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Book Launch

All of the Wisdom and None of the Junk, Version 2.0

In August we celebrated the release of All the Wisdom and None of the Junk: Secrets of Applying for College Admission and Scholarships 2.0 with a community book launch at Denver East High School. Students, families, educators, and community leaders came together for an evening of “real talk” about applying to college and scholarships, featuring a panel of current college students, staff, and admissions experts, an overview of the book’s new features, and candid conversations about the application process.

Originally authored by Katy Craig and Katie Kramer and updated by Alum Madeline Doering, the updated guide builds on the Boettcher Foundation’s 74 years of scholarship expertise to make college and scholarship insights more accessible for Colorado students, especially those who may not know where to begin.

A panel of college access experts spoke at the Denver East High School book launch event. East is home to 60 Scholars, the most in our history.

New to version 2.0, the guide now includes:  

  • Detailed checklists for every year of high school
  • “Nuggets of Wisdom” to help students stay grounded
  • Guidance for navigating test-optional and test-blind policies
  • Insights on responsible AI usage for essay writing

One of the tips I used was to talk about things I was genuinely interested in and not just something I thought reviewers would want to see. As a result, I centered one of my essays around my favorite family activities-- playing Settlers of Catan. This essay really stood out to interviewers.

CASSIDY SIMPSON, 2020 SCHOLAR

Colorado Leadership Stories Podcast Highlight

Q&A with Cassidy

JOURNEY TO SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS

2020 Boettcher Scholar Cassidy Simpson reflects upon her college application process and helpful tips and tricks she found along the way. Utilizing the book, All the Wisdom and None of the Junk: Secrets of Applying for College Admission and Scholarships 2.0, Cassidy emphasizes the tools that helped her succeed in college applications and beyond. 

Read about Cassidy's Journey to Success

Being Before Doing

Listen to Katy Craig, co-author of All the Wisdom and None of the Junk on a conversation about leadership as an activity where presence precedes performance.

Katy Craig: Being Before Doing

Colorado Leadership Stories Podcast Highlight

Applying Authentically

VOICES OF BOETTCHER SCHOLARS

Join Boettcher Scholars Jhoany Juarez, Dylan Lindsey, and Arianna McCarty as they open up about the realities of applying to college and scholarships. From crafting standout essays to framing leadership narratives and navigating merit-based programs, they share the strategies that helped them shine. Along the way, they reflect on the power of storytelling, the role of mentors and support networks, and the lessons they wish they had known earlier.  

Voices of Boettcher Scholars

Experience the Launch

Students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered at Denver East High School for an evening of real talk on college and scholarships, complete with an overview of the book, a panel of college students and experts, and meaningful discussions.

Together, we’re cutting through the noise and equipping students with the wisdom they need (and none of the clutter) as they take on their application journeys. 

“Nineteen years ago, as a new post grad counselor, I was searching for a scholarship and college application framework to build our school’s career and college practices. The Boettcher Foundation, their publication of All The Wisdom and None Of The Junk, and the educational mentors and leaders in the Boettcher Foundation have helped to serve as our school’s framework for helping students in their post-secondary education journey! I am grateful for their guidance and support as we help students discover their futures! The book is an invaluable tool because of the people and the mission of the Boettcher Foundation and Family!"
Stephanie CornelioPost Grad Counselor, Pine Creek High School 
“My kids followed the first edition when they applied to college. This fantastic second edition almost – ALMOST – makes me wish I had more college-bound kids. What a fantastic, clear, streamlined plan of attack to follow when applying to colleges and for scholarship – truly no junk to be found!”
Jamie WilliamsEd.D., Senior Director of Scholarships and Enrichment Programs, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation 
“Clear, practical, and full of expert insight, this book is an invaluable guide for students, families, and those supporting them. It simplifies the college and scholarship process and includes real examples to help students shine.”
Anne LassenVice President, Scholarship and Education Initiatives, Flinn Foundation
“The big takeaway is helping students step outside of their own experience and expand on their involvements to build maximum understanding for selection teams. Specifically, this helps students tell their stories effectively and build maximum insight. The examples provided of good/better/best responses can help students understand the range of what they can do and how to maximize their space available.”
Matt BonserDirector of Admission, Colorado College
500 +

books distributed to Colorado high schools and college access programs

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