COUNSELOR'S CORNER
- Greene County Tech High School
870-215-4400 ext. 6020
Mrs. Breta Dean, 11th & 12th Grade, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mr. Ray Stricker, 10th & 11th Grade, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Printable PDF of Counselor's Corner
Counselor’s Corner
ACT INFORMATION
I wanted to inform you that most colleges and universities give scholarships based on ACT scores and grade point averages (GPA). For each scholarship, there is a certain ACT score with a minimum GPA required. There are some colleges (Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas, and others) that will only award scholarships based on ACT scores taken through October of this year. If you are planning on going to college and have not taken the ACT or have taken it and wanted to try to raise your ACT score, then you need to take it as soon as possible. The next two opportunities for the ACT are September 14 with a registration deadline of August 16, and October 26 with a registration deadline of September 20. ACT requires you to register online at www.actstudent.org.
ACT Prep and Practice Sites
ACT Online
- http://www.act.org/qotd/ ACT Question of the Day
- Free ACT study Guide from Study Guide Zone: https://www.studyguidezone.com/
- http://www.studyguidezone.com/acttest.htm additional free support
- https://www.number2.com/exams/act/companion/index.cfm?s=0 ACT Companion Prep (illustrate with Brief Demonstration)
- March 2 Success: march2success.com/index.cfm
- Flash Cards
- Zero Threat Hour Take the ZERO HOUR THREAT----Can change the time limit and level of difficulty.
- College Readiness Online Course
SAT Online
- SAT Question of the Day: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day
- Number 2: https://www.number2.com/exams/sat/companion/index.cfm?s=0
- March 2 Success: https://march2success.com
- Study Guide Zone: http://www.studyguidezone.com/sattest.htm
ARKANSAS LOTTERY CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Arkansas Lottery Challenge Scholarship is a scholarship that has helped many students tremendously over the last couple of years be able to attend college. The law was CHANGED, students ONLY need to score a 19 on the ACT to be eligible. In the past to qualify for this scholarship: one had to complete Smart core which includes a math above Algebra II and Chemistry and have either a 19 on the ACT or a 2.5 GPA. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education office has said THEIR RECOMMENDATION is for students to still complete SMART CORE.
HONOR GRADUATES
Also, if you are planning on trying to be an Honor Graduate then I want to make sure you know the requirements for it to ensure you qualify. Honor Graduate requirements are as follows: 4 years of English, 4 years of Math (one must be above Algebra II), 4 years of Science (one must be Chemistry), 4 years of Social Studies, a 3.5 GPA, and an ACT score of 19 in every area. You must also have either 2 years of the same foreign language and 2 AP classes that are in different areas, or 1 year of a foreign language and 3 AP classes that are in two different areas.
SCHOLARSHIPS
I just wanted to let you know how I will be doing a few things this year. When I receive scholarships, I try to get the information out to the students in the following ways: I have them announced on the morning bulletin, I have them posted on our website under scholarships or counselor’s corner, I sometimes type a list and hand out in the English classes, and I will tell you to look on the website when I have new ones. We also have access on our website to Tasseltime, which has many resources some of which are scholarship search engines. The username is eagles and the password is spirit. The only suggestion that I have when using a scholarship search engine is never pay for it. If you have to pay for it, then do not use it.
ASU SCHOLARSHIPS
If you are planning on going to ASU and have an ACT score that will get you a scholarship, then you need to apply as soon as possible. ASU’s deadline for scholarships is December 1st.
OTHER COLLEGES
If you need to know any deadlines for scholarships to other colleges, just ask. I can find out for you.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
When you apply to any college, you will need to come by the counselor’s office and let us know so that we can send your transcript and shot record. Please do not wait until the last minute to apply.
SCHOLARSHIPS YOU RECEIVE
When you receive a scholarship, we need you to bring us a copy of the scholarships so that we can keep a record of all scholarships. Accept any scholarships that you receive because you can always turn them down later.
DATES TO REMEMBER
College and Career Opportunity Day: October 15
ACT Tests: Registration Deadline Late Fee Required Photo***
September 14, 2019 August 16, 2019 August 30, 2019 Sept. 6
October 26, 2019 September 20, 2019 October 4, 2019 Oct. 18
December 14, 2019 November 8, 2019 November 22, 2019 Dec. 6
February 8, 2020 January 10, 2020 January 17, 2020 Jan. 31
April 4, 2020 February 28, 2020 March 13, 2020 March 27
June 13, 2020 May 8, 2020 May 22, 2020 June 5
July 18, 2020 June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020 July 10
School Code: 041-950
GCT Test Center Code: 212-690
***If you need help submitting a photo, then see Mrs. Dean.
SELECTIVE SERVICE
All Males have to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday; I can register you if you come by my office. www.sss.gov
If you need help completing any applications or have any questions, then you can come by the Counselor’s Office.
College Days
Seniors: You are allowed two college days. In order to take a College Day, you must sign up with the college and come by the Counselor’s office before that day to have it approved.
Juniors: You are allowed one college day.
FAFSA
Everyone has to fill the FAFSA out to go to college. It is a good idea to get a pin so that you are ready to fill it out after you have your taxes completed. You will now use the Prior Prior Year Taxes.
Apply for a FSA ID (used to be PIN) for the FAFSA before filling the FAFSA out
FAFSA ID replaces the FAFSA PIN Pin #’s Retired in May 2015
- Students and parents can no longer use PIN.
- May 10, 2015—FSA ID replaced the PIN for student and parent log-ins and signatures.
- FSA ID consists of username and password-which increases the security level for the user.
- FSA ID needed to log into fafsa.gov, the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at nsids.ed.gov, StudentLoans.gov, StudentAid.gov and Agreement to Serve(ATS) at teach-ats.ed.gov
- Create FSA ID at https://studentaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
- Students and parents that have current PIN will be able to enter it and link it to their FSA ID to assist with verification of FSA ID
- Instruction Sheet available at http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/attachments/050415FSAIDReplaceHowToCreateFSAIDGuideATTACH.pdf
FAFSA--http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ ******DO NOT PAY FOR THE FAFSA****** Opens October 1, 2019. FAFSA on the Web worksheet can be used as a guide. IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in October 1st.
***Make sure to use correct Social Security numbers (students and parents) and Legal Name, also. Make sure to sign it also.
Pell Grants are awarded based on the FAFSA. Last year was worth $5920. Does not have to be repaid.
Subsidized Loans—Based on Financial Aid. $3500-$8000. Government pays interest while you are in college and then you start paying the loan back 6 months after you graduate.
Unsubsidized Loans—not based on Financial Aid. $5500-$20,500. Borrower pays interest for the life of the loan.
PLUS Loan—Parent borrows the loan.
***Make sure the Social Security Numbers are correct***
***If changes need to be made on the FAFSA after it is completed, then contact the college attending to help make corrections. ***
Lists of Scholarships
College and University Deadlines for Academic Scholarships
U of A November 15, 2019—Priority
ATU November 15, 2019—Priority
WBC November 1, 2019
Hendrix November 15, 2019
ASU December 1, 2019 ***If you need to know one not on this list
UCA December 10, 2019 then, come see Mrs. Dean***
BRTC March 1, 2020
Scholarship Search Sites NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
www.fundmyfuture.info This website has lots of information and assistance in looking for financial aid.
www.Scholarships.com Find scholarships, grants and other financial aid
www.tasseltime.com See Mrs. Dean for username and password for scholarship databases
Best Scholarship Search Platforms: https://honestproductreviews.com/best-scholarship-search-platforms/
Best Job Search Sites Platforms: https://honestproductreviews.com/best-job-sites/
ZipRecruiter High School Job's Page: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/high-school
Zip Recruiter Salary Widget: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries#by-major
Other Places to look for Scholarships
US Department of Education
US Department of Health and Human Services
US Armed Forces
Private Sources—Local Businesses and Employers
http://studentaid.gov/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships
http://www.careerinfonet.org/scholarshipsearch/ScholarshipCategory.asp?searchtype=category&nodeid=22
Guides and Tools
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, higher levels of education translate to higher employment rates and higher lifetime earnings. But for many students, both young and old, there are many obstacles that interfere with their higher education and career pursuits. Our research identified not having proper educational resources and/or the lack of financial funding as the most common factors. So we addressed these head-on in our recent guide so that students and families in your community can learn about their options and feel empowered to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
You can see our free collections of guides and tools here:
- http://www.reviews.com/best-scholarship-search-platforms/
- http://www.reviews.com/online-tutoring/
- https://www.reviews.com/mooc-platforms/
- https://www.reviews.com/student-internship-platforms/
LendEDU Tools
In an effort to help students afford their higher education, our team at LendEDU recently updated our guide to college scholarships to help students find relevant opportunities to cut some of the costs of college.
Our resource teaches students and families the importance of searching for scholarships when figuring out how to pay for college: https://lendedu.com/blog/scholarships
Other key points we cover are seen below:
- What are Scholarships?
- 13 Types of Scholarships
- Applying for Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Process
- Essay Tips
- Letters of Recommendation Tips
- Spotting Scholarship Scams
- Other Options
Thea Foundation Scholarships
Seniors: There are scholarship competitions through the Thea Foundation in the following areas if interested: Creative Writing, Film, Performing Arts, Poetry Slam, and Visual Arts. You may only enter one competition. GPA and test scores are not factored in the scholarship. See Mrs. Dean for more information.
Accounting Scholarships
Free educational resource for people looking to learn about careers and education in Accounting.
https://discoveraccounting.org/scholarships/
America Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program
Senior Girls: If you are interested in participating in the America Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program which is formerly known as the Arkansas Junior Miss, then go to www.ajm.org.
Early Childhood Education Scholarships
Free educational resource for people looking to learn about Early Childhood Education. https://discoverearlychildhoodedu.org/resources/scholarships/
NCAA Eligibility
To register to play Division I or II college sports, you must register with the eligibility center at www.eligibilitycenter.org. You must have 16 Core credits to be Eligible.
National Merit Scholars Program
Juniors must take the PSAT during their Junior year and make a qualifying score. www.nationalmerit.org or www.collegeboard.com
October Deadlines
Arkansas Lottery Challenge Scholarship—Application opens up October 1st
The Lottery and Challenge Scholarship are the same scholarship. It will now just be called Arkansas Challenge Scholarship. You must have a 19 on the ACT to qualifyhttp://Scholarships.adhe.edu or go to www.adhe.edu On the left hand side it says YOUniversal Application. Deadline: June 1, 2020. Your application will not be complete until the FAFSA is completed. **(A student can put this scholarship on hold for 4 semesters or 2 year but must accept first.)** You must use a valid email when applying for the scholarship. You can only accept the scholarship through email so it needs to be an email that is checked regularly.
***Signup for updates at Facebook.com/ArkDeptHigherEd, Twitter.com/ ArkDeptHigherEd, or there is also an app for smartphones. ***
$1000 for Freshman, $4000 for Sophomores and Juniors, and $5000 for Seniors.
Other scholarships with this application are the Governor’s Scholarships, Go Grant, Law Enforcement Officers’ Dependent Scholarship, and Military Dependents Scholarship. (Military and Law Enforcement Scholarships are for dependents of loss of or permanently disabled, POW, MIA.
FAFSA--http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ ******DO NOT PAY FOR THE FAFSA****** Opens October 1, 2019. FAFSA on the Web worksheet can be used as a guide. IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in October 1st.
United States Senate Youth Program
Seniors: If you are interested in applying for the United States Senate Youth Program and spending a week in Washington, D.C, then see Mrs. Dean for more information or visit http://www.ussenateyouth.org Deadline: 10/4/2019
AES Engineers Scholarship
Students will submit an essay on one of the two topics that appear on the scholarship page of our website. $500. http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm Deadline: 10/6/2019
Horatio Alger Scholarship
Seniors who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Minimum grade point 2.0. Parents’ income less than $50,000. $1,000-$20,000. https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/index.cfm Deadline: 10/25/2019
Coca-Cola Scholar
Seniors are evaluated on the following: demonstrated leadership, commitment to community, academic achievement, and employment. Must apply online. $4,000-$20,000
http://www.coca-colascholars.org CEEB code 041-950 Deadline 10/31/2019
Zip Recruiter Scholarship
Must be 18 years of age. Write a 350 word max essay about favorite ZipRecruiter feature and why you chose that one. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/scholarship Deadline 10/31/2019
