Senior Newsletter #2
Go KATS Go Center - Sam Houston State University’s “Go KATS Go Center” will be on campus the morning of November 1st. The 42-foot trailer is equipped with 17 computers and SHSU representatives who will help seniors get started filling out college applications and answer any questions they may have about the enrollment process.
Preview Days – Most colleges and universities have days (usually Saturdays) specifically set up for high school students and parents to come take a tour of the school and ask questions. Keep these days in mind and try to attend one at a school in which you are interested. If this is not possible, you may want to take a virtual tour, which many universities offer online.
November 17th – Sam Houston State University has one of their “Saturdays at Sam.”
College Planning Guide - KeyBank offers a FREE college planning guide at www.Key.com/collegeguide.
Compendium – About 25 copies of the 2007-2008 Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar (funded by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation) are available in the guidance office (first come-first served). This book, designed for high school seniors, contains a “mini-course” (p.4-7) regarding admission and financial aid. A summary of college entrance test dates and advanced placement and credit can be found on pages 8-10. Federal, state, and other financial aid programs (including scholarships) for seniors begin on page 11. Admission requirements and financial aid available at Texas colleges and universities begin on page 61. This booklet is also available online at www.window.state.tx.us/scholars/mspmain.html.
Best Website www.collegefortexans.com is an extremely important website to visit for all seniors and their parents. It includes information on preparing for college, applying for college, paying for college, getting through college, the military in Texas, federal and state financial aid, and Texas grants. It also includes TOPCAT which is free test-prep for the SAT and ACT.
College/University-specific Scholarships Most colleges offer their own scholarships. The following is an example from the University of Dayton in Ohio.
Trustee’s Merit Scholarship Minimum A *ACT (31-36) $50-100,00
President’s Merit Schlrshp. Minimum B+ *ACT (29-36) $36-60,000
Dean’s Merit Schlrshp. Minimum B *ACT (24-48) $30-45,000
Father Chaminade Award Minimum B *ACT (21-23) $20-30,000
*SAT scores also available
You will need to find out from the university or college of your choice of these specific academic and/or merit scholarships. Don’t forget to check out their website and be aware of deadlines. The senior newsletter will list the Texas schools’ scholarships that are received by the guidance office.
New Scholarships
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Scholarships. One $40,000 and nine $1000 will be awarded. For students planning on a career in communications and/or pursue a career in television or related field. Applications at www.emmyonline.tv/foundation/scholarship.html. Deadline - November 5, 2007.
TCU Texas Youth Entrpreneur of the Year Awards, Six students receive scholarships for any university they attend. One $20,000 scholarship and five $5000 scholarships. If they attend TCU the scholarship is doubled. Deadline is November 1, 2007. For 9-12th that have operated a business. Apply online at www.tcuyeya.org.
2008 Burger King Scholars Program. Awards are $1000 each to be used for educational expenses during first year of college or vocational/technical school. Student must be a senior and meet eligibility criteria. Must maintain 2.5 or higher, work an average of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks a year, be active in community service activities, demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll in an accredited two/four year college, university, or vocational/technical school by Fall of application year. Deadline is February 15, 2008. Apply at www.bk.com/scholars .
Ayn Rand’s Essay Contest Scholarship. 11th and 12th graders are to read Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead and 9th and 10th graders are to read Ayn Rand’s Anthem and prepare an essay on specific questions about the book they’ve read. The deadline is April 25, 2008 for 11th and 12th graders and March 20, 2008 for 9th and 10th graders. Prizes range from $50 to $10,000. For specifics go to www.aynrand.org/contests and/or see the bulletin board.
The Blinn College Exemplary Student Scholarship Program. Applicants must attend Blinn College in Brenham and live on campus, have a high school GPA of 3.25 or higher, and show leadership qualities. The award is for $1000 the first semester and another $1000 the second semester if you maintain a 3.0 GPA. More information is available at www.blinn.edu/discover.
Navy ROTC Scholarship Program. Up to $180,000 toward tuition, fees,
and living expenses. You must give up to four years as a Navy Officer with
all of it’s benefits. Requirements are acceptance to a four year university,
scores of 530 verbal/520 math or ACT scores of 22 math/22 English, US
citizenship, and passing score on the Navy physical. Information in the
guidance office and at www.nrotc.navy.com.
Houston Hispanic Forum High School Scholarship. Must attend the
Houston Hispanic Forum’s Career and Education Day at the George R.
Brown Convention Center in Houston on Saturday, February 9, 2008. See
Mr. Herbert if you are interested in going and want an application.
Texas Student Housing Scholarship Program. These housing
scholarships, in the amount of $2500 a year for up to four years, are offered
to students who are accepted to a Texas college or university in communities
that TSH owns facilities (Austin, College Station, Denton, or San Marcos –
Note – Texas State University, University of North Texas, and Texas
Women’s University typically do not permit Freshmen to live off-campus).
Deadline is January 31, 2008. SAT/ACT score must be provided along with
an official transcript. See Mr. Herbert for more details.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Must be an African American,
American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or an
Hispanic American to qualify. Also, must show financial need (meet Pell
Grant eligibility requirements), demonstrate leadership, have a 3.3 GPA, etc.
Deadline is December 31, 2007 or online by January 11, 2008. Contact Mr.
Herbert for more information.
Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program. This is a full competitive four-year
scholarship for incoming freshmen that will attend Sam Houston State
University and major in business. It is need-based for Texans only, Housing
will be provided at Raven Village (a 400 resident, coed dorm). $12000 a
year for four years. See Mr. Herbert for information.
Computer Search for Scholarships. The Scholarship Resource Network is
a good resource for scholarships. This service provides access to
scholarships, grants, and loans based upon the student’s major, college
selected, interests and/or hobbies. www.srnexpress.com
American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Scholarships
range from $1500 to $18000. Go to www.legion.org for more information.
National Commission for Cooperative Education’s National Co-op
Scholarship. Must apply and be accepted at one of ten specific schools
listed on the website – www.co-op.edu. Essay required and a GPA of 3.5 or
better. Deadline is February 15, 2008.
Sons of the American Revolution Knight Essay Contest. $2000 national
scholarship for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The deadline is December 15,
2007. More information at www.sar.org/youth/knightrules.html.
Sons of the American Revolution Rumbaugh Oration Contest. $3000
national scholarship for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The deadline is
December 15, 2007. More information may be found at
www.sar.org/youth/rumbaughrules.html.
Loan Opportunities
Frost Bank – The Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation is a zero-interest educational loan program available through Frost National Bank in Galveston. Beginning November 1, 2007 qualified applicants may contact their office to request an application packet for the upcoming fall/spring long-term school year. (409) 770-5665. Must be US citizen and Texas resident, graduate of a Texas high school, enrolled full-time at a Texas
college or university and working toward an undergraduate degree. Maximum loan is $6000 a year. Application deadline is February 28, 2008.