Counselor’s Corner - Greene County Tech School District

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 opportunities for the ACT are September 11 with a registration deadline of August 6, October 23 with a registration deadline of September 17, and December 11 with a registration deadline of November 5. ACT requires students to register online at www.actstudent.org.

ACT Prep and Practice Sites

ACT Online

ACT: QUESTION of the DAY
4Tests.com – Your Free Online Practice Exam Site!
Test Prep Review
ACT test preparation help
ACT’s official Test Prep software
ACT Academy
Test help from ACT
March 2 Success
Kaplan Test Help
TestU
Number 2 Test Prep
Pri nceton Review
Study Guide Zone
Khan Academy

SAT Online

Upcoming Test Dates Registration Dates, Late Registration, Study Plan

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. See Mrs. Dena for username and password. 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.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES

If you need to know any deadlines for scholarships to any 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 21

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 18^th 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, 2021. FAFSA on the Web worksheet can be used as a guide. IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in October 1^st.

***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 $6345. 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, 2021—Priority Admissions—Scholarship Priority Dec. 1—Final Feb.1

ATU November 15, 2021—Priority Final Deadline—February 15, 2022

Hendrix November 15, 2021—Priority February 12, 2022 for Co-curricular

ASU December 1, 2021 (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 24, 2022 (Achievement & Distinguished), May 3, 2022 (Future Leader & University)

BRTC March 1, 2022 ***If you need to know one not on this list,

WBU No deadline. come see Mrs. Dean***

Scholarship Search Sites NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

www.fastweb.com

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

www.studentscholarships.org

http://studentaid.ed.gov

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

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:

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

September Deadlines

Rapunzl National Investment Competition

Rapunzl created and operates a free mobile app for iOS or Android which allows students to

simulate $10,000 stock portfolios in a competitive format to try and earn college scholarships.

Together with GCE Learning Labs, an experiential learning high school & non-profit that believes students need real-world tools to contextualize their learning and achieve greatness, we are hosting a national simulated investment competition with over $50,000 in scholarship prizes for high school students nationwide to enter for free. Student Sign up begins September 1, 2021. Competition begins October 1^st, 2021. Competition Ends April 30, 2022. www.rapunzlinvestments.com

October Deadlines

Arkansas Lottery Challenge Scholarship—Application opens up October 1^st

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, 2022. 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.

ASTATE Privately Funded Scholarships

Opens October 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022 Students may upload, personal essays, student resumes, and letters of recommendation. www.astate.edu/scholasrhips

FAFSA--http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ ******DO NOT PAY FOR THE FAFSA****** Opens October 1, 2021. FAFSA on the Web worksheet can be used as a guide. IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in October 1^st.

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: 10/8/2021

Heisman High School Scholarship

The program recognizes and rewards high school seniors who accomplish tremendous feats in the classroom, on the field, and most importantly, within their communities. Scholarships ranging from $1000-$10,000. www.heismanscholarship.com Deadline: 10/19/2021

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 10/31/2021

National Rice Month Scholarship Video Contest

Create awareness and promote US grown rice, National Rice Month, and the importance of rice to your state via video—and earn scholarship money in the process. Visit www.thinkrice.com for more information. Deadline: October 31, 2021

November Deadlines

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: 11/4/2021

U of Arkansas Scholarships

Seniors may apply for several scholarships at University of Arkansas. http://scholarships.uark.edu/index.php/nfguide/default Deadline: 11/15/2021 Priority deadline. Must be admitted by 11/1/2021

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, 2021. 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

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, 2021 through the deadline of February 1, 2022 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.

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 December 1, 2021.

SEMO—If you are interested in SEMO, their scholarship guarantee is December 1, 2021.

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, 2021 and final deadline is February 1, 2022. Application is online at www.arkansasalumni.org/freshmanscholarships

United States Senate Youth Program

Seniors: If you are interested in applying for the United States Senate Youth Program and spending a Virtual week in Washington, D.C, then see Mrs. Dean for more information or visit http://www.ussenateyouth.org Deadline: December 1, 2021.

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame

Seniors: These scholarships will be based on written essays and will be awarded to 5 male and 4 female student-athlete high school seniors.

Criteria For Eligibility:

Must be graduating senior from an Arkansas high school (AAA member) for the school year 2020-21.
Must be attending an Arkansas college or junior college (private or public) as a freshman the following fall 2021.
Must submit an essay to the ASHOF for evaluation. This essay must be postmarked or emailed by December 31, 2021. All submissions after this date will not be considered.
Only the first 100 essays submitted to the ASHOF will be considered for review for the scholarships.

Go to the Counselor’s office for more information.

January Deadlines

Thea Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: January 14, 2022

2022 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Write an original and creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. $5000 cash award. For complete rules and guidelines visit the Profile in courage Essay Contest at www.jfklibrary.org Deadline January 14, 2022.

February Deadlines

ASTATE Privately Funded Scholarships

Opens October 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022 Students may upload, personal essays, student resumes, and letters of recommendation. www.astate.edu/scholasrhips

Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships of Greene County

The application will not be available until February. Application opens February 1, 2022 and Deadline is March 15, 2022. https://www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/

ASU Privately Funded Scholarships

Online application at www.astate.edu, then click Future students, then Financial Aid, then Scholarships for the application. Deadline February 1, 2022.

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 January 1, 2022 and the final deadline is February 15, 2022. Application is online at www.arkansasalumni.org/freshmanscholarships

Elks Club Legacy Scholarship

Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks members. The Foundation will offer a total of 250 awards in the 2019 contest. The 2019 contest applications will be due online by February 7, 2022, at 11:59 a.m. Central Time. https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarweb/legacy/rules.cfm?CFID=99852173&CFTOKEN=e3a666d612999820-5733429A-FC01-B0D6-8F3F8F3CCA556D02

March Deadlines

Governor’s Distinguished Scholars Program

Seniors with an ACT score of 32 or SAT of 1410 and GPA of 3.5 OR be a National Merit Finalist or National Achievement Finalist. Must attend an Arkansas college or university. Fill out YOUniversal Application. Up to $10,000 per year. www.adhe.edu Application will be open 10/01/2021. Deadline: 3/01/2022

**If there is a county that does not have a Distinguished Scholar, the highest ranking applicant will be awarded a Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. **

Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship

$10,000 cash scholarship. The winner’s entry will be produced and sold as a real greeting card. For more information, see Mrs. Dean or visit https://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm Deadline: March 2, 2022

Arkansas Community Foundation Scholarships of Greene County

The application will not be available until February. Application opens February 1, 2022 and Deadline is March 15, 2022. https://www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/

Casey Ryan Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will need to go to a student who demonstrates financial need. Perhaps you didn't get a high enough ACT score or an athletic scholarship. We want to help you! Preference will go to a student going to a trade school, but all high school students seeking higher education are encouraged to apply. The check will be made out to the school. Deadline: March 30, 2022 Http://caseyryanmemorialscholarship.org

Fill out scholarship application
A personal essay about career goals
A 2.0 GPA minimum
Student curriculum vitae (CV)
At least 1 letter of recommendation
Brief essay outlining why this scholarship will help you pursue your goals in relation to the financial challenges of paying for higher education

April Deadlines

Ayn Rand's Book Essay Contest

Students in grades 8-12 must submit a 600 to 1200 word essay on Ayn Rand’s Anthem. Up to $10,000. https://aynrand.org/students/essay-contests/#tab-3-anthem Deadline: 4/28/2022

Ayn Rand's Book Essay Contest—Fountainhead

Students in grades 11-12 must submit a 800-1600 word essay. Essays will be judged on whether the student is able to argue for and justify his or her view—not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of The Fountainhead.

https://aynrand.org/students/essay-contests/#tab-3-the-fountainhead Deadline is 4/28/2022

Honors Graduation Scholarship Design A Better Future

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be graduating high school seniors planning on attending an accredited college or university in the United States of America. Additionally, students must have met all of the requirements described on this website (http://honorsgradu.com/).

Design & work on a community improvement project, using our checklistas a guide.
OPTIONAL: Share your work for some checkpoint feedback before the final deadline to increase your chance at winning. Submit your working strategy planearly (from the Navigate Ideas phase of design thinking), with any other work for which you would like feedback. Work must be submitted by April 28, 2022 for feedback. Depending on volume, we will get back to you within 2 weeks.
Submit your design thinking project work by May 28, 2022 11:59 MST (see FAQ’s & Details pagefor link and details on submission requirements).
We will select 5 winnersto receive $10,000 tuition scholarshipsto their colleges, with the top one receiving $5,000 funding to launch their project into the design thinking cycle once more during the summer of 2022 to maximize impact. We select applications based on their completion, seriousness, and viability.

Rapunzl National Investment Competition

Rapunzl created and operates a free mobile app for iOS or Android which allows students to

simulate $10,000 stock portfolios in a competitive format to try and earn college scholarships.

May Deadlines

Honors Graduation Scholarship Design A Better Future

Design & work on a community improvement project, using our checklistas a guide.
OPTIONAL: Share your work for some checkpoint feedback before the final deadline to increase your chance at winning. Submit your working strategy planearly (from the Navigate Ideas phase of design thinking), with any other work for which you would like feedback. Work must be submitted by April 28, 2022 for feedback. Depending on volume, we will get back to you within 2 weeks.
Submit your design thinking project work by May 28, 2022 11:59 MST (see FAQ’s & Details pagefor link and details on submission requirements).
We will select 5 winnersto receive $10,000 tuition scholarshipsto their colleges, with the top one receiving $5,000 funding to launch their project into the design thinking cycle once more during the summer of 2022 to maximize impact. We select applications based on their completion, seriousness, and viability.

June Deadlines

Arkansas Lottery Challenge Scholarship

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, 2022. 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.

Students attending a 2 year college will receive $1000 for 1^st Year an $3000 2^nd Year

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program

Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program for the 10^th year. We will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s) each year. Scholarship Deadline: June 12, 2022. Application Process: Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm Full details are available on our site.

BigSun Scholarship

The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. We are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in. Deadline: June 19, 2022. Amount of Award: $500.00

The successful applicant will be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at that institution or in the community. Please visit our website at http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.

July Deadlines

Rosen and Ohr Scholarship

The scholarship is to help any student who has been impacted by being seriously injured (or by a family member being seriously injured). To apply, students must write a 750-1,000 word essay in response to the following prompt:

"Write an essay explaining in detail how a serious accident involving you, a family member, or a close friend has impacted your life. This could have been a car crash, a slip-and-fall accident, a work-related injury, or any other serious accident. How has this injury impacted your college plans?"

The deadline to apply for this scholarship is July 20, 2020. Submissions will open on Jan 1, 2020. The winner of the scholarship will be awarded $1,000 to help pay for college-related expenses. www.rosenohrlaw.com/scholarship

GREENE COUNTY TECH SCHOOL DISTRICT

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