Counselor's Corner
Issue 3

From the Counselor’s Desk:                                                                October 4, 2011      Issue 3

After attending the college fair, I hope you have been able to narrow down your college choices.  It is important to choose a college that is right for you, not your best friend.  You need to investigate prospective colleges to be sure that they offer the major that you are interested in obtaining.  Take advantage of the information that you received at the college fair to check for application deadlines, entrance requirements, and scholarship deadlines.  The college that you are interested in is the best resource to find scholarship opportunities.  

Over the next few months, many college representatives will visit Tuttle High School to answer questions you may have about their respective university or college.  Please take the time to visit with these representatives; it is for your benefit that they come to help you make preparations for college.  Take advantage of the websites given in this letter to search for scholarship opportunities.  I will provide you with scholarship information that I receive.  In preparing to complete applications, you may find it helpful to complete a resume.  A resume saves you a lot of time by having everything you need in one document that you can refer to.  It is also nice to send a resume with your college application; it allows you speak more personally about yourself.  Another advantage in having a resume completed, you can have it for job applications.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• October 22 – ACT Test  Remember to take a photo ID, your registration, and a calculator
• November 4 – Early Registration Deadline for ACT Test on December 10.

COLLEGE DAY INFORMATION:  You may receive two college visits during your senior year.  To receive an excused absence you need to complete the College Day form and have it signed by Mr. Odam or Mr. Ragsdale prior to your visit, have a college representative sign it on the day of your visit, and then return it to Mrs. Garrett.

ACT PREP COURSE:  Is offered each Saturday prior to national ACT Test Date.  The cost is $90. on the University of Oklahoma campus.  You may register online:  youth.ou.edu.

HELPFUL TIP:  Use one calendar to note ACT Tests, College applications and scholarship due dates and other important college related info.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:  

• Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation Scholarship applications are due Feb. 1, 2012.  Early Bird, Dec. 15, 2011.  For additional information, application, and criteria visit:  www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org and click on ESA Foundation.
• Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding scholarships based on Leadership, Commitment to Community, and Academic Achievement.  For eligibility requirements and application information visit www.coca-colascholars.org.  Click Apply On-line, then Four Year, or call 1-800-306-2653.

• 2012 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest.  Write an essay on an act of political courage by a U S elected official who served during or after 1956.  For contest information, and to submit your essay visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest at:

www.jfklibrary.org. Deadline is January 7, 2012.

LETTER(S) OF RECOMMENDATION:

Students if you need a letter of recommendation please consider who you may wish to write the letter and give them ample time to prepare the letter.  Administrators and teachers are very busy as well.  An information sheet was placed in your box previously and is very helpful to those that you may ask to write a letter for you.  This gives the writer a more personal look at your goals and accomplishments.  You may duplicate the information sheet if more is needed.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Please let me know if you need a transcript sent to a college, I will be glad to get it sent for you.
• Do not wait till next spring to take your ACT, early college admission deadlines are February 1 and March 1 and many scholarships are tied to these dates and require an ACT score to apply.  

• Make sure you keep copies of all applications and forms submitted to colleges.  
• Do not pay a company to find a scholarship for you.  You have access to the same resources they do.
• If you are planning to play NCAA or Division 1 sport, please make sure you register with the NCAA Clearing House.  You will need to have your ACT scores sent directly to NCAA by using the college school code 9999 when registering for the ACT.  To register with the NCAA go to:  www.eligibilitycenter.org. 
• Check out the following websites.  They can be helpful for financial aid and preparing for college:

            www.collegeanswer.com

            www.scholarshipexperts.com

            www.fastweb.com

            www.finaid.org

            www.okhighered.org

www.scholarships.com

            www.fafsa.ed.gov

Please come see me, if you need help or need transcripts sent to a college(s).

Your counselor,

Connie Traxler 

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