FAFSA Workshop/Scholarship Opportunities/Get2College Newsletter

Senior Parents! 

Reserve your spot in our FAFSA Workshop

Tuesday, February 4 from 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 5 from 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Call Kristie Cohea at 662-890-2490 to reserve your time. Please remember only two parents can be seen at a time so if your schedule is not very flexible call ASAP to secure your slot. 

Scholarships:
The Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is awarding a scholarship to college bound seniors. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be accepted at an accredited college or university. Additionally, an essay and two letters of recommendation are required. Applications are due April 1. Come by the Guidance Office for an application.

The DeSoto County African American History Symposium is hosting an essay contest for high school students. The topic is "Civil Rights Movement in Retrospect: Our Struggles, Our Triumphs, Our Challenges." Interested students can pick up an application from Mrs. Brown in the Guidance Office. All entries must be received by February 8. Winners will receive a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre.

The DeSoto County Junior Auxiliary is awarding three $1000 scholarships to students interested in a child related field of study. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must be enrolled as a full time student. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office. The deadline is March 1.

North Central Power Scholarship
Five $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors in the month of April. Criteria is based on academic achievement and leadership skills. Students must attend an accredited college to receive scholarship. Access the application here.

Olive Branch Arts Council is awarding a scholarship to an Olive Branch area senior. Submit a piece of artwork in one of the following categories: photography, film, or original artwork. Judging is based on creativity. The deadline is April 15. You can pick up an application in the Guidance Office.

All Parents:

If you or your child have not taken advantage of the Get2College Center in Southaven you are missing out on a great resource! Learn more about their services by reading their newsletter and check them out online at get2college.org. 

Tutoring Opportunities

Mrs. Eldridge: US History/APUSH Tutoring Schedule

Mrs. Terry's Algebra II and Geometry:
Alg2 - Mon/Tue before school starting at 7:50
Geometry - Wed/Thurs before school starting at 7:50


Mrs. Young's Spanish II Tutoring:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-4:45

Mrs. Wooten Trig/Pre-Cal/Algebra II
Tuesday and Thursday: 7:40 to 8:10


****Be sure to check with your teacher to make sure they do not have morning duty before you make plans to attend tutoring. ****

If you are interested in a private tutor, please email me at danielle.brown@dcsms.org and I can provide that information to you. 

Miss Olive Branch Scholarship Pageant

Miss Olive Branch Scholarship Pageant 

March 29, 2014

Olive Branch High School

A Night at the Oscars

Interested students should download an application by clicking on this link (MS Olive Branch Application). 

Financial Aid Workshop Re-Cap

Financial Aid Tips/Reminders:
1. Your student must have their FAFSA information sent to the school they plan to attend. The school will not allow them to receive any scholarships or loans without having their FAFSA on file.

2. The RiseUp MS website has lots of state aid-MTAG, MESG, HELP. These grants, along with the FAFSA, must be filled out every year.

3. Get organized! Start a folder with documents from FAFSA, MTAG, and tax returns. Keep this and update it yearly.

4. You will need a PIN to access your FAFSA. You can create this PIN by going to the FAFSA PIN website. The PIN is a four digit number (you can decide the four digits). Your student must have one and a parent must have one as well. You will use this PIN each year to renew your FAFSA.

5. If your student plans to attend summer school, you will need to fill out the 2013-2014 FAFSA and use your 2012 taxes. Additionally, you will need to fill out the 2014-2015 FAFSA for the fall and use your 2013 taxes.

6. You can send your FAFSA information to a maximum of 10 schools-narrow it down to three. Send your FAFSA information to Northwest or another local community college as a backup plan. Sending your information to the school does not require attendance but will make things easier for you if your original plans do not work out the way you hoped.

7. 2 out of 3 students will be asked to verify the information provided on FAFSA. Sending your information to numerous colleges increases your chances of being selected.

8. Full Pell (aka the maximum amount given by FAFSA) will not cover full tuition at a university.

9. When planning your financial needs, budget approximately $1000 for books.

10. Do not make a hasty decision because you are overwhelmed. Compare the cost of attendance for each institution and scholarship/grant money from each to determine your out-of-pocket expenses. Ask your admissions counselor if you need more assistance.

Types of Financial Aid
1. Grants/Scholarships
               Do not have to be repaid.
               Available through the Federal Government, State Government, companies, small businesses,
                  private organizations, community groups, and the colleges themselves.
2. Work Study
              Job opportunities at the school
              Work around your class schedule
              Paid minimum wage/monthly
              Can put your pay toward your school debt
              Must mark "yes" on the FAFSA to be considered
              Most schools have an additional application and jobs are filled before school starts in the fall
3. Loans
             Last option! Do not take out a loan "just for fun."
             Average student loan debt $23,200
             Must be re-paid; the government will seize your tax return if you default on your student loans after                     graduation.
             If you have to take out a loan, only borrow what you need.

State Aid
1. MTAG
            15 ACT
            2.5 GPA
            Must be a MS resident and attend MS school (student and parent driver's license # required)
            Pays up to $500 per semester
            Must reapply each year
2. MESG
            29 ACT
            3.5 GPA
            Pays up to $2500 per year
            Must reapply each year
3. HELP
            Deadline March 31
            20 ACT
            2.5 GPA
            Must meet income requirements
            Pays up to full tuition

       

Scholarships

Buick Achievers Scholars Program is awarding 100 scholarships to students interested in Engineering/Technology and a few other select programs of study. Interested applicants must meet the following requirements....

• Be high school seniors or graduates or be current undergraduate students
• Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university based in the U.S. or Puerto Rico for the entire 2014–15 academic year (excluding proprietary and online schools)
• Plan to major in a specified course of study that focuses on Engineering/Technology or select Design and Business-related programs of study. See the list of eligible majors.
• Be interested in pursuing a career in the automotive or related industries
• Be U.S. citizens and have permanent residence in the United States or Puerto Rico

Go to the Buick Achievers Scholarship page for more information and to fill out an application.

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Interested in summer programs at some of the top colleges in the nation? 

Check out the programs offered through JSA....for more information go to The JSA website. 

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If you are interested in taking a Dual Enrollment class at Career Tech East in Olive Branch you will receive a high school student discount. The cost is $190 per class. 

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Guys-don't forget to register for Selective Service! Not registering will keep you from receiving financial aid and could prevent college acceptance. Go to sss.gov to sign up.

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Keep your calendars clear for Feb. 4 or 5. Get2College will be at Center Hill to help students and parents with the FAFSA. More information to come. 
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Want to use your artistic abilities to get money for college? Enter the Olive Branch Arts Council Scholarship. Submissions can be photography, video, or original artwork. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office or with Mrs. Clayton or Mrs. McGaughy.

The deadline is April 15.

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Seniors, are you interested in going to Delta State? Sign up for one of their student days and experience what it's like to be a real Delta State student. Register online at deltastate.edu/studentforaday.

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The DeSoto County Junior Auxiliary is awarding three $1000 scholarships to students interested in a child related field of study. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA and must be enrolled as a full time student. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office. The deadline is March 1.

Financial Aid Workshop--- 1-22-14 Next Wednesday 6:00 PM

Who:       Senior Parents  

What:       Financial Aid Workshop

                  How to complete the FAFSA and   

                  Apply for MTAG

WHEN:     Wednesday, January 22nd at                          

                   6:00 PM

Where:      Center Hill HS

                    Multi-Purpose Room/Computer Lab

Northwest Financial Aid Department will be conducting the workshop to help you navigate the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how to apply for Mississippi Tuition Assistant Grant (MTAG).

This is the last financial aid workshop planned for this year's seniors.  Please make plans to attend.

Frequent Questions About Financial Aid

FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) – Financial aid

How can I pay for college?

v To whatever extent is possible, work toward paying for your college expenses by earning scholarships, obtaining grants and using campus work-study opportunities. Many sources are available for finding these types of financial aid, free of charge.  Some of the best FREE places we have found to seek financial assistance include:

§  www.Get2College.org (MS-based non-profit organization offering free financial aid services)

§  www.mississippi.edu/financialaid (state-funded grants and scholarships)

§  www.riseupms.com (see scholarship finder tab)

§  Local scholarships and contests (posted in Guidance Office)

§  www.ms.bridges.com (see scholarship finder tab)

v Most importantly, contact the financial aid offices at the various colleges that you plan to attend.  At least once per semester while you are in college, you also should check with your financial aid office to inquire about additional scholarships, work-study opportunities and internships that may be available for the upcoming semester/year. Stay ahead of any deadlines the college sets for financial aid applications!

v If you have exhausted all other opportunities for scholarships or grants and still have more college expenses that must be covered, carefully examine options for requesting reputable student loans through your college. Be aware that all student loans must eventually be repaid, with interest, and that college-related debts can accumulate quickly and require many years of being in debt.  Speak personally with financial aid representatives at your college to find out about the most economical and manageable student loan options for your situation, always thinking ahead to what your other financial obligations may include during future years.

How do I apply for financial aid?

v Complete all applications for scholarships and/or financial aid for each college or technical school you are considering. Most can be found online at their websites. Make sure you meet all the deadlines. Check their Net Price or True Cost Calculators to help estimate your financial aid options at each school. Some schools may require a CSS/PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA.

v File FAFSA documentation a.s.a.p. after January 1 each year that you will be in college.  FAFSA information is automatically forwarded to the financial aid departments at whatever college(s) you specify, so list all colleges you might possibly be interested in attending.  Usually within a few weeks after your FAFSA information is completed, you should begin receiving letters and/or emails from the college financial aid office(s) about the specific amounts of aid they can make available for you.  NOTE: Be sure that you are using www.fafsa.ed.gov, NOT fafsa.com. This can help avoid unnecessary delays or possible “fees” that some sites may attempt to charge.

v If you will be attending college in Mississippi, apply for state grants and scholarships (MTAG, HELP, or MESG, etc.) a.s.a.p. after January 1 each academic year that you will be in college.  Stay ahead of deadlines, which are different for each scholarship. Call the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid at 800-327-2980 or 601-432-6997, or visit www.mississippi.edu/financialaid.

v Request information about work-study, scholarships, co-op and internship opportunities – check with educators, administrators, and department bulletin boards at your college.

v Remember, if you work hard on your academic studies and keep in good communication with professors and department heads during your freshman year, you likely will be able to learn about additional scholarships and financial aid sources for each year you are in college.  Also visit www.get2college.org for more scholarship options.

v If you begin your studies at a community college and maintain good grades and academic standing, you may become eligible for substantial Transfer scholarships (such as Phi Theta Kappa) offered by four-year colleges and universities. Check with financial aid representatives and transfer coordinators at each school to find your best options.

v Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can!  Your goal is to have a minimum of student loans, to be as debt-free as possible, when you finish college or technical school.

Scholarship and College Websites to Visiti

RiseUp MS
Get2College
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
www.cappex.com
www.kaarme.com
www.meritaid.com
www.admissionsadvice.com
www.collegeboard.org
www.collegeweeklive.com
www.mymajors.com
www.collegeanswer.com
www.collegescholarship.com
www.usagovernmetngrants.org
www.college.gov

Seniors: Financial Aid

SENIORS

Apply for Federal financial aid:

File your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Need help?  FREE FAFSA workshop

Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00pm at CHHS

Apply for State Financial Aid:

File MTAG, HELP and other Applications at 

www.mississippi.edu/financialaid

Juniors and Sophomores:

Apply for Summer College Programs 

 Visit Colleges

Stop by the Guidance Office to Pick  Summer Opportunities 

Senior Info...

We are hosting a Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors and their parents. Students and parents will get help with completing the FAFSA on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00pm at Center Hill.  The financial aid representatives from Northwest Community College will be present to provide hands on help with completing the FAFSA and MTAG.

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Need help filling out the FAFSA? Sign up for our FREE FAFSA work shop, February 4 and 5. We will post more information soon.

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WANT TO GET FREE MONEY FOR COLLEGE????

Go to Rise UP Mississippi.com for detailed info about the online application process for MTAG, MESG, and HELP. For many of these all you have to do is sign up in order to reap the benefits!

Below you will find a brief overview of these programs:

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)

Requires a 2.5 GPA and a 15 on the ACT. Students must be a MS resident for at least 1 year prior to applying and enroll in an approved Mississippi college or university. Awards can be up to $500 per academic year for freshman and sophomores and $1,000 per academic year for juniors and seniors. 

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)

Requires a 3.5 GPA and a 29 on the ACT. Students must be a MS resident for at least 1 year prior to applying and enroll in an approved Mississippi college or univeristy. Awards can be up to $2,500 per academic year but cannot exceed tuition and required fees.

Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP)

Requires a 2.5 GPA and a 20 on the ACT. Students must complete a specific high school core curriculum and meet certain income limitations. Additionally, students must enroll in an approved Mississippi college or university. 

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If you receive any scholarships, please give  a copy of the notification letter or email to your respective counselor-even if you do not plan to attend that school. We will recognize your accomplishments on awards night. 

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Guys-make sure you register for Selective Service. This is a requirement to attend college and receive financial aid. Go to sss.gov to register. You will need your Social Security number. 

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Make sure you register to vote once you turn 18. This is a privilege that so many people do not have-please take advantage! Click here to get a copy of the form.

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Memphis Area College Fair

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

6:00p - 8:30p at the Memphis Agricenter

FREE admission!

FREE academic and financial aid counseling!

FREE information sessions will be offered during the evening program.

100+ colleges/universities will be in attendance.

Students should register by going to www.gotomyncf.org.