Post High School Planning Guide - Bishop Neumann



Post High School Planning Guide

Bishop Neumann Catholic High School

Career Planning

College Selection

Scholarships

Financial Aid

***Information used from Lincoln Public School

Post High School Planning Guide

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Since the student is the center of all post-high school activities, the student must be responsible for initiating and completing the following tasks:

1. Completing and sending in required registration materials for college entrance examinations.

2. Requesting college applications, transcripts, and related materials.

3. Making appointments with counselors in completing their college applications.

4. Keeping track of important deadlines and other dates.

5. Informing parents of deadlines for applications and for filing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance).

6. Continually reviewing bulletins and newsletters relating to college applications and scholarships.

GOALS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

The UNL Admissions staff and a faculty representative conveyed to juniors that they could and must prepare NOW for college success. The following is an outline of their message to high school students conveying what YOU can yet do in high school to be prepared.

1. IMPROVE YOUR STUDY SKILLS

2. DEVELOP AND EXERCISE TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

3. IMPROVE YOUR WRITING SKILLS

4. READ, READ, READ

5. LEARN TO READ FASTER AND WITH UNDERSTANDING

6. TAKE THE HARD CLASSES

7. TAKE THE HARD TEACHERS

8. LEARN TO THINK, NOT JUST MEMORIZE

Each of the above guidelines speaks to every student regardless of your educational and career path after high school. All Bishop Neumann faculty is committed to giving students the opportunity to expand your minds and your options. It is the personal responsibility of each student to focus on the above tasks and develop them to the best of your ability.

COLLEGE IS ABOUT THINKING.

LEARN TO THINK!

ABOUT EDUCATION AND CAREERS

WHY MORE EDUCATION?

- Because the world is rapidly changing and many jobs rely on new technologies and skills that require education beyond high school.

- Because the average person with some level of post-secondary education will earn more money than the person who has none.

- Because you’ll gain a wide range of knowledge that will help you succeed, both on and off the job.

Below are some of the most common myths that exist in the employment world today. Don’t buy into them!

MYTHS

- There’s only one right job for me. On the contrary, there are numerous occupations in which your talents can be equally applied. The nature of these possibilities will expand as your work experiences accumulate.

- Most people start their career at age 21 and proceed in a straight line toward their career goals. The career paths of most people are filled with zigs and zags and changes in direction.

- There are specific job responsibilities for every occupation. On the contrary, people in positions with the same title often perform different tasks. Duties may vary according to an individual’s interests and capabilities, as well as employer’s needs.

- You must have work experience to find a job. Often you’re hired for your aptitude or potential to learn & advance in an organization rather than for your existing work capabilities or experiences.

- A four-year college degree guarantees a well-paying job. Not true! Only 20-25% of current jobs require at least a four-year college education. It’s very important to remember that many jobs also require technical skills.

- If I’m smart, go to college, study hard and graduate, I’ll get a job in my chosen occupation. Not necessarily. Getting a job in your chosen occupation depends on many factors, such as the U.S. economy, downsizing, competition, advancements in technology, etc. Again, you may have to be patient and very persistent in your job search.

- Choosing an occupation is difficult. While choosing an occupation takes time, patience, and research, it can be a satisfying experience under the guidance of your family, teachers, and counselors.

- Everyone should go to college. Everyone probably needs some training beyond high school. Think first about what occupation you want, and then find out about what education is necessary to do the job. Remember that both desire and effort are necessary to be successful in post-high school education.

(From the Minnesota SOICC Careers Study Guide)

ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE

College representatives recognize that a myriad of factors are considered in making the decision to admit a high school senior to their campus as a prospective freshman. By far, the most important item, regardless of the selectivity of the institution, is a student’s high school academic preparation.

Factors in the College Admission Decision

In order of importance…

- Grades in college prep courses

- Strength of curriculum

- Act/sat score

- Grades in all courses

- Essays

- Letters of recommendation

- Class rank

- Interview

- Extracurricular activities

ACADEMIC PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE

AVOIDING SENIORITIS

Even if you’ve done well in school all through high school, this is no time to slack off on your schoolwork. Poor senior year grades can cost you scholarship money, put you on academic probation at your college, or even result in the withdrawal of an offer of admission.

- Make sure you will have all the required classes for high school graduation or college admittance.

- Continue to take challenging courses.

- Stay or get involved in school activities and in volunteering.

- Consider finding an internship in a career field that interests you.

BUILDING GOOD STUDY SKILLS

It’s very helpful to start thinking about college and learning good study habits while in high school. The following will help you develop your study skills. Take some time to decide what you’re already doing well then pick a few to improve!

- Set aside enough time each day to get schoolwork done.

- Study every day to stay in the habit, even if you don’t have any assignments due. Review notes or read.

- Try studying in a variety of quiet spots from day to day. Research shows this improves retention.

- Study the same topic several times, days apart. This also helps you remember it better.

- Take regular study breaks. Teens should break for 10 to 15 minutes after every 45 minutes of studying.

- Stay organized. Binders, folders, and assignment books can keep materials and due dates handy.

- Plan ahead for big assignments or tests. Use a calendar or planner to break projects into smaller tasks and set target dates.

- Study with friends. Students who study together do better than those who always study alone.

- Ask a friend, parent, or guardian to quiz you on topics you’re studying.

- Talk with a teacher or school counselor if you’re struggling in any subject.

(Taken from Planning for College – Positive Promotions)

College application essay

As part of your college application, you may be asked to write a short essay or personal statement. When admission staff members read your application, they’re looking for a glimpse of your personality in addition to all the facts and figures, the classes, and extracurricular activities. That’s where your essay may distinguish you from other candidates for admission – this is your opportunity to stand out among other applicants. If two students have equal GPAs and test scores, your essay can help you immensely, tipping the scales in your favor. Use your essay to explain why you think the institution is a good match for you. Or convey your views on education or careers or politics or literature. Give the application reader some insight into your life, your personality, and your values. Make sure you do not, however, hurt your application by making spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors or by failing to adhere to the given word count!

Where do you start? Make sure you respond to the statement given and/or answer the question that is asked. This may seem obvious, but numerous students submit misguided application essays because they fail to take the time to truly understand the prompt. And don’t forget that the essay should always be about you. If the prompt asks about “someone you admire,” your essay should not be a biography of that person, but a reflection of his or her influence on your life.

Spend time on your essay, think about what’s important to you, brainstorm ideas, and outline possible options. Have other people read the essay and listen to their feedback. You’ll only have a few hundred words to make a lasting impression, so choose a topic that’s specific, unique, and memorable. Above all, be genuine.

10 APPLICATION ESSAY DO’S AND DON’TS

- DO be honest, be genuine, be you!

- DO take plenty of time for brainstorming and self-reflection to come up with unique, insightful essay ideas.

- DO ask your family, friends, mentors, & anyone else who knows you well to suggest ideas or qualities you may want to incorporate in your essay.

- DO give yourself some time, at least an hour or two, between when you write & review your finished essay.

- DO read & re-read your essay, & carefully review it for errors or confusing passages.

- DON’T lie, plagiarize, recycle a school assignment, or ask someone else to write your essay for you.

- DON’T ignore word counts or page length requirements, & don’t fiddle with font sizes or page margins to do so.

- DON’T use emoticons, text-message speak, or otherwise highly informal language.

- DON’T use your essay to praise the college you’re applying to or criticize other schools, including your high school.

- DON’T let yourself get stressed out. The application essay is your chance to talk about what makes you special – enjoy it! (Taken from Private Colleges & Universities)

MAKING A COLLEGE CHOICE

Making a college choice can be as difficult as making other important decisions that challenge you. Until you find a place to begin, a method to organize the task into smaller pieces, a way to pour a great deal of information into a meaningful package, it may seem almost impossible to make a good decision.

Begin by identifying what your reasons are for going to college.

What do you hope to gain?

What learning opportunities do you need?

What are your goals?

What are your career ambitions?

How will college help you achieve these goals and ambitions?

The next step is to relate these goals to factors you can use as you search for colleges that meet your needs. Factors to consider are:

A. Type of college

1. Two- or four-year college

2. Residential or commuter

3. Large or small

4. College or university

B. Location

1. What area(s) of the country can you realistically consider?

2. What about the relation between location and costs?

3. Are specific interests and goals tied to a specific location?

C. Admissions selectivity

1. What are the application procedures?

i. What tests are required?

ii. Are there any deadlines?

iii. What high school course preparation is need?

2. Are you eligible for admission?

3. What academic demands can you expect to find?

D. Costs

1. How much will it cost? Can you afford the school?

2. What type of financial aide is available? Look beyond freshman year award potential.

3. How do you apply for financial aid?

E. Majors and study programs available

1. Does the school offer the major your want? Who teaches the courses

2. If you are undecided, does the school offer you the chance to explore areas of your interest? Student-teacher ratio? Average class size?

3. Does the school have any type of internship program?

F. Social Life

1. What is the campus atmosphere like? This could include housing.

2. What extracurricular activities are available?

After you have developed a list of colleges to consider, begin to form a detailed and complete picture of each college. This will be helpful in identifying those that best fit your needs.

THE VALUE OF A CATHOLIC EDUCATION

“For many people, education – and most especially Catholic education – does not and should not end upon graduation from high school. The value of a Catholic education is most profoundly realized in post-secondary education, an essential stage in the formation of a mature Catholic mind.

Catholic education forms the human person in right order with God; what is at stake is the very meaning of the human person. During the years of vital discernment, a young adult needs to involve the whole person, body and soul, marrying faith and reason in the pursuit of truth and in the governance of his education and future.

A Catholic liberal arts education, during this crucial time in the formation of the person, is essential to understanding the unity of all truths. This is the special contribution of the Catholic intellectual tradition, which even for non-Catholic students ought to be an essential component of the study of Western culture – yet too often is entirely ignored at non-Catholic colleges.

In addition to providing an essential foundation in the Catholic liberal arts, a faithful Catholic college helps the student understand that knowledge learned in the pursuit of a specialized academic discipline does not conflict with faith. Instead that knowledge is enhanced and clarified by Catholic theology, and the student’s faith is deepened and enriched.”

- Eileen Cubanski

Recommended Catholic Colleges

Mount St. Mary’s University – Emmitsburg, MD Ave Maria University – Ave Maria, FL

The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts – Merrimack, NH Benedictine College – Atchison, KS

The Catholic University of America – Washington, DC Christendom College – Front Royal, VA

The College of Saint Thomas More – Forth Worth, TX DeSales University – Center Valley, PA

Franciscan University of Steubenville - Steubenville, OH Magdalen College – Warner, NH

Holy Apostles College & Seminary – Cromwell, CT Providence College – Providence, RI

John Paul the Great Catholic University – San Diego, CA University of Dallas – Irving, TX

St. Gregory’s University – Shawnee, OK University of St. Thomas – Houston, TX

Southern Catholic College – Dawsonville, GA Aquinas College – Nashville, TN Wyoming Catholic College – Lander, WY Belmont Abbey College – Belmont, NC

Thomas Aquinas College – Santa Paula, CA

Wyoming Catholic College – Lander, WY

- Taken from The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College

Newman Centers

Newman Centers are student-centered parishes and centers at non-Catholic universities throughout the country. They have programs and activities that specifically help college students grow in their Catholic faith. Many Newman Centers also host FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) bible studies, mission trips, and other activities for students.

Newman Centers were named in honor of Cardinal John Henry Newman and were inspired by Newman’s writings. Nebraska is home to several Newman Centers which provide valuable care and nurture of a student’s faith life while in college. Newman Centers in Nebraska and contact information are listed below.

Newman Center – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 320 N. 16th St., Lincoln

(402) 474-7914

UNO – St. Margaret Mary Parish 6116 Dodge St., Omaha

UNK – Newman Center 821 W. 27th St., Kearney

(308) 234-1539 cathnewman@unk.edu

Wayne State – Catholic Newman Center 412 E. 8th St., Wayne

(402) 375-1155

JUNIORS & SENIORS: APPLY EARLY TO SCC

Plan ahead if considering

Southeast Community College

(Lincoln, Milford, or Beatrice)

Do 3 Things:

1) Enroll early – many programs have a waiting list.

2) Take an entrance exam.

a. Send ACT score (if your Program of Study requires it)

b. Take either the ASSET or COMPASS test at SCC – no cost – immediate feedback

c. Call ahead for an appointment

3) If any score is too low to qualify for a program they will reserve a place in the program if you develop a plan to improve. For example, if your math score is low you can take a math class at your high school or SCC.

ADDRESS: 8800 “O” Street, Lincoln

PHONE: (402) 471-3333

WEBSITE:

The University of Nebraska

On Course Program

Some students choose to attend a Community College as a way to complete pre-requisite courses before attending a 4 year college or university. Benefits include a reduced tuition rate as well as smaller class sizes. Students who have earned an associate degree and have completed required academic units can build on what they have already started by going on to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska.

Students who complete On Course requirements are guaranteed admission to UNL, UNO, or UNK. They may even qualify for tuition assistance and scholarships that reduce or eliminate the cost of tuition.

On Course advisors work with students to help ensure that credits transfer toward a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska and even help students choose classes that do. On Course requirements include:

1. An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a Nebraska Community college, or a high school diploma or GED.

2. 16 academic units in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.

3. Additional courses that meet the university’s general education requirements, such as speech, literature, aesthetics, citizenship and others.

4. A grade of C or higher in all courses taken to fulfill On Course requirements.

On Course Checklist

- Sign up with your community college advisor to be an On Course student.

- Stay on course by taking all required classes & maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

- Apply online at the campus you wish to attend.

o UNL: admissions.unl.edu

o UNO: unomaha.edu/admissions

o UNK: unk.edu/admissions

- Pay application fee

- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions attended, including high school

- Check admission requirements for the specific degree program you wish to enter; some may have a higher GPA or additional course requirements. Admission to the University of Nebraska does not assure you of admission to a specific degree program.

For more information visit: Nebraska.edu/oncourse

COLLEGE FAIRS

Attending college fairs is a must! You will have dozens of college admission representatives from schools far and wide all gathered in one spot – so don’t miss it! And, worse, don’t come unprepared.

What’s the game plan?

Know what to expect – how is the event structured, what’s the dress code like, and even how long the event will run. These seem pretty basic, but you don’t want to shop up late and dressed inappropriately. Just ask organizers or counselors prior to the event and you’ll be ready for the day!

Who’s there?

Get a list of schools in attendance before you go to the college fair, and plan your time wisely. Collect as much college information as you can. Better yet, before you go to the fair have a list of hot prospects you want to check out. Pull that list together by doing online research.

During the fair…

Show your initiative by talking to the college reps at the college fairs; they are often the ones who will review your application. A student who asks great questions on college night is an admission rep’s dream! Here are a few good questions to ask:

How would you describe the student body’s personality?

How is this school distinctive?

How many students transfer to another school during or after their first year?

Don’t waste time!

Do not use the college fair as a time to socialize with neighbors and friends. Use your time wisely! Keep an open mind when at the fair. There will be at least a handful of colleges you’ve never heard of. Make it a priority to stop by the tables of two or three schools that are not household names. The reputation of a university does not guarantee that it’s the best school for you.

Leave with homework

Pick up as much literature as possible from a variety of colleges. Ask for an application, information on specific majors and a financial aid brochure. Before leaving each table and moving on the next, ask the admissions representative for a business card. This will provide you with a contact person in the admissions office, someone who might later be able to serve as an advocate for your application.

After the event, sort through all of the information (and goodies!) you picked up throughout the day. Spend a bit more time comparing programs, locations, class size, etc. And getting ready for your next step – the campus tour!

(From NextStepU – College Night Handouts)

COLLEGE VISITATION

It is beneficial for seniors to visit an institution of higher learning to help them in their future planning. However, a college visit is not considered a sanctioned school activity, but rather a parent-excused absence. The policies for such visits are as follows:

a. Seniors interested in post-secondary education are limited to two college visitations which must be completed by March 31, unless approved by the administration.

b. Students wanting assistance in setting up the visits or appointments with college personnel should see the guidance counselor. It is recommended that appointments be made two weeks in advance of the visit.

c. All students must meet with the guidance counselor three school days prior to the college visit and obtain necessary paper work.

d. Students should obtain a sign out sheet to be signed by a parent and turned into the office the day before the absence.

e. It is recommended that the student have taken the ACT/SAT prior to visiting the institution if the institution requires it for admission.

f. Any college/institution visit taken in which the proper procedure as outlined above is not followed, may be treated as a truancy, and detentions will be issued for each school period missed and/or the student will be assigned to a directly supervised service.

Your tour guide will be an actual student at the college you are visiting, so be prepared to ask questions. The questions below are examples of information that students may want to explore while meeting with a college representative or visiting a college.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND POLICIES

• What departments have the largest percent of students enrolled?

• What percent of graduates go directly to graduate school?

• What percent of the faculty hold Ph.D. degrees?

• How large is the library? What are the library hours?

• Do some departments have higher admission standards for acceptance?

• What is the average entrance information examination score of entering freshmen?

• Do graduate students teach any sections of freshman courses? Of upperclass courses?

• What are required freshman courses? Sophomore courses?

• What computer facilities are available?

• Is there a security escort service across campus during evening hours?

STUDENT BODY

• What is the geographical distribution of the student body?

• How many foreign students attend the college?

• What is the average size of the freshman class?

• What percent of the freshmen do not return as sophomores? What percent of these are for academic reasons?

• What percent of the students remain on campus during weekends?

• What is the male/female ratio on campus?

• Are there religious groups or organizations available on campus?

FOOD SERVICE OPTIONS

• What meal plans are available? 20 meals? 15 meals? 10 meals?

• Do you have different meal options on campus? Vegetarian, etc?

• Can you get meal vouchers to eat anywhere on campus?

• Are meals served in the dorms or are they in a central dining area?

• What provisions are available for after dinner snacks? In the dorms or dining area?

• Quick food service in the Student Union? Vending machines in the dorms?

• What meal service is available on Sunday evenings?

• Are there fast food options available within walking distance of campus?

CAMPUS REGULATIONS

• Are freshmen permitted to have automobiles? Upperclassmen?

• Are parking facilities available?

• Are there curfews in the dormitories?

HOUSING

• Do all students live in dormitories?

• Are freshmen living and eating arrangements or other regulations different from the upperclassmen? How?

• Are the dorms coed? Explain.

• Are fraternities and sororities available? Are they national?

• What percent of the student body belongs to those societies?

• Is there sufficient dormitory space for those wishing it?

CAMPUS RECREATION AND TRANSPORTATION

• How far is the nearest bus station? Airport? Railroad station?

• Does the campus have transportation service available to the airport, bus station, or railroad station?

• Is there special transportation available for incoming freshmen or at holiday vacation breaks?

• Is there travel service on campus that is available to students?

• How far is it to the nearest movie theater?

• Are there concert halls, museums, etc., in the community or area?

• Weekend activities on campus? What percentage stay on campus most weekends?

• Movies – how many were shown on campus last year and what do they cost students?

• Concerts – how many were held last year? Rock? Jazz? Classical?

• Did the campus sponsor dances? Were they open to the entire campus?

• Are there gym facilities available for recreational use?

• What intramural sports are available? How are they finances?

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE TOUR GUIDE

• Why did you choose this college?

• What was your best experience here?

• Why did you stay after freshman year?

• What’s your plan for after graduation?

Some your best feedback will come from students who are actually at the college! They are living the life you may live everyday, so who better to give you insight on the day-to-day activities on campus?

After the tour write down five impressions you had of the school. Consider the campus personality, diversity of the student body, the size of the lecture halls and student interaction. These little mental reminders will help you compare colleges later.

SAMPLE STUDENT RESUME

Lisa M. Jones

2831 Smith Drive

Wahoo, NE 68066

(402) 443-0000

lisajones@

EDUCATION

Bishop Neumann High School; Wahoo, Nebraska

GPA: 3.47/4.00

Graduation Date: May 2009

SKILLS

IBM Computer skills, WordPerfect 6.0 for Windows, Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows, Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, dBase IV, PageMaker V, COBOL, FORTRAN, AutoCAD, spoken and written Spanish, Keyboarding (54 wpm), 10-key, data entry

COURSE WORK

Calculus

Computer Applications (DOS)

Keyboarding

Business Math

Spanish (3 years)

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Student Council; Class President (2007-2009)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Treasurer (2008-2009)

Cheerleader (2006-2009)

Volleyball (2006-2009)

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Red Cross Volunteer (2008-2009)

VFW Christmas Drive Volunteer (2007-2009)

Library Volunteer (2005-2009)

HONORS & AWARDS

Honor Roll, Fall Semester, 2006, 2007, 2008

Honor Roll, Spring Semester, 2006, 2007, 2008

National Honor Society

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

When you begin to apply to schools or for scholarships, many will require 1-3 letters of recommendation. The following guidelines will help you secure better recommendations:

1) Start early. Complete the STUDENT INFORMATION SUMMARY (next page) and make as many copies as you need. Give this to each recommender for background information.

2) Choose your recommenders wisely. It’s important that the teacher, coach or counselor knows you personally. Spend time letting them get to know the real you.

3) Waive your confidentiality rights. This indicates you trust the person you ask to write about you.

4) Give the recommenders the necessary materials and information:

• application deadlines

• stamped, addressed envelopes if the instructions ask that recommendations be sent directly to the school, organization, etc.

5) Promptly send a thank you note. This shows “class” on your part.

6) Senior High Faculty must have your letter of recommendation requests 2 weeks prior to mailing date.

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Letter of Recommendation Request/Student Information Summary

Name _________________________GPA/Class Rank ___________Letter Due Date: ________

Name & Title of Recipient: _____________________________ Please mail: YES NO

Address of where letter is to be sent: ________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Who else will be writing letters on your behalf? _______________________________________

Please go into detail and “sell yourself.” Attach additional sheets as needed.

1. Future goals: (Education, career, etc.)

2. How are your goals associated with this scholarship/position you’re applying for?

3. School activities and clubs: (list years & leadership positions)

4. Non-school activities: (church, community, employment – indicate any leadership positions)

5. Awards, honors, accomplishment: (in and out of school)

6. Special interests, hobbies, talents:

7. Describe yourself – include personal characteristics, strengths, motivation, interests, future plans, etc. Stress the things you feel are unique to you!

8. Relate a meaningful/pivotal moment in your life.

WEBSITES

Step I – Learn what types of financial aid are available

• Scholarships – some based on financial need, but others based on academics, leadership, athletics, talents, or military involvement.

• Grants – based on financial need; don’t repay them; FAFSA determines eligibility

- Federal Pell Grant - Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

- State grants - College based & tuition assistance programs

• Work-study – based on financial need; allows you to earn money while attending college

• Loans – type of financial aid you must repay with interest

Step 2 – Apply for scholarships

• Look for scholarships during junior and senior years

• Review ScholarshipQuest at

• Complete online Activities Resume to keep a record of your extracurricular activities

• If needed, request letters of recommendation

• Focus on college-specific & local awards

Step 3 – Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN)

• The PIN is your signature for the electronic FAFSA. Request a PIN for you and one for a parent at pin.. Keep your PIN for future years.

Step 4 – Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Application for federal, state, & college-based financial aid

• Complete it at

• Apply after January 1 but before the colleges’ priority date to get the best financial aid package

• Complete it every year you’re in college

• Visit for tools to help you prepare for and complete the FAFSA

HOW FINANCIAL AID PROCESS WORKS:

PIN

FAFSA

PROCESSOR

COLLEGE STUDENT

Award Notification

Student Loan

HOW COLLEGES DETERMINE YOUR FINANCIAL NEED

Colleges use this standard formula to calculate your financial need:

Cost of Education (determined by the college)

- Expected Family Contribution (based on FAFSA results)

_____________________________________________________

= Financial Need

Your “financial need” determines the type and amount of financial aid you will receive.

Step 5 – Complete the financial aid process

• Expect a Student Aid Report (SAR)

• If you have been accepted for admission, the college(s) will provide a financial aid award notification detailing the assistance they’re offering based on your financial need. Respond to all award notifications by the deadlines.

• Compare financial aid awards to determine what you would need to spend out-of-pocket to fund your education; once you select a college, notify the other schools of your decision.

• If you need student loans, apply for them through your college.

* Send in a complete application – If the scholarship requires letters of recommendation, transcripts, and an Estimator worksheet/results, make sure you send one packet with everything included. Fill out all sections of the application.

* Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can give specific examples of your qualities and skills. Give them at least TWO WEEKS notice and follow up with a thank you note. Most award committees will never meet you, so your references should help paint a picture of who you are.

* Make a copy of your application for your files

* Review your application for proper grammar and spelling. Applications that are not legible or contain spelling and usage errors will not make it past the first judging cycle.

*Write essays that reveal your unique qualities. Help the committee understand what a college education means to you. Convey your hopes, interests and special qualities.

* Make sure you know the goal of the scholarship donor. Match your application packet to their criteria. If the award is for music, relate your essay and references to your musical skills and goals for the future.

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(From EducationQuest – College Prep Handbook)

SIX SIGNS THAT YOUR SCHOLARSHP IS $UNK

1. “THE SCHOLARSHIP IS GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK.” No one can guarantee that they’ll get you a grant or scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing – before you pay.

2. “YOU CAN’T GET THIS INFORMATION ANYWHERE ELSE.”

There are many free lists of scholarships. Check with your school or library before you decide to pay someone to do the work for you.

3. “MAY I HAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER TO HOLD THIS SCHOLARSHIP?” Don’t give out your credit card or bank account number on the phone without getting information in writing first. It may be a set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal.

4. “WE’LL DO ALL THE WORK.” Don’t be fooled. There’s no way around it. You must apply for scholarships or grants yourself.

5. THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COST SOME MONEY. Don’t pay anyone who claims to be “holding” a scholarship or grant for you. Free money shouldn’t cost a thing.

6. “YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED” BY A ‘NATIONAL FOUNDATION’ TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP, OR “YOU’RE A FINALIST” IN A CONTEST YOU NEVER ENTERED. Before you send money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.

If you have any questions concerning the authenticity of scholarships, check with your high school counselor or contact EducationQuest Foundation at

(800) 303-3745.

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Collegebound Nebraska

You will pay no tuition at the University of Nebraska if you:

• Are a Nebraska resident undergraduate student;

• Meet the university’s admission requirements; and

• Qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program.

You may also qualify for Collegebound Nebraska even if you aren’t eligible for a Federal Pell Grant:

• Also available to students whose families’ earnings are just beyond Federal Pell Grant eligibility

• No set income level to qualify; general guidelines is that a typical family of four with one student in college and an annual family income of $50,000 or less may qualify

Qualifying for Collegebound Nebraska

• Be admitted to the NU campus of your choice as a full-time undergraduate student;

• Be taking at least 12 credit hours per semester toward your first bachelor’s degree; and

• Complete your FAFSA by April 1 and your financial aid process by June 1 of the calendar year prior to fall enrollment

Your tuition can be paid until you earn your degree

• To remain qualified you must maintain satisfactory academic performance, as determined by your campus financial aid office

• This means making progress toward a degree & maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA

University Resources

• University of Nebraska Administration:

• Admissions, UNL: admissions.unl.edu (800) 742-8800

• Admissions, UNO: ses.unomaha.edu/admissions (877) 884-MAVS

• Admissions, UNK: unk.edu/admissions (800) KEARNEY

• University of NE Medical Center: unmcfinaid@unmc.edu

Nscs advantage program

What is it?

The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Advantage serves students, area communities, and the State of Nebraska by guaranteeing that first-time freshmen who receive federal Pell Grants pay no tuition at Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State Colleges. The award is renewable.

To Qualify for the Program

A student must be:

• A Nebraska resident

• A Federal Pell Grant recipient

• A first-time freshman

• Enrolled in at least 12 on-campus credit hours each semester

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving tuition assistance through the NSCS Advantage program, a student must:

• Be a recipient of the Federal Pell Grant

• Complete the FAFSA by June 1st each year.

• Enroll in at least 12 on-campus credit hours at Chadron, Peru, or Wayne State College each semester.

Credit Hour Limit

The award is limited to a maximum of 16 credit hours per semester (summer term is excluded) at the on-campus rate.

Midwest student exchange program

What is it?

The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) is a tuition reduction program that makes attending out-of-state colleges and universities more affordable for non-resident students. By enrolling in a MSEP program at a participating institution, you will receive a reduced tuition rate – giving you a wider range of education options for your education dollars. Nearly one hundred colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have opened their doors to each others’ citizens by offering reduced tuition rates.

How does it work?

The MSEP is not a scholarship. Through the MSEP, public institutions agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition rate for specific programs; private institutions offer a 10% reduction on their tuition rates. You must enroll as a non-resident student at a participating MSEP campus to receive the discount.

Where can you learn more?

Visit to search for participating institutions & programs.

WEBSITES

Websites for college entrance testing information and online registration

For – SAT

For – ACT

Websites for ACT prep







Websites for college searches

utexas.edu/world/univ





















college

Websites with information on scholarships and financial aid

– EducationQuest

– Comprehensive site w/information on many aspects of college planning

– National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

– U.S. Government Web Site for Students

– Comprehensive site with a wide variety of information









– NELNET

– NSLP

fasfa. – FAFSA on the web

Website for Careers

Bureau of Labor Statistics



Websites for college bound athletes





SENIOR TIMELINE

Spring/Summer

- Apply to and visit (official vs. unofficial) colleges you’re interested in attending

- Take the ACT

- Sign up for a ACT prep course if needed

- Complete a student resume using EducationQuest or Nebraska Career Connections

- Register with the NCAA or NAIA if you plan on participating in intercollegiate sports

Fall

- Visit with admissions reps who visit Bishop Neumann – no limit!

- Apply to top 3 college choices if you haven’t done so yet

- Take ACT – December date is usually the last one colleges accept

- Make official visits to colleges

- Apply for FAFSA pin #

- Gentlemen must apply for the Selective Service upon turning 18 yrs. old

Winter

- Scholarship season is January – March

- Don’t be afraid to call the financial aid department of the colleges you’re interested in to ask about scholarship opportunities

- Sign up to receive the scholarship emails from Mrs. Chvatal

- Complete the FAFSA by March 1st

- EducationQuest will help you with this – call early to schedule an appointment

Spring

- College visits must be completed by March 31st

- Make those final decisions…!?

Summer

- Register for classes

- Stock up the $$$!!!

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PAYING FOR COLLEGE – FINANCIAL AID

Scholarship Advice…Putting the Pieces Together

SCHOLARSHIP SCAM

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