COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
Counseling Services | Fall 2020
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Deadline: March 16, 2020, 1pm
Available to: Current high school seniors (U.S. Citizens) who have completed a minimum of five (5) blended or online courses during their last two years of high school.
Award Amount: Twenty (20) $5,000 awards and ten (10) $10,000 awards.
Learn more about the Future of School Scholarship Program.
The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF)
Deadline: April 30, 2020
Available to: High school seniors
Award Amount: Varies
By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults. The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation.
Learn more about The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF)
COLLEGE BOARD OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships are a $25 million commitment to encourage more scholars to take the steps necessary to get into college. This first-of-its-kind national scholarship program lays out six simple steps that all scholars can take to get into college. The more effort you put in, the more chances you get to earn a scholarship ranging from $500 to $2,000. If you complete all six steps, you’re eligible to earn a $40,000 scholarship. Scholarships are awarded—through monthly drawings—to scholars who complete each step.
Build Your College List: $500
Practice for the SAT: $1,000
Improve Your Score: $2,000
Strengthen Your College List: $500
Complete the FAFSA: $1,000
Apply to Colleges: $1,000
Complete Your Journey: $40,000
Learn more about the College Board Opportunity Scholarships.
ACT SCHOLARSHIP GIVEAWAY
Throughout the 2019–2020 school year, ACT will award 14 scholars both a $15,000 scholarship and a $5,000 technology package (in October, December, February, April, June, and July). In addition, a variety of prizes totaling up to $65,000 will be awarded in instant giveaways connected to completing activities aimed to help students prepare for the ACT test through ACT® Academy™. Eligible students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in high school during the 2019–2020 school year. Students who register to take the ACT test on a national test date beginning with the October 2019 test will automatically be registered for the scholarship and prizes. There is also an option for eligible students to complete a free entry form. Click here for more information about the scholarship giveaway.
ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH WEBSITES
Check out the following sites to find additional scholarship opportunities.
SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Seniors, the college application season is wrapping up! The deadlines for the University of California and California State University systems have passed. If you are applying to private or out of state schools, be sure to check if they accept the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). For those universities that do not accept the Common Application, check the university’s website for deadlines and to apply.
If you plan on going to a community college, apply early! Most schools now have their applications open for fall 2020.
A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE
This 10-episode series covers topics ranging from applying for financial aid to picking classes to finding mentors and navigating life on your own for the first time. These free YouTube videos feature advice from Michelle Obama, interviews with college access experts, and tips from upperclassmen in college. You’ll also hear from Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood. You can watch all ten episodes now on NowThis’s YouTube channel.
COLLEGE EXAMS
Juniors, if you are planning to apply to a 4-year university, you may need to take the ACT or SAT standardized exams to meet college entrance requirements. Please note the following ACT and SAT testing dates and registration deadlines. We recommend contacting the colleges you are interested in applying for additional information. Contact Mataya Olson, College & Career Readiness Counselor, for support at molson@compasscharters.org
Upcoming ACT Test
Test Date: April 4, 2020
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2020
Test Date: June 13, 2020
Registration Deadline: May 8, 2020
You can find more information about the ACT at www.act.org.
Upcoming SAT Tests
Test Date: May 2, 2020
Registration Deadline: April 3, 2020
You can find more information about the SAT at www.collegeboard.org.
Consider CLEP® Exams
CLEP® exams are computer-based tests that cover college-level content similar to what’s taught in an intro-level college course. More than 2,900 colleges and universities grant credit for a qualifying CLEP exam score—allowing scholars to place out of introductory courses and save time and money toward their degree.
COLLEGE RESOURCES & EVENTS
FREE CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOPS ~ Starting October 1 through the March 2 Cal Grant deadline, scholars and families can attend FREE Cash for College workshops across California for help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications. The application period opens on October 1. For more information, and to find a location near you visit: https://www.cash4college.csac.ca.gov/
FINANCIAL AID
Federal Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) - October 1 - March 2
Completing a FAFSA application is an important step in college planning. Seniors should complete the FAFSA early to prevent any technical issues that could cause a delay. A FAFSA application may qualify you for grants, loans, and work-study to help pay for college. The application can be found at https://fafsa.ed.gov/.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)- October 1 - March 2
This application is used to determine the eligibility of AB 540 students for California student financial aid. The California Student Aid Commission (Commission) will process this application. Any assistance offered can only be used at eligible California institutions. The California Dream Act Application can be completed online at www.caldreamact.org. The California Dream Act Application is not an application for federal financial aid. Students eligible to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must use that application, which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. Students should not complete both applications.
Compass Charter Schools
Email: counseling@compasscharters.org
Website: www.compasscharters.org
Location: 850 Hampshire Road, Suite P, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
Phone: 855-937-4227
Twitter: @CompassCS