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Page Last Updated Sep 04, 2009
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CAP Notes!!
Welcome back everyone I hope you are all ready to go!!! I know I am. Make sure you make an appointment to see me as soon as the schedule permits. I will be visiting the senior English Classes during the first few weeks of school, and then I will begin to fulfill any requests.
Are you planning to attend college? If so, your college application process begins TODAY! Colleges look for: • Making the grade: Your GPA and the classes you are taking say a lot about the type of student you will be. • How's your initiative? You will be judged by whether you took advantage of the opportunities around you, both in school and in your community. • Recommendations do count! Teacher and counselor recommendations depict how you perform in a classroom setting and your academic performance. • What's in a score? SAT and ACT scores are used in conjunction with other application components. • Be committed. Extra-curricular activities are important. It is a good idea to focus on a select group of activities at school or in your community. • Your essay is your chance to shine! A good essay can definitely add to your application.
THE SAT AND ACT... What are these tests? These tests are used by colleges and universities in evaluating a student's ability to do college work. Most colleges will accept either of the tests. College bound students should take each of the tests at least once to determine their strengths and weaknesses to a particular test. Many colleges and universities are requiring the Writing portion; which is part of the SAT, but optional for the ACT tests. Please check with colleges and universities before registering. SAT Subject Tests: Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge. Certain colleges and universities only require these tests. Subject tests are offered on the same date as SAT; however, students can take either the SAT or the Subject Tests on a single test date. If you are applying to schools that require Subject Tests you should contact each school to find out which tests do they require or recommend.
Early Decision/Action Bypass If you know where you want to go to college, and you're reasonably happy with your grades and test scores, then you may consider the Early Decision Bypass. Remember under Early Decision you're committing yourself if you're accepted. Apply early to your first choice school (October or November early deadline) and you may be finished with your journey by mid December. If anyone is going to take this route please see Mrs. Arguelles first!!! An Early Action option exists for freshman applicants who wish to find out their status earlier than the spring notification date. Students applying under the Early Action program may keep their options open to hear from other schools (this option may be different for some schools). Applications to state universities in Florida are available online. Use the FACTS.org online common admissions application to apply to multiple participating universities at one time. Famu: www.famu.edu FAU: www.fau.edu FAU Honors College: www.honorscollege.edu Florida Gulf Coast: www.fgcu.edu FIU: www.fiu.edu FSU: www.fsu.edu UF: www.ufl.edu UNF: www.unf.edu USF: www.usf.edu New College of Florida: www.ncf.edu UWF: www.uwf.edu KEEP THESE NUMBERS HANDY.. CEEB Code for SMSH: 101101 NCAA Clearing House code: 9999 2009-2010 ACT: TEST DATES and DEADLINES
ACT Test Dates Regular Deadline Late Fee Required September 12, 2009 August 7, 2009 Aug. 8-21, 2009 October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 Sept. 19-Oct. 2, 2009 December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7-20, 2009 February 6, 2010 January 5, 2010 January 6-15, 2010 April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6-19, 2010 June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8-21, 2010
Register via the web at: http://www.act.org
SAT Test Dates Regular Deadline Late Fee Required October 10, 2009 September 9, 2009 September 10 - 23, 2009 November 7, 2009 October 1, 2009 October 2 - 15, 2009 December 5, 2009 October 30, 2009 Oct. 31 – Nov. 12, 2009 January 23, 2010 December 15, 2009 Dec. 16 – 30, 2009 March 13, 2010 February 4, 2010 February 5 - 18, 2010 May 1, 2010 March 25, 2010 March 26–April 8, 2010 June 5, 2010 April 29, 2010 April 30 – May 13, 2010 Register via the web at: WWW.Collegeboard.com
REMINDER! Registration and test-taking strategies are available online at www.act.org for the ACT, and at www.collegeboard.com for SAT. Also, registration packets for these tests are available in my office in short supply!
FEE WAIVERS: A limited amount of fee waivers are available for those students who participate in the free or reduced lunch program. Eligible students will only be able to receive two Act test fee waiver, two SAT's and two SAT Subject test waiver. You will also be able to receive up to eight College application fee waivers.
TRANSCRIPTS: You will need to send a transcript to each college you apply to. Please request transcripts in the guidance office.
ATTENTION!!! Know deadline dates for each application and give yourself enough time to accumulate all the materials needed to meet those deadlines. Remember, recommendations take time to write so give teachers and counselors ample time (at least two or three weeks). You will not get a second chance if you miss a deadline. It is a good idea to use a calendar and mark all the deadlines for tests, applications, Financial Aid forms, interviews, etc.
Identify Important Factors in Choosing a College In choosing a college, the first things you'll probably consider will be the type of academic program and the availability of the major—or majors—you are most interested in.
Here are some other things to think about as you compare colleges; how you rank these other factors will depend largely on your personal preferences and needs. Location distance from home
Environment type of school (2-year or 4-year) school setting (urban, rural) location & size of nearest city co-ed, male, female religious affiliation
Size enrollment
physical size of campus
Admission requirements
Academics
College Expenses
Housing
Activities
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID CSS Profile: Most selective schools require a CSS profile prior to completing financial aid applications. Therefore, it is imperative that you check with the schools as soon as possible or online prior to applying to find out if the profile is required. Online registration and more information is available at www.collegeboard.org or by calling toll free at 1-800-778-6888. Scholarships don't fall from the sky. It is never too early to begin your scholarship search. A newsletter including scholarship information is published once a month. You may also pick up a copy at the CAP-Office in room in the guidance office. Be sure that Mrs. Arguelles has your email address on file to get the latest info!!!! Filling out applications for scholarships is a tedious job; however, a little perseverance will pay off at the end. Financial Aid Financial aid includes grants, loans, and work study. Students apply for Federal Financial Aid after January 1st of your senior year in high school. Application and more information are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Workshops will be held to assist in filling out Financial Aid forms including the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). In addition, students must apply for the Florida State Financial Aid after December 1, 2009 at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org to be considered for state aid and scholarships including Bright Futures.
NCAA Clearing House: Before an athlete student can play or receive a scholarship at a Division I or H college, he/she must meet the specific academic criteria as set forth by the NCAA. Please see Ms. Raflowitz the Athletic director for more information or visit www.ncaa.org. NCAA Clearing House Code for SAT/ACT: 9999
COLLEGE VISITS Many colleges host local presentations, or send admissions representatives to The College Assistance Program is located in the Guidance office. Mrs. Arguelles, will be meeting with all seniors through the month of September and October. See you soon!
You may contact Mrs.Arguelles at
ACT regular deadline fee: $30.00 Late deadline fee: add $19.00 ACT Plus Writing: $44.50 SAT regular deadline fee: $43.00 Late deadline fee: add $22.00 SAT Subject test fee: Varies. Basic registration fee is $20.00 plus cost of subject tests. Note: Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations including extended time for SAT and/or ACT. Please see ESE Department Chair Mrs. Bezold. A limited amount of fee waivers are available for students who participate in the free or reduced lunch program. Please request your fee waivers at least a week prior to the regular, registration deadline of the appropriate test.
A Closer Look at The Admission Folder: What's in it? When a student applies to college, the college admission office collects a folder of information to consider as it makes a decision about the application:
Application: The application includes simple biographical information such as birth date and family information. Frequently, students are asked to write essays, which are intended to acquaint the admission committee with student experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and writing ability. This is where students have the power to present themselves in the best possible light.
Academic Record: The most important factor in the applicant's folder is the academic record in high school. The program of study, specific courses, and the grades the student received are aspects of the record that admission officers will consider in appraising the student's transcript. Colleges pay special attention to the challenging courses the student has successfully taken.
Admission Test Scores: (SAT Reasoning or ACT). These tests are used by colleges to evaluate a student's ability to do college work. Most colleges and universities will accept either of the tests. Students are encouraged to begin testing in the spring of their junior year. Students may then retest in the fall of the senior year if necessary to improve their scores.
SAT Subject Tests: Some colleges require SAT Subject tests. These are given on the same test date as the SAT Reasoning. However, students can take either the SAT Reasoning or SAT Subject on a single test date not both. Check with each institution you plan to apply to verify if an SAT Subject tests is required.
Essay: A great application essay will present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of you to the admission staff. It will round out the rest of your application and help you stand out from the other applicants. The essay is one of the only parts of your application over which you have complete control, so take the time to do a good job on it. Check out these tips before you begin. I am more than happy to read your essays and provide you with feedback!
Recommendations: The recommendations prepared by teachers, counselor and others represent a very important part of the admission folder. They tell the reader about the student's classroom experiences in terms that are not represented by grades. Teachers may comment on the type of contributions the student made to the class, and the written and oral work that has been presented. The counselor can highlight strengths that may not be otherwise worked into the official application and comment on the student's potential for studying at a particular college. The recommendation allows the writer to go beyond the information requested in the general application and tell the admission committee about the student's unique qualities and characteristics.
Student Activities and Employment: Although the student's academic credentials are the primary factors in determining admission, the student's record of involvement in activities (extracurricular, curricular, work experience and outside of school) can be a significant supporting credential. Out of school activities such as church groups, community volunteer work, etc. should not be overlooked. Mere membership is not the important factor. Rather, it is the level of involvement and accomplishment that is important. It is better for you to be involved in one activity and to be a significant contributor than to be involved superficially in a number of organizations and activities. Minimum Recommendations for College acceptance: English...................4 Units Mathematics........3 Units Social Studies........3 Units Science...................3 Units Foreign Language......2 to 4 Units (depending on the university) Academic Electives....4 Units But remember the minimum may not be enough and students may need to raise the bar with 4 years of math and science!!!!! You are competing with the pool of applicants applying.
Three Steps to a Great College Essay
The college application essay is a chance to explain yourself, to open your personality, charm, talents, vision, and spirit to the admission committee. It's a chance to show you can think about things and that you can write clearly about your thoughts. Don't let the chance disappear. Stand up straight and believe in yourself!
OK, boot up your computer and let's get to it. To write a college essay, use the exact same three-step process you'd use to write an essay for class: first prewrite, then draft, and finally, edit. This process will help you identify a focus for your essay, and gather the details you'll need to support it.
To begin, you must first collect and organize potential ideas for your essay's focus. Since all essay questions are attempts to learn about you, begin with YOU.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and make a list of your strengths and outstanding characteristics. Focus on strengths of personality, not things you've done. For example, you are responsible (not an "Eagle Scout") or committed (not "played v basketball"). If you keep drifting toward events rather than characteristics, make a second list of the things you've done, places you've been, accomplishments you're proud of; use them for the activities section of your application.
Do a little research about yourself: ask parents, friends, and teachers what your strengths are.
Now, next to each trait, list five or six pieces of evidence from your life — things you've been or done — that prove your point.
Look for patterns in the material you've brainstormed. Group similar ideas and events together. For example, does your passion for numbers show up in your performance in the state math competition and your summer job at the computer store? Was basketball about sports or about friendships? When else have
you stuck with the hard work to be with people who matter to you?
Now it's time to get down to the actual writing. Write your essay in three basic parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction gives your reader an idea of your essay's content. It can shrink when you need to be concise. One vivid sentence might do: "The favorite science project was a complete failure."
• The body presents the evidence that supports your main idea. Use narration and incident to show rather than tell. • The conclusion can be brief as well, a few sentences to nail down the meaning of the events and incidents you've described. An application essay doesn't need to read like an essay about The Bluest Eye or the Congress of Vienna, but thinking in terms of these three traditional parts is a good way to organize your main points. There are three basic essay styles you should consider: • Standard Essay Take two or three points from yourself-outline, give a paragraph to each, and make sure you provide plenty of evidence. Choose things not apparent from the rest of your application or "light up" some of the activities and experiences listed there. • Less-Is-More Essay In this format, you focus on a single interesting point about yourself. It works well for brief essays of a paragraph or half a page. • Narrative Essay A narrative essay tells a short and vivid story. Omit the introduction, write one or two narrative paragraphs that grab and engage the reader's attention, then explain what this little tale reveals about you. Editing When you have a good final draft, it's time to make final improvements to your draft, find and correct any errors, and get someone else to give you feedback. Remember, you are your best editor. No one can speak for you; your own words and ideas are your best bet. • Let It Cool Take a break from your work and come back to it in a few days. Does your main idea come across clearly? Do you prove your points with specific details? Is your essay easy to read aloud? • Feedback Time Have someone you like and trust (but someone likely to tell you the truth) read your essay. Ask them to tell you what they think you're trying to convey. Did they get it right? • Edit Down Your language should be simple, direct, and clear. This is a personal essay, not a term paper. Make every word count (e.g., if you wrote "in society today," consider changing that to "now"). • Proofread Two More Times Careless spelling or grammatical errors, awkward language, or fuzzy logic will make your essay memorable ~ in a bad way. Remember that I am here to give you feedback!!!
ACTION PLAN FOR SENIORS Fall - Putting Your Applications Together Narrow your list of colleges to between 3 and 8. Get an application and information from each, keep in mind that most colleges/universities prefer that you submit your application on-line. Visit as many times as possible. Make a master calendar and note: 1. Test dates, fees, and deadlines 2. College application due dates 3. Required financial aid applications and their deadlines 4. Recommendations, transcripts, and other necessary materials 1. Ask for recommendations. Give each person your resume, a stamped, addressed envelope, and any required forms with plenty of time. 2. Write application essays and ask teachers, parents, Mrs. Arguelles, and friends to read first drafts.
Social Security Without the SSN, correct identification of an applicant's record cannot be assured and may result in a delay in the disbursement of an award. The SSN is essential for matching test scores with student records and for matching your Bright Futures award with your college records. THEREFORE, How to Get a Number and Card To apply for a Social Security number, you'll need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), and show documents that prove your age, identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. To get an application: Use www.ssa.gov/omine/ss-5.htrnl on the Internet Call 1-800-772-1213 Or, visit a local office Call your local Social Security office or toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 before you visit the office. Tell them what documents you have. That way you won't have to make a second trip. Winter - Application Details • Most regular applications are due between January 1 and February 15. Keep copies of everything you send to colleges.
• Request your high school transcript from room 103. They will cost $1.00 each.
• Contact colleges to make sure they've received all application materials.
• Financial Aid: Apply Early. Apply Right. 1. You and your family should save 2009 pay stubs to estimate income on aid forms that you'll file in early 2010. 2. Submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. 3. Men 18 or older must register for selective service to receive federal financial aid. 4. Many priority financial aid deadlines fall in February. To get the most attractive award package, apply by the priority date. Keep copies of everything you send. Get Financial Aid Info! 1. Attend financial aid info events in your area and with Mrs. Arguelles. 2. Speak with Mrs. Arguelles about CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE 3. Review the monthly scholarship bulletin, and view emails prepared by Mrs. Arguelles and search for other scholarships on-line www.FASTWEB.com
Spring - When the Letters Start Rolling In You should get acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Use Compare Your Aid Awards to compare awards from different colleges.
Questions? Talk to financial aid officers. Not enough aid? Ask if other financing plans are available. If you haven't already, visit your final college before accepting. May 1: Making Your Final Choice You must tell every college of your acceptance or rejection of offers of admission or financial aid by May 1. Send a deposit to the college you choose. Wait-listed? If you will enroll If accepted, tell the admissions director your Intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask if funds will be available if you're accepted. Summer Next Steps • Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college. • Start preparing for the year ahead.
What to Do About Senioritis Make Your Senior Year Count Seniors, you have worked hard for three years, taking tests, completing projects, and preparing for college admission. When senior year rolls around, some students just want to get through college applications and relax before they head off to the college of their choice. Also known as senioritis, taking it easy senior year may seem like a nice break, but is likely to do more harm than good. According to recent reports, incomplete high school preparation can contribute to academic problems in college. "As many as half of all college students do not have adequate academic preparation, and are required to take remedial courses." "More than one quarter of the freshmen at 4-year colleges and nearly half of those at 2-year colleges do not even make it to their sophomore year." Not only does senioritis jeopardize your chances for success later on in college, it can also affect your grades ~ and college admission officers pay close attention to your performance senior year. Senior-Year Grades and College Admission Many students mistakenly believe that prepping for college ends after the eleventh grade. However, the senior year — the entire senior year — is actually of particular interest to colleges. Applying Many college applications (including the Common Application) require you to list your senior courses, including information about course levels and credit hours. It will be very obvious to the admission officers if you've decided to "take the year off." Many colleges also include as part of the application a form called the mid-year grade report. Your counselor completes this form with first-half grades and sends it to the colleges to which you've applied. It then becomes a crucial part of the application folder.
If You Are Accepted Many college acceptance letters include warnings to students such as "Your admission is contingent on your continued successful performance." This means colleges reserve the right to deny you admission should your senior year grades drop.
How to Make the Most of Your Senior Year Senior year is your opportunity to strengthen your skills and broaden your experiences, in school and out, to prepare for all of the challenges ahead. A successful senior year can help launch you on the path to a successful future. Maintain a Challenging Course Load You should take the most rigorous courses available, and be sure to continue taking college-track subjects. Consider AP® courses, which can also earn you credit at many colleges. Stay Active and Involved Your continued involvement in activities, sports, volunteer work, etc. will help you stay active and focused throughout your final year. A great internship or career-focused job opportunity can help motivate you to start considering your career options. Meaningful and significant experiences will help prepare you to make informed decisions about your education and career goals. Try out College Early If you're interested in pursuing a subject further, and have excelled at your high school classes so far, consider taking a class at a local college. This challenge can help you avoid sliding into an academic slump, and stimulate your interest in the possibilities of college. Another option in many areas is "middle college" or "early college" high schools. These schools, normally located on community and four-year college campuses, allow students to spend their last two years taking classes in both college and high school. Early exposure to college classes introduces you to the rigor of college work while easing your transition from high school. Where the College Scholarships Are
Your CAP Advisor publishes a monthly scholarship bulletin and send you emails. Read them!! You will find many national and local scholarships as well other very important information
Develop Your Scholarship Strategy Although most student aid comes in the form of federal education loans and grants from colleges, scholarships—with their lure of free money—get a huge amount of attention from students and their parents. If you decide to invest your time in a search for scholarships, it's important to have an organized system to find, apply for, and win scholarship money. Start With a Personal Inventory The smaller the geographical area a scholarship covers, the better your chances of winning. Most of the information you will be asked for on a scholarship search questionnaire will be easy to come up with—year in school, citizenship, state of residence, religion, ethnic background, disability, military status, employer, membership organizations, and so forth. Beyond those questions, you will have to give some thought to your academic, extracurricular, and career plans. You should ask yourself: • Do I want to participate in a competition? If so, what are my talents and interests? What subject do I plan to major in? < What career do I plan to pursue? « Do I want to apply for all types of aid or only scholarships? Your answers to these questions will help determine your scholarship eligibility. Take your time brainstorming and don't overlook anything—the more personal characteristics you discover, the more scholarships you could potentially apply for.
Research Local Scholarships First In general, the smaller the geographical area a scholarship covers, the better your chances of winning. Begin with your high school guidance office. Counselors will know about scholarships for students graduating from your high school. They may also be aware of scholarships for residents of your town, county, and state. Your next stop should be the college aid section of your public library. Most libraries will have a number of books about financial aid, including scholarship guides such as the College Board's Scholarship Handbook. They also may have information on local scholarships. Then it's time to start looking at large national scholarships such as Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), National Merit, Gates Millennium, Intel Science, Coca-Cola, and Robert Byrd. Check Membership Organizations and Employers You should never have to pay for scholarship information. Organizations of all types and sizes sponsor scholarships—leave no stone unturned. Explore categories you might not have considered, such as religious, community service, fraternal, military, union, and professional. And don't forget your parents. Many large companies offer scholarships or tuition programs for children of employees. If you are uncertain, ask your parent to check with his or her human resources department. Don't overlook student jobs. Employers like fast food chains, department stores, and supermarkets often give scholarships. Awards related to student employment can come from unexpected sources. For example, there are a number of scholarships for golf caddies.
Use a Free Scholarship Search Service A scholarship search company collects information on hundreds of awards and compares your student characteristics with scholarship restrictions. Based on your answers to a questionnaire, you will receive a list of possible scholarships. It is up to you to decide which ones you will try for. You should never have to pay for scholarship information. If you're asked to pay a fee for "exclusive" scholarship leads, there's a good chance your scholarship service is really a scholarship scam. Here are some free scholarship search services: Scholarship Search Fastweb Scholarship Research Network Express Wiredscholar Apply for Bright Futures The State of Florida offers Bright Futures scholarships to academically-qualified Floridians who decide to attend in-state colleges and universities. Application is available on-line at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org after December 1 of your senior year, but prior to graduation. You must apply during your last year in high school, before graduation, or you will forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship. Research Institutional Scholarships Since the vast majority of all scholarship money is disbursed by colleges, it makes sense to research what kinds of scholarships are available at the schools that interest you. Check out college websites, catalogs, and financial aid offices for this information. Institutional awards can be offered on a university-wide basis, or within a particular college or major. Eligibility for such awards can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity, or a variety of other factors. Here are some questions you might want to ask about these awards: Are scholarships awarded automatically if a student matches certain criteria (such as GPA or SAT® score)? What is the application procedure? What materials are required? Is the award renewable? What are the requirements to maintain the award?
Can You Spot a Scholarship Scam? Be a Smart Consumer Scholarships are an attractive way to help manage college costs. Your child won't have to repay them (like loans) or work to maintain them (like work-study). Since students and parents are so eager to find these funds, it's no wonder that they become easy targets for financial aid con artists. Scholarship Scams Many scholarship finders promote the old adage that "millions of dollars in private scholarship money goes unused every year." The fact is, nearly all available financial aid comes from the federal government or from individual colleges.
Often private scholarships are slated for very specific applicants, such as students with a particular career interest, or members of a certain church or organization. These institutions have created funds for students, so they are eager to give them to qualified individuals. They are not interested in keeping the money a secret. More than 350,000 people are cheated by scholarship scams each year. You and your child can easily find out about these opportunities by checking with your employer and other appropriate institutions. Have your child make the contact with clubs or other organizations to find out what they seek in an applicant. Your child's high school counselor can also provide information on scholarships. Beware of Scams If you do decide to use a scholarship locator, beware. Scholarship scams have been around for years. More than 350,000 people are cheated by scholarship scams each year, losing some $5 million, according to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
TelI-Tale Signs It's a Scam According to the Federal Trade Commission's Scholarship Scams, if you hear these lines from a scholarship service, you may be getting duped: • "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." No one can guarantee that they'll get you a grant or a scholarship. Refund guarantees often have conditions or strings attached. Get refund policies in writing - - before you pay. "You can't get this information anywhere else." There are many free lists of scholarships available. Start researching scholarships at the high school or library before you decide to pay someone to do the work for you. > "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship." Never give out credit card or bank account number on the phone without getting information in writing first. It may be the set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal from your account. "We'll do all the work." Don't be fooled. There's no way around it. You must apply for scholarships or grants yourself. * "The scholarship will cost money." Don't pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship or grant for you. Free money shouldn't cost a thing. "You've been selected" by a "national foundation" to receive a scholarship or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered. Before you send money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation or program is legitimate.
Fight Back Free money shouldn't cost a thing. If you suspect a scam, bring a copy of all literature and correspondence to your guidance office or to a financial aid administrator at a local college for advice. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau, your State Bureau of Consumer Protection, your State Attorney General's Office, or report the offer to the National Fraud Information Center. More Information Scholarship Scams from FinAid.org provides advice on how to identify scams, how to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent organizations, how to protect yourself from scholarship scams, and what to do if you are scammed. Other Financial Aid Scams Telemarketing Grant Scams A recent financial aid scam attempts to steal your credit card number or bank account. A caller, claiming to be a representative of the U.S. Department of Education, offers to replace your student loan with an $8,000 grant. The catch: the caller needs your bank account number in order to charge a processing fee. (The Department of Education does not provide a plan to replace loans with grants and does not charge a processing fee to obtain Title IV grants.) The lesson: don't give out personal information unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with. Identity thieves may pose as a representative of government agencies, banks, or businesses in an attempt to get you to reveal personal information. The Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education website offers information about what you should do if you have provided bank or credit card information to such a caller. Do You Really Need a Financial Aid Consultant? Parents who feel intimidated by the financial aid process often turn to financial aid consultants. But beware, some of these services can be shady, and financial aid officers often resent the intervention of outside professionals in the aid package award process. Financial aid consultants advertise their ability to help families through complicated financial aid forms and provide tricks to getting through the system. But financial aid forms are relatively simple, and Mrs. Arguelles is willing to assist you and your parents for free!!!! Also, there are not really any "tricks" to the financial aid system. It is the job of financial aid officers to ensure that once you're accepted you can pay for the college. They are not trying to hoard money, but give it away. I am only an email away! Jarguelles1@dadeschools.net posted on 9/1/09 Teachers please announce/post
Seniors, I got this off the NACAC listserve. These are the colleges/universities who are offering fly-ins or travel grants for open houses geared towards multicultural students:
-- -- -- Juniors / Seniors: This looks like a great experience – I hope that you will check it out.
Dear Principals,
I hope you are gearing up for a wonderful new school year. As you begin preparations, I wanted to share with you an opportunity that you may be interested in sharing with your guidance counselors, student government leaders, or other appropriate individuals. The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. administers the US Senate Youth Program in Florida. Eligible juniors and seniors that serve in a leadership/elected capacity on or off campus may be interested in this exciting scholarship opportunity. I have attached the application which is due back in October. Please distribute immediately. Two students from throughout Florida will be selected to receive $5,000 scholarships and a trip to Washington DC to participate in the US Senate Youth Program.
All documents must be received in this office no later than October 16, 2009.
The Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. Seniors, A number of you have asked about SAT/ACT Prep Classes. Miami-Dade College offers a variety of very affordable test preparation classes. If you are interested, please check out the classes that are being offered by clicking on “Here”
Happy Academic New Year! Oh where did the summer go? We have great things to share with you for the new school year. Given that the PSAT is around the corner, we are offering a series of 30-minute tutorials on how to help your students (and teachers) navigate the PSAT Online Course and Practice Tests within StudentEdge. Take a look at the September Training Schedule and email the presenter to register for this overview. Upcoming events this month:StudentEdge Back-to-School Kits: Register for StudentEdge today and we will help you get the word out. Once registered, we will send you a Back to School StudentEdge start-up Kit which contains posters and access cards and additional supplemental materials throughout the school year. Kits are expected to arrive around the beginning of September.
In order to activate a StudentEdge Web site for your students today simply register your school here:
StudentEdge College Planning Day: “Getting In” A Free Online College Planning Event: join us for a series of webinar workshops that will be held from 3PM to 10PM EST. Please invite your students and parents to attend. To register for this free webinar click the link below. Seats are limited to 1,000 attendees per session:
Win Scholarship Money by Using StudentEdge: Help your school win a prize in the Win for Your School Promotion* by encouraging students, parents, and other educators to sign up for StudentEdge. There will be 6 chances for schools to win! http://www.mystudentedge.com/mystudentedge/contestrules.aspx#winforschool
For your students they can win too by participating in StudentEdge's Live Life Smart promotion*, which starts on September 1, you have 12 chances to win scholarship money just by using StudentEdge! http://www.mystudentedge.com/mystudentedge/contestrules.aspx
NACAC 2009: Join us at NACAC’s 65th Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD September 24th – 26th. Bring along an unregistered StudentEdge colleague, have them sign up, and receive a free t-shirt! Quantities are limited – so come early!
StudentEdge Newsletter: StudentEdge has launched a monthly email newsletter to help keep students informed about the college planning process throughout the year. They'll also be able to discover more about the tools and features in StudentEdge, and how they can use them as they prepare for college.
Look for the newsletter in your inbox each month and encourage your students to take advantage of the links to key StudentEdge tools and articles.
StudentEdge provides much needed guidance to students, parents, and guidance counselors, regardless of the path chosen. We hope you agree!
Warm regards,
StudentEdge Team
Students / Parents:
While I do not sponsor, or endorse any particular companies, I will pass on any information on to you that may be of interest to you.
COLLEGE CAMPUS TRIPS OFFERS PREARRANGED AND CUSTOMIZED TOURS NATIONWIDE: Check our website for prearranged tours or arrange your own CUTOMIZED tour and save money plus we will do all the work. GREAT NEW RATES FOR HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS WE ARE THE EXPERTS: OUR ONLY BUSINESS IS COLLEGE TOURS WE PROVIDE: TOUR&ORIENTATION SCHEDULING-TRANSPORTATION-MEALS-HOTELS-SECURITY-FREE CHAPERONES-TOUR DIRECTOR-MARKETING ESTABLISED 2002-BONDED-LICENSED BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA AS A SELLER OF TRAVEL-VIRTUS CERTIFIED-INSURED College Campus Trips provides the most cost and time efficient way to visit college campuses. WE BELIEVE IN ACCOUNTABILITY-RESPONSIBILIY-SECURITY, please call or email us, with no obligation, to discuss your tours for the coming year. Thank you,
posted 9/3/09 Hello Cobras! Don’t forget to sign up with me on Twitter at cobracapper and on Facebook at SMSH Cobra for all the latest!!!
Friends of AAAB Scholarship Fund For Students of Asian Heritage
The deadline for this scholarship has been extended to Thursday, October 1, 2009
Dear Asian American Student:
On behalf of the Friends of the Asian American Advisory Board of Miami‐Dade County (“Friends”), I would like to invite you to apply for an inaugural award from our new Scholarship Fund. Friends, a non‐profit, 501(c)(3) organization, is comprised of benefactors and supporters of the Asian American Advisory Board(AAAB). The Board is an appointed body of citizens that advises
In order to support and encourage the academic excellence our community’s students have achieved in recent years, Friends is happy to award scholarships every year in amounts of no less than $1,000 to several deserving students. Starting now until August 1, 2009 (extended to Thursday, October 1, 2009), Friends will accept applications from students of Asian heritage who are about to start, or are already attending, an accredited institution of higher learning.
All scholarship winners must be available to attend the awards ceremony on November 1, 2009, at the
We look forward to receiving your application! Very truly yours, Shawn Khosravi, Chair FAAAB Scholarship Committee
Please see the pdf file for more information about scholarships go to: http://www.friendsofaaab.com/scholarship_information.pdf Please see the application at: http://www.friendsofaaab.com/scholarship_application.pdf
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the
How to Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community AwardsIf you've made a difference by volunteering in your community over the past year, you could win $1,000 and a fabulous trip to
Coming To
Tulane Comes To You! Wednesday , October 14th 2009 J.W. Marriott Miami
RSVP space is limited Students may RSVP by calling 1-800-873-WAVE
Sunday, September 13, 2009
RSVP : tuftsonTourRSVP@ase.tufts.edu
Good luck to everyone!!!
Mrs. Arguelles, CAP
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