SENIOR BULLETIN
Included in this bulletin is information
regarding testing dates for the ACT, SAT and THEA; Scholarship sites; tips for
scholarships, financial aid, and researching schools and important college
access resources. (Scholarship
links are located at the end of the bulletin)
College Entrance Exams
******You may qualify for a fee waiver for the ACT, SAT and College admissions applications if you receive free or reduced lunch. See Mr. Mazharian in Rm. 107 for more details.
Go to www.act.org for more information.
2005–2006
Test Date Deadline LATE FEE REQUIRED
SAT
Go
to www.collegeboard.com for more
information.
Test Dates Test Registration Deadlines Late Registration
THEA
Go to www.thea.nesinc.com for more
information.
Test Date Regular
Registration Deadline Late
Registration Period
FASTWEB’S TOP 10 SCHOLARSHIP TIPS!
1. Apply only if you’re
eligible. Read all of the scholarship requirements and directions carefully to
make sure you’re eligible before you send in your application.
2. Complete the application in full. If a question doesn’t apply, note that on
the application. Don’t just leave it blank.
3. Follow directions. Provide everything that is required. But don’t supply
things that aren’t requested – you could be disqualified.
4. Neatness counts. Make several photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use
the copies as working drafts to develop your application packet. Always type
your application. If you must print, do so neatly and legibly.
5. Make sure your essay makes an impression. The key to writing a strong essay
is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your
experience come alive: who, what, where and when.
6. Watch out for deadlines. To help keep yourself on track, impose a deadline
on yourself that is at least two weeks before the stated deadline. Use this
time to proofread your application before you send it off.
7. Make copies before sending. Before sending your application, make a copy of
the entire packet and keep it on file in case your application goes astray.
Make sure your name (and social security number if applicable) appears on each
page of your application to ensure that nothing is lost.
8. Give it a final “once-over.” Proofread the entire application carefully. Be
on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend,
teacher or parent to proofread it as well.
9. Ask for help if you need it. If you have problems with the application, call
the funding organization and ask questions.
10. Remember – your scholarship application represents you! Your ability to
submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you. Take pride in
yourself by submitting your best application.
Finding
Scholarships
Who might have money to give?
Look beyond colleges
and universities for scholarships. Education funding in the private sector has
increased dramatically in recent years. Review mainstream sources of funds, and
be creative. Think about what makes you different, and find groups that value
the difference. Many organizations offer scholarships, including:
State governments, local governments, businesses, employers, clubs, associations, high schools, civic groups, religious organizations, trade associations, labor unions, political parties, military associations, private foundations, private charities, and ethnic organizations.
If
you are headed to a public university in
The Federal
Government’s Financial Aid Site http:/
www.studentaid.ed.gov for general financial aid information.
Provides links to online publications that explain the major federal student
aid programs, maximum awards, and eligibility.
THIS IS A GREAT SITE with information about choosing a school, applying
as well as funding it. You can even download and complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The government provides 75 percent of the aid
distributed to students, so hot-foot-it to your nearest modem.
STATE OF
Scholarships for Hispanics
and minority students: 28 pages with various deadline dates.
http://www.hsf.net/scholarships.php
Texas Mentor: www.texasmentor.org is designed for
students interested in exploring Texas’ private colleges and universities. Includes interactive features that allow
students to explore options including matching their personal needs and
interests with specific institutions, virtual campus tours, and applying
on-line for admission.
Fastweb http://www.fastweb.com/
The #1 search service. A huge database that
identifies more than 180,000 private-sector scholarships, fellowships, grants,
and loans, including aid sources for special interest groups, such as women,
athletes, and minorities.
Scholarship
America’s Student Information Page
Scholarships
at www.scholarshipamerica.org
Sallie Mae
A
quick & free way to estimate what college will cost you.
http://www.salliemae.com/plan/index.html
Website
with information covering financial aid, college searches, college
applications, and choosing majors.
www.collegeview.com/financialaid/index.html
TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE FAFSA
(FREE APPLICATION FOR
FEDERAL STUDENT AID)
NOTE: The counselors will announce when FAFSA forms come in, and they will be
available in the Counselors Office.
You
will need:
1.Your Social Security number
2. Your driver’s license number, if you have one
3.Your W-2 Forms
4. Your federal income tax return
5. Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other
investments
6. Your records of other untaxed income received, such as Social Security,
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), welfare or veteran’s benefits
7. Your business or farm records, if applicable
8. Your alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
9. If you are a dependent student, you will also need: Your parent(s)’ SSN(s),
and your parent(s)’ income and financial records (as listed above)
To begin the application process:
1. Get a PIN. To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent, if you
are a dependent) need a U.S. Dept. of Education PIN. If you don’t already have
one, apply now at www.pin.ed.gov. Your FAFSA
will be processed faster if you sign using a PIN.
2. Print the Pre-Application Worksheet from www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Some students find it helpful to complete the Pre-Application Worksheet before
completing FAFSA on the Web.
3. Save Your FAFSA as you go. Save your application often using the “Save”
button at the bottom of the screen. That way, if you lose your Internet
connection, you can return to your FAFSA. NOTE: If you click the “Exit” button,
you’ll not only close your application, but you’ll also erase all the
information you entered since the last time you saved it.
4. Get Help. Because there is FREE help available, you don’t have to pay to get
assistance filling out your FAFSA. The “Need Help with this Page?” button at
the bottom of every FAFSA on the Web page will lead you to information to help
you complete that page. The “Help” button at the top of every screen has an
index of help topics. In addition, you can chat with a Customer Service Rep.
directly over the Internet by clicking the “Live Help” button. If you still
need more help, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
5. Sign Your Application. If you have a PIN, you can electronically sign your FAFSA.
Otherwise, you’ll need to print the signature page and mail it in. If you are a
dependent student, your parent will need to sign your FAFSA as well. Your
parent(s) can sign by either using his or her own PIN or mailing in a signature
page.
6. Submit Your Application. Click the “Submit” button located on the last page
of FAFSA on the Web. You’ll be taken to a new page that confirms your
submission and gives you a confirmation number.
If you file a FAFSA, you will receive an SAR (Student Aid Report) from the
federal government (If you gave your e-mail address, you’ll receive an e-mail
with a link to your online SAR within 5 days. Otherwise you’ll receive a paper
SAR in the mail in about 2 weeks.) The SAR will list the amount of money that
you and your parents are expected to contribute toward college expenses. This
amount is called the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). The SAR will also
inform you of any federal grants (such as the Pell Grant) or federal loans for
which your family qualifies.
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE
PICKING A COLLEGE:
(Some tips to help you
make a final decision once you’ve narrowed your college choices)
1. What different financial aid packages does the school offer? Remember to
factor in costs such as transportation home, long distance calls, etc.
2. Is the program you are interested in offered?
3. How many graduates find jobs in their field of study?
4. How does the school help graduates find jobs?
5. How easy is it to get the courses you want at the times that are convenient
for you?
6. How much does housing cost, and is finding off-campus housing difficult?
7.What is the quality of academic resources (library, research facilities,
computer labs, etc.)?
Are they up-to-date and accessible?
8. What is the retention rate (how many students come back after their freshman
year)?
9. What student organizations are on campus?
10. What sort of career planning or job placement services are available?
USEFUL SITES for researching colleges
The
following sites contain useful information to assist you on your voyage to
college:
www.collegeview.com
Create a list of schools that meet preferences for size, geography, areas of
study and student body.
www.collegeboard.com
Everything you need to know about the SAT and SAT II, find colleges that match
your goals and interests.
www.number2.com
A fantastic site for test prep! Provides free SAT and ACT tutorials complete
with explanations of correct and incorrect answers. It also keeps track of your
progress so each time you log on you can see which tutorials you've done and
how many questions you answered correctly.
www.petersons.com/ugrad/
Assistance for you on your quest for the perfect college, huge scholarship
database available.
www.embark.com
Search for the college that matches your interests.
www.mapping-your-future.org/
Information on college planning, career options, and financial strategies.
www.usnews.com
See how colleges are ranked and which one fits your personality.
www.campustours.com
The online source for virtual college tours.
www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool
A direct link to over 9,000 colleges.
www.allaboutcollege.com
Detailed info on hundreds of colleges and colleges’ official websites.
www.gulfcoastetw.org
Tutorials for: applying to college, writing a resume, applying for a job,
interviewing skills,
Continuing education. (Real Player required)
www.scholarstuff.com
Lists
colleges in every state with links to their web sites, chat room links, e-mail
addresses to each admissions office.
www.anycollege.net
A free, user-friendly college search engine
www.freschinfo.com/index.phtml
FRESCH is a database of college information links, from student loans to
choosing a college,
including a scholarship search engine.
•
College Guide
http://www.mycollegeguide.org
Electronic
links to colleges, admission advice, a searchable data base, and general
information about college life.
http://www.collegeconfidential.com
•
CollegeNET
http://www.collegenet.com
Colleges, scholarship opportunities, and
academic resources
•
CollegeXpress
http://www.collegexpress.com
Search by state, major and other factors, scholarship and loan search
• Internet College Exchange
http://www.usmall.com
Forums/discussion
groups regarding college life, considered a “hot site”
•
The Princeton Review
http://www.review.com/
Explore schools, access online applications, paying for college,
plus new Princeton Review scholarship
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving
Institutions
http://www.edonline.com/cq/hbcu
http://hispanicfund.org/
- See “For Students” section
http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org
•
Jesuit Colleges and Universities
http://www.ajcunet.edu
Searching,
linking to, and requesting an application from Jesuit Colleges
• Christian Colleges
www.findachristiancollege.org
•
U.S. Military Academies
www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/20.html
•
TEXASMentor™
http://www.texasmentor.org
Information about admission, financial aid and college
preparation. Match needs and interests with specific institutions, virtual
campus tours, apply on-line for admissions and financial aid.
• ACT Web Sites
http://www.c3apply.org
Site
to search for colleges and universities that match interests, estimate
financial need, apply to participating colleges, register on-line for the ACT
Assessment and search related educational links. Additional access:
http://www.act.org
The
most current information about the ACT – online registration, test dates and
deadlines, test center locations and codes, high school codes, test-taking
strategies and sample questions, score information. Includes student stories,
college planning as well as career planning.
• Texas Common Application
www.applytexas.org
Downloadable
common application good for UT, A&M, and all Texas state schools
Common Applications are also available in the counselors’ office.
• Career Success
www.cdr.state.tx.us
Career
information on awareness and planning, training, financial aid, job hunting,
resumes and interviewing – OR CALL: 1-800-822-PLAN
• SFAP (Student Financial Assistance Programs)
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/Students/
Financial
aid for students, school code list, FAFSA (renewal FAFSA) on the WEB, student
guide, guide to defaulted loans
• U.S. Dept. of Education Free Financial Aid Guide
Free financial aid guide explaining your rights and responsibilities under
these programs
http://www.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html
•
Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Dept. of Education
www.studentaid.ed.gov
•
Personal Identification Number
www.pin.ed.gov
– Your PIN can be used to: Sign your FAFSA electronically, review
and, if necessary, correct answers on your processed FAFSA, sign loan
promissory notes electronically, view information about your federal loans and
grants, reapply for financial aid in the future, conduct other online business
with the U.S. Department of Education.
• Direct Loans
www.ed.gov/DirectLoan/
•
FAFSA on the WEB and FAFSA Renewal
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
(Do not go to fafsa.com – this is a scam which charges $50 to fill
out your FAFSA form)
View your Student Aid Report (SAR) after your FAFSA has been processed, make
corrections for your processed FAFSA, print a copy of your SAR information,
reapply for financial aid in the future.
Note: Video clips are available in English and Spanish to help you
complete the FAFSA form.
Visit:
http://www.AdventuresinEducation.org
Free scholarship searches for college bound students – search
600,000 scholarships & 4,000 colleges
Fast Aid Scholarship Search from the authors of “The Scholarship
Book”
www.studentloanfunding.com
Sallie Mae Online Scholarship Search
Excellent information on financial aid.
www.collegefortexans.com
Texas grants – also call the Texas Financial Aid Information
Center @ 1-877-782-7322.
www.CollegeAnswer.com
Free online scholarship search, also a chance to win a $1,000
scholarship when you register! Also includes: cost and admissions information
about different colleges, checklists and deadline calendars, proven admission
strategies, parent-related college planning tips, online FAFSA tutorial, list
of websites related to paying for college, guide to explaining financial
options to students, and a useful Expected Family Contribution Calculator
www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning
Offers
a toll-free hotline providing comprehensive college planning tools, info., and
resources, scholarship searches, interactive calculators, school comparison
charts, test prep. materials, informational videos, and professional counselors
who can assist with college and financial aid questions. 1-866-866-7372
http://essc.unt.edu/finaid
North Texas University – apply online for financial aid and
scholarships or call (940) 565-2016
http://www.nasfaa.org
see financial aid info. for students, parents, and counselors – provides helpful info. on the financial aid process
http://www.mapping-your-future.org
/features/resources.cfm#Scholarships,Grants,Fellowships
http://www.collegenet.com/mach25/
http://www.absolutelyscholarships.com
htttp://www.AdventuresInEducation.org
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/gearup
http://www.scholarship-page.com
http://www.scholarships-news.com
http://www.collegeispossible.org
FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS TO
ASK COLLEGES
1. What kind of financial assistance does the college offer: need-based,
merit-based or both?
2. Can the college provide an early estimate of what our financial aid
award might be?
3. What forms are needed in order to apply?
4. When are financial aid applications due?
5. What costs for a student are taken into account by the financial aid
office? Tuition, room, board, transportation? What about additional expenses
such as books, fees, computers and personal expenses?
6. What is included in the comprehensive fee? For example, do
students have to pay extra for computer time or to attend campus
events (concerts, plays, films, lectures, athletic events, etc.)?
7. When will we be notified about the amount of assistance we can
expect?
8. Does the institution have an appeal process to review special
circumstances?
9. Is there a commitment for financial assistance beyond the first year?
10. How and when do we apply for financial assistance beyond the first
year?
11. What if we do not qualify for need-based aid? Are there alternative
financing options available?
12. What grants, loans and work-study opportunities does the college
offer? Are there any we might be eligible for?
13. What is the average student loan indebtedness of the college’s
graduates?
14. Is there a restriction to the length of time that financial assistance
will continue?
15. How long does it typically take a student to graduate from this
college? Four years? Longer?
16. What impact do scholarships from outside sources have on other
financial aid?
17. Can we apply financial aid toward an off-campus study program,
either in the U.S. or another country?
18. What happens if our family’s financial situation changes
substantially during the school year?
19. Are there payment options available, such as monthly or quarterly?
SIX SIGNS OF A SCAM
The
Federal Trade Commission urges students and parents to look out for six signs
that a college scholarship offer is a scam.
1.
“The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back scholarships.” No one can
guarantee students that they will receive scholarship money. Always look for
strings attached. FinAid (www.finaid.org), an acclaimed Web site dedicated to providing
students with comprehensive scholarship information, alerts that “some
companies will not refund your money, but instead will offer to rerun the
search some number of times at no charge.” It also has found that numerous
organizations define the word “receive” ambiguously – students will receive
information about scholarships, not the scholarships themselves.
2. “You can’t get this information anywhere else.” Don’t believe a company that
claims its search engine is entirely unique. Different scholarship databases
overlap significantly since many utilize the same information-gathering
techniques. There are several free search services on the Internet where
students can enter information about themselves and instantly see a list of
valid scholarships they may
be qualified for.
3. “We will need your credit card or bank account number to hold this
scholarship.” Never give out an account number without getting all the
information in writing first. Your bank account and credit card information is
confidential. A legitimate scholarship provider won’t ask for this information.
4. “We’ll do all the work for you.” There are thousands of legitimate
scholarship opportunities out there. However, these award donors often require
substantial materials from their applicants – essays, letters of
recommendation, transcripts, etc. For these applications, you can’t hire a
company to do the work for you.
5. “The scholarship will cost some money.” Never spend money on a fee-based
matching service. The biggest and best award databases are available for free
on the Internet, including FastWeb: www.fastweb.com.
6. “You’ve been selected” by a “national foundation” to receive a scholarship
or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered. Before sending anything,
call directory assistance to see if the company has a listing. Then find out
how the company acquired your information and be on guard for hidden fees.
If
you or someone you know suspects that a scholarship offer may be a scam, you
can report it to the National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060 or by
e-mail at SCAMS-L@finaid.org. You can also contact your state attorney
general’s office, the Better Business Bureau or your high school counselor for
more assistance.
A New Kind of Scam: Financial Aid Seminars
A
seminar may or may not be legitimate. What are the warning signs?
• While the presentation might be free, the services aren’t: you may be
pressured to give them a check, checking account number or a credit card to
sign up for the service.
• You are told that the program can adjust your income and/or assets to make it
seem like you earn less money, thereby qualifying for more aid. Such practices
are often illegal.
• You are asked for a credit card number to “hold” the scholarships for you.
• The service tells you that they can only answer specific questions after you
have paid the fee.
• The service tells you anything that conflicts with what a financial aid
office tells you.
FEDERAL
STUDENT AID INFORMATION CENTER
The Federal Student Aid Information Center now has a toll free number:
1-800-433-3243. The center will answer questions about major aid programs such
as Federal Pell Grants and Federal Stafford/Plus Loans.
The
center will help students through the application process, by:
• confirming application processing dates.
• explaining how to answer questions on the application.
• looking up school code numbers.
• Explaining comments on the Student Aid Report and how to make corrections to
erroneous or inconsistent information.
Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Time)
Seven days a week
Callers can choose a Spanish-language option.
Toward EXcellence, Access,
& Success (TEXAS) Grant Program
The purpose of this program is to provide a grant to eligible students to
attend public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Texas.
Who can compete? A student who:
- is a Texas resident;
- graduated from an accredited public or private high school;
- completed the recommended or advanced high school curriculum;
- has financial need;
- has applied for any financial aid or assistance.
Deadlines vary by institution. Awards will be made through the financial aid
office of the college. Persons interested should contact the financial aid
office about deadlines and procedures. Due to the current economic situation,
TEXAS grants will be awarded only to the most financially needy (those whose
families are not expected to contribute more than $4,000 to their student’s
college education each year).
Toward EXcellence, Access,
& Success (TEXAS) Grant II Program
The purpose of this program is to provide grant aid to financially needy
students enrolled in Texas public two-year colleges.
Who can apply? A student who: is a Texas Resident, shows financial need, and
will enroll in an associate’s degree or certificate program at a two-year
college in TX
Where may the awards be used?
Limited to public community colleges, public technical colleges, or public
State Colleges in Texas. The award amount is equal to tuition and required
fees. Complete the FAFSA form. Awards will be made through the financial aid
office of the college.
TEACH FOR TEXAS CONDITIONAL
GRANT PROGRAM
FOR COLLEGE JUNIORS AND SENIORS
This is a
student loan with cancellation provisions for Teaching. Prospective teachers
must be enrolled in degree programs leading to certification in a teaching
field designated as having a critical shortage of teachers: or, agree to teach
in a Texas community certified as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers.
- Meet all of the requirements of the Texas Grant Program listed above except
for the requirement for recommended or advanced high school curriculum.
- Must agree to teach full time for five years at the preschool, primary, or
secondary level in a public school in Texas in a critical shortage field.
For more information, call 1-800-242-3062 ext. 6367 or visit the web site at
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/
Texas B-On-Time Student Loan Program
This program provides no-interest loans to eligible students to enable them to
attend colleges and universities in Texas. The loan is available to assist
students with educational costs for up to 150 semester credit hours. If the
student completes his or her degree on time and graduates with a “B” average,
the student would not have to repay the loan. To graduate “on time,” a student
must:
- Finish a four-year degree in four years, having taken no more than 6 semester
credit hours beyond what is required for his or her major, or
-Finish a five-year degree in five years, having taken no more than 6 semester
credit hours beyond what is required for his or her major.
To be eligible, graduates from Texas must have completed the Recommended High
School Program, submitted the FAFSA, be enrolled full-time, and be certified as
eligible by the college’s financial aid officer. The amount of the loan is the
average of statewide tuition and fees.
FASTWEB’S TOP 10 ADMISSIONS TIPS!
1.
Meet with your counselor. Counselors have important information about colleges,
admissions and financial aid. Many colleges also require a counselor recommendation.
2. Take a strong course schedule. Your class record is a big part of your
college application. Don’t take courses that simply pad your GPA. Challenge
yourself. Take AP or honors courses, or a course at a community college.
3. Ace the entrance exams. Practice the test by taking sample versions
beforehand. Get plenty of sleep and eat a well-balanced breakfast before your
test. Be sure to read the directions and test questions carefully. Pace
yourself so you have time to review your work.
4. Find the school that’s right for you. Ask your guidance counselor for
advice. Complete a FastWeb College Search www.fastweb.com. Learn more about
schools via their web sites, campus visits and college fairs.
5. Fill out the application accurately and neatly. Approach each application as
if it were the only one that you’re filling out. Read the directions and follow
them precisely. Make a draft copy first, then revise and proofread.
6. Craft excellent application essays. Start by brainstorming for an original topic
and hone your unique point of view. When writing, be clear, concise and
well-organized. Don’t forget to check grammar and spelling.
7. Submit applications early and watch for deadlines. List deadlines and
important dates in one place and refer to them often.
8. Get great letters of recommendation. Choose adults who know you well such as
teachers, employers, coaches, and clergy. Provide in advance, required forms, a
stamped addressed envelope, a list of your activities and accomplishments, and
the date your recommendations need to be mailed.
9. Follow up on your applications. If a college hasn’t sent you something that
they should have, check on your application. With thousands of applications
being processed, mistakes do occasionally happen.
10. Dazzle them at your college interview. Stay calm. Prepare by practicing
with friends and formulate a few questions to ask. Dress for the occasion.
Follow up with a thank-you note.
COLLEGE PLANNING GLOSSARY
Following are some key terms used in college admissions:
- Early Action – The application process in which students make application to
an institution of preference and receive a decision well in advance of the
institution’s regular response date. Students who are admitted under Early
Action are not obligated to accept the institution’s offer of admission or to
submit a deposit until the regular reply date (not prior to May 1).
-Early Admission – Admitting students of superior ability into college courses
and programs before they have completed the standard high school program.
-Early Decision – The application process in which students make a commitment
to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll.
Should a student who applies for financial aid not be offered an award that
makes attendance possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and
be released from the early decision commitment.
- Regular Decision – The application process in which a student submits an
application to an institution by a specified date and receives a decision
within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time, but not later than April
15.
More
key terms:
-Award
Letter – A letter telling you what financial aid (if any) your college is
offering to you (includes types and amounts of aid offered, specific program
information, etc.) You may choose to accept some or all of what is offered.
- Credit (or Credit Hour) – A unit of measurement institutions give for
fulfilling course requirements. Most colleges require that you complete a
certain number in order to graduate.
- Cost of Attendance – Includes any cost associated with attending college:
tuition and associated fees, room and board, books and supplies, etc.
-Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Amount students and their family are
expected to contribute toward cost of attendance.
- Freshman: A student who has completed less than 30 hours of college credit.
- Full time: Twelve or more credit hours per semester for undergraduate
students.
-Half time: Six credit hours per semester for undergraduate students.
- Internship: A job in a student’s field of study; may be required in some
academic programs and may include salary and college credit.
- Out-of State Student: Generally applies to students attending public
university. Out-of-state students must pay a higher tuition rate until they
have established legal residency for that state.
- Rolling Admissions: There is no set admissions deadline date; qualified
students are accepted until classes are filled.
- Undergraduate student: A student who has not completed a baccalaureate or
first professional degree.
Financial Aid
Terms:
Federal
Direct Loans: Loans made by the federal government directly to qualifying
students and parents through participating colleges.
Federal Pell Grant: Financial assistance awarded by the federal government on
the basis of need and designed to provide the “floor” of an aid package for
postsecondary education. The grant may be used toward tuition, room and board,
books, or other educational costs, and requires no repayment.
Federal Perkins Loan Program: Loans funded by by the federal government and
awarded by the institution. The loans feature low interest rates and are
repayable over an extended period of time.
Federal PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) Program: Provides
low-interest federal loans to credit-approved parents of eligible undergraduate
students. Repayment begins 60 days after loan funds are disbursed. Loans are
available from participating banks, lending institutions, and participating
Direct Lending schools.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program: Provides low-interest federal loans
to eligible students through banks, lending institutions, and participating
Direct Loan schools. It is based on need, and the interest is paid by the
federal government for qualifying students while they are enrolled at least
half-time. Repayment begins after the student leaves school.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program: Provides low-interest federal loans
which are not based on need, and the student must pay the interest while in
school. Repayment begins after the student leaves school.
Federal Work-Study: A government-supported financial aid program coordinated
through financial aid offices whereby an eligible student (based on need) may
work part time while attending class, generally in career-related jobs.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS???
The National Association of College Admissions Counselors publishes an annual
survey of colleges and universities. Listed below are factors college officials
identified in 2003 as important in the college admission decision, ranked from
most important to least important. Some highly selective colleges would
consider all the factors, while colleges with less selective admission would
not consider all the factors.
1. Grades in college prep courses
2. Standardized admission test scores
3. Grades in all courses
4. Class rank
5. Essay or writing sample
6. Counselor Recommendation
7. Teacher Recommendation
8. Work/extracurricular activities
9. Interview
10. Student demonstrated interests
11. Scores from additional subject tests
12. State graduation exam scores
13. Race/ethnicity
14. Ability to pay
15. State or county of residence
**VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES **
HOUSTON
FOOD BANK
3811 EASTEX FREEWAY
The Houston Food Bank has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for
juniors and seniors needing community service hours. A required orientation is
held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. Volunteers can work individually or as a
group on Tuesday nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm or Saturday’s from 8:00 am to
12:00 pm. Students must be 16 years of age to volunteer alone.
Call Carol Gooden at (713) 547-8609 to schedule a time or if any additional
information is needed. Also, visit the new website at: www.houstonfoodbank.org
FIVE TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING
1. Do your research. Explore the mission and goals of each group you are
considering. Visit their web sites, and talk to their members. Get an idea of
future activities from the group’s yearly priorities.
2. Match your skills to opportunities. Where do your skills and talents lie? If
you know how to do things better, faster, and more efficiently, volunteer for
positions where you can use and teach these skills.
3. Learn something new. Volunteering can be a learning experience. If you’d
like to learn new things, find an opportunity that will challenge you to
develop new skills and capabilities.
4. Budget your time wisely. Start slowly when making volunteer commitments. You
don’t want to burn yourself out, frustrate others, and end up with a negative
experience.
5. Create your own opportunity. Every group is always seeking new ideas to
complete projects and accomplish goals. Do you have ideas about how to get
things done right?
Volunteering for a cause in which you believe provides the satisfaction of
knowing you’ve done your part to make the world a better place. Volunteering
can open many doors for you. It will help you develop skills, gain work
experience, gain knowledge of different career settings, create a network for
job finding, discover your hidden strengths and talents, gain self-confidence,
find references, and build a sense of independence. Also, volunteering is a
terrific way to meet people who share things you consider important.
WHERE WILL THE NEW JOBS BE?
When
you choose a career you need to think about your skills and interests, and it’s
also a good idea to keep an eye on what jobs are going to be available. The
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good source for info. on future jobs.
Following are the top occupations projected to have the most new jobs for the
years 2002 – 2012. Read more about careers and the employment outlook in the
Occupation Outlook Handbook at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.
Most new jobs requiring a
bachelor’s degree:
1. Elementary school teachers, except special education
2. Accountants and auditors
3. Computer systems analysts
4. High school teachers, except special ed. and vocational ed.
5. Computer software engineers, applications
6. Special education teachers
7. Computer software engineers, systems software
8. Network systems and data communications analysts
9. Network and computer systems administrators
10. Computer programmers
Most new jobs requiring an
associate degree or vocational training:
1. Registered nurses
2. Computer support specialists
3. Preschool teachers, except special education
4. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
5. Automotive service technicians and mechanics
6. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists
7. Fitness trainers and aerobic instructors
8. Medical records and health information technicians
9. Dental hygienists
10. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics
Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board
2004-2005 College Student Budgets
REAGAN
LIBRARY
Lunchtime
Wednesdays
Meets
weekly in the Reagan Library. Topics
include financial aid, college application assistance, college majors and
researching colleges and universities.
College admission representatives are also scheduled to provide
information on their specific university.
Wednesday, November
2nd
The Texas Outreach Project is a division of the
University of Texas at Austin that educates high school students about the
accessibility of financial aid to attend college.
Wednesday,
November 9th
University
of Texas-Austin
Wednesday,
November 16th
Texas
Women’s University
Wednesday,
November 30th
Texas A&M
University
Wednesday,
December7th
Texas
Tech University
PROJECT GRAD/REAGAN
COLLEGE PREP INSTITUTE
COLLEGE
JIGSAW
REAGAN
LIBRARY
Tuesdays
and Thursdays
4:30
pm – 6:30 p.m
College
Jigsaw is a series of topics designed to acquaint students with
all of the aspects of the high school-to-college transition. Once students experience the Jigsaw puzzle
pieces (lessons), their picture of how to get in and stay in college will be
clearer.
1) T, September 19, 2005 College is NOT the 13th
Grade
2) Th, September 28, 2005 The Vocabulary of College
3) T, October 4, 2005 Different Boats
for Different Folks
4) Th, October 6, 2005 Interests/Careers/Majors/Colleges
5) T, October 11, 2005 Admissions
Test: The NEW SAT and YOU
Th, October 13, 205 Student
Holiday (no class)
6) T, October 18, 2005 The Other Admissions
Test: Why the ACT Might
Be Better
7) Th, October 20, 2005 The 1st
Most Important Document: The College
Application
8) T, October 25, 2005 Writing Your College
Application Essay
9) Th,
October 27, 2005 The
Admissions Process
10)
T, November 1, 2005 College Investigation
11) Th, November 3, 2005 The Cost of College
12) T,
November 8, 2005 The
World of Financial Aid: FAFSA
13) Th, November 10, 2005 The World of Financial
Aid: Your Project GRAD
Scholarship (and other
sources of assistance)
14) T, November 15, 2005 Your Class Schedule: Awful or Amazing
15) Th, November 17, 2005 GPA Ups and Downs
M – F, November 21 – 25 Thanksgiving Holidays (no
classes)
16) T, November 29, 2005 Study Skills: What Good Students Do
(or learn to do)
17) Th,December 1, 2005 Getting
Done While Having Fun…in College
18) T, December 6, 2005 College Resources:
How They Help You Not to Fail
19) Th, December 8, 2005 Wrapping it All Up:
Awarding Credit and Next Steps
Scholarship and Application Essay writing pointers
Your goal is to find a defining experience to write about, one that is compelling, illustrative and, perhaps, poignant. In other words, you must get at the guts of your experience. Even though you may not know it yet, each of you has a unique and special story to tell.
Some of you, born in other countries, have experienced war. Others of you have worked countless hours with your parents at the farmer’s market. Others volunteer at the local elementary school. Some of you have parents who have shaped you into highly ethical young people. Others have family members who are completely unsupportive or are dysfunctional. In other words, every one of you has a story to tell. The hard part is picking the right story. The rest is just editing.
B. The writing
process
1. Read
your topic carefully.
2. Brainstorm. Talk about your ideas. Write down some possible ideas. Start with easy things like a list of your extracurricular activities and college goals. Then list details about your family life, challenges you have faced, volunteering you have done, strengths, weaknesses, leadership experience, attendance in summer programs, etc.
3. After
narrowing your focus, write an outline for your essay.
4. Write
a rough draft.
5. Have a teacher, friend or someone proof your rough draft
(for grammatical errors, answering the topic question, organization, tone,
mood, use of complete sentences, typographical errors and overall
effectiveness.)
6. Write your final draft paying close
attention to the instructions/ directions (double-spaced, etc.).
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
OCTOBER
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCEMENT IN THE ARTS
DEADLINE: October 1
Open to high school
seniors and other 17 or 18 year old artists in the performing, literary or
visual arts. $10,000 ARTS Gold Awards,
$40,000 in cash awards, $3 million in scholarship opportunities. Information and application at www.ARTSawards.org.
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA JEFFERSON SCHOLARS DEADLINE:
October 20
One Lamar senior will
be forwarded to the UVA scholarship competition for a full scholarship
renewable for 4 years. The Jefferson Scholarship is awarded on the basis of
leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. The Jefferson Scholars program
selects students solely on the basis of merit; financial need is not a
consideration. As evidenced by the
“Significant Achievements and Profile” sheet in the application, successful
candidates have demonstrated uncommon academic abilities and exceptional
leadership talents. Interested students must not make a binding early decision
application elsewhere. Submit your name
to the Family 3 office. Visit http://www.jeffersonscholars.org/external/FAQ/important_dates.asp
for more information.
COCA-COLA SCHOLARS
DEADLINE: September 1 through October 31
250 scholarships
totaling $1,800,000. This award
recognizes outstanding seniors with merit-based scholarships. They are looking for well-rounded individuals
with highly developed interests in their community. They spend time volunteering, are leaders in
their schools, are aware of their physical and social environments and are
taking steps to improve them. Must apply
on-line at www.coca-colascholars.org
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF AMERICA DEADLINE: October 15
Awards in increments
of $1000 for seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who are active in community
service and school activities, are well-rounded and intelligent. For information and application, go to http://www.outstandingstudentsofamerica.com/.
GEORGIA
TECH’S PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE: October 31
A full tuition scholarship, renew