Career Center News
October 2021
October...College Application Month!
During College App Week...
322 students sent
1194 applications to
77 colleges!!!
If you/your student still wants to apply, needs to add more colleges, or plans to attend school outside of Idaho, there is still time! Some relevant websites to assist with this process for both in-state and out-of-state schools:
- Apply Idaho (this is a one-stop application process for most Idaho public/private 2-yr and 4-yr universities)
- Common Application (this is an application that many colleges around the nation use...like the Apply Idaho Application, it is an application that students complete once for the main part of information, then add supplemental information for the colleges that request it)
- Coalition Application (similar to Common App, many other colleges use this application process, cutting down the number of institution-specific college applications needed)
- Individual College Applications....if your school of interest doesn't use one of the applications mentioned above, you'll need to complete their institution-based application. This can be found on their website.
Note: if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you can be eligible for college application fee waivers. Please reach out to your Career Counselor if you are eligible (contact info at the end of the newsletter).
$$$ Options for College...
- Need-based aid: Need-based aid stems from what is known as the EFC (expected family contribution) formula from the government, as determined on the FAFSA (more on this below!). Sometimes the formula comes up with a number that the family can help with...other times, it is vastly different from reality! However, any financial aid that has a need-based component will use this information to qualify students.
- Merit-based aid: Merit aid is based on academic or other achievement/involvement (such as clubs or athletics). It has no need-based component and students from any economic background can qualify.
- Grants: One of the best types of aid, as it is free money that doesn't need to be repaid! Often, grants are tied to financial need and are offered through the government or institutions.
- Scholarships: The other free money! Scholarships are usually based on merit/involvement and come from organizations, businesses, and institutions.
- Loans: Most people end up taking some loans during college, but this should be the last resort, as they need to be paid back, with interest. The best loans are the ones you qualify for through FAFSA...Subsidized (interest paid for you while in school) and Unsubsidized (interest begins accruing immediately) Stafford Loans. Be careful with other loan offers...many have high interest rates.
- FAFSA - Stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid." This is the first aid application you'll want to complete, and is how you can qualify for need-based aid and the Stafford loans referenced above. Even if you won't qualify for need-based aid, if you will take any loan money, you need to complete the FAFSA. Some scholarships also require the FAFSA. Nearly every college accepts the FAFSA for financial aid consideration.
- CSS Profile - This is a more involved financial aid application used by only a small percentage of colleges (generally the most difficult colleges to get into). Check this list to see if any of your schools use the CSS Profile (note: NO Idaho colleges use the CSS Profile).
Other financial aid options:
- MVHS Scholarship Page - this is a live document that is updated regularly, so check it frequently for new scholarship options that have come our way!
- Always check the college's financial aid website - this will give you access to institution-specific scholarship and grant information.
- Also check the department website at your colleges...sometimes they will have special programs not listed elsewhere!
- WUE - The Western Undergraduate Exchange is a program in which participating public Western State Universities agree to reduce tuition for out of state students. You typically pay 150% of the in-state tuition rate, thus saving thousands of dollars! Every institution has its own policies and deadlines for qualification. Check the WUE website to see if your school offers the program and whether you should apply!
Scoir
Other things you can use Scoir for:
- searching for colleges
- taking the You Science Interest Profile
- maintaining a list of high school activities, achievements, and awards
- creating a resume
Dates to Note...
ISAS - November 1; Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) offers a one-of-a-kind experience for Idaho high school juniors to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. The adventure starts in January with an online course. High achieving students earn the opportunity to attend the ISAS Summer Academy at Boise State and NASA Ames Research Center in California.
ASVAB - November 2 at 8:00 AM. This is the "Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery" and is used by all branches of the military to qualify candidates for different job opportunities, based on the scores you receive in specific categories. It is free of charge and offered to juniors and seniors. SIGN UP HERE.
SAT - December 4 (register by 11/4; late registration with additional fee through 11/23)
ACT - December 11 (register by 11/5; late registration with additional fee through 11/19)
SheTech - March 2, 2022 - career exploration at Boise State. Sign up for updates and registration info at the link!
About us...
Mrs. Walton, College/Career Counselor for A-Hap and Kn-U: walton.ashley@westada.org
Ms. Swafford, College/Career Counselor for Har-Kl and V-Z: swafford.kristen@westada.org
Mrs. Cook, IDLA Coordinator and Career Center Assistant: cook.stacy@westada.org
Email: swafford.kristen@westada.org
Website: https://www.westada.org/Page/21471
Location: 2000 South Millennium Way, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
Phone: 208-855-4050