Counselor Corner

HCS JUNIOR/SENIOR NEWSLETTER

Fifth Edition – January, 2008

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.

I will be posting the newsletter 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.

Filling out the FAFSA this year?

If you have a senior who will be applying for federal financial aid, you can speed up the process by applying for a PIN number. This will be used as your electronic signature when you file your fafsa on the web. The student AND one parent EACH NEED A PIN! Apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov. Get it before January 1 so you’re all ready to send in your FAFSA!

January “To Do” List

Complete these tasks during January to stay on the right college planning track.

Seniors:

__ Ask your college(s) for their FAFSA priority date.

__ Attend the Financial Aid Programat your school or in your area.

__ Apply for FAFSA Personal Identification Numbers at www.pin.ed.gov.

__ Make a FAFSA appointment at EducationQuest if you need help.

__ Complete taxes early.

__ Continue to apply for scholarships.

Juniors:

__ Attend the Financial Aid Programat your school or in your area.

__ Continue to research colleges.

__ Start setting up college visits.

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.

College Representative Visits

Joseph’s College of Beauty – Wednesday, January 23, 1:45

Special Programs

Applications are available for the Colonial Dames Congressional Seminar Washington Workshops. Selected students receive an expense-paid week long trip to Washington DC. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible. See Mrs. Koehler for more information.

Students interested in attending colleges in Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin should check out the Midwest Student Exchange Program for tuition discounts. Go to http://msep.mhec.org for more information.

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.

York College is holding the following special visit days on their campus: All About You Weekend-February 21-23, High School Days & Songfest-April 3-6, Presidential Scholars Day-April 12, Junior Sneak Peek Day-April 28, Soul Quest-June 15-21.

The College of Saint Mary is holding a Women’s Science Fair for female students interested in the sciences and the college. Students who attend will be eligible for scholarships. Register at www.csm.edu.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is holding Red Letter Day Senior Open Houses on the following dates: February 18 and March 10. Register at least one week prior to the event at www.admissions.unl.edu.

Doane College is holding special visit days on the following days: February 18, February 29, March 7 and April 4 (juniors). See their web site at www.doane.edu for more info or to register.

The University of Nebraska – Omaha is holding several open houses during the fall and spring semesters. Find specific dates and make reservations by visiting their web site at www.openhouse.unomaha.edu.

Wayne State College is holding Fridays at WSC on the following Fridays:

January 25, February 8, 15 & 22, March 14 & 21, and April 18. Just Juniors visit day is being held on March 15. Visit www.wsc.edu for more information.

Southeast Community College is holding Discovery Day on February 22. Register one week ahead of time.

College of Hair Design will hold a Spring Open House on April 2. Call 1-800-798-4247 for more information or for reservations.

NortheastCommunity College (Norfolk) is holding Explore Northeast Days throughout the school year. Call 1-800-348-9033 ext. 7280 for specific dates and to register.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

At the college you are considering: Office of Admissions, Office of Scholarships/Financial Aid
Mrs. Koehler’s office
Scholarship books in the Counseling Center – College Money Handbook-Scholarships, Grants, Prizes-College Scholarship Handbook-Need a Lift
Read the latest HSC Junior – Senior Newsletter
Local public library or university library
Local service organizations (VFW, Elks, Masons, Rotary, etc.)
Chamber of Commerce
Local businesses
Local church or congregation
Parents’ employers
Professional organizations
Scholarship Search Services (listed below)
Magazines & newspapers
Consumer products
Sororities & fraternities

Remember: Neatness Counts! Type those applications!

Check your spelling & grammar!

Are you keeping up?? Remember to mark things in a planner and keep track of applications and deadlines in your senior folder. Ask your parents to help keep you organized.

$$Scholarships$$ (Free is Good!)

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

Money is available for both undergraduate and graduate engineering students through generous contributions from various corporations and universities. Funded through the SAE Foundation, these scholarships help students around the world to pursue their passion for engineering, encourage academic excellence, and further develop the future engineering workforce. Check out http://students.sae.org/awdscholar/scholarships/ for a complete listing. Deadlines begin in December.

The Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association is offering two scholarships for 2008. One is for students planning to enter the education field, the other is for students who plan to major in fine arts. See Mrs. Koehler if you plan to apply for either of these scholarships. Deadline: Jan. 28.

Honors Opportunity The UNL Honors Program is looking for high school students to apply to this challenging and creative academic program. To be eligible, you must have a 29 or higher on the ACT and be in the top 10% of your class. Log on to www.unl.edu/honors. Deadlines: Final-March 1, 2008.

Students can apply for a random drawing scholarship from Nelnet at the following web site: www.nelnet.com/win. Monthly drawings will begin in November and continue through August.

Applications are available on-line for the ASAP/Union Bank-Lincoln Journal Star “We Have Money to Learn” scholarship. 24 $500 scholarships are awarded through a weekly random drawing. Go to www.asapubt.com to apply.

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship Program of the Willa Cather Pioneer Memorial and Educational Foundation. Purpose: To provide financial assistance to female graduates of Nebraska high schools who are or will be planning to enroll as English majors in accredited colleges or universities. Journalism is not included. Eligibility: Applicants must be prospective first-year college women students who have been or plan to be graduated from Nebraska high schools and who plan to continue their education as English majors in accredited colleges or universities. Selection is based on intellectual promise, creativity and character of the applicant. Deadline for application: January 31, 2008.

U.S. Bank will award up to thirty $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors through a random drawing process. Students can apply through February 2008 at www.usbank.com/studentbanking.

DoaneCollege is offering their Senator Hugh Butler Academic Leadership Award, a full-tuition scholarship to Doane. Students must have a 3.6 GPA, a 30 on the ACT, and apply to admission to Doane College by Jan. 31 at www.doane.edu/applynow.

Blue Valley Community Action Partnership is offering two scholarship opportunities: BVCA Partnership Scholarship for seniors planning to attend a 4 year college and BVCA Partnership Vocational Scholarship for seniors planning to attend or currently attending a 2 year college. Deadline for application for both is February 1, 2008.

Applications are available for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure College Scholarship. To be eligible, students must have lost a parent to breast cancer, be a high school graduate or student who will graduate by June 2008 and plan to attend a state-supported college or university in the state where they reside. Deadline: Feb. 1.

UNO College of Business Administration is offering scholarships to students interested in business careers. Go to http://cba.unomaha.edu for more information. Deadline: Feb. 1.

CentralCommunity Collegeis offering their Early Advantage Scholarship in the amount of $700 to a student with an act of 21 or higher. Deadline: Feb. 1.

The College of Saint Mary is holding a Scholarship Competition Day on Saturday, Feb. 2. Register at www.csm.edu/Admissions/Scholarship_Day.

Applications are available for the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award. To be eligible, the applicant should demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, such as starting their own business or participation in FBLA. Applications are available online at: www.NFIB.com/YEA. Deadline: February 11.

Applications are available on the UserShare for the Warren & Velda Wilson Foundation Scholarships. To be eligible, students must plan to attend an accredited college in Nebraska. 10 students from our graduating class at Heartland may apply regardless of ACT scores or GPA. The Wilsons were desirous of having students who are involved in their community, school, church and who are highly motivated to attend college. Applications are due to Mrs. Koehler by February 8 so the final applications can be forward to the foundation by February 19.

Nebraska Machinery Company is offering students who wish to become heavy equipment and ag diesel technicians an opportunity to participate in their Nebraska Machinery Student Sponsorship Program and the Caterpillar Foundation Scholarship Program. Deadline for application is February 15, 2008.

The Best Buy Scholarship Program rewards students with good grades who give back to their communities. Visit Bestbuy.com/scholarships for an application. Deadline: February 15.

Monsanto is offering a Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program to students who plan to pursue an agriculture-related field. To apply go to www.monsanto.com by Feb. 15.

Nebraska Wesleyan University is offering a Heuermann Scholarship to students who have an ACT score of 29 or higher. Deadline for application is February 15.

The Grand Island Concert Association is offering two scholarships in the amount of $500 each to two graduating seniors who are planning to major or minor in music performance, music education or music therapy. Deadline for application is February 15, 2008.

Students can apply on-line for the Burger King Scholars Program. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, work part-time an average of 15 hours per week, be actively involved in community service activities, and demonstrate financial need. Deadline for application is February 15. Go to www.bk.com/scholars to apply.

Nebraska Machinery Companywill provide up to six sponsorships and provide five $1000 scholarships from Caterpillar through their Caterpillar Foundation. The sponsorship provides tuition, fees, tool allowance and books at Central Community College-Hastings and sponsored students must agree to work for Nebraska Machinery company for a minimum of 2 years. Deadline for application is February 15, 2008.

Applications are available for the AXA Achievement Community Scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship set and reach ambitious goals, demonstrate drive and determination, respect for self, family and community, and the ability to succeed in college. Deadline for application is February 15, 2008.

Applications are available for the Better Business Bureau Foundation’s $2,000 Student of Integrity Awards. This award recognizes students’ understanding of ethics and demonstrated commitment to honesty and accountability in and out of the classroom. Go to www.bbbnebraska.org for more information. Deadline: February 15.

Two $500 scholarships are available from Grand Island Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors to two area high school graduates. Selection will be based on high school and community achievements. Deadline: February 28.

Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity is offering a scholarship for Lutheran men attending UN-L next year. Deadline for application is February 29.

The American Legionhas announced the availability of its annual $500 scholarships for students planning to enroll in a Nebraska educational facility of higher learning for the fall semester of 2008. Applicants must be sons or daughters, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, adopted or step-children of members of Department of Nebraska, The American Legion or POW, MIA, KIA or any veteran that was a current American Legion member at time of death. Deadline for application is March 1, 2008.

The Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska Foundation is accepting applications for three Chet Linder Memorial Scholarships each in the amount of $750. Selection will be based on scholastic application, as well as participation and leadership in school, community activities, and educational goals. Deadline for application is March 1.

Central Community College is offering scholarships to students planning to attend one of their campuses. The application can be found at www.cccneb.edu and filled out online. Deadline: March 1.

Applications are available for the “Scholar-Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year” (SAMMY) 2008 Award Program. Judging of the applicants will be based on five criteria: academic performance, athletic excellence, leadership, community service and milk experience. Apply at bodybymilk.com until March 7.

Applications are available for the Gus Swanson Memorial Communications Scholarship. The scholarship is available for students who plan to enroll in a Nebraska college or university and pursue a degree in one of the following fields: advertising, marketing, mass communication, communication studies, public relations, journalism or graphic design. Deadline for application is March 15, 2008.

VETERAN CONNECTED??
The American Legion Auxiliary has sent information about several of their scholarships. Some are for adults who are veterans or veteran related. Parents may want to check on these.
For students, the Auxiliary is providing the following scholarships: The National President’s Scholarship will provide three scholarships to each Division of the American Legion Auxiliary; one for $2,500, one for $2,000 and one for a $1,000for sons/daughters of veterans. Each Division will also give one $1,000scholarship to a Junior member of the Auxiliary.The Ruby Lorraine Paul Scholarship Fundis for college-bound veteran related students excluding nursing students. The Nurse’s Gift Tuition Scholarship is for veteran related students studying nursing. The Averyl Elaine Keriakedes Scholarship is for veteran related students planning to be teachers of social studies at the middle or junior high level. The Licensed Practical Nursing Scholarship is for veteran related students enrolling in a Practical Nursing program. The Student Aide Grant or Vocational Technical Scholarshipis offered to veteran related prospective vocational students. The Roberta Marie Stretch Memorial is for veteran related, 4-year college bound students with preference given to a former Nebraska Girls State Citizen. The Ruby Paul Campaign Fund Scholarshipis for veteran related college-bound students. Deadline for these: March 15.

Applications are available for the Mildred Sterner Baker Memorial Scholarship. One girl and one boy in York County will be awarded this scholarship. Eligibility for the scholarship shall be based on character, church and religious interest and ambition, and have a sincere interest for higher learning. Deadline: March 21.

The Omaha Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals is offering several $1,000 scholarships to help further the college education of people whose career plans will take them into computing related fields. Applications are available at www.aitpomaha.org. Deadline for application is April 4, 2008.

The Nebraska Coaches Association and Farm Bureau Insurance Company will award 8 $500 scholarships to senior student athletes that are in the top 25% of their class, have participated in two sports for at least 2 years, and lettered in two sports. Deadline: April 4.

Applications are available for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarships. To be eligible, students must be applying to a Nebraska state school (UNO, UNL, UNK, Chadron, Peru, Wayne) or a two-year state public college or trade school within Nebraska, have financial need and have maintained a 2.5 GPA throughout high school. Students may apply after January 1, 2008 and applications must be postmarked by April 10. Go to www.buffettscholarships.org for more information.

Tests - Heartland's School Code (CEEB #) is 281-081.

ACT

Regular Registration Late Registration

Test Date Postmark Deadline Postmark Deadline

April 12, 2008 March 7, 2008 March 21, 2008

June 14, 2008 May 9, 2008 May 23, 2007

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.

Regular registration fee is $30.00. Late registration fee is $49.00. Registration packets and student test preparation booklets called Preparing for the ACT Assessment are available in the guidance office.

EducationQuest Foundation College Planning Bulletin

January 2008

Preparation key to applying for financial aid

Preparation is the key to successfully completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the application for state, federal and college-specific financial aid. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based financial aid, you should complete the FAFSA to qualify for low-interest student and parent loans.

Follow these steps to complete the FAFSA and the financial aid process:

Ask your college(s) for their FAFSA priority filing date. Because some types of financial aid are awarded first-come, first-served, it’s important that you submit the FAFSA before that date.

Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for you and a parent at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN is your signature for the online FAFSA.

Complete tax returns early as the FAFSA requires current tax information.

Gather these student and parent items:

2007 federal tax returns and, if applicable, Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)
2007 W-2 forms
Student’s driver’s license number
Social Security numbers
Birth dates
Date parents were married, separated, divorced or widowed
Current cash, savings and checking account balances
Current investment values (stocks, bond, mutual funds, CDs, etc.) excluding retirement accounts
Value of business (if more than 100 employees)
Value of investment farm (Do not include the value of a family farm that you or your parents live on and operate.)
2007 child support (paid and/or received)
2007 ADC/TANF welfare benefits
2007 Social Security payments received from SSI or SSDI
2007 Workers compensation
Other untaxed income in 2007 such as veteran’s benefits, housing/food/ living allowances for military and clergy
Alien Registration Number for eligible non-citizens

Be prepared to answer these FAFSA questions which relate to grant eligibility:

1. Did your student or anyone in the household receive any of the following federal benefits?

§ Supplemental Security Income

§ Food Stamps

§ TANF

§ Free or Reduced Price Lunch

§ WIC

2. Did your student complete at least two Advanced Placement courses with a passing test score of 3 or higher?

3. Did your student complete and pass the following high school courses?

§ 4 years of English

§ 3 years of math (Algebra I and above)

§ 3 years of science (2 of 3: Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

§ 3 years of social studies

§ 1 year of a language other than English

Complete and file the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov before your college’s priority date.

Expect a Student Aid Report acknowledging that your form was processed.

Expect Financial Aid Award Letters in the spring from the colleges you listed on your FAFSA detailing the assistance they’re offering (could be combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans).

Apply for student and parent loans (if necessary) in the summer through your college.

Check out these free FAFSA tools and resources

Visit the “Completing the FAFSA” section at www.educationquest.org where you’ll find:

§ FAFSA Checklist – provides a complete list of items you need to gather before you complete the FAFSA

§ College Funding Estimator – estimates your FAFSA results

§ FAFSA Tutorial – provides user-friendly clarification of each FAFSA question

§ Financial Aid Video – explains the types of financial aid and how to apply

For free personal help with FAFSA completion, call the EducationQuest location nearest you to make an appointment. Contact the Kearney office at 308-234-6310 or 800-666-3721; Lincoln at 402-475-5222 or 800-303-3745; or Omaha at 402-391-4033 or 888-357-6300.