Telluride Association Summer Program

We have been asked to nominate up to five juniors with strong grades and test scores for a free six-week summer, 2008 program that will take place at one of four major universities. (June 24-Aug 4). Students attend this because 1. they want to challenge themselves in college-level seminars. 2. they want to form an intellectual and social community with others who love to read and discuss things as much as they do. Once selected, all costs except travel are covered (travel CAN be covered if there is need. Once selected, the juniors will be asked to submit an essay that is evaluated by two or more trained readers. Then between 150 and 180 are selected for a final interview. This year's programs are as follows:

• UT Austin: The History and Images of Hollywood's Africa
• Wash U: none listed
• Cornell I: Caribbean Dialogues
• Cornell II: Human Rights, Cultural Rights & Economic Rights: Views from the "Global South"
• Michigan: The Environment and our Health

This is an incredible opportunity for some of our kids. I have asked teachers for some student-nominees, and if you think your student would be interested in this opportunity, please contact me as soon as possible. There is more information available at http://tasp.tellurideassociation.org

SAT/ACT

Juniors took the PSAT (practice SAT) in October and sometime just before Christmas break, I should get the results. I will interpret them to your students in small group settings and let you know when you should expect them home. In the meantime, I would like for you to encourage your son or daughter to look at both the SAT and ACT website and select two dates to take exams between now and next summer. They are as follows: SAT is www.collegeboard.com and ACT is www.act.org . You can register on-line to take these exams and have them sent to the colleges that you may be interested in applying to next fall. The earlier you register for the exams in the spring, the more likely you are to get your first seat choice!! If you have questions, please call me.

SAT and ACT Registration

Junior Parents and Teachers,

It's hard to believe that finals are just around the corner and we will be returning to your students' 6th semester!! The 6th semester is a critical one for several reasons. First, it is the last semester of grades that a college will review when making admission decisions for our students. Next, it is the semester during which juniors will plan their senior year of courses. Finally, it is the semester that all juniors should sit for the ACT and/or the SAT.

These exams are given monthly through June, however, I do not recommend that any students schedule themselves to take either exam during May (finals time). You can register on line for both of these exams: SAT - www.collegeboard.com and ACT - www.act.org

The earlier you register for an exam, the more likely you are to get your first seat choices, so please do this over break, if possible. March is a great time to take both tests, but it is a popular time.

I have PSAT books for those of you who want to use them to study with your results. Please come and request your book from my office. I also have a DVD program in my office that you can utilize during your study halls or before or after school to prepare for the exams. Schedule some time with Mrs. Williams to take a look at the prep program. The seniors have been pleased with it and their scores.

Have a great holiday break.

Discover Scholarship Program

The Discover Scholarship Program is open to high school juniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is Thursday, January 31, 2008. Please go to www.scholarshipadministrators.net (use Access Key: DISC) and complete your application.

Duke Info

There is some exciting new information that Duke University released this week!

First, parents whose incomes total $60,000 or less no longer have to contribute financially to their child's education. For families with incomes of $40,000 or less, they have eliminated student loans, and reduced them for families with incomes up to $100,000. Second, all of their merit scholarships now provide full tuition, room, board, and fees, a value of almost $50,000 per year. There are details about these changes posted with the bulletins on the second floor at Sig. Visit their website for more information.