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Boaz High School August - September 2008 Becky Boddie Senior Newsletter Guidance Counselor Welcome to your SENIOR year! You are entering a very exciting, fast-paced and important time in your life. Not only will you be busy with so many activities associated with school, but you also have many decisions to make about your future. I will do my best to keep you up-to-date on any information about scholarships, college fairs, visitation days, etc. etc. etc!!! However, please REMEMBER that it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to complete applications and return them in a timely manner. I will use newsletters to let you know about any opportunities that come to my attention (be sure to check the Counselor’s Corner at www.piratepride.org often, listen for announcements on the announcement sheet, from your teachers, etc). Also, check out the list of websites in Counselor’s Corner at www.piratepride.org. YOU need to be searching for information on schools, scholarships, etc. on your own NOW. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Feel free to come by if I can assist you in any way. HAVE A GREAT SENIOR YEAR!
TESTING INFORMATION The Alabama High School Graduation Exam is scheduled for September 15-19, 2008 (Monday – reading; Tuesday – language; Wednesday – social studies; Thursday –science; Friday – math. Remember, you must have passed all five sections of the graduation exam in order to graduate with a regular, career-tech, advanced career-tech, or advanced diploma. You must pass three parts, including the reading and math, to earn a credit-based diploma. If you have passed three parts, you must continue to take the AHSGE throughout the rest of your senior year to try to pass the other parts. The AHSGE will also be given December 8-12, 2008, and March 6-13, 2009.
Registration packets for the ACT and SAT college entrance exams are available in the guidance office. You can also register online at www.actstudent.org. for the ACT or www.collegeboard.com for the SAT.
ACT Test dates/deadlines for registering are: October 25, 2008 / September 19, 2008 December 13, 2008 / November 7, 2008 February 7, 2009 / January 6, 2009 April 4, 2009 / February 27, 2009 June 13, 2009 / May 8, 2009
SAT Test dates/deadlines for registering are: October 4, 2008 / September 9, 2008 November 1, 2008 / September 26, 2008 December 6, 2008 / November 5, 2008 January 24, 2009 / December 26, 2008 March 14, 2009 / February 10, 2009 May 2, 2009 / March 31, 2009 June 6, 2009 / May 5, 2009
(See me about fee waivers for the ACT and/or SAT if you qualify for free/reduced lunches or receive public assistance, are a ward of the state or reside in a foster home, are a member of Upward Bound, or your family income falls below the 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics Low Standard budget.)
Snead State will be offering ACT Prep classes in October before the Oct. 25th test date and again in November before the Dec. 13 test date. The cost is $89, which includes the textbook (Barron’s ACT textbook). The exact dates, times, and location of the class will be announced at a later date. To register, contact Cherri Barnard (cbarnard@snead.edu or 840-4152) or John Rohlfs (jrohlfs@snead.edu or 840-4206).
On the ACT student website, there is an online prep program that costs $19.95 for a full year of use. It reads: ACT ONLINE PREP – The only test preparation program designed exclusively by ACT test development professionals. It includes practice tests with real ACT test questions; practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test with real-time scoring; comprehensive content review for each of the ACT’s four required tests – English, math, reading, and science; diagnostic test and personalized Study Path; anywhere, anytime access via the internet; resources, tips on test taking, test descriptions, etc.
There is also THE REAL ACT PREP GUIDE, which includes three practice tests used in previous actual test administrations – each with an optional Writing Test; explanations for all right and wrong answer choices; an in-depth look at the new optional Writing Test and how it is scored; valuable test-taking strategies for each test section: English, math, reading, science, and the optional Writing Test; all you need to know about the ACT – formatting, structure, registration, and how colleges interpret your scores; a review of important topics in English, math, science, and writing; how to prepare – physically, mentally, and emotionally – for test day. Orders for the REAL ACT PREP GUIDE will be shipped to you directly from the publisher at a cost of $25 each.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION Males who are 18 years of age must register with the Selective Service System. Register at www.sss.gov. You must register to be eligible for federal financial aid as well as financial aid at most colleges.
INFORMATION FOR ATHLETES If you are considering participating in Division I or II athletics as a college freshman, you must register with and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. This requires that you take a certain number of core courses and maintain a certain grade point average depending on your ACT/SAT score. Review the information in your course descriptions book or go to https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/ for information and to register. When registering for the ACT or SAT, remember that “official” test scores must be sent from the testing agency using code 9999. Test scores that appear on a high school transcript will not be accepted. Those graduating in 2008 or later who plan to attend an NCAA Division I institution must have 16 core courses, including 4 years of English; 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher); 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school); 1 year of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science; 2 years of social science; and 4 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).
COLLEGE VISITS If you are planning to attend college, you should be narrowing your choices down to three or four schools. Most schools now have applications and scholarship applications available online. You should also schedule an appointment to visit, preferably on weekends since only one college visitation day will be excused from school. You must get a permission form signed by your parents and turn it in to the guidance office before going on a college visit on a school day. Check with Mrs.Boddie in the guidance office for a permission form.
COLLEGE FAIRS Marshall County College Day at Snead State Community College has been set for Tuesday, September 30, 2008. Seniors will participate in a tour of the Snead campus and visit with recruiters from a variety of colleges/universities. You must return the travel permission form to Mrs. Bates or Mrs. Jones by September 12, 2008 in order to go on the trip.
The Birmingham National College Fair will be held Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 1-4 p.m. at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, AL. Admission is free. You can meet representatives from colleges and universities from throughout the country and get information on admission requirements, financial aid, testing, college majors, and more. For more information on which schools will be represented, go to www.nacacnet.org and click on the College Fairs logo on the lower right.
The Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) College Fairs are designed for students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate study in the areas of music, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic design, and other related disciplines. The fairs are held each fall; attendees learn about educational opportunities, admission and financial aid, portfolio days, audition and entrance requirements, and much more! Attend a PVA and meet with representatives from colleges, universities, conservatories, festivals and other educational institutions with specialized programs in the visual and performing arts. Upcoming Fall 2008 PVA Fairs are listed on the www.nacacnet.org website, the closest being Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, October 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Pebblebrook High School.
COLLEGE VISITATION/FALL PREVIEW DAYS Check college websites for preview days and to register (if necessary).
WEB ADDRESSES FOR LOCAL AND STATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Auburn University www.auburn.edu Jacksonville State University www.jsu.edu
Alabama State University www.alasu.edu JudsonCollege www.home.judson.edu
University of South Alabama www.usouthal.edu Montevallo www.montevallo.edu
University of Alabama www.ua.edu Samford University www.samford.edu
Alabama A & M University www.aamu.edu Snead State Community College www.snead.cc.al.us
Athens State University www.athens.edu Talladega College www.talladega.edu
Birmingham Southern www.bsc.edu Troy University www.troyst.edu
Faulkner University www.faulkner.edu Tuskegee University www.tusk.edu
Huntingdon College www.huntingdon.edu UAB www.main.uab.edu
Gadsden State Community UAH www.uah.edu College www.gadsdenstate.edu
University of North Alabama www.una.edu
HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR COLLEGE PLANNING, SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES, ETC www.fastweb.com www.eCampusTours.com www.MeritAid.com www.scholarshipprogramadministrators.com www.anycollege.com www.nelnet.com www.careersandcolleges.com www.thesalliemaefund.org
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION/SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE You need to be aware of the deadlines for early decision/priority admission/scholarship applications at any school in which you are interested. Be sure to check on these dates. You can find these dates on the school’s website.
HELPFUL HINTS Visit and make contacts at the schools you are considering. Apply early. Do not leave blanks on application forms. Complete applications in black ink or type them. Apply on-line if possible. Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send in. Use your full given name, not a nickname. Use a professional-sounding email address, not something like gogirl@hotmamas.com Read carefully and follow directions. Respond quickly to all requests from admissions/financial aid/etc. offices. Take responsibility. Don’t expect your parents to do this for you!
REMINDERS Use the excellent guide to building a resume at KUDER.COM to get that resume done as soon as possible! You’ll need it to attach to applications. Request letters of recommendation from teachers and others NOW so that they have plenty of time to prepare them!
INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS Coca Cola Scholars Program accepts applications from mid-August through October 31, 2008. Recipients are well-rounded individuals with highly developed interests in their community. They spend time volunteering, initiating programs of all kinds, tutoring youngsters or peers, and are leaders in their schools. They are aware of their physical and social environments and are taking steps to improve them. They are often employed during the school year and/or summer. They balance all these extracurricular activities with strong academic performances Students with grade point average of at least 3.0 are most likely to receive scholarships. Deadline is October 31, 2008. You must apply on-line at www.coca-colascholars.org, then click the apply online hyperlink, then Four Year Award for Seniors. Click on the Coca-Cola Scholars Application. Complete the registration and log-in screens, then check the eligibility requirements. Review the detailed instructions and begin your chance to become a Coca-Cola Scholar. You will need information such as CEEB school code (010465), GPA and class rank information before starting the application process. The application takes time to complete and must be received BEFORE the midnight October 31 DEADLINE.
Wendy’s High School Heisman has opened the door for any senior student-athlete to apply for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Program this year. Applicants must exhibit excellence in the classroom, on the field and within their communities. Looking for seniors who are hard-working, dedicated, role models for underclassmen, with at least a “B” grade average and participate in at least one of the 32 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.. The online nomination form must be completed by the student and reviewed by a high school official no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 6, 2008. All nominees, male and female, from our school will be considered, then one male and one female will be named School Winners in early October. State Finalists will be announced November, with State Winners determined in mid-November. All finalists will be notified by mail. Apply online at www.wendysheisman.com for the chance a win a trip to New York City for Heisman Memorial Trophy Weekend, up to $10,000 for your school, ultimate bragging rights and more.
The Horatio-Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Eligibility to be considered for National Scholarships, National Scholarship Finalist Awards, and Horatio Alger State Scholarship programs are: senior in 08-09; intent to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution (can start at 2-year, then transfer to 4-year); critical financial need ($50,000 or less adjusted gross income per family preferred, if higher explanation must be provided); involvement in co-curricular and community activities; minimum GPA of 2.0; U.S. citizenship. Applications available online at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. Application deadline, October 30, 2008.
SunTrust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes. $1,000 scholarship for high school seniors, plus a $100 SunTrust Gift Card. Free to enter and eligibility is not based on GPA or financial need. Fifteen chances to win – one winner every two weeks from October – May (you must register for each drawing). Apply online at www.offtocollege.info beginning on September 15, 2008.
ALFA Insurance announces scholarships for students who plan to attend Auburn University and major in any curriculum in the College of Agriculture or School of Forestry, or to students majoring in Agricultural Engineering or Agricultural Education. Scholarship amount is $1,750 per year, renewable for a normal maximum of four years if student meets requirements for renewal. Must be a US citizen, exhibit good moral character and citizenship, and exhibit excellent academic potential. Preference for scholarships will be given to merit scholars, freshmen, transfer students and continuing students in that order. Deadline for applications is December 1, 2008. See Mrs. Boddie for a copy of the application.
youngARTS – formerly known as Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS), a program of the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, announces the youngARTS 2008 competition, offering $10,000 youngARTS Gold Awards, $5,000 youngARTS Silver Awards, $500,000 in cash prizes, all-expenses-paid youngARTS week in Miami, FL, and exclusive Presidential Scholars in the Arts nominations in the areas of cinematic arts, dance, jazz, classical music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. To qualify, you must be a senior in 07-08, a citizen or permanent resident of the US or its official territories. Registration fees are due before October 1, 2008 ($35 per category for online registrations, $40 per category for paper/mail-in registrations (the website has details about reduced fees for qualifying students). You may register in more than one category. For more information, go to www.youngARTS.org.
Outstanding Students of America (www.outstandingstudentsofamerica.com) is a national organization dedicated to providing high school seniors with scholarships. The scholarships are $1000.00 each and are payable to the college of the student’s choice. Outstanding Students of America is seeking a well rounded, intelligent student as a recipient. The focus of the scholarship committee will be the students who are participative in community/school involvement and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. The Community Foundation of West Alabama, a non profit organization, administers the disbursement of the scholarship funds. Postmark deadline for applications October 10, 2008.
The Kids' Chance Scholarship Fund, administered by the Alabama Law Foundation, Inc., provides scholarships for college and technical school to children who have had a parent killed or permanently and totally disabled in an on-the-job accident. To submit an application, go to www.alfinc.org. Deadline to submit applications is May 1, 2009.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recognize youth volunteerism in our school and community. Interested students should go to www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential,. The online application form for The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards will be available at the end of August. Applications must be completed by Friday, October 31, 2008. Once the application is posted, click on the “Apply Now” link, and follow the on-screen instructions. Then print your completed application, you and a parent sign it, then submit it to Mrs. Boddie by October 31, 2008. One student from BHS will be nominated to the state-level judges and will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award and will be eligible for statewide recognition. In addition, this student could win an unrestricted award of up to $6,000, a beautifully medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C. next spring.
The AXA Foundation Scholarships has several types of scholarships available, including the Achievement Scholarship and the AXA Achievement Community Scholarship, . Applications will soon be available at www.axa-achievement.com. Check the website for the application and deadline dates.
Berea College offers 4-year, tuition scholarships to qualified students who want to earn a college degree and who are willing to participate in their work program to earn money to help with other costs associated with college - like books, room, and board. For more information, go to www.berea.edu/admissions. Students nominated typically rank in the top 20% of their class and score above average on ACT and SAT I tests. Students must demonstrate financial need. If you are interested in being nominated to attend Berea College in Kentucky, see Mrs. Boddie.
Anycollege.com offers four $1,000 scholarship drawings each year. To register, go to www.anycollege.com and click on “Win a Scholarship” link. Ongoing deadlines for the drawings are September 30 and December 31, 2008, and March 31 and June 30, 2009. You may also research colleges, etc. at this website.
Alabama Homebuilders Foundation Scholarships for students to study the building trades, as well as connections to builders looking for skilled workers. Download a scholarship application, plus other information, at www.ahbfoundation.org. Make a copy of this application to send to the Marshall County Homebuilders Association to apply for the local Kenneth Warren Memorial Scholarships. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2009.
Ayn Rand Essay Contest on The Fountainhead novel – Respond to one of a selection of topics. Essays judged on style and content – judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic and psychological meaning of The Fountainhead. For more information, go to www.aynrand.org/contests. Deadline for entries is April 25, 2009. First prize is $10,000 cash; 5 second prizes of $2,000 cash; 10 third prizes of $1,000 cash; 45 finalist prizes of $100 cash; 175 semifinalist prizes of $50 cash.
The Better Business Bureau for North Alabama announces its 2008 Torch Awards Scholarship program. Local scholarships of $1,000 are available. Students will be judged on their overall personal integrity and character, personal achievements, contributions in their communities and schools, and academic accomplishments. Criteria for awards includes: Leadership 20%, Community Service 20%, Academic 10%, and Essay 50%. The essay must be 400 words, written on the importance of ethics in business and our community. Go to www.northalabama.bbb.org or see Mrs. Boddie for an application. Deadline is Friday, October 3, 2008, at 4:30 p.m.
NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) Essay Contest – Submit an essay of 750-1,500 words to NACAC by October 1, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. EST about the college admission process (the college search, the application process, transitioning from high school to college, etc.) through the eyes of a student. Seven $1,000 scholarships to college or university of students’ choice will be announced in the fall of 2008 and essays will be published in the Winter 2009 Journal of College Admission special issue, The Student Perspective: My Transition Experience.
Check out these websites for more scholarship opportunities: www.indian-affairs.org www.ditd.org www.donnareed.org www.troystudios.com/award.jsp http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/youthfdn/index.html www.elks.org www.stars4space.org www.penguinputnam.com/static/html/services-academic/essayhome.html www.nraef.org www.elpublishers.com www.collegeboard.com/yes/fs/atc.html www.writersofthefuture.com www.usbank.com/cgi_w/cfm/studentloans/marketing.cfm www.nationalmerit.org
YOUR TRAVEL and FERPA FORMS NEED TO BE TURNED IN TO MRS. BATES OR MRS. JONES BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, IN ORDER FOR US TO MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR SNEAD STATE COLLEGE DAY ON SEPTEMBER 30!
Some future events to put on your calendar: September 11, 2008 - in Bates' and Jones' classes Gadsden State and Snead State representatives October 13, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium “Making Financial Planning Count” October 14, 2008 – in Bates’ and Jones’ classes Joy McCamy with North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence November 13, 2008 – ASVAB testing - 8:00-11:00 a.m. at Snead State February 2, 2009 – 9:45 a.m. in the auditorium “Making College and Career Count”
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