Counselor's Corner

EducationQuest will host a Virtual College Fair Tuesday, March 2 from 9 a.m. - Noon CT and Wednesday, March 3 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. During this time students can visit with college representatives and watch live college-prep presentations.

Please let Mrs. Reese know if you would like to attend.

Seniors…stay on track to college by completing these second-semester tasks:

1. Complete the financial aid process. By now, you should have completed your FAFSA. If you haven’t, do so at studentaid.gov. If your college requests verification of your FAFSA information, submit required documents so that the school can award your financial aid.
2. Watch your student portal and email closely. Once you’re accepted for admission, the colleges you listed on your FAFSA will notify you of the financial aid they’re offering.
3. Keep your grades up. If you get poor grades this semester, your college could revoke your admission.
4. Apply for scholarships. See ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org for Nebraska-based scholarships. You’ll also find links to national scholarship sites. Check Naviance for local and regional scholarships. Finish applications for local and regional scholarships.
5. Make your final college selection. Notify the other colleges so they can take you off their mailing list.
6. Be aware of deadlines to accept financial aid and college admission offers, submit your housing deposit, and register for new-student orientation.
   

Narrow your college choices soon to prepare for these upcoming activities:

1. ACT Test. When you take the ACT this spring, you'll be asked to provide a list of colleges that should receive your score.
2. Completion of the FAFSA early next fall. You and your parents can complete the FAFSA beginning October 1 of your senior year. The colleges you list on the form will receive the results.
3. College applications. Early next fall, it will be time to apply to your top college choices.
4. Completion of the FAFSA early next fall. You and your parents can complete the FAFSA beginning October 1 of your senior year. The colleges you list on the form will receive the results.
5. College applications. Early next fall, it will be time to apply to your top college choices.

Spring break is a perfect time to visit schools that interest you. Find campus visit tips in the “Selecting a College” section at EducationQuest.org.

These resources at EducationQuest.org will also help with your college search:

• “Nebraska College Costs” breaks down costs for all colleges in Nebraska.
• College Profiles has details about colleges in Nebraska and across the country.

Seniors

___ Don’t miss the Virtual College Fair March 2-3.

___ If you haven’t already, complete your FAFSA!

___ Watch for financial aid award notifications.

___ Continue applying for scholarships.

Juniors

___ Don’t miss the Virtual College Fair March 2-3.

___ Register by March 12 for the April 17 ACT.

___ Register by April 8 for the May 8 SAT.

___ Schedule campus visits.

To apply, create a ScholarshipQuest profile at EducationQuest.org and then scavenge around our website to find answers to questions on a survey. We’ll draw two winners from those who answer all questions correctly. Click here for details.

To complete your local scholarship application, make sure to turn in these documents:

1. Completed Local Scholarship Applications
2. Resume
3. 2 recommendation forms from teachers (you can use these two recommendations for all local scholarships, even those that require a separate application)

Don't forget about the local scholarships that require a separate application! The resume and recommendations you turn in can be used for these scholarships too, but you will need to fill out a separate application. These applications can be found on Naviance and are also due on April 1st @ 3:45:

• Jim Johnson Outstanding Band Senior

• Wisner Volunteer Fire and Rescue Scholarship

• Norgard Scholarship

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarship

• Jim Johnson Instrumental Music Scholarship

• Bill and Mary Ann Hakonson Scholarship

• Warren Heller Memorial Scholarship

• Living in the Moment: Jayda Oligmueller Scholarship

Check out the scholarships below with due dates in March. Click the picture to see a larger version of the list. Information for these scholarships and more can be found on Naviance.

The Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office has opened their annual “Why I Want to Go to College” writing contest scholarship. Twelve 7th & 8th grade students will receive $2,000, $1,000, or $500 in a college savings plan. Entries are due April 1. Go here for the details.