Senior
Chat
Updated 5/05/08
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Requesting
Recommendation Letters |
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The Senior Chat will be published
and distributed in senior English classes.
Scholarship information is received in the counseling office periodically. Below are scholarships that we are aware of that are currently available. If you are interested in any of the scholarships requiring a nomination, please let Mrs. Crenshaw or your counselor know that you would like to be nominated. Scholarship applications may be found in the GO CENTER (formerly the College/Career Room). For additional scholarships and college information, check out these web sites:
http://www.fastweb.com/, http://www.ed.gov/, http://www.collegeboard.com/, http://www.all-scholarships.com/, http://equalitygrants.com/, http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/index.html; www.questbridge.org; http://www.consumeradvocategroup.org/?GKEY=Grants,
http://www.wiredscholar.com/index.jsphttp://www.nasfaa.org/, http://www.petersons.com/, http://www.finaid.org/, www.fastweb.com/, www.schoolsoup.com, www.needalift.org,
http://www.collegenet.com/, http://www.usafunds.com/, http://apps.absolutelyscholarships.com/exec/scholarship,
http://www.web.studentservices.com/fastweb, http://www.scholarships.com/Login.asp.
http://www.window.state.tx.us/scholars/mspmain.html; http://www.anycollege.com., www.iamgoingtocollege.com.
http://www.csocollegecenter.org/
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - For students graduating in 3 years and/or with 15-30 college credit hours, there is a $500 - $2000 scholarship available to you if you will be attending college in the State of Texas. Please see Mrs. Crenshaw if you will be a 3 year graduate or if you will have 15-30 hours of college credit when you graduate.
Servant Leadership Endowed Scholarship at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management. For a student who demonstrates leadership capability, is committed to the principles of servant leadership, and is among the first generation of their immediate family to attend college so that they might obtain an undergraduate degree. For details and an application, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at the University of Texas at Dallas; http://financial-aid.utdallas.edu or call 972-883-2941.
There is a list of Sweepstakes and Contests, Corporate Scholarships, and Foundations and Grants in the Go Center. Feel free to go by and pick up a copy.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are looking for future Black male teachers and will send them to college for four years free! There is more information at www.callmemister.clemson.edu/index.htm. This is a great opportunity!!
Minority Scholarships too numerous to mention - for Hispanic/Chicano, Latino, African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Gay, Lesbian - List of websites and criteria can be found in the Go Center in the Scholarship file drawer or ask Mrs. Crenshaw, Ms. Tejeda, or Ms. Murrillo!
Anycollege.com has a student scholarship give away on June 30th of each year. There is no fee to sign up for this random scholarship drawing. Just sign up by going to www.anycollege.com and clicking on the "Win a Scholarship" link.
USA Fund scholarship - up to $6,000 - Apply at www.usafunds.org/scholarship.
Texas Interscholastic League Foundation (TILF) - To qualify, a student must have competed at the UIL Academic State Meet at any point in his/her high school career. Brochure and application may be accessed via the internet at www.uil.utexas.edu, then click on the entry for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation. Deadline is May 6, 2008.
Association of Texas Professional Educations Scholarship - For students whose parents are members of ATPE. Applications may be picked up from Mrs. Crenshaw. Deadline is May 8, 2008.
Farmers Branch Elementary Alumni Scholarship - $500 - For a former FBE Mustang. Applications are in the Go Center. Deadline is May 9, 2008.
Association of Texas Professional Educators Scholarship - For students pursuing a teaching career. Applications in the Go Center. Deadline is May 10, 2008.
McCoy Elementary PTA - $500 - For a student who attended McCoy elementary. Complete the District Application (http://sasiportal.cfbisd.edu:2222/localscholarshipmenu.htm), submit 3 references-2 teacher and 1 outside, submit a short essay (1 page or less) discussing college plans, what being a student at McCoy meant and a little about the type of person you are today (activities, awards, offices held). Deadline is May 15, 2008.
June Thompson Elementary School Alumni Scholarship - $500 - For a former student of Thompson Elementary. Applications are in the Go Center. Deadline is May 19, 2008.
Texas E. "Tex" Schramm Freshman Scholarship - $250 - $1,000 - For men with outstanding high school careers entering their first year at the University of Texas Applications are in the go Center. Deadline is June 15, 2008.
Sankofa Foundation - $1500 - For a student who has demonstrated exceptional involvement and service to the community and who have greater needs given their socioeconomic background, have a 3.0 grade point average, and be enrolling as a full-time student in a 2 or 4 year accredited college or university in the Fall 2008 semester. Application is in the Go Center Deadline is May 23.
BigSun Organization Scholarship - $500 - For student athletes regardless of which sport they participate in. Visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply. Deadline is June 20, 2008.
AES Engineers - $500 - Must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words in answer to one of the two questions posed on the website: http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php. Deadline for entry is Sept. 15, 2008.
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship - $1,000 - A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors between the ages of 16 and 30. To apply, you will need to write an essay on one of two topics. You may access their website for the topics and all other information at www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm.
Navy ROTC scholarships - Four -year scholarships covering full tuition, books, fees, uniforms and a monthly stipend of $250 that increases incrementally each year. After college, the student enters the Navy as a commissioned officer. Requires an ACT of at least 22 math/, 22 English or a SAT of 520 math, 530 verbal. Start the application process on-line at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil.
Air Force ROTC scholarships - Merit based, not financial-need based. Min. GPA 3.25 (end of junior year), and either 1180 SAT or 26 ACT. Students choose from over 1000 major colleges/universities and have a one-year-no-obligation period to decide if the military is really right for them -- that's one free year of college just for taking ROTC classes. Go to www.afrotc.com for more information.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers different scholarship programs for Hispanic American students . More details about their program and applications are available at www.hsf.net.
Don’t overlook
the scholarships that are offered by the colleges and universities. Check with the ones you are interested
in attending to see what procedures need to be followed to make application.
Colleges and universities frequently offer the opportunity to prospective students to visit their campuses. Below are dates and campuses that have notified us of scheduled day or weekend visits. Many of these require registration. Please call or register with the college/university. Check with the college or university of your choice to see when they have visits scheduled.
Colleges Visiting Our Area Soon
Representatives from the following colleges and universities will be in our area on the dates reflected below: For those who wish to visit with a representative visiting our campus, please see Mrs. Moss in the counselors’ office to sign up for a pass (if required).
Requesting Recommendation
Letters
Colleges and Universities may require a letter of recommendation and/or a Secondary School Report form to be filled out by your counselor. In order to have your counselor write a letter for you or complete a school report in a timely manner, please allow them at least two weeks from the date of request. A packet to help the counselor write your letter and complete your Secondary School Report is required. These “Recommendation Letter Request Packets” may be picked up in the counseling office from Mrs. Crenshaw. Any requests for reports to be filled out and/or for letters, from your counselor, must be accompanied by this packet AND by a typed resume that lists your school activities, leadership positions, outside commitments/responsibilities, community service, awards and any other information that you believe is important. Please submit these to Mrs. Crenshaw and she will see that your counselor gets them. You may also be required to request a recommendation letter from teachers. If so, please check with the teacher you wish to write your letter. They may have a form to fill out requesting this letter. Again, please allow your teacher and counselor at least two weeks from the date of request.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
FAFSA worksheets are now available for students entering college/university in the fall of 2008. The FAFSA
can and should be filed as soon after
CSS/Financial Aid
PROFILE
Some colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award non-federal student aid funds. If you need to file a PROFILE, you may register at http://www.collegeboard.com/. Check with the university or college financial aid office to determine if a CSS/Financial Aid Profile will be required.
GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE!
Online at www.asktacac.com or by phone TOLL free at 1-877-275-7007. Sponsored by the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling.
The CHS Library has a VHS and a DVD of "FAFSA Made Easy" in English and Spanish. Be sure to check it out.
Senate Bill 1528
Texas Residency for some non-citizens
2006-2007
In January, 2006 Senate Bill 1528 (SB 1528) was signed into law replacing House Bill 1403, which legislates that an individual who is a non-citizen may be considered a resident of the State of Texas if the individual has:
1. graduated from a public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) in the State of Texas,
2. resided in Texas at least three years leading up to graduation from high school or GED,
3. resided or will have resided in Texas 12 months prior to the census date in which the student will enroll in the college or university.
4. provides to the college or university that is supported by the State of Texas an affidavit stating that the individual will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so.
1528 Students CANNOT file FAFSA anymore. They must fill out the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); download and print from http://www.collegefortexans.com/residency/TASFA.doc. The form must be completely filled out and submitted to the Financial Aid office of the institution to which the student is applying for aid.
Paying the Bill - Do you and your family have a plan to pay for your "family share of costs," the bottom line on the college bill? Many financing options exist -- you'll want to consider each one carefully.
* Payment plans: Most colleges provide a variety of ways to spread out payments, such as monthly payment plans.
* Loans: Parents can borrow up to the cost of education, minus financial aid, with a federal PLUS loan. Parents and students also have the option of taking out federal unsubsidized loans and alternative loans.
* Savings withdrawals: Now is the time to withdraw funds from personal savings and college savings plans such as 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (formerly Education IRAs).
Beware of Scholarship Scams. Just like any other scams, scholarship scams promise to get you the money you need to pay for school. They come in the mail, in the newspaper, in fliers or even online. Here is some advice on avoiding those scams.
1. Don't pay an application fee for a scholarship. Scholarship funds are generally endowed and have provisions for their administration.
2. Don't trust promises that seem to good to be true. Legitimate scholarship providers and search services will never make a guarantee of an award.
3. Don't give a service or provider financial information to "hold" a scholarship for you. Get information about services in writing. Again, guarantees of scholarship money are seldom legitimate.
4. Don't believe a scholarship search service will do all the work for you. That simply is not feasible. Essays and applications need to be completed by you, the applicant.
5. There is no such thing as "easy" scholarship money. Application instructions must be followed to the letter. Neatness and grammar count . Scholarship services and providers cannot provide these services to you because only you can write an essay or accurately complete applications.
6. Millions of dollars in scholarship funds do not go unclaimed each year. For every one of you seeking money for college, there are hundreds of others doing exactly the same thing. Scholarships may go un-awarded because of their highly selective criteria. So, apply for scholarships for which you are mostly qualified. If no "perfect" recipient applies, you may be able to receive the award.
7. Don't buy into outrageous claims. Many scams will tell you they have information or sources you cannot find elsewhere. Again, this is simply untrue. The truth is, there are a finite number of scholarships and scholarship providers. They are very well covered both in print and online. The questions really is, "would you rather have someone else do the research for you?" If you answer yes, that's fine. Just be sure that kind of service doesn't cost you an arm and a leg and that they don't make outrageous claims.
8. Never pay money for scholarship searches on the internet. Many free search services are available that provide the same information as those that charge a fee.
9. Look out for the following statements: "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back." "You can't get this information anywhere else." "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship." "We'll do all the work." "The scholarship will cost some money." "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship." "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.
10. Just remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Important Things to Note
We want to know where you are going to college/university AND we'd like to know what scholarships you've been offered (whether you accept them or not). Drop by Mrs. Crenshaw's desk in Student Services and let her know!
Graduation will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the Coliseum on the UNT campus in Denton. Baccalaureate will be Sunday, June 1st at the First Baptist Church in Carrollton from 1:30 - 3 p.m.
T
ake the SAT Online Course!Each year C-FB purchases SAT Online Course access for every student in grades 9-12. The program helps prepare students for college tests and success. Once the students register no additional fees are collected by College Board and students can utilize 18 interactive lessons covering the areas of critical reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Valuable experience by taking six practice tests (answering 600+ practice questions)
- Respond to practice essay questions
- Explanations of answers to all questions in the online course
- Personalized score reports on all practice tests and quizzes. With this information, students can better understand where to focus additional study
Each student who registers for The Official SAT Online Course will need a unique access code. In September, the College Board sent each of our high schools new student registration cards for incoming students. Deb Moss in Student Services has these cards for distribution. If students need a card they need to see Mrs. Moss.
- The unique access codes (example: ABCD-1234567) replace the six-digit school-wide access codes (example: 441144).
- Please note that this change does not affect students who have previously registered for the online course.
The UNT web site now translates into Spanish almost instantly by clicking "en Espanol" in the green bar just below their name on the homepage.
For students who are interested in practicing a career before committing time to college, check out www.disneycareerstart.com. They hire students right out of high school to work at a Disney facility. Living and dining accommodations are part of the program. Check out the website for dates that they will be in our area for interviews.
Students may apply with a Common Black College Application at www.eduinconline.com and a one time only application fee of $35. The application can be viewed by all 34 member institutions minutes after submission. Transcripts, test scores, essays and recommendations must be mailed to the colleges students are interested in attending. The $35 application fee can not be waived and they do not accept fee waiver forms.
If you finish college in Texas within 3 hours or fewer attempted hours of the number of hours required for your degree, you will be eligible for a $1,000 tuition rebate after you graduate. For example, if your degree requires that you have 120 hours to graduate and you ultimately graduate with 123 attempted hours or fewer, you can qualify for the rebate. You must see your college counselor/registrar prior to graduation from college to get the proper applications for the rebate.
Like most misconceptions, community college myths are based on elements of truth. But like most misconceptions, these myths lead to mistaken beliefs that could warp your ability to choose the right post-high school educational path for you.
Myth: Students only attend community college because they can't get in to a four-year university.
Fact: Statistics refute this assumption. It may be true that, on average, community college students have lower SAT and ACT scores than university students, but many students attend community college for convenience, family, job, or financial considerations.
"Community college makes sense, purely for economic reasons. We expect more students to use community colleges in the future because of the sheer cost of a university education," Wyner explains. Community college students save on tuition and also on boarding because they can live at home during the first two years of school.
Myth: A degree from a community college is not as good as a university degree.
Fact: A community college degree can take you straight into the workforce or to an elite four-year university. Community colleges educate 62 percent of allied health professionals and over 80 percent of law enforcement officers and firefighters, according to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
"Community colleges are not inferior. It is the first choice for many students because the first two years of college are really exploratory anyway and it costs so much less," says Victor Somma, a spokesman for Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Myth: Community colleges are inexpensive, so the education is not high quality.
Fact: Community colleges may be less expensive than four-year universities, but that doesn't mean you sacrifice a quality education. Classes in honors programs at community colleges are smaller than university classes. The curriculum is often more in-depth and there is more open exchange between teachers and students.
"We are a brand name society. Community colleges tend to be the generic brand, but it's just as good a foundation as starting at a four-year university at half the price," says AACC spokeswoman Norma Kent. "Community college graduates have gone on to Ivy League schools."
Myth: Community college credits do not transfer to four-year universities.
Fact: The quality of community colleges is getting better all the time. There are more articulation agreements with four-year colleges for them to award credit for comparable courses taken at community colleges.
"You need to know what institution you want to attend, pay attention to their requirements, and choose your classes accordingly," Kent asserts. "The key is careful planning."
Myth: Community colleges have low academic standards.
Fact: While community colleges offer "open admission" that breeds diversity, all courses are not open admission. In fact, students usually have to take placement tests in order to qualify for college-level work. Technical and special programs have high standards and students compete to enroll.
"The idea that students go to community colleges because they can't hack it at a four-year university is ridiculous," Somma says. "We have stringent policies, but we also offer students the extra support they need to succeed.
Helpful Websites
***If you need some help writing a resume, check out the following website: http://purdue.placementmanual.com/resume/index.html
***Websites that will be
especially useful and important to you this year are listed below: Please note that college bound students
are ENCOURAGED to register and apply online.
A list of Internet Sites for Scholarships, Foundations, Grants, Sweepstakes, and Contests is in the Go Center. Drop by and pick up a copy.
College bound athletes may
register at http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/.
Register for SAT at http://www.collegeboard.com/.
Register for ACT at http://www.actstudent.org/.
Everything a Texan needs to know about preparing for, applying for, and paying for college or technical school as well as SAT and ACT Test Preparation can be found at www.collegefortexans.com.
Find the right college; study for the SAT or ACT; explore financial aid; and advance your career at www.petersons.com
All boys who will be 17 during this year need to register for the Selective Service at http://www.sss.gov/.
For the branches of the military: Marines: www.marines.mil, Air Force: www.airforce.com, Army: www.goarmy.com, Navy: www.navy.com, Coast Guard: www.uscg.mil.com.
To apply to Texas Public
Universities, go to http://www.applytexas.org/.
To apply with the Common
Application go to http://www.commonapp.org/.
Seniors starting college in the
fall of 2007 will be able to file their FAFSA after
To search for a major, go to www.MyMajors.com.
To register to vote, go to http://www.eac.gov/register_vote.asp?format=none
For a website that offers col
Use
the Resource Room
The GO CENTER is loaded
with information to help you pursue your future. There are catalogs and video
tapes from many colleges, SAT/ACT/THEA/ registration bulletins, Texas and
Common Applications, military information, scholarship and financial aid
information, computers w/internet access and many web addresses that are useful
tools for researching schools, scholarships, financial aid and much, much
more.
Please - don’t remove the college catalogs from the
Resource Room. Other materials are
available to take home. Please
check with Mrs. Crenshaw to see what may and may not be taken. Thanks!
THEA
Registration Deadlines
Register
online at http://www.thea.nesinc.com/
Test Date |
Regular Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline (additional fee applies) |
Emergency Registration Deadline (additional fee applies) |
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February 23, 2008 |
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April 19, 2008 |
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June 21, 2008 |
May 23, 2008 |
June 11, 2008 |
June 18, 2008 |
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July 26, 2008 |
June 27, 2008 |
July 16, 2008 |
July 23, 2008 |
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Register
online at
http://www.collegeboard.com/
Test Dates.
Reg. Deadline
Late Deadline
| June 7 | May 6 | May 15 |
Register
online at
http://www.act.org/
Test
Dates
Reg. Deadline
Late Deadline
| June 14 | May 9 | May 23 |
SAT and ACT Fee
waivers are available in the counseling office for those students who fall
at or less than the income guidelines established below. See Mrs. Crenshaw if you are on the free/reduced
lunch plan to receive a fee waiver, or bring a copy of the front
page of your parents’ 2007 IRS Form 1040 to Mrs. Crenshaw.
Number of
Dependents
Family Income
1 $18,889
2 $25,327
3 $31,765
4 $38,203
5 $44,641
6 $51,079
over 6 $51,079 plus $6,438 for each additional person
You may register on-line or with a paper application when using an SAT fee waiver.
For
ACT fee waivers
Number of Dependent
Family Income
1 $11,500
2 $18,800
3 $25,800
4 $31,900
5 $37,600
6 $44,000
over 6 $44,000 plus $3,400 for each additional person
You may register on-line and verify with a paper application when using an ACT fee waiver.