleges you are thinking of applying to on the FAFSA. 10 maximum (can remove colleges and add more)
- Add one California college to qualify for the Cal Grant.
Here’s How to Get Ready for the CADAA!
Undocumented Students must meet the eligibility criteria for AB 540, AB 2000, SB 68 or U-Visa holders to apply for and receive California state financial aid. The California Dream Act allows students to receive state and institutional grants if they meet income guidelines, apply by the priority deadlines, and complete all necessary paperwork on-time.
Click here to access the CADAA: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing
Zoom w/ Nilsen
If you need help with the FAFSA or CADAA, please reach out to me.
COLLEGE ESSAY GUY VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
Wednesday, October 6th
3pm – 6:45pm PDT (6pm – 9:45pm Eastern)
- Connect with over 65 colleges and universities from around the world
- Join me in the opening session as I share How to Develop a Preliminary College List in Under an Hour
- 6×6 format: 6 schools present for 6 minutes each (super efficient way of getting to know many colleges/universities)
Check out the schedule and list of colleges, and register now!
Show up at 3pm PT to catch my opening session How to Develop a Preliminary College List in Under an Hour. It’ll be an interactive session in which you can actually develop an initial college list—or refine the list you’ve already started—in less than 60 minutes.
SAT at SCVi
Most colleges are test-optional this year due to Covid 19 but If you would like to take the SAT, it is being offered on-site:
When: Thursday October 28, 2021
Where: The Village room in lower school
Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Proctor: Mrs. Nilsen
Cost: $60 (Cash or Check made out to SCVi)
Limited Seating / First Come First Serve
Email kris.nilsen@scvi-k12.org to reserve a spot
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ACCESS APPLICATION WEBSITES
- App. Opens 10/1
- One application/different essays depending on college
- If application waivers are needed, request in Common App
University of California Apply
Submit 11/1-11/30
$70 per campus
One Application
Self-report all classes and grades
No recommendations needed
Can request Application Waiver in application
Required to answer 4 out of 8 short answer personal insight questions
Due November 30th
App. Opens 10/1
$70 per campus
One Application
Login to Student Portal to view transcript
Self-report all classes and grades
No recommendations needed
Can request application waiver in application
Due November 30th
GET HELP WITH COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAYS AND PROMPTS
A WEEKEND CRASH COURSE ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS
October 2nd and 3rd
Saturday & Sunday | 10-11:30am or 4-5:30pm Pacific time (1-2:30pm or 7-8:30pm ET)
HOW TO ANSWER THE UC PERSONAL INSIGHT QUESTIONS
Oct 9th, 16th, & 23rd
Saturdays | 2:00-4:00 pm PT (5-7:00pm ET)
Register Here
Appointment w/Nilsen
For availability, click HERE.Choose a time that works with your schedule. Fill out information and choose In-Person or Virtual
Appointment will be added to my google calendar. If in person, come to my office (by Etta James)
If virtual, at the time of the meeting click HERE!
Meeting ID-881-632-1018
Password: College
StudentSquare
StudentSquare is linked to ParentSquare. Learners need to do the following:
- Download the app
- Sign In (uses school email)
- Edit account and add cell phone number
Follow Me On Twitter & Instagram
@NilsenLovesCollege
Pathways Student Portal / Login Regularly
The student portal is a great way to stay on track throughout the semester. Please login regularly.
REPORTING: There are 3 tabs.
“SCVi 4 year plan”: Click on each subject to see what grades you received and credits earned.
Transcripts: View and print unofficial transcript. Also make sure all classes and grades are up to date.
Class Attendance:
View attendance by month. When getting attendance emails, you can check here to see what class and facilitator issued the absence.
Class Schedule:
Make sure the classes listed here are the classes you are physically attending. If the class is not listed, you are not “in” the class.
Resources:
Helpful links and information. If you login to the portal first, you will be able to access all programs at SCVi (Brightspace, SCOIR, College, etc)
We Are In This Together!
iLEAD Student Support Counseling Website
California Help Line
We Are In This Together!
Click below for some awesome resources to help you through difficult times.
California has launched a “Peer-Run” mental health hot-line for kids to get help before a crisis occurs. The numbers and hours for Los Angeles County are below:
1-888-448-9777 (English and by text)
1-888-448-4055 (Spanish and by text)
The number will be staffed the following hours:
M-F: 5pm – 10pm
Sat: 11am-4pm
Sun: Closed
Help is just a phone call away!
Previous Newsletters
- September 7th – https://www.smore.com/jqr4t
- September 14th – https://www.smore.com/mcw3r
Mrs. Nilsen
Mrs. Nilsen
@NilsenLovesCollege
Academic/College/IB Counselor
28060 Hasley Canyon Road, Castaic, CA, USAkris.nilsen@scvi-k12.org661-704-4823scvi-k12.org
Connect with Kris Nilsen
Kris is using Smore newsletters to spread the word online.
