I hope you're spending a lot of time off the screen and that you don't see this email for a while! Still, I wanted to share some summer resources. I also recommend that you check out the Redford Library to find some fun summer reading. GoodReads is another great resource to find good books.

Rising 9th and 10th-graders

• Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.

Rising 11th-graders

• Learning How to Learn + The Science of Well Being: These free Coursera courses will help you understand how your brain works and what you can do to optimize your productivity and happiness.

• Explore colleges with 800+ lists: Curious about what colleges have to offer? Use this fun online, searchable database from CollegeXpress, which covers everything from academic environments to school spirit.

• Social media cleanup: This is a good time to clean up your social media profiles. If you have any questionable photos or language, delete them now before you start your college search in earnest.

Rising 12th-graders

• How to Create a College List (with tracking spreadsheet): Prepare to finalize your college list. Once you do, create a second spreadsheet with deadlines for applications, and scholarships, number of required recommendations, testing policies, etc.

• Things Students of Color Should Know When Applying to College: Listen to this solid advice spanning the college search, financial aid, and how to advocate for yourself in the process.

• Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a plan to visit a couple schools based on your college research, if you’re able. If getting to the campuses isn’t possible, learn as much as you can online via virtual information sessions.

• Get organized and kick off your application process: Research the admission requirements and deadlines for schools on your list, and create a spreadsheet to organize information.

• How to write a successful Common App Activities List/How to write a college resume: Learn more about these pieces of the application process.

• How to use the Common App Additional Information Section: Find out why this optional section can be one of the most important aspects of your application. And think about whether you want to answer the optional COVID related question.

• If you’ve excelled academically despite financial challenges, consider applying to QuestBridge or the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, and check in with your counselor on the Posse Foundation nomination process.

• Create a spreadsheet of all usernames and passwords: Keep important login information here for college applications, applicant portals, and scholarships.

I look forward to seeing all of you "IRL" in September!

--Mr. Hughes

Sources:

https://www.collegeessayguy.com/

Email: rory.hughes@southredford.org
Website: eaglescholars.southredford.org
Location: 26249 Schoolcraft Avenue, Redford Charter Township, MI, United States
Phone: 313-444-2590
Facebook: facebook.com/eaglescholarsprogram