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. Some colleges have started awarding based on just ACT or just GPA. 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 14 with a registration deadline of August 9, October 26 with a registration deadline of September 20, and December 14 with a registration deadline of November 8. ACT requires students to register online at www.act.org.
ACT Prep and Practice Sites
ACT Online
4Tests.com – Your Free Online Practice Exam Site!
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. Dean 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. Sign up for the Senior Google Classroom.
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 17
School Code: 041-950
GCT Test Center Code: 212-690
2024-2025 ACT TEST DATES /Registration Deadlines
TEST DATES
September 14, 2024
October 26, 2024
December 14, 2024
February 8, 2025
April 5, 2025
June 14, 2025
July 12, 2025*
Regular Deadline
August 9
September 20
November 8
January 3
February 28
May 9
June 6
Late Deadline
August 25
October 7
November 22
January 20
March 16
May 26
June 20
Photo Upload Deadline
September 6
October 18
December 6
January 31
March 28
June 6
July 4
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.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
· Instruction Sheet available at https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/creating-using-fsaid.pdf
· There is a Moblie App: myStudentAid Mobile App
FAFSA--https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa ******DO NOT PAY FOR THE FAFSA****** Opens December 1, 2024 FAFSA on the Web worksheet can be used as a guide. IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in October 1st. You will fill out the 2025-26 FAFSA.
***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 $7395. Does not have to be repaid.
Subsidized Loans—Based on Financial Aid. $3500-$5500. 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, 2024—Priority Admissions—November 1, 2024 Scholarship Deadline Nov. 15—Final Feb.1
ATU December 1, 2024
Hendrix November 15, 2023
UCA January 27, 2025 (Achievement & Distinguished), May 1, 2025 (Future Leader & University)
ASU February 1, 2025 (Only for ASTATE SCHOLAR 31 ACT or higher). July 1, 2025 rest
BRTC No deadline
WBU No deadline.
***If you need to know one not on this list, come see Mrs. Dean***
Scholarship Search Sites NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
https://asla.info/Scholarships 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-jobs
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.
Check out the Best Colleges in Arkansas
https://universityhq.org/best-colleges/arkansas/
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.
Deadline: January 5, 2025
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 https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ 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