Nilsen’s News
Class of 2022!
Click Here for all things college!
COLLEGE HACKS – TECHNOLOGY
~From the book “College Hacks” by Keith Bradford
MAKE SURE THE FOLLOWING IS COMPLETED NOW!
- Send Recommendation requests to chosen facilitators (Go to the “My Colleges” tab. In the top right corner click on “Application Documents”. Then click on “Teacher Recommendations”.
- Research colleges on your list
- Move colleges from “Following” or “Suggested” to the applying column if applying and then applied
- Make sure to add your application ID numbers to SCOIR when you add colleges to the applied list. This will make sure that all documents sent will be matched with your applications.
- Keep up with application deadlines. (Very Important)
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- Early Decision (ED): This is a binding contract. You can only apply ED to one college and if you are accepted, you MUST attend.
- Early Action (EA): Non-binding. Can apply to multiple colleges early action and you are not bound to attend.
- Restricted Early Action (REA): Non-binding but can only apply to one college early, not multiple colleges.
- Regular Decision (RD): Typical and final deadline to apply to colleges; hold all applications and then make decisions from one big group
- Rolling Admission: Colleges accept students as they receive applications
Below is a link to a chart that shows colleges and the percentages of acceptance. Really cool!
COLLEGE APPLICATION TIMELINE/OCTOBER
- Apply to your California State University (CSU) campuses right now. Use your transcript in your Pathways Student Portal for reference purposes.
- Finish your Common App for your chosen EA/ED schools and submit. Do NOT report your SAT/ACT scores on your Common App because then you’ll forfeit your right to apply test-optional to some places…that is, if you plan to go test-optional at designated places.
- Make sure your letter-writing facilitators are identified in SCOIR.
- You and your folks should complete the FAFSA. You will not be informed of Early Admissions financial aid until after you’ve completed this step, so do it now.
Check to see if any of your private colleges also require completion and submission of the CSS/Profile. You most likely have some.
FAFSA IS NOW OPEN / DOWNLOAD THE APP ABOVE
Click on the link below for important information about the FAFSA and CADAA:
COLLEGE EXPRESS
COLLEGE FAIR
NICHE
WHAT IS NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY?
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
ETHAN SAWYER IS HERE TO HELP YOU
Need Help With Your College Applications?
How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List: You get 10 spots and 150 characters to describe each of your extracurricular activities. How do you make the most of that space? This in-depth guide (with examples) may help.
How to Use the Additional Information Section: This is probably the most underutilized section of the application. Though optional, it provides an important opportunity for some students to provide context for their application.
The College Essay Guy YouTube Channel: I’ve spent a ton of time the last 9 months recording tons of new videos, from my full guide to the “Why Us?” essay, tips on the UC personal insight questions, to reviewing some of my favorite essay examples of all time. Subscribe if you’d like to get notified; I publish a new video each week.
The Dangers of Getting Personal Statement Feedback From Too Many People: A helpful lesson from Pete the Cat.
How to Write a Super Essay by Combining Essay Prompts: If you’re writing separate essays for all your supplemental essays, this one’s for you. Write better essays and save hours drafting by finding opportunities for overlap among your college essay prompts.
The College Application Hub:Okay, I lied. I had a few more resources come to mind that I wanted to share as I wrote this email, so here’s my College Application Hub, which has pretty much all the things, organized by category.
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!
CAL STATE APPLICATION STUDENT GUIDE
COMMON APP STUDENT GUIDE
ALL ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2022! GOOGLE SLIDES
CSS PROFILE STUDENT GUIDE
Mrs. Nilsen
Mrs. Nilsen
@NilsenLovesCollege
Academic/College/IB Counselor
28060 Hasley Canyon Road, Castaic, CA, USAkris.nilsen@scvi-k12.org661-704-4823scvi-k12.org
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