High School News: Current Articles

HCS JUNIOR/SENIOR NEWSLETTER

Second Edition -- October 3, 2005

This newsletter is for juniors, seniors and their parents to provide information about special programs offered by colleges or other institutions, scholarships, and tests. It will be published once a month and given to each junior and senior and mailed to senior parents. **Parents, please let me know if you would like me to email the newsletter to you to help cut down on mailing/printing costs!! Contact me at lkoehler@esu6.org about this or any other question.

This newsletter is also posted on the school web site at www.heartlandschools.org. I will be adding things to the web site as the year goes along so check it out! Contact Mrs. Koehler for more information about anything listed in this newsletter.

College Planning

One of the best resources for financial aid information is EducationQuest Foundation. They are a free resource to families to discuss the cost of post-secondary education and the types of aid available to meet those costs. Now is the time to explore your college choices. EducationQuest is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 -- 5:00. Their phone number is 800-303-3745.

Each senior will be given a Career and College Planning packet that contains much relevant information. Talk with your senior about their plans and encourage them to begin the process early. This year will go by quickly and in the past the most prepared and organized students had the least amount of stress during their last year of high school.

College Visits

Are you ready for your senior year??? Seniors who are planning to attend a post-secondary school should be scheduling visits to institutions they are interested in to help narrow down their choices. Nothing can replace actually being on campus to see what it is like. A good day to schedule these visits would be November 11 since school will not be in session due to Fall Break, but most colleges will be. Parents are encouraged to attend these visits also. It is important to begin college planning as soon as possible to avoid missing important financial aid and scholarship deadlines, since many colleges set their own deadlines for that information. At the very least, seniors should be contacting colleges to let them know they are interested in that institution so that their name can be placed on their mailing list, if they are not already. Also, take advantage of the college fairs and "preview days" that many colleges offer. Mrs. Koehler can assist with setting up these visits or contacting colleges.

College Representative Visits

If you are seriously interested in a particular college that is coming to school for a visit, be sure to sign up to see that representative. I will put the posters up on the bulletin board that is outside my office. Please get a pass from me at least ONE DAY AHEAD OF THE SCHEDULED VISIT so that you can inform your teachers that you will be absent from part of their class. Ultimately, the teacher has the right to keep you in class. You need their permission also. Juniors, please wait until second semester to begin visiting with reps. If you are a junior and need to talk to a rep this semester, talk to me about it ahead of the visit.

Peru State College -- October 13, 1:00

Nebraska Wesleyan University -- October 18, 2:15

Central Community College -- October 24, 1:00

LaJames International (formerly Bahner College of Hairstyling) -- October 26, 12:45

Special Programs

Peru State College is no longer collecting an application fee to apply for admission.

ACT News! Choose either of two test options -- the ACT Assessment (original test) or the ACT assessment Plus Writing which includes a 30-minute Writing Test (an additional fee of $14.00 is required). Very few colleges and universities require the Writing Test. Check with the colleges you are considering -- or go to www.actstudent.org for a list of institutions that require or recommend the Writing Test.

Students interested in a career in the health and medical sciences can access information about those careers at science.education.nih.gov/LifeWorks. At this site students can find careers that match their personal interests, browse careers by salary, education required, interests, and job title, discover the types of high school and postsecondary courses they should consider for specific career paths.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will no longer be printing paper application forms for admission. Apply online at: http://admissions.unl. However, if you choose not to use the online form, you may download and print a paper application from the website at this address: http://admissions.unl.edu/applications/ugappl.pdf

Grace University is offering Open Houses on the following dates: October 10, November 4, January 27, February 20, March 6 and April 7.

York General Health Care Services and Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings will provide job shadow experiences for students in their junior and senior year. See Mrs. Koehler for specifics.

Students who are interested in learning more about federal law enforcement career opportunities are invited to attend the Nebraska Community College Criminal Justice Educators Association's Career Opportunities & Professions Seminar on October 13 from 8 -- 4 at Central Community College in Grand Island. Cost is $10. See Mrs. Koehler for more information.

Academy Day will be held at UNK on Saturday, October 22, 2005 hosted by Congressman Tom Osborne. It will be a day for students and their parents to learn more about professional careers in our nation's military. Representatives from our nation's service academies and the Air and Army National guard will be present. Interested students are asked to contact Bobbi Jacobsen by October 17 at 308-381-5555 or email at bobbi.Jacobsen@mail.house.gov to confirm their attendance.

Wayne State College is holding Fridays at WSC on the following Fridays: October 7, 14 & 28, November 4 & 11, December 9, January 27, February 10, 17 & 20, March 17 & 31, and April 14. Visit www.wsc.edu for more information.

Campus visits are offered at UNO Monday through Friday at 9:30 and 12:30. UNO also has the following Open House dates: October 15 (Homecoming Open House), November 7, December 12, February 20 and April 3 (Maverick Mondays). To make a reservation for a campus visit or open house go to www.ses.unomaha.edu/recruit/.

Discover Dana Days will be held on Friday, October 21 from 10-1 and Saturday, November 5 from 9-noon. Students will tour the campus, learn about financial aid opportunities, visit with Dana students, faculty and coaches, and eat in the dining room. Call 1-800-444-DANA.

Southeast Community College -- Milford will be holding Technology Careers for Women Day on October 26. Register by Oct. 11.

Doane College Fall Visit Days are planned for Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28 from 8:30 -- 1:30 p.m. For reservations or more information call 1-800-333-6263 or online at www.doane.edu/fallvisit.

Southeast Community College -- Beatrice is hosting an Open House on October 16 from 10:30 -- 3:30. SCC-Beatrice has switched from a semester system to a quarter system to maintain consistency with the other two campuses.

York College will be hosting a York County Open House on October 28. Call 363-5629 for more information or to register.

The Northeast Community College Automotive and Diesel Technology programs would like to invite juniors and seniors, who are considering a career in the automotive and diesel fields to "Automotive and Diesel Technology Career Day" on Friday, October 28 from 10:00 -- 2:00.

Southeast Community College-Milford is holding a Manufacturing Technology Career Day on Wednesday, November 9. The purpose of the day is to encourage high school students to explore career opportunities in manufacturing and technology occupations. Register by October 28.

La'James International College (formerly Bahner College of Hairstyling) is holding an Open House on Wednesday, November 9 from 10:30 -- 2:00. Visit www.lajamesinternational.com for more information.

The UNK Honors Program is accepting applications for their 2006 Freshman Honors Class. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 26 on the ACT and rank in the top 25% of their class. Deadline to apply -- Dec. 1. Apply at http://www.unk.edu/acad/honors/index.php?id=2960.

Wayne State College is offering two Just Juniors Days on November 19 & March 25.

It's College Fair season
During September and October, EducationQuest will sponsor College Fairs featuring representatives from as many as 200 colleges. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend!
Sunday, October 23, 1:00-3:30 p.m. -- Lincoln Area College Fair, Southeast Community College, Lincoln. EducationQuest presentations at 1:30 and 2:30 in Room B-7.
Sunday, October 30, 12:30-4:00 p.m. --Omaha Area College Fair, University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Lutheran College Fair -- Sunday, October 9 at the Omaha Marriott (Interstate 680 & Dodge Street) from 4:00 -- 7:00. All families attending will receive four application fee waivers applicable for Lutheran colleges and universities listed on the fee waiver. Check out www.lutherancolleges.org for more information.

Follow these tips to make the most of the College Fairs:

Before you attend, prepare a list of questions for school representatives. Ask about application deadlines and scholarships.

Determine what you want from a school. This helps you rule out some colleges and look more closely at others. Take notes to keep track of schools that interest you.

Prepare pre-printed labels with your name and address to stick on information cards at college booths where you want additional information. This saves the redundancy of filling out cards.

If you decide a college isn't right for you, contact that college and ask them to take you off their mailing list. This helps them, and saves you from receiving unnecessary mail.

$$Scholarships$$ (Free is Good!)

Scholarship search web sites: www.educationquest.org, www.fastweb.com, www.fastaid.com, www.freschinfo.com, www.collegeboard.com.

Bellevue University, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Dana College, Doane College, Hastings College, Midland Lutheran College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College and York College are each offering the Myrna Banks/UPS Brain Gain Scholarship. Each college will offer two $2,500 scholarships to students from rural areas who have a minimum ACT score of 22 or minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated leadership potential. For more information or for an application go to www.nicfonline.org.

The Nebraska Good Neighbor Scholarship Program is designed to help undergraduates from Nebraska pursue higher education at the University of Wyoming. Students who qualify will be given an award that will offset much of their nonresident tuition charge. The remaining balance is equal to 150 percent of the tuition charged to residents of Wyoming.

Applications are available for Union Bank & Lincoln Journal Star's Money To Learn Scholarships. These $500 scholarships are awarded to 24 outstanding seniors starting in November, so the sooner your application is in, the better! Access the application at www.asapubt.com.

Seniors, log in to the Nelnet web site (www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning) between September and March to be eligible for their weekly $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes drawing. No purchase necessary.

Applications are available for the Cottey/Cather Writing Prize Contest. This contest is open to any high school junior or senior who submits entries in the following categories: poetry, drama, short fiction or non-fiction. Deadline for application is October 8, 2005.

Applications are available to attend the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington D.C. To qualify, a student must apply, take a political science test, and have the test postmarked by October 21, 2005. To be eligible, students must currently be serving in an elected capacity in a student government, civic or educational organization.

The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program awards students who have overcome obstacles in their lives and need financial assistance to attend college. Find out more at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. Deadline for application is October 15, 2005.

Students with outstanding community service can apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. To be eligible, students must be in grades 5-12 and has engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least in part after September 1, 2004. See Mrs. Koehler to apply.

Applications are available for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Students apply online at www.coca-colascholars.org. The purpose of this program is to identify and reward 250 outstanding high school seniors annually. Successful applicants usually have at least a B average. Community service, part-time employment, leadership and academics all play a significant role in the selection process. Winners are awarded up to $5,000 per year for four years and must plan to attend any accredited U.S. post-secondary school. Check out the web site at www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline for application is October 31, 2005.

Students may apply for RHOP (Rural Health Opportunities Program), a cooperative program between Wayne State College, Chadron State College, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Students at Wayne may apply in the following areas: dental hygiene, dentistry, medicine (physician), pharmacy, and medical technology. Students at Chadron can select from the above areas and also nursing, physical therapy, radiography, and physician assistant. Selected students will receive guaranteed pre-admission to their respective class in the Medical Center and some students will receive a full-tuition waiver during their stay at Wayne State. Deadline for application is December 1, 2005.

MARHOP (Mid-America Rural Health Opportunities)

The MARHOP program is specifically designed for people from Nebraska rural communities who desire to become occupational therapists, pharmacists, or physical therapists and who are inclined to return to a rural area to practice.

Students who are accepted to the program will:
   1. Follow a specially designed curriculum at Wayne State College for two years in Occupational Therapy and Pharmacy or three years in Physical Therapy.
   2. Will be automatically admitted into the Pharmacy, Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Program at Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions upon the successful completion of the appropriate special curriculum at Wayne State College.
   3. Are expected to observe pharmacists, OT's, PT's and other health care providers in a rural setting as well as at the Creighton University Health Science Center during their years at Wayne State College. Deadline for application is December 1, 2005.

Applications are available for the Omaha World Herald/Kearney Hub Scholarship at UNK (full tuition plus room, meals, fees and books). Students must have a minimum 28 on the ACT and rank in the top 10% of their class. Deadline to apply -- Dec. 1, 2006. Go to http://www.unk.edu/acad/honors/index.php?id=2960.

Priority application deadline for campus-based awards at Wayne State College is December 1. Students must have applied for admission and scholarships by this date to be in the priority pool of applicants.

Applications are available for the AXA Achievement Scholarship. To be eligible, students should be well rounded, determined to succeed and have demonstrated achievement at a job, sport or extra-curricular activity. To learn more go to www.axa-achievement.com. Deadline for application is December 15, 2005.

Hastings College is announcing the 2005-06 Walter Scott Scholarship Program. Recipients are selected on superior academic achievements and the scholarships are renewable. To be eligible, score at least 26 on the ACT, be in the top 20% of your class, and apply for admission by January 6, 2006.

The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees is currently offering full-tuition scholarships to attend Chadron, Peru or Wayne State Colleges. To be eligible, students must score at least 25 on the ACT, and meet the January 15, 2006 deadline.

Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership is now accepting applications for the 1005-06 BVCA Partnership Scholarships (4 year college) and BVCA Partnership Vocational Scholarships (2 year college). Each scholarship is for $500

Tests - Heartland's School Code is 281-081.

ACT

Regular Registration Late Registration

Test Date Postmark Deadline Postmark Deadline

October 22, 2005 September 16, 2005 Sept. 30, 2005

December 10, 2005 November 4, 2005 November 17, 2005

February 11, 2006 January 6, 2006 January 20, 2006

April 8, 2006 March 3, 2006 March 17, 2006

June 10, 2006 May 5, 2006 May 19, 2006

Regular registration fee is $29.00. Late registration fee is $47.00. Registration packets and student test preparation booklets called Preparing for the ACT Assessment are available in the guidance office.

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) will be offered to 11th grade students on October 12. Students have been given a PSAT Bulletin which will help prepare them for the test. This test is used to predict future success on the SAT or ACT and consequently in college. Calculators will be allowed. Students will be signing up ahead of the test date. Cost is $12.00.

Students in grade 11 and 12 have the option to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) on November 2, 2005. While the military uses the ASVAB as a recruiting tool, it is also helpful to measure student aptitudes that are related to success in different jobs. Student/parent guides will be available in the guidance office to help prepare students for the test. There is no cost to take the ASVAB.

EducationQuest Foundation

College Planning Bulletin

A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students

October 2005

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Seniors...it's time for campus visits!

If you haven't done so already, it's time to visit your top college choices. Visit before the end of November as college application deadlines start hitting in December. Follow these tips:

Contact the admissions office at least two weeks in advance to schedule your visit. Make appointments with an admissions representative, financial aid counselor and a faculty member in the area of study that interests you. Ask about an overnight stay.

Visit while school is in session. You won't get the true flavor during breaks or finals week.

Stay overnight if possible. Ask about the personality of each residence hall to determine which might be the best fit for you.

Read the campus newspaper and posters to get an idea of activities and hot campus issues.

Ask LOTS of questions. See the College Prep Handbook for good questions to ask.

The importance of getting involved!

Why get involved in extracurricular activities? Many scholarship donors and college admissions representatives are looking for students with a history of involvement in school clubs and activities, athletics, volunteer activities and part-time jobs.

Use the Activities Resume at www.educationquest.org to track your extracurricular involvement throughout high school -- then the information is readily available when it's time to apply for scholarships and for college.

Watch your mailbox ...

Seniors...your parents will soon receive a postcard highlighting what you should do this fall to get ready for college. Take a few minutes to review the information with them to make sure you're prepared for important tasks and deadlines.

October "To Do" List

Juniors and Seniors ...complete these tasks during October to stay on the right college-planning track.

___ Attend the College Fair or Educational Planning Program in your area.

___ Participate in extracurricular activities to improve your chances for scholarships and college admission.

___ Seniors, schedule your campus visits.

___ Seniors, narrow your college choices, request applications.

___ Seniors, register by November 4 for the December 10 ACT.

For free help with college planning, contact EducationQuest Foundation:

Kearney

308-234-6310

800-666-3721

Lincoln