Counselor's Corner

Students,

We are getting close to the end of first semester. Remember that your grades matter! Your first semester grades will be averaged into your cumulative GPA. This is one of the main numbers colleges look at when making admissions and scholarship decisions.

Keep up the great work and finish the semester strong!

The FAFSA opened October 1, so many of you have already completed and submitted your form.

Here’s what happens next:

• Expect a Student Aid Report (SAR) via an email link. The SAR tells you that your FAFSA was processed and lets you know if you need to take further action.
• Watch for verification requests. The college(s) you listed on your FAFSA might request verification of your FAFSA information. If so, send the required documents to the colleges’ financial aid office. The college will not process your financial aid until they receive the documents.
• Watch for financial aid award notifications. The colleges you listed on your FAFSA – and were accepted to – will send you financial aid award notifications detailing the types and amounts of aid they’re offering based on your financial need.

• No problem! You and a parent can complete the form at studentaid.gov. Before you start, create a Student Aid Account (FSA ID) for you and one for a parent. You’ll need them to access and sign the FAFSA.
• For free help with the FAFSA, watch these brief FAFSA Demo videos, use our FAFSA Tools, or call the EducationQuest location nearest to you to make a virtual appointment: Omaha – 402.391.4033 or 888.357.6300

Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:

• Don’t ever pay for scholarship searches! Use free resources such as ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org with over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. You’ll also find a list of free national sites that we recommend such as Chegg, College Board, and Fastweb.
• Focus on local and college-based scholarships because you're more likely to earn them.
• Update your resume on Naviance.
• Earn the best possible ACT scores by taking the exam(s) in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.
• Use quality references such as a teacher, coach, or counselor. Encourage them to write specific examples of your leadership skills. Give them a specific deadline, and a copy of your Activities Resume.
• Tailor your essay to the scholarship. Ask an English teacher to read your essay and offer advice on making a big impact. Your essay will need to stand out from other applications.

Complete these tasks during December to stay on the right college-planning track.

Seniors:

____If you haven’t already, submit college applications and the FAFSA.

____Continue to apply for scholarships.

____Follow EducationQuest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

Juniors:

____Take an ACT prep course.

____Set up a ScholarshipQuest profile and start searching for Nebraska-based scholarships.

____Follow EducationQuest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

Remember to check Naviance for a current list of scholarships! This list is updated weekly.

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.

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.