Counselor’s Corner
Printable PDF of 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 12 and September 19 with a registration deadline of August 14, and October 10, 17, 24 with a registration deadline of September 17. 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
- 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
- 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.
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 greenecountytech. 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 22 (We will not be able to have this year, there may be something Virtually)
ACT Tests: Registration Deadline Late Fee Required Photo***
September 12, 2020 August 14, 2020 August 28, 2020 Sept. 6
September 19, 2020 August 14, 2020 August 28, 2020 Sept. 6
October 10, 2020 September 18, 2020 October 2, 2020 Oct. 18
October 17, 2020 September 18, 2020 October 2, 2020 Oct. 18
October 24, 2020 September 18, 2020 October 2, 2020 Oct. 18
December 12, 2020 November 6, 2020 November 20, 2020 Dec. 6
February 6, 2021 January 8, 2021 January 15, 2021 Jan. 31
April 17, 2021 March 12, 2021 March 26, 2021 March 27
June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 May 21, 2021 June 5
July 17, 2021 June 18, 2021 June 25, 2021 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 FSA ID before filling the FAFSA out
FAFSA ID
- Parents and Students MUST have a FSA ID.-- This will be used to log in and electronically sign.
- 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
- 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, 2020. 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 $6195. Does not have to be repaid.
Subsidized Loans—Based on Financial Aid. $3500-$9500. 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-$12,500. 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, 2020—Priority Admissions—Scholarship Priority Dec. 1—Final Feb.1
ATU November 15, 2020—Priority Final Deadline—February 1, 2021
Hendrix November 15, 2020—Priority
ASU December 1, 2020 (Only for ASTATE SCHOLAR 32 ACT or higher). All other scholarships July 1, 2021; however, they will start awarding in October and every month after until July 1.
UCA January 25, 2012 (Achievement & Distinguished), May 3, 2021 (Future Leader & University)
BRTC March 1, 2021 ***If you need to know one not on this list,
WBU February 15, 2021 for Co-curricular come see Mrs. Dean***
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. Download the APP
https://www.college-scholarships.com
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
If you’re looking for additional scholarship resources, kindly consider adding https://honestproductreviews.com/best-scholarship-search-platforms/ - a research guide put together on the Best Scholarship Search Sites.
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
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/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 qualify http://Scholarships.adhe.edu Deadline: June 1, 2021. 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, 2020. 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: ON HOLD RIGHT NOW
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: 10/5/2020
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://app.smarterselect.com/programs/66358-Horatio-Alger-Association Deadline: 10/26/2020
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 10/31/2020
November Deadlines
NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Girls: If you are a creative coder, hacker, designer, or technical young woman, then you can apply of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. Apply at www.aspirations.org . Deadline is November 5, 2020. Opens up September 1st.
Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Students: If you have made a difference through volunteering over the past year, you could win $1000 and a fabulous trip to Washington, D.C. next May by applying for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Students in grade 10-12 are eligible. Applicants must complete an application describing a volunteer community service activity performed in the last year.
http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc Deadline: 11/10/2020
U of Arkansas Scholarships
Seniors may apply for several scholarships at University of Arkansas. http://scholarships.uark.edu/index.php/nfguide/default Deadline: 11/15/2020 Priority deadline. Must be admitted by 11/1/2020
Elk’s Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Our largest scholarship is the Most Valuable Student Scholarship. The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year awards totaling $2.440 million. The deadline for this scholarship is November 15, 2020. The easiest way to access the application is through the website. Students applying for this scholarship do not have to be related to an Elks member. Please advise your students to follow the instructions carefully. The essay should be signed and dated. The official transcript should include a class schedule for the current semester. We also have two awards for the children/grandchildren of Elks members in good standing. Information and applications for the Legacy Awards and Emergency Educational Grant can be found online. The website is
https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm
Hagan Scholarship
Seniors: I have information on a Hagan Scholarship for students who have a 3.5 GPA or higher and a 23 or higher on the ACT. You must work 240 hours prior to the start of each college year. For more information, see Mrs. Dean or the website at www.haganscholarships.org . Deadline is November 15, 2020.
Hendrix College Academic Scholarships
Seniors going to Hendrix. 3.6 GPA and 32 on ACT. See Counselor.
December Deadlines
ASU--JONESBORO – Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association announced it is accepting applications for its License to HOWL Scholarship starting today.
“To qualify for consideration, incoming freshmen must:
- Candidate must be a full-time student at the Jonesboro campus;
- Candidate must be a resident of the state of Arkansas;
- Entering freshmen must have a minimum ACT score of superscore 23 and a high school GPA of 3.25;
- Selection based on demonstrated leadership qualities in high school.
- Personal statement of why you have chosen A-State, and what you hope to accomplish as a student. Please include academic, personal, and leadership positions. Limit to one page.
- Resume or list of activities, awards and leadership positions. Limit to one page.
- You may include one or two letters of reference, limit one page each. (Optional)
- Special consideration given to those students who are living on campus.
- Students who are awarded the A-State Scholar Scholarship will not be considered.
- Only complete applications submitted within the application process of December 1, 2020 through the deadline of February 1, 2021 will be considered.
To receive the scholarship again in the spring, recipients must continue their full-time status, be a student in good standing and have a collegiate GPA of 3.25.
SEMO—If you are interested in SEMO, their scholarship guarantee is December 1, 2020.
Arkansas Alumni Association Scholarship
Must be seeking a degree at the University of Arkansas, have a 3.6 GPA, and at least a 24 on the ACT. Priority Deadline is December 1, 2020 and final deadline is February 1, 2021. Application is online at www.arkansasalumni.org/freshmanscholarships
