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Counselor Corner

 HCS JUNIOR/SENIOR NEWSLETTER

Fifth Edition –January, 2010

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 under the tab “Counselor Corner”.  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 asap so you’re all ready to send in your FAFSA!

 

 

February “To Do” List

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

 

Seniors:

___ Apply for a Department of Education PIN (one for you and one for a parent).

___Complete student and parent 2009 tax returns.

___Complete the FAFSA.

___Continue to apply for scholarships.

Juniors:

___ Register by February 4 for the March 13 SAT (SAT Reasoning Test only).

___ Register by March 10 for the April 10 ACT.

 

Special Programs

 

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 is holding Red Letter Day Senior Open Houses on the following date:  February 15. Red Open House is March 8 & April 12.  Admitted Multicultural Day is February 14-15, and Greek Preview is March 7.  Register at least one week prior to the event at www.admissions.unl.edu. 

 

Southeast Community College is hosting an Academic Transfer day for all students interested on Jan. 27 from 9-12.  The program will cover information on both the Beatrice and Lincoln transfer programs. The Peter Kiewit Institute on the UNO campus is holding a Spring Open House on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1-3. 

 

UNK is hosting a Senior Day for any senior student interested learning more about financial aid, residential life, athletics, etc. at UNK.  Cost is $10.  RSVP by Feb. 3 online at www.unk.edu.

 

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:

Jan. - 29

Feb. – 5, 12 & 26

Mar. – 19 & 26

Apr. - 106

Just Juniors Day @ WSC is scheduled for March 20.  Visit www.wsc.edu for more information. 

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

Midland Lutheran College has many visit days scheduled throughout the year for various programs and extra-curricular activities.  Check out the dates at www.mlc.edu/admissions.

 

Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences would like to invite students and families to attend their Allied Health Exploration Evening on Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.  Students interested in allied health careers should contact their office at 1-800-742-7844 ext. 18697 to register.

 

 

$$Scholarships$$ (Free is Good!) 

 

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.

 

Scholarship search web sites: www.educationquest.org, www.fastweb.com, www.scholarshipmonkey.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.

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 must describe an individual community service activity or an individual's significant leadership in a group activity that has taken place during the previous year.  See Mrs. Koehler to apply.

 

Southeast Community College scholarships are available online at https://scc.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com from Dec 1 – Feb. 22.

Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association is awarding two scholarships in 2010.  Students who plan to become teachers or other related occupations such as counselors or media specialists may apply for the 2010 NRSCA Scholarship.  The Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship is for students who excel in fine arts and are planning to major in fine arts in college.  Only one male and one female application per school is accepted so see Mrs. Koehler if you’re interested in applying for this.  Deadline: January 22, 2010.

Nebraska Machinery Company is accepting applications for two sponsorships they offer for students pursuing a Diesel Mechanics degree at CCC in Hastings.  Sponsorships provide around $14,000 toward expenses.  Deadline: January 30, 2010.

 

Applications are available for the Winfield Solutions Ag Scholarships.  To be eligible, students must be planning to enter an ag-related field of study in college.  Go to http://www.agrisolutionsinfo.com/News/ECMD2-0025967.aspx to access the application.  Deadline: February 1.

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, 2010.

Students planning to attend Southeast Community College can apply for their Educational Foundation Scholarships between the dates of Dec. 1 – Feb. 22.  Visit their website at www.southeast.edu to apply.

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.  Nine 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 12 so the final applications can be forwarded to the foundation by February 19.

York College is accepting applicants for their Nebraska Presidential Scholarship, which provides full tuition for 4 years.  Must have an ACT score of 28 or above and provide reference letters and other documentation by March 1. 

Two $500 scholarships are available from the Nebraska Heartland local chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors to a student furthering their education in one of the following courses of study: education, business, management, finance, marketing, sales, or actuarial science.  Deadline: March 1.

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 2010.  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, 2010.

Ag Cooperative Safety Directors of Nebraska Scholarship is available to students who plan to major in an area related to Agriculture at any Nebraska college. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Deadline is March 1, 2010.

The York Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee, in conjunction with the York County Corn Growers, is accepting applications for the annual Agricultural Scholarship.  To be eligible, students must plan to pursue an Ag or Ag related major at a vocational or 4-year college/university.  Deadline: March 1.

 

The York Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a Entrepreneurial Scholarship to students who are planning to pursue a business related field of study, have a history of volunteering, been employed at least part-time with a current Chamber member, and attending a Nebraska institution of higher education.  Deadline: March 1.

 

Central Community College has numerous scholarships available to students planning to attend CCC in the fall.  The application is available on-line at www.cccneb.edu and is due March 1.

VETERAN CONNECTED??
The American Legion Auxiliary has sent information about several of their scholarships.   Each student may choose ONE of the following National Scholarships to submit.  Applications are located at the website indicated.  Deadline for all: March 1.

National President’s Scholarship: http://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/nationalpresident/index.aspx

The Non-Traditional Student Scholarship: http://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/nontraditionalstudent/index.aspx

Spirit of Youth Scholarship: http://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/spiritofyouth/index.aspx

Girl Scout Achievement Award: http://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/girlscoutaward/index.aspx

Samsung American Legion Scholarship: http://www.legion-aux.org/scholarships/talsamsung/index.aspx

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship: http://www.legion.org/programs/legacyrun/legacyscholarship

Each student may choose ONE of the following Department of Nebraska Scholarships to submit.  Applications for each are located at: http://www.nebraskalegionaux.net/scholarships.htm:  Averyl Elaine Keriakedes Memorial Scholarship, Graduate Scholarship, Practical Nursing Scholarship, Ruby Lorraine Paul Fund Scholarships, Ruby Paul Campaign Fund Scholarship, Roberta Marie Stretch Memorial Scholarship, Student Aid Grant or Vocational Technical Scholarship, Nurse’s Gift Tuition Scholarship.  Deadline: March 1.

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, 2010 and applications must be postmarked by March 1.  Go to www.buffettscholarships.org for more information.

 

Applications are available for the 2010 Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Awards.  Students who excel in academics, athletics and community service are encouraged to apply for one of the 25 $7,500 scholarships to be awarded.  To apply, go to www.bodybymilk.com.

 

The Aurora Area Artisan’s Association is sponsoring a scholarship in the amount of $500 for a graduating senior who intends to major in graphic or studio art or art education.  Deadline: March 12.

The Grand Island Concert Association is offering two one year scholarships in the amount of $750 each for two graduating seniors who are planning to major or minor in Music Performance, Music Therapy, Music Education or Technical Theater.   Deadline for application: March 15.

Applications are available for the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship.  This scholarship is worth up to $1,500 and requires a minimum ACT score of 30.  Go to http://www.education.ne.gov/byrd/ByrdApplication.pdf for the application.  Deadline: March 15.

A $500 scholarship is available to all graduating male and female high school seniors of St. Joseph Parish, York, NE who plan to further their education.  Selection is based on high morals, character, academics, financial need, leadership and Parish and/or community involvement.  Deadline: March 31.

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

 

ACT

                                      Regular Registration                 Late Registration

Test Date                        Postmark Deadline                    Postmark Deadline

April 10, 2010                  March 5, 2010                           March 19, 2010

June 12, 2010                  May 7, 2010                              May 21, 2010

 

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 $15.00 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 $31.00.  Late registration fee is $51.00.  Registration packets and student test preparation booklets called Preparing for the ACT Assessment are available in the guidance office.

EducationQuest Foundation

College Planning Bulletin  

A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students

 

It's FAFSA Time!

If you’re a college-bound senior, it’s time to get serious about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - the application for state, federal and college-specific financial aid. February is typically the time to apply as many colleges have a March 1 priority filing date. (Contact the colleges you applied to and ask for their priority date.) 

 

Follow these steps to complete the FAFSA…

 

Step 1: Request a PIN

Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for you and one for a parent at pin.ed.gov . The PIN is your signature for the electronic FAFSA and is used to track your financial aid application.

 

Step 2: Complete your taxes early

The FAFSA requires current tax information so complete your taxes early.

 

Step 3: Gather these student and parent items:

  • 2009 federal income tax forms and, if applicable, Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)
  • 2009 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, bonds, 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.)
  • 2009 child support (paid and/or received)
  • 2009 Worker’s Compensation
  • Other untaxed income in 2009 such as veteran’s benefits, housing/food/living allowances for military and clergy
  • Alien Registration Number for eligible non-citizens

 

Step 4: Complete and file the FAFSA 

Complete and file the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. The colleges you list on the application will receive the results.

 

If you’re filing the FAFSA for the first time and need help completing the form, call the EducationQuest location nearest you to set up an appointment. Call the Kearney office at 800-666-3721, Lincoln at 800-303-3745 or Omaha at 888-357-6300. All services are free.

 

 

Online FAFSA enhancements make it easier to complete

As you and your parents prepare to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), be aware of some enhancements to the online form that may make it easier to complete. They include:

 

  • better “skip logic” which skips unnecessary questions based on individual answers
  • a new “help and tips” tool that follows each question
  • clearly defined parent and student sessions

 

EducationQuest has several online tools that also make it easier to complete the FAFSA.  They are available in the “Completing the FAFSA” section at EducationQuest.org.

 

 

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