Senior Newsletter #2
September 8, 2017
Applying To College
Students should apply to college the fall of their senior year. One reason, is because colleges do not give any scholarships until students have applied and been accepted to the college. You can receive some scholarships just by applying to the college! Many colleges also have scholarship deadlines to apply. Another reason is that colleges will start sending you information and timelines once you apply. They will help keep you on track to be ready for next fall. Here is a general process for college application.
2. Most colleges require an entrance exam like the ACT or COMPASS.
3. Have your transcripts sent to the college.
4. Some colleges require an admission fee. Fee waivers are available for students on free or reduced lunch.
Many colleges will communicate with you through email and your student accounts you create. Make sure you list an email that you use often now and one you plan to keep when you go to college. Also keep track of your username and passwords to the college portals.
How many colleges should I apply to? There is not a perfect number but we usually suggest 3 - apply to your dream college, apply to a college that you like and wouldn't mind going there if things don't work out with that dream college, and apply to a college that is financially responsible. Some of you will apply to 1 and some will apply to 5+. Just apply to any you are considering, you can make the final decision in the spring when you are looking at costs and know what financial assistance you will get.
Upcoming Events
Financial Aid Presentation
6:30 p.m.
Johnny Carson Theater
Students and parents are encouraged to come and learn about the Federal Financial Aid process.
Senior Academic Awards
during advisory
All seniors will attend an assembly to honor academic achievement. Students who had all A's or a 94% or above GPA last year at NHS will be honored.
College EPP
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
NECC Lifelong Learning Center
NHS will be taking all juniors to this and any seniors who sign up. It is a chance to talk to many college representatives about their colleges.
Apply2College Day
Seniors are invited to come to the small gym to apply to college on
October 26th
8:00 am to 11:30 am
Many college reps will be here to assist you in applying to college. The list of colleges here will be out soon. Counselors will help students apply to other colleges not here on that day. There will also be stations set up with assistance in entrance testing, transcript requests, and signing up for a FSA ID (preparation for financial aid application). Students are encouraged to come during their open periods. Please get permission and a pass from your teacher if you are leaving class. Donuts and juice will be served!
College Application Checklist - Students are strongly encouraged to complete this checklist and bring it with you to the application day.
PEO Star Scholarship
This scholarship is a non-renewable $2500.00 scholarship for graduating high school senior women. It must be used in the academic year following graduation or it will be forfeited.
Qualifications for the scholarship include:
- Excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential future success.
- Applicant is 20 years old or younger by November 30, 2018.
- Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 - 4.0 scale.
- Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada.
- Plans to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada full-time or part-time in the fall of 2018.
Click here for an application. Completed applications should be returned to the NHS counseling center by September 14th at 2:00 p.m.
The Gates Scholarship
DESCRIPTION
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective, full scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors. Starting in 2018, the scholarship will be awarded to 300 top student leaders each year with the intent of promoting their academic excellence through college graduation, and providing them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
AWARD
Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be:
- A high school senior
- From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
- Pell-eligible
- A US citizen, national or permanent resident
- A minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university. For more information go to https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is September 15th.
Quest Bridge
QuestBridge is a nationally recognized nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low income students to full four-year scholarships at the nation's best colleges, including Stanford, Yale, MIT, Amberst, and Duke (39 college partners in all).
Who should apply?
- Excel academically and exhibit strong personal character. These students typically earn A's in the most challenging courses available.
- Come from households earning less than $65,000 annually (for a typical family of four), with limited assets, and may be eligible for their school's free or reduced-price lunch.
For more information and to apply go to: https://www.questbridge.org/. Deadline to apply online is September 2
Norfolk Senior High Counseling Center
Brian Porn E-K
Heather Marotz L-Ri
Kendra Marshall Ro-Z
Shawn Schultz - Mental Health Counselor
Connie Ingram - Administrative Assistant
Website: http://www.norfolkpublicschools.org/schools/norfolk-high-school/counseling/
Location: 801 Riverside Boulevard, Norfolk, NE, United States
Phone: 402-644-2534
Twitter: @NHSGuidanceNews