Counselor's Corner

Getting financial aid for college involves more than completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete each step of the process so that you don’t miss out on money for college.

1. If you haven’t already, complete your 2021-22 FAFSA at studentaid.gov using 2019 income tax data. Before you start, you and a parent must each create a Student Aid account. If you need help with your FAFSA, contact EducationQuest to set up a free virtual appointment.

2. Expect a Student Aid Report (SAR) via an email link. The SAR acknowledges that your FAFSA was received and lets you know if you need to take further action before the form can be processed.

3. You might receive a verification notice from the college(s) you listed on your FAFSA requesting documents to verify your FAFSA information. The college will not process your financial aid until you provide required documents.

4. Watch for financial aid award notifications. Once you’re accepted for admission to the colleges you listed on your FAFSA, they will notify you of the types and amounts of financial aid they’re offering.

Watch your email and student portal carefully for important details from colleges about admission and financial aid.

1. The Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs Youth Salute is offering scholarship opportunities for juniors. In order to be eligible students must:

• be a high school junior
• have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Have held two leadership roles in school, religious, or community organizations

See Mrs. Reese if you are interested in this opportunity. The deadline to apply is February 21st.

2. Juniors will be taking the ACT test in school on March 23rd.

Seniors:

____If you haven’t already, complete the FAFSA.

____Expect financial aid award notifications from the colleges you listed on your FAFSA.

____Apply for scholarships.

Juniors:

____Start preparing for the ACT. Here are test-prep resources to consider.

____Register by February 12 for the March 13 SAT.

____Register by March 12 for the April 17 ACT.

Registration Night for current 8-10th graders will be held on Monday, February 8th in the school cafeteria. Scheduling information, high school requirements, and other pertinent information will be reviewed.

Students will begin registering for next year's classes the week of February 8th as follows:

• Current 8th graders will register at 7:15 in the school cafeteria
• Current 9th and 10th graders will register at 6:00 in the school cafeteria
• Current 11th graders will meet with Mrs. Reese individually by appointment during the week.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Reese.

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.

1. Check out the scholarship List on Naviance. Mrs. Reese updates the list weekly. Visit regularly to check on local and national awards.

2. ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org houses over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. After you create a profile, you’ll be matched with scholarships that fit your criteria. You’ll also find links to national sites that EducationQuest recommends.

3. The college you plan to attend. Contact the school for a list of scholarships they provide and the application procedures.

4. Other resources could include your coach, clubs and organizations, and your parents’ employers and civic organizations.

• Local Scholarships for Wisner-Pilger students will be available the week of February 8th. All information can be accessed through Naviance. Mrs. Reese will be visiting Government class on Tuesday, February 9th to go over the application process.
• The Dinklage Alumni Scholarship will be posted to the school's website during the week of February 8th.

Check out the scholarships below with due dates in February. 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.