Guidance Newsletter:  January 2008

Additional information is available on most scholarships.

See the postings outside the guidance office, or contact Mrs. Kaiser: kaisera@fr.noacsc.org.

 

General News:                                                                                                                                         .

 

1. Practice ACT and AP Exams online at http://www.infohio.org/ER/secure/LearningExpress.asp.  Click on “Learning Express Library”.  You will need to create a user account.  See Mrs. Pottkotter for a username and password to use this at home.
2. FAFSA:  All seniors planning to attend college this fall should file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):

·         Go online and obtain a PIN at:  www.pin.ed.gov (both parents and students receive a PIN)

·         Fill out the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet anytime after January 1^st (you will need tax info.)

·         File your FAFSA online at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov prior to February 15^th

·         Paper FAFSA’s (for students without internet access) can be obtained by calling

1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

3. Financial Aid Night (grade 12 and parents): A financial aid night will be held Tuesday Jan. 29, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the High School Commons.  All seniors and their parents are invited to learn more about the college financial aid process.  Every college bound senior (4-year and technical degrees) are strongly urged to attend.  The FAFSA and other helpful advice will be discussed.
4. Need help filling out your FAFSA online?  Attend College Goal Sunday at WSU-Lake Campus on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 2 p.m.  You can get one-on-one assistance and complete the FAFSA that day!
5. ACT National Test Dates 2007-2008                              Registration Deadline

February 9, 2008                                                January 4, 2008

April 12, 2008                                                    March 7, 2008

June 14, 2008                                                    May 9, 2008

FRHS Code:  362-165

 

            **Students can register via paper packet or online at:  www.actstudent.org

 

**if you are on an IEP/504 Plan and would like special testing accommodations for the ACT, you must see Mrs. Kaiser well in advance of the registration deadline to file your paperwork

 

**Students may take the ACT at any time:  you need not be a junior or senior.  Younger students sometimes take the ACT for the purpose of practicing and studying for future tests.  The following are the times I suggest students take the ACT:  Seniors should take the October (and December?) ACT.  Juniors should take the ACT for the first time in February, April and/or June.

 

**Hints for the ACT:  STUDY FOR IT!  Practice tests are available in the guidance office and online.  Pace yourself, and don’t leave any questions blank (it is to your advantage to guess).

 

6. Fee Waivers are available for the ACT…check out the details on the website to see if you qualify:  www.actstudent.org
7. Rhodes State Financial Aid: One-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA in the Rhodes office is available. Contact Rebecca J. Phillips at 419-995-8033 to discuss available dates or with any other questions and concerns.
8. At select universities (Bowling Green is an example), seniors can take the ACT at any time for the purpose of increasing their scores for merit-based scholarships.  The student must be accepted to that university, and their score will only be used at that particular university.  Also, some schools will waive their application fee if the student applies online or if you tour their campus (Ohio Northern is an example).  See an admissions counselor for details. 
9. Looking for a college or a career that’s right for you?  Check out collegeboard.com or http://ocis.ode.state.oh.us (Ohio Career Information System…username:  ftrecov and password:  ohiocis03).  They are BOTH great websites to help you narrow down your choices!
10. Catalogs are available in the guidance office that highlight all of Ohio’s Private and Public Colleges.  These books are excellent resources for students to make comparisons between schools….they let you know enrollment, tuition rates, admission policies and fees, locations, and much, much more!
11. Don’t rule out Private Colleges!  In many cases, you can afford the tuition…apply for the scholarships and grants available to you.  Sometimes, you can attend a private school for the same price as a public one.  The Ohio Student Choice Grant is an automatic award to students opting for private universities, and will be awarded after filing the FAFSA.
12. Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Conference:  On February 23, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus Hotel there will be a Pre-Veterinary Medicine Conference. High school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate college level students are invited to register. Registration is online at www.mvcinfo.org and applications are due February 8, 2007.
13. Rhodes State Open House:  James A. Rhodes State College in Lima is holding a President’s Day Open House on February 18, 2007 from 3:30-6:00 p.m.  Visit and learn more about their 100+ associate degree and certificate programs Call 419/995-8320 or see www.RhodesState.edu
14. Win a trip to Washington D.C.!  See #54 below.
15. Wright State ASSESS  Are you interested in studying engineering or computer science in college? Would you like to get a “snapshot” of your pre-engineering skills? If yes, then you should consider taking ASSESS at Wright State. ASSESS can be taken at Wright State on Monday, February 18, 2008 and Friday, June 27, 2008. To register to attend, download a registration form from the website (www.engineering.wright.edu/assess) and return it with a $10 fee at least one week prior to test date.
16. Xavier Jump Start Program (gr 10-11) Xavier University is offering a special two-week residential program (June 14-28) for students interested in pre-medicine or criminalistics/forensic science. Students can go online to www.xu.edu/jumpstart to apply or to request additional information.
17. I have a Tech Prep packet available for any Tri-Star students who wish to fill out the college credit articulation applications.
18. Sollomon Electric Co., Sidney is interested in giving employment to students who plan to become electricians or be involved in the electrical trades upon completing high school.  They would like to have the students work for their company through the year, then attend an electrical trade school in the fall with the intent of becoming qualified electricians.
19. First Choice Credit Union (grade 12):  300 W. Sycamore St., Coldwater offers 2008 grads a “Congratulatory Graduation Package’ of free checks when they open a checking account between 4/1/08-9/30/08.
20. Pregnant/need help?  Family Life Center of Auglaize County can offer some help.  Phone:  419-394-9756.  They also offer a support group for New Moms and Moms to be…call 419-300-9756 if interested.

 

 

Scholarships/Grants/Loans:                                                                                                       .

 

21. Miami University Access Initiative:  Miami University will provide tuition and fees for all new first-year students from Ohio entering the Oxford campus that has family incomes of less than $35,000.  The program will continue to provide tuition and fees for eligible students for up to four years.
22. Harvard University would like to pay the tuition of an honor student graduating high school whose family earns less than $60,000 per year.  To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.
23. Eastern Michigan and Ball State Universities offer In-State Tuition for FRHS students.
24. Ohio Northern University would like to have the names and addresses of seniors who may qualify for one of their many scholarships and awards.  If you are considering ONU, see Mrs. Kaiser ASAP so scholarship information can be mailed to you.
25. ROTC (Military) Scholarship Information is available on flyers posted outside the office.  Military recruiters visit FRHS throughout the year, and set up in the Commons area at lunch so students can gather information about the military and ask questions.
26. American Legion Scholarships:  There is a copy of Need A Lift? In the guidance office.  This 152 page catalog lists scholarships, grants, and loans.  It also contains extensive information on scholarships for veteran’s dependents.  Visit www.needalift.org to view the catalog online.  There is also information on scholarships, grants, and loans based on specific majors at:  www.srnexpress.com.
27. National High School Oratorical Contest (9-12):  The purpose of the American Legion's National Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students.  Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for the acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship. Local and National Scholarships are available for the winners (up to $18,000).  So, if you like public speaking, and you are interested in the amendments of the constitution, this might be for you.  Check out the pamphlet on the white board outside the office!
28. 4-H Scholarships  Ohio 4-H offers a variety of scholarships to its members. The application and information is available on the Website at http://www.ohio4h.org. Click on the Youth and Opportunities link and then go to Awards and Scholarships. Completed paperwork and materials is due to the Extension Office by February 1^st.
29. The AXA Achievement Community Scholarship is also available via the website.  Applications for the Community Scholarship are due February 15, 2008.
30. Imagine America Scholarship (grade 12):  FRHS can select up to three students to receive this $1,000 scholarship.  Only recent high school graduates who are qualified applicants and who meet the following recommended guidelines should apply: Likelihood of successful completion of postsecondary education, High school grade point average of 2.5 or greater, Financial need, and Demonstrated voluntary community service during senior year   High school graduates of 2007 have until December 31, 2007 to apply. High school graduates of 2008 can start applying on January 1, 2008.  Students must plan to attend a “career college” (such as ITT or Lincoln Tech) to be eligible.  Students should visit the website for more information and may apply online at www.imagine-america.org.
31. Toyota Community Scholars Scholarship: This year the program will award 100 renewable scholarships, valued at $10,000 or $20,000 payable over 4 years, to seniors who enroll at a four-year college of university in the United States starting in the fall of 2008. The Toyota Community Scholars program recognizes academic excellence and rewards to young people who actively participate in community service. Our school is invited to identify one student from the senior class as our nominee in this year’s competition. See Mrs. Kaiser for details. Applications are due January 4, 2008.
32. U.S. JCI Senate Foundation Scholarships:  These scholarships are sponsored by the Jaycees and focuses on leadership and service.  Twenty $1,000 scholarships are available in two categories:  Academic based, and Need based.  Students may apply for only one category, and applications are due January 9, 2008.
33. Mercer County Elks is offering several scholarships:
1. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship:  senior applicants must exhibit scholarship, leadership, and financial need.
2. Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards:  eligible applicants are: any child, grandchild, step-child, step-grandchild or legal ward of a living Elk who joined on or before April 1, 2005, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2005.  The Elk must be a paid member- up through March 31, 2008.  Great-Grandchildren are not eligible.

Copies of all Elks applications are also available online at:  www.elks.org/enf/scholars, and are due by January 11, 2008

34. Sam Walton Community Scholarship (grade 12): is a $1,000 award for the first year of undergraduate study at an approved accredited college or university. To qualify, a student must be a graduating high school senior and may not be a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club associate, or the child or legal dependent of a Wal-Mart of Sam’s Club associate. See the website for general guidelines www.walmartfoundation.org. The deadline for entry is January 14, 2008.
35. BGSU Scholarship: Bowling Green State University has new freshman scholarship opportunities for students entering in the fall of 2008. Mrs. Kaiser has an easy to understand scholarship grid. The application deadline for scholarship consideration is January 15.
36. OSU Alumni Scholars Program (Grade 12): Applicants must be ranked in the top 25% of graduating class, demonstrate involvement in community and school activities, and show a sound interest and positive attitude towards college work to be able to receive a one-time $600 scholarship.  Application and transcript must be turned in no later than Jan 15, 2008.
37. McKelvey Foundation Scholarship for students who have owned and operated their own business while in high school (grade 12): They offer up to $10,000 per year for 4 years to any U.S. college or university. To qualify, students must:  be a 2008 HS graduate, attend a 4 yr. college within the U.S., own and operate a genuine business (non-profits are eligible), and have at least one employee.  See the website:  mckelveyfoundation.org.  Online application is due January 15, 2008.
38. Ohio Society of CPA Scholarship is intended for high school seniors planning to major in accounting at an accredited Ohio college or university during the 2008-09 academic year. The award is $500 and is renewable for up to five years. Application materials due by January 28, 2008.
39. US Bank Scholarships (grade 12):  U.S. Bank will again award up to thirty $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend accredited two- or four- year colleges full-time next fall.  Scholarship award recipients are selected through a random drawing process.  Students can apply online at:  usbank.com/studentbanking now through February 2008.
40. Burger King Scholars Program: $1,000 scholarships are available to all high school seniors. For a student to qualify he/she must be a high school senior and a U.S. resident that meets the programs criteria.  To obtain information about eligibility criteria, visit www.bk.com/scholars. Last day to submit applications is February 15, 2008.
41. Charles L. Warren Memorial Heritage Scholarship:  No more than three applicants from one school will be considered for this scholarship. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or better and must also plan to attend and Ohio college or university. To be eligible students must demonstrate financial need (i.e. Free or reduced or lunch or fee waivers). Applications must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2008.
42. Midwest Electric and OREC Scholarships (up to $2500) are available to Applicants who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be the son/daughter or legal ward of a Midwest Electric member. Deadline for applications and grade transcripts to be received in the Midwest office is February 15, 2008.  Application forms are available at www.midwestrec.com. 
43. National Co-Op Scholarship:  Students who are accepted at on of the 10 NCCE Partner Colleges and Universities (including Univ. of Cincinnati and Toledo) can apply online at

www.co-op.edu.  Deadline is February 15, 2008, but early submission is encouraged.

44. 2007 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program: For any seniors who plan to pursue a career in an agricultural related field…$1,500 scholarships will be awarded.  The deadline will be February 15, 2008.  Applications are available at www.monsanto.com or www.ffa.com
45. BGSU Scholarship:  Bowling Green State University has a scholarship for incoming freshmen majoring in Biology. Three $500 scholarships will be offered. If you have questions you can contact 419-372-2332 or dmclean@bgnet.bgsu.edu. Applications are due February 15, 2008.
46. OACRAO Leadership and Service Scholarship Ohio Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers is offering six non-renewable $500 Leadership and Service Scholarships for graduating seniors starting college next fall at an OACRAO affiliated Ohio institution. Applications are available at www.ohioaacrao.org. Postmark deadline is February 26, 2008.
47. University of Saint Francis Scholastic Competition committee requests interested students to write a 1000 word essay OR prepare a 25-40 slide PowerPoint presentation related to their interest in a health care profession. Awards range from $500-$2000. To request the guidelines and an application please contact Vicki Helton at 260-399-7700 (ext. 8501).  Entries must be postmarked no later than February 29, 2008.
48. Ohio Township Association Scholarship is offering two $1,500 scholarships. Students may apply for both scholarships, but may receive only one. Students must reside in one of the 1,308 townships in Ohio. Applications for 2008 must be received by February 28, 2008.
49. IPFW Scholarships for Excellence Program   Applications are available online at http://www.etcs.ipfw.edu/dean/scholarships/. Admission to IPFW must be accomplished before a scholarship can be awarded. Deadline is March 1, 2008.
50. Wright State- Lake Campus Scholarship Packets are now available in the guidance office.  There are a multitude of scholarships available!  All application materials must be submitted by March 1, 2008.
51. Wabash Mutual Telephone Scholarship  Wabash Mutual Telephone will be giving up to $2,000 in Educational Awards to qualifying high school seniors who wish to further their education at any college, vocational, or technical school. Applicants must be a child or legal ward of a Wabash Mutual Telephone Member.

NTCA and FRS 2008 Scholarship Program  National Telecommunications Cooperative Association and the Foundation for Rural Service will award 30 scholarships valued at $2,500. Wabash Mutual Telephone will provide and additional $500 scholarship to any winning students, bringing the total award to $3,000 per student.

(Deadline for both scholarships is March 1, 2008.  For more information on either scholarship, contact Julie Marchal at 419-942-1111 or juliem@wabash.com)

52. Western Buckeye Chapter of Credit Unions Scholarship will award 8 scholarships in the amount of $500 each. To qualify, the applicant must be at least a senior in high school and plan to participate in post-secondary studies, including professional, vocational, and academic studies that are not limited to colleges and universities. Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2008.
53. West Central Ohio Safety Council Scholarship:  The West Central Ohio Safety Council is awarding a scholarship to students that demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the field of Occupational Safety and Health, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Risk Management or a related field.  The Scholarship is worth $500 or $250. The application must be received by Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
54.  Darke Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. (grade 10, 11, & 12):  The Darke REC Inc. is awarding $4,900 in scholarship for 2008. 

·         They will sponsor two students (sophomores or juniors) for an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. but your parents must be a member of Darke Rural Electric.  Application must be returned by March 14. 

·         The Darke Rural Electric Scholarship is available to seniors whose parents are members.  Pick up applications in the guidance office (due March 14). 

·         The Touchstone Energy Scholarship will be awarded to a senior that has overcome adversity, obstacles, or personal challenges on their way to excellence.  Applicants’ parents must be members of a Touchstone Energy Ohio Rural Electric Cooperative.  This application can be picked up in the guidance office.   Applications are due March 14.

55. Legislative Scholarship Program:  The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools is awarding 186 scholarships to 2008 graduating seniors.  These awards range from $2,000-$12,100.  Applicants must plan to attend one of the specific career-technical colleges on the application to be eligible for these scholarships.  Deadline is March 30, 2008.
56. IPFW Scholarships:  There is a book of scholarship information in the guidance office for students planning to attend Indiana University/Purdue University-Ft. Wayne.  Deadline to apply is March 31, 2008.
57. Lincoln College of Technology Scholarship: Lincoln College of Technology has a 2008 high school select scholarship program that includes a $1,000 guaranteed tuition scholarship to a senior from FRHS. Applications are due to Mrs. Kaiser by April 21^st.
58. The Mercer County Civic Foundation has a small pool of student loan funds available.  These low-interest $900 college loans are renewable, and the 4% interest rate does not begin to accrue until 6 months after graduation from college, and are interest-free if repaid within that time.  Applications due by June 1^st.
59. AES Engineers Scholarship:  Students are NOT required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible.  Students must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of the two questions that are posted on:  http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php  Amount of the award is $500.00 and deadline for entry is September 15, 2008
60. National Scholarships:  Check out schoolsoup.com, www.big33.org (through Feb.2008), fastweb.com, and cappex.com (through Jan. 31) for scholarship and college information.  There is also a scholarship search feature at:  www.charterone.com/edu/scholarshipsearch (click on “Resources for Students and Families”, select “scholarship search”, and follow the instructions.
61. Don’t wait too long to complete your applications!  You never know when school will be delayed or cancelled, so ask for letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc., well in advance!

 

 

Upcoming Events:                                                                                                                   ____

• January 10       ASVAB Career Inventory Test (all Juniors)
• January 22       Interested FRHS Sophomores will visit Tri-Star
• January 28       Tri-Star Open House 6:00-8:30 p.m. (for students and parents--all locations)

• January 29       Financial Aid Night (7 p.m.) HS Commons

• February 4       Tri-Star Applications for '08-'09 are due in the guidance office.
• February 10     College Goal Sunday 2 p.m.-- Wright State Lake Campus. Get help filing your    FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online.
• February 11     Freshman Orientation:  at 6:30 p.m.-- HS Commons (for current 8th grade parents/students)