SMITH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

WHOO HOO! 

Use this link to view the application for the  SMITH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP I've been telling you about. It's not due to December 1st, but the application is lengthy and only the VERY BEST applications will be forwarded to the Smith Trustees for consideration of a scholarship worth over $60,000.  

Set up your log in information (and write down the information so you can access it again).  GET BUSY!

NEW DEADLINE INFORMATION

APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 1, 2016

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: JANUARY 15, 2017

NEW REQUIREMENTS:

·         Application for scholarships at student’s “preferred” universities and application to other scholarship providers must be completed before submitting your SSF scholarship application by December 1, 2016.

·         Submission of FASFA forms for 2017-18 before submitting your SSF scholarship application December 1, 2016.

To encourage students in applying for college scholarships at both their preferred institutions and with outside providers, new deadlines now exist.

We have found that many students who were eligible for college scholarships were unaware of the early deadlines for College Admission and Scholarship Applications.

FASFA applications are open October 1, 2016 for school year 2017-18 and now use 2015 Tax Information along with new IRS links to easily transfer tax required information directly into the FASFA Form.Early application to Federal and State programs can increase awarded aid by up to $2,000. Some funds are limited and awards are based upon application date as well as financial need.

See “Most Commonly Asked Questions” on the Smith Foundation website for additional information.

WHICH COLLEGE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

As you start your journey and complete applications for college, you should have some options.   Having choices is good at this stage of the game.  Dream big, but then make decisions realistically, considering a series of facts based on your particular needs, interests, and finances.

Of course, many students want to go off and see the country by traveling out of state, but unless there are significant financial incentives, you may have additional difficulty paying for your education.  Having a checklist and making sound judgements will help you to make a wise selection.

Consider these factors:

• What is the best learning environment for me?
• Does the size of the college matter?
• Does the location (urban, rural, in state, out of state) matter?
• What type of college (public, private, gender specific, religious) fits my interests and financial situation?
• Do I need one-to-one interaction with my professor, or am I disciplined/driven enough to work and learn on my own?
• Can I handle a fast-paced learning environment?
• Does the college or university offer my major?
• Will I be able to travel to and from college without financially burdening my parents?
• What is the college data regarding graduation? 
• What is the graduation rate?
• What is the graduate school admission rate?
• Does the college have a career placement office?
• Are there support systems in place to assist me in graduating from college, such as TRIO Student Support Services?

If you are eligible for merit-based scholarships (ACT and GPA), you will need to complete your admission to that particular college no later than November 15th (to meet the December 1st deadline).  Outside scholarships (such as Smith, Dell, and Linly Heflin) will also ask about where you have been accepted, so you should apply to several before these deadlines.

SAVE THE DATE SENIOR FAFSA DAY

Academic and Super Saturday Calendars

University of Montevallo

TRIO Upward Bound Academic Component

2016-2017

Tuesday, September 20

     Returning Students ONLY

Monday, October 3

     New Student Orientation

     Returning Students Regular Academic Session

Tuesday, October 18

Tuesday, November 1

Tuesday, November 15

Monday, November 28

Monday, December 5

Tuesday, January 10

Monday, January 23

Tuesday, February 7

Monday, February 27

Monday, March 6

Tuesday, March 21

Monday, April 3

Tuesday, April 18

Monday, April 24

 SUPER SATURDAY SCHEDULE

September 24         

EXPLORE / PLAN Testing (9^th and 10^th grades Make Up) TUTORING; Super Spectacular Senior Success Saturday;  Senior Scholarships & Senior Portfolio; Computer Access

October 8 

Last date for EXPLORE / PLAN Testing; ACT Prep; TUTORING;

Senior Admissions and Scholarships, Computer Access

October 22 ACT Prep; TUTORING; Senior Admissions and Scholarships,

Computer Access

November 5 ACT Prep; TUTORING; Senior Admissions and Scholarships;

Computer Access

November 12 ACT Prep; TUTORING; Senior Admissions and Scholarships;

Computer Access; SENIOR FAFSA DAY

December 3 ACT Prep; TUTORING; Senior Admissions and Scholarships;

Computer Access

December 10 Senior Admissions and Scholarships; TUTORING; Computer

Access; TUTORING

January 14 Senior Admissions and Scholarships; Senior Portfolios; TUTORING; Computer Access

January 28 Senior Admissions and Scholarships; Senior Portfolios; TUTORING; Computer Access

February 4 Tutoring, Senior Admissions, Scholarships; FAFSA;

Computer Access; TUTORING; Senior Portfolio

February 18 ACT Prep; Senior Stuff, Bridge, Scholarships;

Computer Access; TUTORING

March 4 ACT Pre Test (Required for ALL 10^th and 11^th graders); Senior Stuff, Bridge, Scholarships; Computer Access; TUTORING before CAREER DAY

March 18 ACT Pre Test MAKE UP (Required for ALL 10^th and 11^th graders); Senior Stuff, Bridge, Scholarships; Computer Access;

TUTORING, ACT Pre Test; Scholarships; Computer Access

April 15 ACT Prep; Senior Admissions and Scholarships; Computer Access; TUTORING; Senior Portfolio

April 29 Senior Admissions and Scholarships; Computer Access; TUTORING

YOUR FANTASTIC FUTURE & a COLLEGE DEGREE!

YOUR ACADEMIC RECORD

In the college admissions process, nothing is more important than a student’s high school academic record.  You should know what information is included in this record and how colleges use this information.

Admissions Criteria

Colleges use some, if not all, of the information listed below when determining whether or not to accept an applicant.  Individual colleges, however, differ in how they evaluate this information.  For example, one college may place a great deal of importance of standardized test scores, such as the ACT.  Other colleges may focus on more factors, but the main three are these:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) 
• Academic Rigor
• ACT scores

Colleges will review these three criteria using your high school transcript, which details the courses you have taken in grades 9-12.  A current cumulative GPA  (based on a 4.0 scale) is used.  It is crucial your GPA be a 3.0 or above for college admission.  For scholarships, a 3.5 GPA is recommended. High schools have “weighted” grades for Honors, AP, or dual enrollment classes.  By taking these rigorous courses, you can improve your GPA and even have a GPA higher than a 4.0 at graduation, which is VERY IMPRESSIVE.  The minimum GPA you should have is a 20, but again the higher the score, the more opportunity to earn admission and scholarships.  

Competitive scholarships, often called merit-based scholarships, often require GPA’s of 3.5 or above and ACT scores of 25 or above. The higher these two numbers, the more money available to you!

If you haven't been able to schedule a one-to-one SENIOR STRATEGY SESSION with Mrs. Buff before the start of school, don't delay!  We need a plan of action to get you on the path for a FANTASTIC FUTURE and a COLLEGE DEGREE!

BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDERS

Here are some quick reminders.  

• When you do your school shopping, remember to get a planner/organizer.  You will find this most helpful when you're applying for multiple scholarships.
• Remember to schedule your Senior Strategy Session (1 hr. with me) to make sure all of your files are set up for the year. (Bring senior binder, pages 1-2 of parent's 1040 tax forms, and--if you have it yet--your planner)
• If you plan to take the ACT again, here the dates:

      Test Date                              Registration Deadline

        September 10, 2016              August 5, 2016

        October 22, 2016                   September 16, 2016

        December 10, 2016               November 4, 2016

        February 11, 2017                 January 13, 2017

        April 8, 2017                          March 3, 2017

        June 10, 2017                        May 5, 2017

The cost is $42.50--you don't need to take the writing again.

Questions? Contact me at buffmj@montevallo.edu or (205) 516-5007.

DON'T WASTE AWAY THE SUMMER

Hopefully, you're starting to catch up on your rest from a busy Upward Bound Summer.  Since some of you don't have FB accounts, you may not have gotten the information of a very good blog I'm following (Hopefully, you're following THIS one) for UB Seniors.  As I mentioned this summer, I need to meet with all of you (plan 1-2 hours of time) sometime this summer BEFORE school starts.

During this Senior Strategy Session (just the two of us), we'll make sure your digital file has what will be needed for many scholarships.  We will identify specific scholarships you should qualify for.  I will also start your LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION--which you will most likely need for all scholarships.  

Call me at 205-516-5007 or email me at buffmj@montevallo.edu to set up an appointment.