Counselors:  Wanda Bird and Amy Gogas

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007

Seniors—Mrs. Bird has posted the corrected High School Diploma List for 2008 on the small bulletin board outside her office.  Check the list for the correct spelling of your legal name.  This is the name that will appear on your High School Diploma.  It is your responsibility to check the list and report any errors to Mrs. Bird. 

Selective Service Registration.  Under federal law, virtually all men must register with selective service within 30 days of their 18^th birthday.  However, the selective service system now accepts early submission of registration information by 17-year-old men.  They can submit information to selective service at age 17 years and 3 months old and be automatically registered when they turn 18.  The agency holds their registration information and automatically enters their data into the system when they turn 18. 

UNDERCLASSMEN –ACT suggests that you list, compare and visit colleges.  Compile information from several resources.  Prepare a college comparison checklist.  Weigh advantages and disadvantages.  Contact the office of admission.  Schedule appointments for your campus visits.

CHECKLIST FOR A CAMPUS VISIT—Meet with an admission counselor, verify admission requirements, determine actual college costs, ask about financial aid opportunities, take a campus tour, investigate your academic program(s), attend a class, talk with students and faculty.

****In an effort to continue the NCAA Clearinghouse emphasis on the educational mission of intercollegiate athletics, the responsibilities of the NCAA Clearinghouse will expand to include evaluating the amateurism status of these prospects.  This process, which is scheduled to open November 20, 2006, will focus on amateurism issues by asking the prospect several questions about his/her athletics participation prior to enrolling at a Division I or II institution.  The intent is to determine if a prospect is still an amateur, and therefore qualified to participate in college athletics at the Division I or II level.  

Although this expansion of the Clearinghouse will require prospects to provide more information than in the past, this change should not affect the level of involvement of our school.  Please note that completing the amateurism certification process is required only if the prospect intends to participate at a Division I or II institution for the first time starting in the fall 2007.  If the prospect plans to enroll at a non-NCAA member institution, a two-year institution or an NCAA Division III institution, the prospect will NOT need to register with the clearinghouse.

*****All SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse by the testing agency.  Test scores that appear on transcripts will no longer be used.  When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the clearinghouse code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the clearinghouse.  If the student failed to use the clearinghouse code when he/she registered for the test, additional score reports may be requested.

Additional score reports may be obtained through ACT by going online at www.actstudent.org and completing an ASR request.

Additional score reports may be obtained through SAT by going online at www.collegeboard.com and click on view and send scores. Follow the directions.

 The American Educational Services financial aid website for borrowers and school administrators providing access to information on loan programs, current accounts and AES products and services is found at www.aesSuccess.org. 

Everything to know about transferring to a four-year school from selecting a major to finding financial aid to learning about student life at a four-year institution and a lot more is found at www.FurtherYourEducation.com.

The American Educational Services debt management website to help students prepare for life after college is found at www.YouCanDealWithIt.com.

HBCUmentor is a free, interactive Website designed for students interested in attending a Historically Black College or University.  Go to www.HBCUmentor. 

CampusChamps is a free, interactive Website designed for student athletes.  Go to www.CampusChamps.org.

BENNINGTON YOUNG WRITERS AWARDS ---The goal with this competition is to recognize outstanding writing achievement by high school students across the country.  1^st Place-$500.  2^nd Place-$250.  Students may submit their entries online at: www.bennington.edu/news_bennyoungwriter.asp.  More information on the Young Writers Award can be found at www.bennington.edu under “News & Events.”  Deadline: November 1. 

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS—Wanted:  Actors, Creative Writers, Dancers, Instrumentalists, Vocalists and Visual Artists.  We are searching for 80 sophomores who are interested in looking for an incredible, cost-free, three-week immersion in the arts at West Liberty State College, June 28-July 18, 2008.  Applications are available at www.wvgovschools.org.  Sophomores mail their completed applications directly to the Office of Education and the Arts, Building 5, Room 205, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305.  Deadline:  December 4, 2007. 

JUNIORS--The West Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy applications have arrived.  The site for the academy will be Bethany College.  The dates are June 29-July 20, 2008.  Students must be residents of WV, attend a high school in WV and plan to be in attendance next year.  Students must be a junior at the time of application, must not graduate before January 2008, must have a GPA of at least 3.50, must have no term grade below a “C”, must have scored at Distinguished level on two of the three subtests of the WESTEST taken during the sophomore year (Math, Science, Language Arts) or have earned a composite score at or above the 90^th percentile on the ACT, PLAN, PSAT, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or any other nationally normed test of academic achievement taken during or after the ninth grade, must be dedicated to learning, should possess an outstanding native ability and be willing to accept academic challenges.   Applications are due to Mrs. Bird by Tuesday, January 8, 2008.  Information and applications are available in the counselor’s office as well as online at www.wvgovschools.org.  A committee from Scott High will rank the students from Scott High who apply.  All applications will then be sent to Ms. Beck for a county committee to make the county nominations to the state committee.  The state committee will make the final selections. 

 AXA ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP—To qualify, you must demonstrate:  ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community and ability to succeed in college.  Go to www.axa-achievement.com to learn more and to download an application.  Deadline:  December 15.

WEST VIRGINIA JUNIOR COLLEGE ---has Personal Merit Scholarships and Need Based Scholarships.  The amount of the scholarship is from $2500-$5000.  Examination Scholarships are awarded based on testing scores designed to measure aptitude and ability for those skills commonly required for today’s Hi-Tech careers and Medical Careers.  Apply on-line for all or one of the WVJC Charleston scholarships at www.wvjc.edu.  Click on the Scholarship link.  

WEST LIBERTY STATE COLLEGE ---The WLSC Fall Open House Program is scheduled for Saturday, November 10 from *AM-1PM.  Go to www.WestLiberty.edu or call 304-336-8076 for more information 

BOONE COUNTY-WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP FOR WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OR IT’S AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS ---Boone County high school seniors must complete the “Scholarship Application”, sign the release of information and provide a transcript of grades for grades 9-12.  Go to www.wvuboonealumni.com for an application.  Deadline:  March 1, 2008.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ---The Jefferson Scholars Foundation of the University of Virginia is exceedingly pleased to announce an exciting event for participating public and private secondary schools in the state of West Virginia.  Through the generosity of area alumni and friends of the University of Virginia, the Lyell B. Clay Jefferson Scholarship endowment, earmarked specifically for graduates of West Virginia secondary schools, has been established.  The Foundation is thus pleased to expand its scholarship competition to our area.  More information may be obtained through www.jeffersonscholars.org.

JOHNSON & WALES ---Johnson & Wales University’s Chancellor’s Scholarship program gives high academic achievers an opportunity to earn renewable scholarships, valued from $7500 to full tuition.  Johnson & Wales also continues to offer the Presidential Scholarship, valued at up to $5000 annually.  For more information, go to www.jwu.edu.

PITTSBURGH INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS ---PIA offers Associate degrees in specialized technology degree programs in Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Electronics and Electronic Systems.  Go online at www.PIA.edu for more information or call 1-800-444-1440.

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY ---YEAGER SCHOLARSHIP ---The Yeager Scholars will be provided with an enhanced university education that includes interdisciplinary seminars, the development of a proficiency in a foreign language, and the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford University.  The Society provides four-year scholarships that include tuition and fees, room and board, stipend for textbooks, personal computer, and support for a second study abroad experience or (with permission) an approved internship or undergraduate research.  The requirements for admission into the Society are: A superior record of academic achievement in high school as shown by grades and scores on standardized tests.  A minimum composite on the ACT of 28, or a minimum of 1260 on the SAT (Math and Critical Reading).  Active participation in extra-curricular activities and community activities.  Leadership ability or potential that has been demonstrated both within and outside the classroom.  Energy to complete tasks, maturity, and self-discipline.  Creativity and intellectual curiosity.  Check out the Yeager program at www.marshall.edu/yeager.  While you are there, visit the Center for Academic Excellence at  www.marshall.edu/cae.  Deadline:  December 1. 

ESSAY CONTESTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON AYN RAND’S BOOKS – Over $57000 in prize money/472 prizes/top prize: $10000—Submit your essay online at: www.aynrand.org/contests.  The 16^th Annual Essay Contest on Ayn Rand’s Novelette Anthem is for 9^th and 10^th graders.  Mrs. Bird has the topics for Anthem.  The entry deadline is March 20, 2008.  The 23^rd Annual Essay Contest on Ayn Rand’s Novel The Fountainhead is for 11^th and 12^th graders.  Mrs. Bird has the topics for The Fountainhead.  The entry deadline is April 25, 2008. 

ITHACA COLLEGE’S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SCHOLAR PROGRAM—is a special opportunity for academically exceptional students from traditionally underrepresented populations who demonstrate strong character and leadership through service and community involvement.  More information about this exciting program can be found online at www.ithaca.edu/mlk.  Deadline:  January 15. 

THE 2008 BURGER KING SCHOLARS PROGRAM ---$1000 scholarships available to all eligible high school seniors who: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, Work part-time an average of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year, Actively involved in community service activities, Demonstrate financial need and Plan to enroll in an accredited two/or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school by Fall of the application year.  Log on today at www.bk.com/scholars to apply.  Deadline:  October 15.

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY ---The J. Edward Lewis Honor Scholarship is a full-tuition award.  The scholarship is renewable for all four years of study at Washington and Lee, provided the students maintain a 3.0 grade point average.  Only students from the state of WV are eligible for this award.  The application may be downloaded from the web site at http://www1.wlu.edu/x3626.xml.

ACT SUGGESTS THE FOLLOWING STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID –

1. Apply for admission as well as financial aid.  It is wise to apply as early as you can.  Many colleges require an application both for admission and for financial aid.
2. Submit required financial aid forms.  File the FAFSA form for federal money.  Contact your counselor to obtain a FAFSA form or go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.  To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) need a U.S. Department of Education Pin.  If you do not have one, apply now at www.pin.ed.gov.  It takes several days to get your pin number(s).  You should also check with each college to determine if there are additional forms the college requires you to file.  Go to www.wvapply.com to file for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant (state aid) and the Promise Scholarship.      
3. Apply for scholarships and grants.  Colleges offer aid to students.  The FAFSA form is an automatic application for aid (for example, a Federal Pell Grant).  Apply for all scholarships for which you qualify.
4. Keep track of progress.  Keep a calendar.

PROMISE DEADLINES FOR THE CLASS OF 2008

December 8, 2007:  Last date to take the ACT (national test only).  Act scores will not be accepted for any ACT tests taken after this date.  January 26, 2008:  Last date to take the SAT.  SAT scores will not be accepted for any SAT tests taken after this date.

March 1, 2008:  Students must complete the Promise application (common application) online or submit a completed paper application to the Promise scholarship office. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by March 1, 2008.  Students may use their 8^th semester grades to achieve promise eligibility (3.0 GPA in the core and 3.0 GPA overall, but they must apply by March 1, 2008.  Students who submit late common applications will not be eligible for Promise.  Students can begin applying for the Promise scholarship November 1, 2007.  Students may apply online at www.wvapply.com or by downloading a copy of the application.    

March 1, 2008:  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be received by the federal student aid processing center on or before March 1, 2008, and they must meet the conditions for processing.  The FAFSA will be available online January 1, 2008 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Remember to apply early for your pin number(s) if you are going to apply for the FAFSA online at www.pin.ed.gov.

THE IMPROVED 2008-2009 FAFSA ON THE WEB WORKSHEET --provides a timely and appropriate tool for the vast majority of students and families who will be completing the FAFSA on the Web Application.  Complete this worksheet only if you plan to use FAFSA on the Web to apply for student financial aid.   You may get a copy of this form in the counselor’s office. 

You will need the following information to complete this worksheet.

1. Your social security number and your parents’ social security numbers if you are providing parent information
2. Your driver’s license number if you have one
3. Your alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen
4. 2007 federal tax information or tax returns (including IRS W-2 information) for yourself and spouse if you are married, and for your parents if you are providing parent information.  If you have not yet filed a 2007 income tax return, you can still submit your FAFSA but you must provide income and tax information.
5. Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security Benefits, Welfare Benefits, e.g., TANF, and Veterans Benefits, for yourself, and your parents if you are providing parent information.
6. Information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for yourself, and your parents if you are providing parent information.

Apply faster—sign your FAFSA with a U.S. Department of Education Pin.  If you do not have a pin number (s), you need to apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov before beginning FAFSA on the Web.  You will receive your pin within a few days (it is my suggestion that students and parents do not wait until a day or two before the deadline and start the process.  Submitting your FAFSA late may cost you scholarships and other financial aid), and then you can electronically sign your FAFSA when you submit your information.  If you are providing parent information, one parent must sign your FAFSA.  To sign electronically, your parent must also apply for a pin a www.pin.ed.gov.  

THE FAFSA Form.  Apply free for Federal and State Student Grants, Work-Study, and Loans using this form.  Apply free over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) need a U.S. Department of Education Pin.  If you don’t have one, apply now at www.pin.ed.gov.  Your FAFSA will be processed faster if you sign using a pin.

Don’t get stung!!!!!!!  Many sites on the internet are related to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but only one-----FAFSA on the Web-------is the official site. 

Be wary of organizations that charge a fee to submit your application or to find you money for school.  In general, the help you pay for can be obtained for free from your school or from the U. S. Department of Education. 

If you or your family has unusual circumstances (such as loss of employment), complete FAFSA on the Web to the extent you can, then submit the application and consult the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend.

For Federal Aid, submit your application as early as possible, but not earlier than January 1, 2008.  If you have questions about this application, or for more information on eligibility requirements and the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Aid Programs, visit the web site at www.studentaid.ed.gov.    After you complete this application, make a copy for your records.  If you do not receive the results of your application ---a student aid report (SAR) --- within 4 weeks, please check online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-433-3243.                                                             

For state aid, your application must be received by March 1, 2008 (file early).  State level financial aid programs in WV are available at www.wvapply.com.  Students are now able to apply online at www.wvapply.com for the WV Higher Education Grant and the Promise Scholarship.  On November 1, 2008, the common application will be available through the wvapply website.    

Steps to apply for the WV Higher Education Grant and the Promise Scholarship.

1. Go online at www.wvapply.com
2. Click on apply for financial aid
3. Click on apply on-line for the Promise scholarship and the Higher Education Grant Programs-----go to the bottom of that screen (most students do not have a Mentor account). therefore, click on begin application-I do not have a Mentor account.  (if you do have a mentor account, click the other choice)
4. The box beside the Higher Education Grant is already checked.  Check the box beside the Promise scholarship.  You will be asked for your WVEIS number.  it is a 9 digit number.  please ask Mrs. Bird for your WVEIS number.  An example of a number is 060001234.   Continue by filling in your name, etc.  Click submit your completed application.  At this time, you should be able to print a copy that states what you applied for.  You should also have a confirmation #.  Keep this for your records. 

Early Decision (ED) vs. Early Action (EA).

 Early Decision is binding.  If accepted, you must attend that school and withdraw any applications sent to other schools.  You won’t be able to compare financial aid offers. 

Early Action is not binding.  If accepted, you may compare admissions and financial aid offers from other schools and wait to commit to the college until later in the year.

Some schools now offer Single-Choice Early Action.  This option is similar to Early Action, except that you agree to not apply early to other colleges (though you may apply regular decision).

Many ED or EA deadlines occur in the fall. Verify with the college whether you are allowed to apply early action to other schools.  Ask your prospective school for more information.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT(ACG)—requirements are:  First and second year undergraduate students, Federal Pell Grant recipient, U.S. citizen, Full time, Completed rigorous secondary school program, Award amounts: $750 first year students---$13  second year students, Portable.

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT (SMART) GRANT—requirements are:  Third and fourth year undergraduate students, Federal Pell Grant recipient, U.S. citizen, Full time, Eligible major, 3.0 GPA, Award amount--$4000 for third and fourth year of study, Portable.

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY—offers a number of general academic scholarships to eligible students.  All students meeting the ACT/SAT and GPA qualifications are automatically awarded upon acceptance to the University.  A separate scholarship application is not required.  Visit the Financial Aid website for details at www.marshall.edu/sfa.

THE MCKELVEY FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURIAL SCHOLARSHIP—is available to all high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating their own businesses while in high school.  Applications are available at www.mckelveyfoundation.org.  Deadline:  complete the online application by January 15, 2008. 

WEST VIRGINIA PTA SCHOLARSHIP ---Amount: $500.  Applicants must be a high school senior in a WV school and have at least a 2.0 GPA.  More rules and regulations are listed on the application.  Deadline: must be postmarked by February 15, 2008.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ---Students wishing to be considered for academic scholarships from the Undergraduate Scholarship Office must have all application materials received by the WVU Office of Admissions and Records by February 1, 2008.  This includes the student’s high school transcript and ACT/SAT scores.  Admission requirements for Fall 2008 are: 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Studies, 4 units of college preparatory mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II and Plane Geometry), 3 units of laboratory science, 2 units of the same foreign language, and 1 unit of fine arts (this may include: band, choir, theatre, fine art photography, dance, creative writing, film, drawing, textiles, painting or private instructions with appropriate documentation).

WVU- UNIVERSITY MERIT SCHOLARSHIP ---A relatively new scholarship, the University Merit, is for students who are named as finalists by the National Merit Corporation.  To become finalists, students must first be named semi-finalists.  This process begins with students taking the PSAT test during October of their junior year.  For more details, visit www.nationalmerit.org.

NFIB YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD—At least 400 up-and-coming high school seniors will receive a $1000 Young Entrepreneur Award next spring from the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation. For an application, sprint on over to www.NFIB.com/YEA for a deadline and more details.

*MENSA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: from $300 to $1000. The general Mensa Education and Research Foundation scholarships are awarded without any restrictions with respect to age, academic grade point average, financial need, race, gender (except for the Levine award), nor membership in Mensa. Eligibility for these scholarships requires that the applicant be enrolled in a degree program at an accredited American post-secondary educational institution for the next academic year. More instructions are to be found on the application. Deadline: must be postmarked on or before January 15, 2008. 

*THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE---PASQUA SCHOLARSH1P---NUCLEAR & RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP---AMOUNT: $2000 distributed over four consecutive semesters at UTK. For more information, go on-line at www.engr.utk.edu/nuclear.

*THE 2008 SAM WALTON COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP---is available through www.walmartfoundation.org. The Community Scholarship is a non-renewable $1000 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 or Sam’s Club associate. Deadline: must be postmarked by January 14, 2008. See the website for general guidelines and scholarship opportunities for associates and children of associates.

THE AXA ACHIEVEMENT COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP---Winners, known as AXA Achievers, must demonstrate ambition and drive, a determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community and the ability to succeed in college.  Applications are available to download at www.axa-achievement.com.  Deadline:  Apply by February 15, 2008. 

2008 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CHAMPION COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP---The scholarship is open to any survivor of childhood cancer who will attend an accredited 2 or 4 year institution, was diagnosed before the age of 19 and is currently 25 or under.  Applicants must be legal residents of Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia.  First-year recipients will receive $1000 and college scholarship renewals will be awarded in the amount of $500.  (Maximum scholarship amount to one student will be four awards totaling $2500).  To receive an application, please call 1-800-227-2345 after January 1, 2008.  Deadline:  April 15, 2008. 

FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY---Music Scholarship Auditions will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008.  Scholarships are awarded to Music Education Majors, Music Minors, and Performers in Bands and Choirs.  Further information and answers to your questions about Fairmont State University’s music program may be found at www.fairmontstate.edu.  Deadline:  The application deadline is Friday, February 22, 2008. 

MID-ATLANTIC AEROSPACE FELLOWSHIP---offers scholarship opportunities to students who wish to pursue one of the many aerospace programs offered at the Fairmont State University Aerospace Educational Center.  The fellowship also offers the student loan opportunities to help them support their college initiatives. Applicant Qualifications:  Must be a student attending or enrolled to attend the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center at Fairmont State University, Must demonstrate a serious commitment to pursue and complete one of the following degree programs: Aviation Maintenance Management, BS-- Avionics Maintenance Management, BS-- Aviation Maintenance, Technology AAS-- Avionics Line Maintenance Certificate-- Aviation Administration, BS.  Applicant must remain actively involved in an aviation program, Applicant must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA.  Apply today at www.mollohanfoundation.org.  Deadline:  Postmarked by February 11, 2008. 

HELEN HOLT MOLLOHAN SCHOLARSHIP---Applicant Qualifications: West Virginia female who exhibits strong character, integrity, service to the community, concern for others, and high standards of scholarship entering Glenville State College.  Amount: $2500- Renewable annually (for a maximum of four years) provided that the recipient maintains satisfactory academic performance while at Glenville State College.  Apply today at www.mollohanfoundation.org.  Deadline:  Postmarked by February 11, 2008.