Counselor's Corner

There’s A LOT going on right now with the financial aid and college admission processes, but don’t get overwhelmed! Here’s a recap of tasks you should complete this fall to stay on track to college.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• First, create a Federal Student Aid account (FSA ID) for you and one for a parent at studentaid.gov. You’ll need the user names and passwords to access and sign the FAFSA. Click here for instructions.
  
• Review our FAFSA Checklist for items to gather before you start the form.
• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• For free help with the FAFSA, see FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org or call the EducationQuest location nearest to you to make a virtual appointment.

2. Apply to your top college choices. If your high school is holding an Apply2College event this fall, you’ll get help with your applications. If not, here are steps you should take to apply.

3. Retake the ACT and/or SAT. Some colleges will use your best scores for college admission and scholarships.

4. Get serious about applying for scholarships. See ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org for Nebraska-based scholarships and a list of national search sites.

If you narrow your college choices by the end of your junior year, your senior year will be less stressful. Here’s how to get started:

1. Review College Profiles at EducationQuest.org to learn about colleges in Nebraska and across the country. If you’re interested in an out-of-state school, check out the Midwest Student Exchange Program to learn about tuition discounts.

2. Check out the EducationQuest Virtual College Fair. The live fair is over, but you can still register and log in to visit college booths and watch recorded college-prep sessions.

3. Once you narrow your choices, schedule campus visits. Try to visit in the spring of your junior year while colleges are in session. Click here to find links to virtual campus visits.

For more tips, see the Finding the Right Fit section at EducationQuest.org.

Seniors…complete these tasks in November to stay on the path to college:

• Complete the FAFSA.
• Apply to your top college choices.
• Register by November 5 for the December 5 SAT.
• Register by November 6 for the December 12 ACT.

Juniors…complete these tasks:

• Research colleges that interest you.

Apply to college day was held on Wednesday, October 14th during 7th and 8th period! Students spent the period applying to college and working on scholarship applications. Congratulations to the many students who took the big step of applying to college!

The student council is sponsoring a coat drive to benefit the Norfolk Rescue Mission. All sizes of coats will be accepted. Coats should be clean and wearable. Hats and scarves are also needed. Donation boxes are located just inside the doors to the high school. We will be accepting donations until November 20th. Please consider donating unwanted coats to help others keep warm this winter!

On Wednesday, November 4th, seniors will have the opportunity to either schedule a college visit or participate in a job shadow. Students are responsible for lining up their activities for the day. Students must submit a form signed by a college or business representative in order for their absence to be excused.

This is a scholarship work night! Seniors are encouraged to come and work on college applications and scholarships. Special focus will be on the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship. Dinner will be provided for students who attend.

The Susan T. Buffett Foundation has offered scholarships to college students in Nebraska for over 50 years. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to first-time freshman entering college who live in Nebraska, graduate from a Nebraska high school (or GED) with plans to attend a Nebraska public college, and demonstrate financial need.

The award amount varies based on the school in which you enroll. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see award amounts at various schools: Award Amounts

The application opens November 1st and closes February 1st at 5:00pm.

Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis.

The 20 Top Finalists traditionally participate in an all expenses paid Leadership Weekend in Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These 20 Finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

The application closes November, 15th at 11:59 pm.

Students,

Make sure to check your college's scholarship page to keep track of when scholarships are due! This is not a complete list. Check the school's website for more information!

NECC Scholarships

• The application opened October 1st and is due by March 1st

WSC

Due December 1st

• Neihardt Scholarship
• Presidential Scholarship
• Leadership Award
• Education Matters Scholarship
• RHOP & RLOP
• Growing Together Career Scholars Program

UNL

Due February 1st

• All application materials, including scholarship statement, must be submitted by this date to be considered for service, leadership and diversity scholarships.

UNK

Due November 15th

• Deadline for Omaha World Herald and KLOP scholarship

Due December 1st

• Deadline for KHOP Scholarship

Due February 1st

• Davis Chambers Scholarship and Teachers Scholar Academy

UNO

• Students must apply by February 1st to be considered for merit scholarships
• UNO also offers several other scholarships with various due dates. Click the link for a list.

Continue to check Naviance for updated information about local scholarships.

ScholarshipQuest lists more than 2,000.00 Nebraska based scholarships. This is an excellent resource for scholarships for Nebraska students.