Senior Scholarship Bulletin December 2012

Transcription

1 Senior Scholarship Bulletin December 2012 Financial Aid Night will be on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 7:00PM in the Auditorium. A representative from the Georgia Student Finance Commission will be here to discuss the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the HOPE Scholarship, and Federal/State loans and grants. Lots of great information will be provided. You and your parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Georgia State University is accepting applications for several scholarships. Please visit: for requirements and applications. Deadline: December 14, Applications are being accepted for the Georgia Opportunities Scholarship & Outreach Program. This opportunity is for Hispanic students planning to enroll full-time as a freshman at a four-year institution or a two-year institution in the fall. Interested students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be the first generation to attend college and demonstrate financial need. The award is $2,500 and may be renewable for up to three years. Apply online at: Deadline: December 15, GE-Reagan Foundation is accepting applications for their 2013 scholarship program. This program honors the legacy and character of our nation s 40 th President. To qualify, you must demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship at school, home, at the workplace and within the community. You must also have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen. Winners will receive a $10,000 scholarship that is renewable for an additional three years. For additional information and to access the online application, please visit: RFScholarships.aspx. Deadline: January 10, Columbus State University is accepting applications for their Honors Program. They are seeking a diverse community of highly capable and motivated individuals who challenge each other in the lifelong pursuit of learning. Those selected will receive scholarships that total up to $23,200, which includes a stipend for studying abroad. To qualify, you must have at least a 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1200 SAT score (minimum 550 math and critical reading) or 27 ACT score. Applications can be downloaded at: Deadline: January 15, Dell is accepting applications for their Scholars Program. This program provides students with resources and mentoring beyond initial financial assistance to ensure support to obtain a college degree. You must meet the following criteria: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have at least a 2.4 GPA and financial need. $20,000 scholarships are offered. Application can be downloaded at: Deadline: January 15, Georgia State University is accepting applications for Goizueta Foundation Scholarship program. To qualify, you must be Hispanic/Latino, have demonstrated leadership in your community and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Application can be downloaded at: Deadline: January 18, Valdosta State University will award scholarships to students interested in majoring in theatre or dance. Auditions are required and you must complete the application at: Auditions on the VSU campus will be held on January 26 th and February 23 rd. For more information, please contact Jacque Wheeler at or jwheeler@valdosta.edu. Black College Expo is accepting entries for the Why Is a College Education Important to Me? essay contest. Entries must be 500 words or less, typed, double-spaced and ed to scholarship@thecollegeexpo.org by January 28, All entries must include: Name and address, 1

2 phone number, address, name of high school, name and phone number of your school counselor, and Expo Market (Atlanta). The Better Business Bureau (Metro Atlanta) is accepting entries for their 2013 Student of Integrity Scholarship program. Interested students must write an essay, not to exceed 500 words on the following topic: What signs to you see that trust is diminishing in the marketplace and what would you do to help rebuild trust between consumers and businesses. Applications are available in the school counseling office. Deadline: January 31, Arkansas Alumni Association is accepting applications for scholarships at the University of Arkansas. Interested students must have a 3.6 minimum GPA, 24 (ACT) or 1090 (SAT critical reading & math), and successful admission to the university. For applications and more information, visit: Deadline: February 1, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is accepting applications for their Scholars Program. Interested students must have a minimum SAT score of 1300, or ACT score of 29. You must also have at least a 3.7 GPA. If you are an academically talented and intellectually curious student with a well-balanced high school record that includes leadership roles and a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities, you may qualify for this program. Visit: for application and additional information. Deadline: February 1, Magic Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for their Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and plan to attend a 4-year college or university in the fall. Scholarship recipients will receive $2,000-$5,000, mentoring throughout undergraduate career, laptop computer, mentorship/internship resources. Application can be downloaded at: Deadline: February 2, The Jackie Robinson Foundation is accepting applications for their scholarship program. Students must meet all of the following criteria: U.S. citizenship, minority, SAT (minimum 1000 critical reading + math) or ACT (minimum 21 composite), leadership potential, and demonstrate a dedication to community service. A transcript and letter of recommendation is required. Applications must be completed online at: Deadline: February 15, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is accepting nominations for their Distinguished Scholars Award program. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria: minimum 1220 SAT (math + critical reading) or 27 ACT score, 3.75 GPA, outstanding visual arts, performing arts and writing or writing capabilities, honors and awards from competitions or other recognitions, and leadership skills demonstrated through co-curricular or extracurricular involvement. Please see Mrs. Wright if you are interested. Deadline: February 15, Defense Commissary Agency is accepting applications for their Scholarship for Military Children Program. Applicants must be children of active duty, Reserve/Guard and retired military personnel. They must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Please visit: for application and information. Applications must be received, not postmarked by February 22, Society of Exploration Geophysics is accepting applications for their scholarship program. Students interested in pursuing a career in applied geophysics, physics, mathematics and/or geology are encouraged to apply. Applications can be downloaded at: Deadline: March 1, Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications from students who are interested in a career in graphic communications, printing technology, printing management or publishing. Applications and other information can be downloaded at: Deadline: April 1, American Fire Sprinkler Association is accepting entries for their scholarship program. All applicants must read the essay at: and take a 10-question, multiple choice test. For 2

3 each question answered correctly, you will receive one entry into a drawing for a chance to win one of ten $2,000 scholarships. Deadline: April 3, Community Bankers Association of Georgia is accepting applications for Julian & Jan Hester Memorial Scholarship Program. This scholarship is open to students who will be entering a Georgia college, university, or technical institute (two year program or more) in the fall. They will award at least four $1,000 scholarships. Please visit: for application and additional information. Deadline: April 12, Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants are offering $1,000 scholarships to students. You must submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page on their website. Please visit: for essay and other information. Deadline: June 14, Harvard University is deeply committed to making an education affordable for admitted students. Their financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and parents of families with incomes below $65,000 are not expected to contribute at all to college costs. Students are not expected to take out loans. Please visit: for additional information and deadlines. Scholarships from previous newsletter Elks National Foundation is accepting applications for their 2013 Most Valuable Student Scholarship. This scholarship is available to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Male and female students compete separately. For an application and additional information, visit: Deadline: December 7, Hispanic Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for various scholarship programs. The following are eligibility requirements: Be of Hispanic heritage, be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. Applications and additional information can be found at: Deadlines range from October December 15, Sewanee: The University of the South is accepting applications for the Guarisco Scholarship program. This program is for students who intend to pursue art or art history at the undergraduate level and who have demonstrated extraordinary promise in artistic endeavors. The scholarship includes full funding (tuition, room & board) for four years of study. For more information, visit: Deadline: December 15, Young Entrepreneur Foundation is accepting applications for the 2013 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Program. If you operate your own small business, you are eligible to apply. Visit: for more information. Deadline: December 17, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is accepting applications for their scholarship programs. Parents financial information is required. For applications and additional information, please visit: Click on the What We Do tab and go down to RMHC U.S. Scholarships. Deadline: December 20, Colgate-Palmolive & Hispanic Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for the Make The U (Haz La U) Scholarship Program. You must be of Hispanic heritage to qualify. Interested students will need to log onto: for application and additional information. Grant amounts range from $2,500 - $15,000. Deadline: December 31,

4 Entries are being accepted for the 2013 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest. Write an original and creative essay of 1,000 words or less that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. For additional instructions, please visit: The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 to grown in a John Hancock Freedom 529 College Savings Plan. Deadline: January 5, Ron Brown Scholar Program will award scholarships to academically talented, highly motivated Black or African American high school seniors who intend to pursue undergraduate degrees full-time. Applicants must show exceptional leadership potential and make an impact on their communities through service to others. Winners will receive $10,000 annually for four years. Applications can be downloaded at: Deadline: January 9, Burger King is accepting applications for their 2013 Scholars Program. Burger King Scholars awards are $1,000 each and may be used for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees and books. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, have at least a 2.5 GPA or higher, and plan to enroll full-time at a two-year or four-year college/university, or a vocational-technical college. To apply, please visit: Deadline: January 10, Entries are being accepted for the 6 th national Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) essay contest. Please visit: for instructions and additional information. Entries must be submitted electronically to kscppcontest@msn.com. Deadline: January 15, ScholarshipExperts.com is accepting entries for several scholarship opportunities. Please visit: for a list of scholarships and their requirements. Deadlines vary between September 30, 2012 and January 15, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter) is accepting applications for their scholarship program. Applicants must be female, African-American, and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applications are available in the scholarship drawer in the Career Center. Please call Carol Maxwell Stevens at or her at scholarship@dstmrac.com if you have any questions or need additional information. Deadline: January 15, University of Kentucky is accepting applications for their Academic, Competitive Academic and William C. Parker Scholarship programs. Please visit: for requirements and additional information. Deadlines: January 15, 2013 and March 1, The Gallery Collection is accepting entries for their 6 th annual Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship. A $10,000 cash scholarship will be given to the winning student, and your entry will be produced and sold as a real greeting card. To enter, go to: and click on contests & scholarships. Deadline: January 16, Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) is accepting applications for their 2013 Scholars Program. This program is for minority students (African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian & Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American) who have at least a 3.3 un-weighted GPA and have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities, and meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. The application consists of three parts. Please visit: for application and additional information. Deadline: January 16, Columbus State University is accepting applications for their Servant Leadership Program Scholarship. This is a four-year leadership development program that focuses on leadership through service. They are looking for students who have leadership experience, academic ability, community service, extracurricular activities, and a commitment to develop self and others. Students are expected to have at least a 3.0 GPA. The application is available at: Deadline: January 31,

5 Georgia Southern University is accepting applications for their academic and leadership programs. For the academic program, students must have a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math + critical reading) or a 27 ACT composite score and demonstrate academic ability in the classroom. To qualify for a leadership scholarship, students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, a minimum 1100 SAT or 24 ACT, have outstanding leadership in high school, and leadership and involvement in the community through volunteer activities. Visit: for additional information. Deadline: January 31, Princeton University is accepting applications for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Program. This program will honor students who are doing outstanding work in their schools or communities to advance the cause of race relations. You must be working to increase understanding and mutual respect among all races. Applications can be downloaded at: A $1,000 cash award is available. Deadline: January 31, American Physical Society is accepting applications for their Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors Scholarship program. You must be African American, Hispanic American or Native American to apply. $2,000/ year will be awarded. Visit: for additional information and application. Deadline: February 1, North Georgia College & State University will award 42 Georgia Military Scholarships to seniors that have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a minimum SAT score of 440 math and 480 critical reading or a 20 English, 18 Math and a 20 ACT composite score. You must first be accepted to the university before applying for this scholarship. For additional information, visit: Deadline: February 1, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is looking for the next generation of talented artists and designers. Visit: to compete in the SCAD Challenge. Deadlines through February 4, National Commission for Cooperative Education is accepting applications for their eleventh annual coop scholarship program. Interested students must have at least a GPA of 3.5 or better, and are required to submit a one-page essay. You can complete an online application at: Deadline: February 15, University of Dayton will offer a $10,000 ($2,500/year) Leadership in Service scholarship to a senior that has been accepted for admission into their university. They are seeking a student who has a commitment to service within their school, church or community. For additional information, please see Mrs. Wright. Deadline: February 15, Univision 34 is accepting applications for their Liga de Campeones (League of Champions) scholarship program. The program recognizes Hispanic high school seniors who have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan to attend college in the fall. Winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Applications are available in the scholarship drawer in the career center. Deadline: February 28, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Alpharetta-Smyrna Alumni Chapter) will present scholarships to deserving African-American males to assist in covering a portion of their college expenses. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, and a minimum SAT score of 950 (critical reading and math), or ACT score of 20. Deadline: March 15, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. is accepting applications for their scholarship program. This opportunity is for Latino students who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities, and who plan to continue contributing in the future. There is no GPA or major requirement, but you have to be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent residency status. Students with excellent leadership potential are encouraged to apply. Please visit: for application and additional information. Deadline: April 16, Suntrust Bank is accepting entries for their Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes Program. Seniors have a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for their education expenses at a 5

6 college or private career school. One winner will be chosen every two weeks through May 10, Eligibility is not based on GPA or financial need. For complete details, please visit: The Christian Connector, Inc. will award $2,500 scholarships through a drawing. By completing the free information request form, you are entered in the drawing for a chance to win. Drawing winners are selected during random times and they must plan to enroll as a full-time student at a Christian- Centered College or Bible College. You can only enter once for a chance to win. Visit: for additional information. Entries are accepted until May 31, Animation Career Review is accepting entries for their 2 nd Annual Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship Program. $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students that are interested in pursuing an animation career path at an accredited post-secondary institution. Visit: Deadline: June 1, PharmacyTechnicalReview.com is accepting applications for their Aspiring Pharmacy Technician Scholarship Program. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student that is interested in pursuing a pharmacology career at an accredited post-secondary institution. Visit: for additional information and application. Deadline: June 1, Please visit for a listing of scholarship opportunities that are available. Scholarship deadlines vary, depending on the program. TEST DATES If you have not done so already, do not forget to register for the SAT and/or the ACT. Registration information is available in the Counseling Office or you can register on-line ( for the SAT, and for the ACT). The cost for the SAT is $50 and the cost for the ACT is $35 (no writing) and $50 (plus writing). Remaining SAT test dates for the year are January 26 th, March 9 th, May 4 th and June 1 st. Remaining ACT test date for the year are December 8 th, February 9 th, April 13 th and June 8 th. Please keep in mind that registration deadlines are approximately one month prior to each test administration. REGISTER EARLY! If you are on free or reduced lunch, you qualify for test fee waivers. Waivers cannot be used during the late registration period. Sign up to see your counselor for forms and more information. High Five Scholarships offers free ACT and SAT practice tests and strategy guides. for more information. Visit: University of West Georgia will host Preview Day on January 27 th. Visit: for information on attending this event. Spelman College will host A Day in Your Life on January 28, This is an opportunity for you to speak to current Spelman student, meet faculty and staff, tour the campus and your parents will have an opportunity to talk to representatives about housing, student life and the financial aid process. To register, visit: The program is from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Black College Expo will be held on February 16, 2013 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. You will be able to meet 1-on-1 with college recruiters, get application fees waived, get accepted on the spot and get information on scholarships/financial aid resources. Visit: for additional information. 6

7 NCAA Clearinghouse applications are available and must be completed online. All Prospective student-athletes intending to enroll in an NCAA Division I or II institution for the first time, must complete the NCAA Amateurism Certification questionnaire. If you have used a fee waiver for either the ACT or SAT, you qualify for a clearinghouse waiver. Please see Mrs. Wright in the counseling office once you have completed your online application. You are still responsible for sending them an official transcript and an official copy of your test scores. College Visit (Please sign up in the counseling office at least 2 days prior to the visits) December 10 th Augusta State University SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES The following sites have been recommended in magazine and newspaper articles, library and education journals. We have not evaluated all of them in depth; therefore, as with all Web information, you should carefully evaluate the source in judging the reliability of the information provided Requesting letters of recommendation Please be advised that there are forms that need to be completed when requesting letters of recommendation. See your counselor for a copy of the forms. Allow two weeks for letters to be written, so please plan accordingly. 7

8 College Application Deadlines: Agnes Scott March 1 st Albany State June 1 st Armstrong Atlantic July 15 th Augusta State July 1 st Chattahoochee Tech 3-5 weeks before term Clark Atlanta June 1 st Clayton State July 15 th Columbus State University June 30 th Dalton State College July 1 st Emory University January 15 th Fort Valley State July 19 th Georgia Highlands August 1 st Georgia Perimeter July 1 st Georgia Southern April 1 st Georgia Southwestern July 21 st Georgia State March 1 st Georgia Tech January 10 th Gordon State College August 1 st Kennesaw State University May 10 th Life University September 7 th Mercer University April 1 st Middle Georgia College 30 days before term Morehouse College March 1 st North Georgia College & State Feb. 15 th Paine College July 15 th Reinhardt University No application deadline Savannah College of Art & Design Rolling Savannah State July 15 th Southern Polytechnic July 1 st Spelman College February 1 st University of Georgia January 15 th University of West Georgia June 1 st Valdosta State University June 1 st December To Do List 1) Continue to attend college information sessions and meet with college representatives that visit our school 2) Continue your leadership, service, sports, and activity involvement 3) Sign up to take the January SAT (Reg. deadline - December 28 th ) and February ACT (Reg. deadline - January 11 th ) 4) Complete college applications 5) Request official transcripts and recommendation letters (for UGA, counselors must have recommendation forms during the week of December 10 th NO EXCEPTIONS)! 6) Schedule an appointment with your counselor to review your application packets 7) Make copies of your application packets, and submit them prior to the deadlines 8) Print the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet. 9) Attend Financial Aid Night on December 12 th at 7:00 PM in the auditorium 10) Gather the data needed for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will not be able to submit your FAFSA application until after January 1 st 8

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10 Myths About Financial Aid I m not going to bother filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because... " my parents make too much money, so I won t qualify for aid." Reality: There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income from the size of your family to the age of your older parent are taken into account. Your eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by your parents income alone. And remember: when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you re also automatically applying for funds from your state, and possibly from your school as well. Don t make assumptions about what you ll get fill out the application and find out. " only students with good grades get financial aid." Reality: While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most of the federal student aid programs do not take a student s grades into consideration. Provided a student maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study, federal student aid will help a student with an average academic record complete his or her education. " you have to be a minority to get financial aid." Reality: Funds from federal student aid programs are awarded on the basis of financial need, not on the basis of race. The FAFSA doesn t even collect this kind of information about an applicant. "...the form is too hard to fill out." Reality: The FAFSA is easier than ever, especially if you fill it out online at There are detailed instructions for every question, and the form walks you through step by step, asking only the questions that apply to you. If you need help, you can access real-time, private online chat with a customer service representative. If you re filling out the paper FAFSA, you can get help from a high school counselor, from the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or from our toll-free number: FED-AID. And remember, the FAFSA and all these sources of advice are FREE. For more information about federal student aid, see or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at FED-AID ( ) TTY: Toll number for inquirers calling from foreign countries: Web Site: Federal Student Aid Information Center: FED-AID 10