wcps scholarship newsletter · scholarship for most applicants must submit a $10 application fee...
TRANSCRIPT
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WCPS Scholarship Newsletter
October 2013
Career, College and Scholarship Information Arranged by Julie L. Matheny, NCC Professional Development Support/CSHS Counselor 301-766-8609
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***NOTE, all new scholarships are in GREEN***
Amount DETAILS DEADLINE CONTACT
Merit Aid
Scholarships
$11 billion available
Merit aid is awarded to students
with a broad range of GPAs. Students with a 2.0 GPA or higher
often qualify. There are merit aid scholarships for students
based on their interests, their intended majors, leadership and
community service.
Ongoing
www.meritaid.com
National Guard
Association Scholarship
Fund
Varies
Scholarships to attend any
accredited college, university or technical school.
Must be a Guard member or
ROTC.
Ongoing
Go online to:
http://www.nationalguard.com/benefits/money-for-college/guard-scholarships
McDaniel Scholars Program
Various
Open to any Maryland resident
entering college full time for the first time in Fall 2012.
Min. SAT scores of 1150, min. GPA 3.3, and college prep
curriculum including a strong senior course load.
Various
deadlines according to scholarship applying.
Contact the McDaniel College Admissions Office for more information at 410-857-
2230 or online at www.mcdaniel.edu
State of MD Financial Aid
Various
Helps MD residents based on need, merit and/or career
choice.
Various
deadlines
For more information visit:
www.mhec.state.md.us
Elks National Foundation Emergency
Grant
Up to $4,000
Eligible applicants must have a
parent/stepparent in good standing for at least a year at the
time of their death.
Must be under 23, unmarried and attending full-time at a US
college/university.
Must show financial need.
New
applicants can apply between
July 1 and Dec 31
(renewals between
July 1 and Oct 31)
Applications can be obtained through the
Hagerstown Elks Lodge, by calling 773-755-4732 or online at:
http://www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm
Must be submitted to deceased members
lodge.
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US Jaycees
Junior Chamber
International
Various
Several different scholarships are available to students who are US
citizens, possess academic potential and leadership
qualities.
Must show financial need.
Various
depending on
scholarship
For most applicants must submit a $10 application fee and a self-addressed, business-sized, stamped envelope.
Go online to find out more information:
www.usjaycees.org
US Marine
Corps NROTC
Almost all
areas of school expenses: tuition,
textbooks, fees and uniforms.
*Be a US Citizen
*Be eligible for a security clearance
*Have reached your 17th birthday by Sept 1st of your HS graduation
year. *Not have reached your 21st
birthday by June 30th of the year you being participation in NROTC
*Be physically qualified
*Plan to participate in no less than four years in the program and meet all requirements for
commissioning *Have no moral obligations or personal convictions that will
prevent you from bearing arms and defending the US
Constitution
Talk with your local Marine recruiter for more information or call 1-800-marines
You can also apply online at:
www.MarineOfficer.com
Elks Legacy
Awards
$1,000 per
year for four years
Any child or grandchild of a living
Elk who joined before April 1, 2008. Must be a HS senior and take the SAT/ACT by December
31, 2010
Applicants available
after September 1
and deadline is February 1
Apply online at:
www.elks.org/enf/scholars
or at your local Elks Lodge.
If an applicant’s parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must
apply through parent’s lodge.
College Steps
Program Scholarship Sweepstakes
Multiple $1,000
Scholarships
This program is designed to give high school students a head start on planning for college. Students
who register for the program automatically receive electronic
postcards about college admissions, scholarships and
more. When you register, your name will be entered into a
drawing for one of the $1,000 scholarships.
Runs until August 14 Next year
First
drawing on or about
November 5
For more information and to register, go
online to:
www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps
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2013 National Honor Society Scholarship
Unspecified
Must be nominated by your high school chapter. If you are a HS
senior, a member in good standing in your chapter and wish
to be considered, contact your Chapter Advisor.
Nomination Process will
start in October.
Deadline is January 28
Contact your high school National Honor Society Chapter Advisor for information.
Sun Trust College
Scholarship Sweepstakes
$1,000 for first year of college
expenses.
One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October through
May
Begins
September 16 and the
first drawing will be held on October
25th
For complete details, visit
https://www.suntrusteducation.com/Schol
arshipSweepstakes/index.html
Dr Pepper Million Dollar
Tuition Giveaway Promotion
and Contest
$1,000,000.00
in tuition scholarships
($2,500.00 to an individual
student)
The promotion is open to anyone
over the age of 18. Entrants submit a one-minute video
explaining how they would make an impact in their life, their
community, or the world if they won free tuition from Dr Pepper. Throughout the football season
over 60 students will be awarded $2,500 in tuition assistance from
Dr Pepper
Opened
June
Go online for information:
www.drpepper.com.
Stay Fit in
College Scholarship
Up to $1,000
weekly
Any student (current or future)
that has been accepted or attends a university, community
college, or a technical/trade college may apply as long as has
a fitness center that allows student to participate
Ongoing
through the spring
Go online to for further information:
http://www.stayfitincollege.com/scholarshipawards2.html
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***NOTE, all new scholarships are in GREEN***
Amount DETAILS DEADLINE CONTACT
AFS Global
Leaders Scholarship
Program
Variety
Need based scholarships
to study abroad.
October 10
For more information, visit:
http://www.afsusa.org/study-
abroad/scholarships/global-leaders-aid/
CIA
Undergraduate Scholarship
Program
$18,000
(renewable)
For full time study at an
accredited 4 yr institution in US. Must be
a US citizen and be 18 before April 1 of senior
yr. Financial need, certain
career/study areas, high academic achievement and character required.
October 15
For full details and application:
https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html
National Merit
Scholarship Program
$500-$2,500
Academic competition based on PSAT scores taken in junior year of
high school.
Test is
administered October 16th at your high
school
NMSC
15660 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200 Evanston, IL 60201-4897
www.nationalmerit.org
Young Arts
Recognition and Talent Search
$100-
$10,000
($35.00 application
fee that can be waived)
Must be a high school
senior planning to study any of the Creative or Performing Arts (jazz, visual arts, writing, photography, dance, music or theater).
Must demonstrate talent. Must be a US citizen
October 18
Contact address below to request an application or
apply online.
National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Program Coordinator
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 370 Miami, FL 33131
800-970-ARTS
www.youngarts.org
Global Lift Equipment Scholarship
$500
Currently or planning on
attending a post-secondary institution in the US or Canada in fall of 2013 or 2014. 2.5 or
higher GPA. Submit short story.
October 25
Information and application can be obtained online
at: http://www.usedforklifttexas.com/used_inventory/2 868/used_caterpillar_forklifts_inventory_texas.php
Horatio Alger Scholarship
(20) $5,000
awards
Financial need, high
academic achievement
October 25
Contact information:
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Program and service orientation. HS senior planning on
attending FT at a 2 or 4 yr. institution and
pursuing a bachelor’s degree. US Citizen. Minimum 2.0 GPA
703-684-9444 or online at
www.horatioalger.com/scholarships
Carrington
Dental Centre Scholarship Application
$500
Be between the ages of 16-22, a resident of the
US or Canada, be enrolled in a college, university, trades or
technical school by the fall of 2014, answer an
essay question by deadline.
October 30
For more information, please go online to:
http://www.westkelownadentists.ca/
Coca- Cola
Scholarships
National Scholars receive $20,000
each, and Regional Scholars $4,000, over a
period of four years.
Coca-Cola Scholarships are awarded based on
character, personal merit and commitment. Merit is demonstrated through
leadership in school, civic and extracurricular
activities, academic achievement, and
motivation to serve and succeed.
October 31
Students may apply online at:
http://www.coca-colascholars.org or call 1-800-306-COKE with questions.
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***NOTE, all new scholarships are in GREEN***
Amount DETAILS DEADLINE CONTACT
University of MD-Baltimore
County
Various
scholarships and amounts
available
Awarded for outstanding academic
merit and achievement.
College application must be submitted.
For early
registration, November 1 is suggested.
Various
deadlines for other
scholarships.
Contact:
Office of Scholarships 1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21228 410-455-3813
www.umbc.edu
AXA Foundation
Community Scholarship
Up to (12)
$2,000
Must demonstrate ambition and
drive, determination, respect for self, family and community and
ability to succeed in college
Begins in November
For more information:
http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-
foundation/community-scholarships.html
Ron Brown Scholars Program
Various
African American seniors who will make a significant contribution to society. Must excel academically,
show leadership, participate in community service and demonstrate
financial need. US Citizen or permanent resident VISA required.
November 1,
for Ron Brown and forwarded to a select
others
January 9, for Ron
Brown only
Go online for information and application:
www.ronbrown.org
Jack Kent
Cooke Foundation
Up to
$30,000 per year
Plan to attend a 4-year institution;
3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrate unmet financial need, test scores in
top 15%
November 5
For full requirements and application, go
online to:
www.jkcf.org
Prudential:
Spirit of Community
Awards
Max. Award $5,000 for
honoree and $5,000 to non-profit charity of
choice
Students in grades 5-12 who have
conducted a volunteer service activity within the past year are
eligible to apply.
November 6
For more information, please visit
http://prudential.com/spirit
National
Security Agency Stokes
Educational Scholarship
Program
Full tuition
US Citizen, full time undergraduate study in US. Must demonstrate high academic achievement, character leadership and service orientation.
Certain majors/career interests apply.
November
13
For eligibility rules and application:
410-854-4725 or 866-NSA-HIRE
Online at:
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www.nsa.gov (under careers, then Student programs)
Intel Science Talent Search
$1,000-
$100,000
High school senior.
Must submit a research report in the
area of science, math or engineering.
November
14
Information can be obtained online or by
calling:
202-785-2255 http://www.societyforscience.org/sts
Jeanne E. Bray
Law Enforcement Dependents Scholarship
$500-$2,000
Must be US Citizen. Applicant’s parent must have been killed or
disabled in work related accident as police officer. Must demonstrate high academic achievement and
service orientation. Applicant must be member of NRA.
November
15
For application and information:
703-267-1131 or online at:
www.nrahq.org/law/lebenefits.asp
Violet
Richardson Award Program
$500 cash award to recipient; $250 to
organization where
volunteer
Girls ages 14-17 who volunteer in the
community to help make their community a better place.
November
26
Applications will be available in your
schools in October.
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***NOTE, all new scholarships are in GREEN***
Amount DETAILS DEADLINE CONTACT
Frostburg
State University
$1,000 to
$3,500
Must enroll full time; minimum GPA of 3.2 or higher and a minimum combined
SAT score of 1050 or ACT of 23.
Priority given to students
with completed admissions application by Dec 1
Information can be obtained from the school
101 Braddock Road
Frostburg, MD 21532
Or online at: www.frostburg.edu
American
Quarter Horse Foundation Scholarships
$500-
$25,000 (renewable)
High academic achievement, financial
need and be attending full time. Minimum age is 17 and a HS senior or
undergraduate student. Applicant must have been a member of the American
Quarter Horse youth Assoc. or American Quarter Horse Assoc. for at least a
year.
December 1
Go online for information and application:
http://www.aqha.com/Foundation/Content-
Pages/Scholarships/Application.aspx
AXA Family Scholarship
Up to 50 $2,000
scholarships
Available to graduating HS seniors who are children of eligible AXA employees
or financial professionals. Leadership and participation in school and community, academic record and
financial need will be used in the selection process.
Usually
December
For more information go online:
http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-
foundation/AXA-family-scholarship.html
Honorable
Arthur Dorman Scholarship
$5,000
Must be a resident of a state within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and a full-time student (high school, college, or graduate school; undergraduate at a two or four year college or university accepted.) * Holds a GPA greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. * Must provide an official transcript to the Chesapeake Bay Trust. * Arthur Dorman applicants
must be a student of color (African American, Asian, Native American, Hispanic.) * Motivates and inspires other students through his or her
actions in school and/or community * Participates in efforts to improve the
local environment and/or community * Scholarship applicant can complete
application or be nominated. NEW IN 2014: The winner of the Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship award is
required to create a poster showcasing his or her work and accomplishments to be displayed at the awards ceremony
December 2
Information and application may be obtained
online at:
https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp?ievent=1082426&en=9iIHJUPzF8IQI4OCI
7IMI6MTLsK1KcPMKjLXI7OHJ9JMK8PYE
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during the Legislative Reception in January 2014. The selected winner
must be able to attend the Legislative Reception in order to receive the
award and scholarship.
Student of the
Year Award
$5,000
Must be a resident of a state within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and a full-time student (high school, college, or graduate school; undergraduate at a two or four year college or university accepted) * Holds a GPA greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale * Must provide an official transcript to the Chesapeake
Bay Trust * Motivates and inspires other students through their actions in their
school and/or community * Participates in efforts to improve their local
environment and/or their community * Scholarship applicant can complete
application or be nominated. NEW IN 2014: The winner of the Student of the
Year award is required to create a poster showcasing his or her work and accomplishments, to be displayed at
the awards ceremony during the Legislative Reception in January 2014. Selected winners must also be able to
attend the Legislative Reception in order to receive the scholarship.
December 2
Information and application may be obtained
online at:
http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.miJPKXPCJnH/b.5493301/k.984E/Awards_Program.htm
Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable
Student Contest
500 four
year scholarships
to the highest-rated
applicants
in the competition
Applicants will be judged on
scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
Applicants need NOT be related to a
member of the Elks.
Must be a HS senior enrolled on a full-time basis (min. 12 semester hours),
pursuing a 4 yr. degree in a U.S. American college or university.
Applications
must be submitted
to your local Elks Lodge by
December 6
Applications are available at the Hagerstown Elks
Lodge, at http://www.elks.org/enf/ scholars/mvs.cfm or by sending a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to the Foundation: Elks National Foundation
2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614-2256
AXA
Achievement Scholarship
Up to (52) $10,000
scholarships
Given to high school seniors who
demonstrate outstanding achievement in their activities in school, community
and workplace.
December
15
Obtain information and application online at:
http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-
foundation/about.html
Hispanic
Scholarship Fund
Various
Be a graduating high school senior Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen
Have plans to enroll FULL-TIME at a two- or four-year U.S. accredited
institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam, in the
upcoming academic year.
December
15
For more information and to apply, go online to:
www.hsf.net
Savvy Saver Scholarship
$2,500
No purchase necessary to participate US Citizen or Permanent Resident At
least 18 years old Attending college at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in
December
15
Information can be found online at:
http://www.offers.com/scholarship/
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the United States One entry per applicant
Judging - Essays will be judged by our staff on creativity, quality, originality,
specificity, and grammar.
AT & T
Internet and Education
Scholarship
$1,000
Write a 300-500 word essay on topic
provided. Open to current and prospective college students. Full
details at site provided.
December 18 as well
as two more deadlines
Information about entering can be found online:
http://www.attsavings.com/scholarship
Century Link
Quote Scholarship
$1,000
Current college students or HS senior.
2.5 minimum GPA. Must have taken SAT or ACT. US Citizen. 500-600 word
essay. See site for full details
December
18
Information can be obtained at:
http://www.centurylinkquote.com/scholarship/
rules
William C. Doherty
Scholarship
Up to $4,000
annually; renewable for four yrs
Son, daughter or legally adopted stepchild of an active, retired, or
deceased letter carrier.
December
31
Applications disseminated only through the
“Postal Record,” the National Assoc. of Letter Carrier’s monthly magazine.
http://www.nalc.org/nalc/members/scholarships.html
The Maryland
Society Sons of the American
Revolution Annual Knight Essay Contest
First Place:
$2,000 Second Place: $1,000 Third Place: $500
Local Prize: $100
savings bond
This essay contest is open to all
students who are US Citizens in their sophomore, junior or senior year of
high school study.
Details online:
www.sar.org/Youth/Knight_Essay_Rules
December
31
Essay must be entered through state chapter:
Richard Funk 37 Boyd Drive
Colora, MD 21917-1523 410-658-5645
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1- APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL
Financial aid officers have a limited budget to attract students. When you apply early decision or only put one school on your FAFSA, that school knows they don’t need to allocate as much of their budget to persuade you to enroll.
2- CONSIDER APPLYING TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS Many times families that qualify for financial aid don’t look at private schools because they think they can’t afford it. But these schools can often offer merit scholarships that make tuition equal to or even less than that of state schools.
3- FILL OUT THE FAFSA EARLY Even though most schools have a spring deadline, aim to send your form in during the first two weeks of January. The later you apply for aid, the less schools may have to give.
4- LOOK INTO GOVERNMENT LOANS In order for parents to avoid cosigning a child’s student loan (an option that can leave parents with debt if the graduate can’t pay), have him or her take out a Perkins government loan or a direct unsubsidized loan (not need based). To learn more go to: http://studentaid.ed.gov/
5- COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN STILL EARN SCHOLARSHIPS MONEY Many scholarships are offered to college students or are awarded on a renewable basis. Students should check with their academic advisors and their financial aid advisors to see what scholarships are offered at their schools. College awards can be offered for participation in certain activities, for certain majors and other applicable criteria. Check out the many online scholarship search sites available. (See p.17 of this newsletter).
6- HOME EQUITY MAY NOT COUNT AGAINST YOU The FAFSA doesn’t require you to disclose your home’s value. So even if your home is unmortgaged or worth a lot, it may not limit the amount of aid your child will be eligible for. Your school may, however, ask you to fill out a College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS), which does. If you do, figure out your Expected Family Contribution at www.finaid.org/calculators or http://netpricecalculator.collegeboard.org/ to estimate what you’ll be asked to pay.
7- CLEP TESTS CAN ADD UP Most students and parents know that Advanced Placements (AP) tests can earn college credits, but many aren’t aware that the College Level Exam Program (CLEP) offered by the College Board lets high school grads earn hours of college credits. The 90-minute tests each cost but with enough credit, it can add up to 25% college savings in the end.
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NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR
Baltimore Tuesday, November 12, 2013
10:00am-1:00pm and 5:30pm-8:00pm Wednesday, November 13, 2013
10:00am-1:00pm Baltimore Convention Center
Washington, DC Wednesday, November, 6, 2013
9:00am-12:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Register at www.gotomyNCF.com It’s FREE!
See your counselor for information on this event. Before the fair you can… *Review the colleges attending *Go to: http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/ncf/students/Pages/NCFTips.aspx to: Watch the video for a complete fair overview Learn about different types of schools. At the fair you can… *Pick up the on-site locator for the latest school list and booth location map. *Meet one-on-one with college representatives to answer your questions. *Visit the Counseling Center to talk to a counselor about choosing a major and more, and the Resource Center to get information on financial aid, scholarships and more. *Attend a workshop about Choosing the Right College, Preparing for College (MS Workshop) and Show Me the Money: Financial Aid A-Z.
300 Colleges Attending
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What are Colleges Looking for? On your application- *Grade and standardized test scores- that’s why it’s important to do your best on these
*Extracurricular activities- What have you accomplished? Quality of your activities are looked at, not necessarily the quantity. *Rigorous course schedule- Colleges want to see that you’ve taken challenging courses, not courses to pad your GPA or that you slacked off your last year in high school. *Following directions- Read the application directions completely before completing any of it! *Include everything- Double check that you have completed all of the application forms and included any other necessary forms with it. Also make sure you have signed it. *Deadline- Note the application deadline and have it submitted before it is due. Send it certified mail so you know it has arrived.
On your application essay- *Give specific examples- Don’t just list qualities, etc. Give specific examples of how you have demonstrated them. *Creativity- Avoid standard essay topics. Come up with an original idea, something that will catch their eye, something they haven’t read a hundred times already. *Spelling/Grammar- Make sure you proof your essay for any spelling or grammatical errors. Have someone look at it also in case you missed something (your English teacher is a good person to ask). *Personality- Express yourself. Show them what makes you, YOU! Try to make it engaging and use your own words. Don’t have someone else write it for you.
In Your Interview- *Arrive early- Know what time and where you are to go for the interview and arrive ahead of time.
*Dress the part- Remember you are going for a college interview and dress appropriately. Dress conservatively, neat and professional looking. *Identity- Admissions offices want to know you as a person. Highlight your accomplishments, why they were meaningful to you and what you learned or got out of them. *Spontaneity, positivity and confidence- Try not to sound like you are reading something from a cue card or something you memorized. Be creative, show a positive attitude and believe in what you are telling them. The interview should be a conversation, not a prepared speech.
*Show an interest- Come with questions or impressions you have about the college to demonstrate that you have an interest and have put research and thought into a particular school. Express what you hope to learn and gain as a college student.
**Follow up with a thank you letter to the person with whom you interviewed.**
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What makes a scholarship winner win? The ESSAY. You essay is the most important aspect of your scholarship application. *Judges get a sense of who you are by reading your essay. This is why, for many scholarship competitions, the essay is the most important part and where you should spend your time. *What makes a good essay is that it fits within the context of the overall application. You must take all the other elements of your application package, such as activities, achievements, teacher recommendations, and make them fit together to create the effect you want. *Make sure you read what they are asking you to write about and keep a positive view to your essay. If there is no theme, make sure you choose your themes carefully. Again, make sure it applies to what the scholarship is about (is it for community service, academics, etc.). The theme of your essay and application is almost always determined by the goal of the award or why the organization is giving away the money. *It is important to research and know the purpose of each award. Then use this information to guide the essay and application. Highlight those aspects of your life that relate to the theme. *If you are re-applying for the award, you want to focus on your potential and what you have already achieved. Let them know what you have to offer others in the future. For more information: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay by Gen and Kelly Tanabe. This book is available at bookstores, online and may be in the library. You can ask the authors questions at supercollege.com.
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Admission Tricks
Get extra points!
Colleges give points for geographical diversity, being related to an alumni and ethnicity. So
consider schools in various locations and don’t forget schools that family members have attended.
Market yourself. Highlight something special you have done and if
you can, send a sample of your work (art, photography, writings, etc.)
Choice of major. Colleges are more likely to accept you if your
major is “under-enrolled.” Talk to the admissions officer how your choice of major may affect your
chances.
Do it yourself. Don’t let your parents make the phone calls. YOU make the calls for information or to get answers to
questions you may have.
Stand out. Colleges will look for talent and athletic ability in addition to your academics. Let them know what
you can do.
Financial Aid. If you don’t need financial aid, let them know. It
may help if the college is short on funds or overloaded with applicants that have financial
needs. Make calls.
Call the schools you’ve applied to and make sure your application has been received and is
complete. If anything is missing, fix it immediately!
Supply extra information. If you feel like the real you doesn’t come across in
your application, submit added information or explanations. Make sure your name and social
security number are on every page. Thank you notes.
Send thank you notes after visits, interviews or if an individual person has been particularly helpful.
It will keep your name fresh.
Recommendations. If you know an alumni from the college-relative, employer, teacher- ask them to write a letter of
recommendation for you. Interest.
Want to let them know you are really interested? Set up a meeting or interview with admissions
(even if not required), department chair or professors in your desired major. You’ll stand out.
Hot colleges. Don’t apply to the colleges where everyone else is applying. It may make it harder to get accepted. Too many applications from one school can cut
down your chances. If there’s a school you really want to go to, keep your mouth shut!
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ACT Testing www.act.org College Board
Services/SAT/Scholarships/College Information
www.collegeboard.com
On-line SAT/ACT Prep www.number2.com FastWeb- Student Resource Network www.fastweb.com
FAFSA on the web www.fafsa.ed.gov Federal Student Aid www.studentaid.ed.gov
US Dept of Education www.ed.gov MD Higher Education Commission www.mhec.state.md.us FinAid- Financial Aid Information www.finaid.org
Scholarship Search www.scholarshipexperts.com Scholarship Search www.scholarsite.com Scholarship Search www.scholarships.com Scholarship Search www.findtuition.com Scholarship Search www.college-scholarships.com Scholarship Search www.weeklyscholarshipalert.org Scholarship Search www.collegescholarships.org Scholarship Search www.fastaid.com Scholarship Search www.meritaid.com Scholarship Search www.scholarshipstreet.com Scholarship Search www.schoolsoup.com Scholarship Search www.zinch.com
Scholarship Search/Articles www.scholarshipcoach.com Colleges and Careers www.careersandcolleges.com
College/Scholarship Search www.gocollege.com College/Scholarship Search www.petersons.com College Planning Magazine www.nextstepmagazine.com
College Planning/Virtual Tours www.ecampustours.com Free College Directory www.anycollege.com
College Planning www.college.gov College Planning (US Govt Services) www.students.gov Links to online college applications www.collegenet.com/
Common applications (apply to several colleges at once, saving time and money)
www.commonapp.org
Common applications (over 30 historically black colleges)
http://eduinconline.com/
WARNING: Please be aware that many scams appear each year attempting to get families to pay for information that is free. Specifically, families are targeted by “scholarship companies” that promise to complete FAFSA applications and/or guarantee scholarships for a fee (often as much as $1,500). Scholarship and FAFSA information is available for FREE at all high schools, colleges and on the internet.
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SAT, ACT or both? Check with your colleges to see what they require.
Lay out a calendar for when you will or need to take the tests. If you are a senior, fall may be your last chance before submitting college applications. Test dates can be found at the testing websites or from your counseling center.
Register at least six weeks prior to the test date. If you want to be assured of your first choice in testing location, apply even earlier. Test packets can be picked up in your counseling center or you can register online.
Test “stand-by” if you missed the regular and late registration deadlines. NOTE: This involves an extra cost.
Ask your counselor for a fee waiver if you are unable to afford the test.
Ask for disability accommodations if you will need them.
Prep for the test. Take practice tests at the testing web sites. Include “retired” tests in your preparation. These are available from the testing web sites and are actual tests that have been given. Take it as you would the regular test (timing and all).
Find out if there are test prep classes or tutoring available through your school or school system. Check your local library and bookstores for prep materials.
Read and keep the test admission information packet you receive.
Make sure you have all the necessary items the day of the test: -High school code -Picture identification -Admissions ticket -Approved calculator -Code numbers of colleges where you want test scores sent -Extra pencils -Water and snack (only allowed at breaks).
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2013-2014 Test Dates The SAT
SAT Date Registration Deadline
($51)
Late Registration Deadline
(fee)
November 3 October 3 October 18
December 7 November 8 November 22
January 25 December 27 January 10
March 8 February 7 February 21
May 3 April 4 April 18
June 8 May 9 May 23
SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same dates except for March. Check specific college admissions sites for required or
recommended SAT Subject Tests. Visit the following link for more information: http://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-
subject-tests
The PSAT: Wednesday, October 16
For information and practice visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat
The ACT DATES
Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Registration-Fee Required)
October 26
September 27
September 28 – October 11
December 14
November 8
November 9 – 22
February 8
January 10
January 11 – 24
April 12
March 7
March 8 – 21
June 14
May 9
May 10 – 23
Fees: $36.50 (No Writing) or $52.50 (Plus Writing). Late fee: $23 additional. For information and practice visit www.actstudent.org
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SAT Prep
Did you know that WCPS students can prepare for the SAT with the Triumph College Admissions (TCA) Online
StudyGuide?
Log in from your high school’s home page with your student ID number as username and password—it’s free!
Financial Aid Nights 2013-2014 **All Financial Aid Nights are open to any student. Please attend the one that is most convenient for you.
You do not have to attend the session at your home school.**
Date/Time Location November 6 @ 7pm North Hagerstown High School
November 21 @ 6:30pm Hancock Senior High School
January 9 @ 6:30pm Williamsport High School