Seniors and Parents

December 2010

Seniors and Parents: If you have questions relating to the federal financial aid form please contact EducationQuest for assistance. They are experts at this so please call and set up an appointment with them as soon as possible. Just a reminder: Before you can send your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA) you will need to go online and apply for your PIN numbers. (Both the student and one parent must get a number) It is best to do it now rather than later. www.pin.ed.gov

If you want to receive information monthly from the EducationQuest you can go to www.educationquest.org. This is a nonprofit organization that will give information about college and financial aid in general. Also, if you or your parents have an e-mail address that you check on regular basis let me know and I will send you information regarding scholarships and colleges. I will also have hard copies available to all students on a monthly basis.

Selective Service – It’s the Law – If you are a male and 18 years of age you are required to register! If you're a male U.S. citizen, age 18 through 25, and are living INSIDE the United States or its territories, or if you have an APO/FPO address, you are required to register with Selective Service by going to www.sss.gov or you can wait until you complete your FAFSA and complete the information at that time.

New this year for NAIA schools, student-athletes are required to get registered with the NAIA eligibility center.. The address is www.playnaia.org Please note: * It’s important that the student register early! The Eligibility Center is now a big part of the NAIA’s recruiting process. The sooner you get it done, the better. * There is a one-time $60 fee, which goes to the NAIA Eligibility Center. Some students will qualify to have the fee waived. Please check the waiver exemptions listed on the web site. * Students will need to send your ACT or SAT scores directly to the NAIA. Simply place the NAIA’s code number on your list of schools. The NAIA code number is 9876. * Students' high school guidance counselor will need to send your final official academic transcripts to the NAIA.

** Requesting Recommendations: Need help with requesting recommendations: Go to www.cccneb.org and click on Programs, Courses and Workshops. Scroll down and on the left side click on High School Articulation, then scroll back down and on the left side under High School Articulation click on Career Prep Handbook. The handbook contains a lot of information including Exploring Careers, Resume’ Tips, Request for Recommendation Letter. This information can be very useful as you begin to complete scholarships. The request form will be very helpful when asking a teacher, business person, or a boss for a letter.

Tips for getting letters of recommendations for scholarships: 1. Ask the person if they can give you a good recommendation. 2. Give the person a request for recommendation letter - using the form found on the cccneb.org web-site talked about above. Name of scholarship, criteria, date due 3. If they have to mail it directly to the scholarship committee – then you provide the envelope and have it addressed with a stamp on it. 4. Make sure that the person has enough time to write the recommendation. I would recommend at least one week, but preferably two weeks. 5. Most people writing recommendations will be o-k with writing more than one letter. Usually they will revise the letters to fit the requirements/criteria., so don’t be afraid to ask for more than one letter. 6. If you have questions please come and see me. Test Dates 2010 - 2011

Test Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

December 11, 2010 November 5, 2010 November 6 – 19, 2010

February 12, 2011** January 7, 2011 January 8 – 21, 2011

April 9, 2011 March 4, 2011 March 5 – 18, 2011

June 11, 2011 May 6, 2011 May 7 – 20, 2011

It is highly recommended that you register to take the ACT on line at www.actstudent.org Choose “SIGN UP NOW” and follow the directions. To register on line you must pay by “VISA” or “MasterCard”. You can also register using the ACT packet. You can get a packet from me. If you have never taken the test before, please allow extra time in filling out the registration packet. If you have already taken the test and you want to retake it, I highly recommend registering on-line as it will save you a lot of time because you will just go in and update the info. Remember our school code is 282 285.

COMPASS or ASSET TEST Not all colleges or universities require you to take the ACT. Most community or technical colleges will allow you to take the COMPASS test. The COMPASS is a computerized test developed by ACT. If you are thinking about going to a community college you can usually take the computerized test when you go for a college visit. You can take the COMPASS test at Central Community College in Hastings, Grand Island, or Columbus, even if you are going to go to Southeast in Milford, Lincoln, or Beatrice, or Northeast in Norfolk, or to Mid-Plains in McCook. The sooner you take the test the sooner you will know if you need to retake it. You can call and register for the test at 1-877-222-0780. Follow the prompts for Hastings Campus and then ask for the office where they give the COMPASS test. If you plan to visit any of the community college campus’s then try to schedule a time to take the compass during your visit. www.studentedge.com StudentEdge is a free online college and career planning resource center. It offers tools to help all high school students take ownership of the college planning process by letting them find scholarship money, prepare for exams, search for colleges, and explore career interests. To open an account to access this site go to www.studentedge.com then click on New User. The access code will be GKXBEMMC, next you will be prompted to complete your registration. This is just another resource for you to use.

A well developed free online test prep resource is: www.march2success.com The Army hosts the site and contains well known Peterson's prep and timed practice tests for ACT/SAT. Included is a fun video game-like practice test call Zero Hour Threat. There is also a high school test prep for practice for all HS students.

UNL requirements: The years refer to courses – 4 courses and 3 courses. 4 Years of Math, 4 years of English, 3 years of Social Science, 3 years Science, and 2 years Foreign Language.

**UNL – September 1 Nebraska begins processing application for Fall 2011 Make sure that you have your ACT scores sent to UNL if you are interested in attending the university. Effective immediately the university will only accept ACT scores directly from the testing center. So make sure that when you register to take the test you put the college/university code on the form.

**UNL – Most successful candidates for the University Honors Program present one or more of the following credentials: ACT composite of 29 or above or combined SAT of 1300; High school class rank in the top 10%; A demonstrated commitment to academic and intellectual pursuits; Evidence of engagement in school and community activities

**November 15 - Deadline for University Honors Program Early Application March 1, 2011 is the final application deadline.

**Common Application - If you have chosen a college which uses the Common Application you can now complete the application on line at www.commonapp.org School Representatives who will be visiting our school during your lunch time These representatives will be in the library from 11:45 – 12:10 on the assigned days. Take your lunch to the library and visit with the reps. As of today here are the rep. who have set up visit times. These will also appear in the daily bulletins.

Open Houses and Special Visit Days Colorado State University – Engineering Exploration Day – Feb. 5, 2011. 8 – 1 Register online at www.engr.colostate.edu/explore or email [email protected]

University of Nebraska at Omaha – Open House Dates: Dec. 13, Feb. 21, Mar. 14 www.BEaMAV.com email [email protected] 1-877-884- MAVS

Chadron State College – Open House Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 Register on line at www.csc.edu/visitors or call them at 308-432-6233

College of Hair Design – Fall Open House – Wednesday, April 6, 2011 You can register by emailing: [email protected] or call 1-800-798-4247. Scholarships are available. More information about the college can be found at www.collegeofhairdesign.com

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: http://www.educationquest.org/scholarshipquest.asp

SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES ON THE WEB: www.scholarshipmonkey.com www.ScholarshipExperts.com www.StudentAid.ed.gov www.Schoolsoup.com www.scholarships.com www.collegeboard.com www.fastaid.com

*If you are a class officer or a student council member then you may qualify for the 2011 United States Senate Youth Program – Hearst Foundation Scholarship Fund. You must be a permanent resident of the US and currently enrolled in a public or private secondary school. This program allows students to attend a week (March 2 – March 12) long government and leadership education program in the Nation’s Capital. Once your application is sent to the Nebraska Department of Education, they will review it and then send the school a test which you will need to take before October 8. Let Mrs. Zoucha know if you are interested.

**University of Nebraska at Kearney Dates vary If you are interested in the University of Nebraska at Kearney scholarship descriptions and applications can be found at www.unk.edu/offices/financial_aid

**Nebraska Department of American Legion and Legion Auxiliary Due Dates Vary www.nebraskalegionaux.net for the list of scholarships, the criteria and the dates due.

**American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships Due Dates Vary Several scholarships are available at www.legion.org www.legion.org/needalift or www.legion-aux.org

**Southeast Community College Open Application Dates Dec. 1 through Feb. 22 For a list of available scholarships, please go to www.southeast.edu Apply, register and get a list scholarships. Must be a U.S. citizen, graduate from high school this academic year (preference will be given to those who rank in the top one-half of their class). You must complete the scholarship application on-line then request your school counselor to send a copy of your transcript to SCC. Transcripts must be received by March 1, 2011.

** AXA-Achievement Scholarship Due Dec. 15 You can access this application on-line: . www.axa-achievement.com You must describe in detail an outstanding achievement you have accomplished in a non-academic activity or project. The activity or project can take place in your school, community or workplace. Extra-curricular activities, work experience, and academic record are also considered. Other criteria considered are: Ambition, drive and determination; Setting and reaching goals; Respect for self, family, and community; and Ability to succeed in college. AXA Achievement is a multi-faceted scholarship program, awarding more than $1.3 million a year in scholarships on the national and local levels. You can access by clinking on the following links: AXA Achievement sm Scholarship in association with U.S. News & World Report provides $670,000 in annual scholarships to youth throughout the nation. Fifty-two scholarship recipients, known as AXA Achievers, are selected — one from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The 2011 program is underway. APPLY NOW!

To start your application, simply click on any of the links labeled GMS Application. Please take the time to read all of the eligibility criteria and instructions before beginning your application. Click below on "read more" to continue the list of eligibility criteria on the next page Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they

• Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American • Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States • Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED • Will enroll for the first time at a U.S. located, accredited college or university in the fall of 2011 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first- year student (with the exception of students pursuing a high school diploma while concurrently enrolled). First-time college enrollees can also be GED recipients. • Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities • Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria • Have completed and submitted all three required forms: the student’s application (Nominee Personal Information Form), an evaluation of the student’s academic record (Nominator Form) and an evaluation of the student’s community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form) by the deadline The deadline for all submission is January 10, 2011 at 11:59p.m. EST. We look forward to reviewing your application soon.

**The Healthy Lifestyles Scholarship Dec. 31 http://www.fitnessexercises.tv/scholarships.php The Healthy Lifestyles Scholarship is open to currently enrolled high school seniors or first-year college students. To be eligible for this award, you must be a U.S. citizen, be under 25 years of age and answer both of the following two essay questions: in under 1000 words, "Why is a healthy lifestyle important in school?" and in under 500 words, describe your career plans, goals and personal ambitions.

**2011 Gates Millennium ScholarsApplications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 11, 2011 or paper application must be postmarked on or before January 11 Applications are available online: www.gmsp.org Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they:

 Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American** or Hispanic American  Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States  Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED  Will be enrolling for the first time at a U.S. accredited***college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student in the fall 2009  Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities  Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria  Have completed and submitted all three required forms (Nominee Personal Information form, Nominator form, and Recommender form) by the deadline

**Susan G. Komen for the Cure College Scholarship Jan. 15 • Must have lost a parent/guardian to breast cancer • OR Must be a breast cancer survivor diagnosed at 25 years or younger • Must be a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior • Must plan to attend a state-supported college or university in the state where they permanently reside (students in Washington DC can attend state-supported schools in Maryland and Virginia) • Must have a high school and/or college GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale • Must be no older than 25 years old by May 2011 • Must be a U.S. citizen, or documented permanent resident of the U.S. (or US Territory) Never at any time have been subject to any disciplinary action by any institution or entity, including, but not limited to, any educational or law enforcement agency www.komen.org/scholarship

**Nebraska Educational Office Professional Association Jan. 15 The members of the Nebraska Educational Office Professionals Association (NEOPA) annually award a scholarship to a qualifying graduating student who has completed a major course of study in the area of Business Education in a Nebraska high school or may currently be pursuing such a course of study in a post-secondary institution of higher learning. For more information and to download the scholarship guidelines and application go to http://neopa.unl.edu Plus there are several other scholarships available to seniors at this website http://neopa.unl.edu/awards.html

**Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association Gary Fisher fine Arts Scholarship Jan. 25 NRCSA created the Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship for students who excel in the fine arts and are planning to major in the fine arts in college. The scholarship was initiated by the NRCSA Executive Committee in 2003 and will be announced each year at the NRCSA Spring Conference. Graduating seniors of NRCSA member schools are eligible to apply. Selection will be based on equal weight given each of the following criteria: quality/neatness of application, achievement in the fine arts, level of involvement in activities, student goals, leadership, character, initiative, and school/community involvement. Application must include three letters of recommendation, to include one administrator, one counselor, and one teacher. The applicant may choose to submit one additional letter of recommendation from a person of his/her own choosing. Letters of recommendation should contain information about the applicant’s excellence in one or more fine arts, leadership, character, initiative, and school/community involvement. The application form will be made available on the NRCSA web-site at www.nrcsa.net

**Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association Jan. 25 APPLICANT MUST BE PLANNING TO ENTER THE FIELD OF EDUCATION (I.E. TEACHER, MEDIA SPECIALIST, COUNSELOR, ETC.) Applicant must have a scholastic equivalency of a 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. The applicant must have an ACT composite of 22 or SAT of 1030 (Math and Critical Reading composite only). A school superintendent, principal, or guidance counselor must verify these scores. Applicant must attend a public or private college or university in Nebraska that is listed as a nonprofit school under 501-C Rules of the IRS. Selection will be based on equal weight given each of the following criteria: quality/neatness of application, academic achievement, level of involvement in activities, student goals, financial need, leadership, character, initiative, and school/community involvement. Application must include three letters of recommendation, to include one administrator, one counselor, and one teacher. The applicant may choose to submit one additional letter of recommendation from a person of his/her own choosing. Letters of recommendation must contain information about leadership, character, initiative, and school/community involvement. www.nrcsa.net to access the scholarship application

** NMC (Nebraska Machinery Company) Heavy Construction and Ag Diesel Technician Feb. 8 The programs are offered at Central Community College in Hastings, NE. There are two separate programs: The NMC Student Sponsorship Program (for Ag and Heavy Construction) and the Caterpillar Foundation Scholarship. The sponsorship provides funds to cover tuition and book fees along with tools and a tool box ($5400.00 value). The two year sponsorship is worth an estimated $14,000.00 to the selected students. To qualify for the sponsorships you must: visit CCC campus in Hastings, complete an application and be accepted to CCC, complete an application for the NMC Sponsorship, and take the COMPASS or ACT. Online application is available at: http://www.nebraskamachinery.com/whatsnew.asp?id=4

**University of Nebraska Campuses Hope for Sudan Scholarship Fund Feb. 14 The Hope for Sudan Scholarship Fund will be awarding a $2,000 scholarship in the fall of 2011. All students who are admitted to the University of Nebraska are eligible for this scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years. To apply students must submit an essay of no more than 500 words describing how events in the nation of Sudan have directly or indirectly affected their own lives. Scholarship recipients will be chosen largely on the basis of the essay. In addition, preference will be given to applicants who speak one of several dialects native to southern Sudan, the most common being Dinka and Neuer. Essays should be submitted with a cover letter that includes the applicant’s name and contact information, as well as the name and contact information of one personal reference. Applicants should also indicate the University of Nebraska campus(es) to which they have applied, if they have been accepted, and any additional scholarships they have received to date. Materials must be received by the end of the business day on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011. Materials should be mailed to: Hope for Sudan Scholarship Attn: Alicia Risk University of Nebraska Foundation 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68508 Materials may also be e-mailed to [email protected]

**Nebraska Press Association Scholarship Feb. 22 Scholarship is available to Nebraska high school graduate enrolled or planning to enroll in post-secondary educational program in Nebraska-based college or university leading to careers in print journalism. Preference will be given to students with a specific interest in news, editorial, photography, circulation, production, or advertising careers in weekly, semi-weekly, or daily newspapers. See me for the application.

**Independent Insurance Agents of NE Foundation – Chet Linder Scholarship March 1 Applicant must be a current graduating senior who is attending a Nebraska high school that is approved and accredited by the State Department of Education. Applicant must demonstrate scholastic application and intend to continue his/her education. The selection committee will also consider the applicant’s participation and leadership in school and community activities, and educational goals. There are no criteria relative to gender or financial need. Scholarship recipients are free to select any accredited college or university. It is recommended that the applicant intend to major in business or a business-related field.

**Insurance Studies Scholarship March 1 The Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska Foundation is now accepting applications for up to two Insurance Studies Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each. At least one scholarship will be awarded to a student who is graduating from high school this year, and is registered as a full-time student in a Nebraska community college with an accredited program of study recognized by Project InVEST®. Project InVEST® is a national insurance studies educational organization which is based in Alexandria, Virginia. The Insurance Services program includes a one-year certificate option, and a two-year business degree option. Both programs can be completed online. Go to www.northeast.edu for more information on the Business- Insurance Services program. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska in 1989 for educational uses and purposes. Selection of the scholarship winner will be based on scholastic application, as well as participation and leadership in school, community activities, and educational goals. There are no criteria relative to gender or financial need. Scholarship guidelines and an application are enclosed. Please announce the availability of the scholarship to your senior students.

**Central Community College – Hastings, Grand Island, Columbus March 1 The scholarship form can be found online at www.cccneb.edu The application requires you to apply for admissions to one of the CCC campuses. If you are majoring in a Health Occupation then this application can be used for the Ken Morrison $1000.00 scholarship. Make sure you complete the TECH PREP portion of the application, as all graduating seniors from Sutton are eligible for this scholarship. Please be aware that you will need to have three people complete the recommendation forms attached to the application.

**The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation March 1 To be considered for a scholarship from The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation a student must: Be a resident of the State of Nebraska, Be a graduating high school senior or an undergraduate student who has not already earned a bachelor's degree, Be attending or applying to a Nebraska state public school (For example - UNO, UNL, UNK, Chadron State, Peru State, Wayne State) or a two-year public college within Nebraska (For example – Southeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Northeast Community College) , Be in need of financial assistance in order to attend school , Have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA throughout high school , Have applied for federal financial aid and have already received back the Student Aid Report that contains your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). See Filing for FAFSA The primary criterion is financial need. To Access the application go to www.buffettscholarships.org Once you are at this site, click on College Scholarships, then at the top of the page you will click on Scholarship Application. This is where the application is found. Applications can be submitted between January 1, 2011 and March 1, 2011. IMPORTANT!! Get a head start now. Here are the things you will need and what you can do now to get started:

• Your Parents’ 2010 Tax Records—You MUST have your parents’ 2010 tax records to be able to complete your FAFSA. • Completed FAFSA—The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You will need to complete and submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You, and at least one parent, will need a PIN number and you can get that now at www.pin.ed.gov. • School Transcript—When you turn in your application, you will need a copy of your most up-to-date high school or college transcript. Talk with a counselor or teacher now to find out how you can get this when the time comes. • Two Letters of Recommendation—You will need two different letters—one from each reference—that tells us why they think you should get the scholarship. You may want to consider asking a teacher, employer or clergy. References cannot be from friends or family. • Personal Essay—You will need at least a one-page explanation of your life circumstances, including why a scholarship is needed, and reasons for attending college. The more explained the better.

** Maynard Jenson American Legion Memorial Scholarship Program March 1 To download the application: www.nebraskalegion.net The on the far left side in the red and blue area click on scholarships. You will them find the Jenson scholarship. Must be sons, daughters, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, adopted or stepchildren of members of Department of Nebraska, The American Legion or POW, MIA, KIA or any veteran that was a current Legion member at the time of death. Must enroll in a Nebraska Post-Secondary institution. Scholarship must be used at the school indicated on the completed application. Selection will be based on All questions be answered or NA indicated, Financial need, Academic achievement, and Extracurricular activities. High school counselor must verify Grade Point Average.

**National American Legion Auxiliary Girl Scout Award March 1 Must have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and be a high school Junior or Senior, be actively involved in a religious institution and must have received the appropriate religious emblem at the Cadet or Senior Scout level, must have demonstrated practical citizenship in the religious institution, school, Girl Scouting and community. Must submit at least one letter of recommendation with application form from an individual representing one of the following: church, school, community, or scout troop (appropriate letterhead is highly recommended) 500 word essay describing your gold award project. Why did you chose the project and how did it impact you and the community. You can download an application at www.legion-aux.org

** The Jamie Harper Community Impact Scholarship/American Red Cross March 1 Selection will be based on dedicated to service to others, knowledge of what constitutes service, and completeness and neatness of the application. Self-initiated service will be rated more highly, but all volunteer service will be considered. Application was e-mailed to all students.

**US Bank Internet Scholarship Available online now thru March Random Drawing for Scholarship Scholarships are awarded in a random drawing, no essays, no minimum Grade Point Average, Apply online at http://usbank.com/studentloans Scroll down left side. Additional Resources Internet Scholarship Click on Apply now. Then you will be asked to select your state. Then you have to select your school…this means the college you are wanting to attend, not the high school you are currently attending.

**UNO Music Scholarship March 1 Be admitted to UNO, an audition is required and must be completed by March 15…Auditions are Jan.22, Feb. 4 and Feb. 28

**SAMMY 2011 – Got Milk –Scholar Athlete Milk Mustashe of the Year March 1 From now until March 1 teachers, coaches, principals, counselors, athletic directors, parents, and relatives are encouraged to nominate a scholar athlete for the SAMMY 2011 Award. Additionally, all high school seniors are allowed and encouraged to nominate themselves for the award. Judging is based on 5 criteria: academic performance (35%), athletic excellence (35%), leadership (15%), community service (10%), and milk experience essay (5%). Applications will only be accepted online at www.bodybymilk.com For official rules and application visit www.bodybymilk.com

** NEBRASKA AVIATION TRADES ASSOCIATION 2011 SCHOLARSHIP http://gonata.net Mar 15 THE APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE AN ENDORSEMENT OR WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION SIGNED BY A VOTING OR ASSOCIATE NATA MEMBER AG PILOT  A $1,000 and $500 scholarship presented by the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association is awarded to any high school senior or individual who is a resident of the state of Nebraska continuing their education and a full time student.  The scholarship is for one year and is nonrenewable.  All applications with essay of minimum of 400 words double spaced must be received by March 15, 2011. The Essay topic is: “An Interview With an Aerial Applicator”.  Outstanding scholastic achievements, leadership, and a written essay are the criteria by which applicants will be judged. The essay is a critical part of the selection criteria.  Applicant must use an official application that has been dated and signed by the student. Typewritten applications and essays are preferred over handwritten submissions.  Application must include an endorsement or written recommendation signed by a Voting or Associate member of the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association. The list of members is included with the application form.  Applications and all supporting documents must be in English.  Official high school transcripts of student records from the beginning of the 9th grade to due date of application must accompany all applications.  SAT and ACT test scores or related equivalent must be included with application.  Copies of exhibits of achievement in scholarship may be attached.  The Women's Nebraska Aviation Trades Association shall pick a minimum of three members as the Selection Committee.  Winner will be notified prior to May 15, 2011.

**Best Buy Scholarship available later…keep watching and log on to: http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/scholarship.htm Scholarship Information becomes available on the Best Buy website in January of 2011. We’re looking for folks with solid grades, who are involved in volunteer efforts in their schools and communities, and/or have a work history.

Scholarships

Here are some excellent websites......

Electronic FAFSA (Federal Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov/fill.htm FAFSA Express www.ed.gov.offices/OPE/express.htm Federal Site www.ed.gov/studentaid/

Financial Aid Questions = Call the EducationQuest location nearest you.

Kearney Lincoln Omaha 308-234-6310 402-475-5222 402-391-4033 800-666-3721 800-303-3745 888-357-6300

EducationQuest Foundation College Planning Bulletin A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students December 201 Attend a Financial Aid Program to learn how to pay for college EducationQuest is conducting statewide financial aid programs that explain the types of financial aid, how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), how colleges award financial aid, and the student loan process. The programs are free and open to the public. To find the program nearest you, visit EducationQuest.org/fap.asp.

Check out our financial aid videos and podcasts! Another way to learn about paying for college is by viewing the Guide to College Funding video at EducationQuest.org. The video features a family going through the financial aid process. To learn about completing the FAFSA, view The FAFSA Made Easy.

If you would rather “hear” information about financial aid, listen to these two podcasts: The FAFSA…What is it, anyway? Preparing for the FAFSA How to estimate your FAFSA results If you’re a college-bound senior, you will soon submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges will use your FAFSA results to determine how much they will award you in financial aid.

To estimate your FAFSA results now, use the College Funding Estimator at EducationQuest.org. The program will ask for 2010 income tax information. You may estimate your tax information to complete the Estimator but should use your completed 2010 tax returns when you submit the actual FAFSA. To meet your college’s financial aid priority date, complete your taxes early. Seniors…have you submitted your college applications? If you haven’t submitted your admission applications yet, it’s time to get serious! Contact your top college choices to determine application deadlines and procedures. Ask if the admission application is also the application for college-based scholarships. If not, ask about the scholarship application process. Winning the scholarship game Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:

Don’t pay for scholarship searches. Free scholarship search sites are available on the Internet including ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org which has over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. Free scholarship search resources are also available at EducationQuest locations in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha.

Visit your guidance counselor often for information about local scholarships.

Get organized. Place scholarship applications in deadline order and prioritize each award. Local awards and college-specific applications deserve top priority because you're more likely to earn them.

Continually update your activities, honors, community service or paid jobs using the Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org.

Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exam in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.

Use quality references such as a teacher, coach or counselor. Encourage them to write specific examples of your leadership skills. Give them advance notice and a specific deadline.

Tailor your essay to the scholarship. Ask an English teacher to read your essay and offer advice on making a big impact. Your essay will need to stand out from other applications.

Pay close attention to grammar, spelling and neatness. Ask at least two people to proofread your entire application. December “To Do” List Complete these tasks during December to stay on the right college planning track.

Seniors: __ Submit college applications. __ Estimate FAFSA results using the College Funding Estimator at EducationQuest.org. __ Attend the Financial Aid Program in your area. __ Continue to apply for scholarships.

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For free help with college planning, contact EducationQuest Foundation: EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska.