Look for information in your box about Senior Panel Pictures, November 9, 2011.

From the Counselor’s Desk:                                                                November 1, 2011      Issue 4

It is already November, so that means that the holidays will be quickly upon us which also means half of your senior year is almost over.  It is important that you start narrowing your college choices and investigating scholarships available through your school of choice.  Whether you are attending college or going straight into the work force start composing your resume.  Having your resume complete is time saving in completing applications for college, scholarship applications, as well as job applications. 

HELPFUL HINT: Designate a calendar with application and scholarship due dates and note when you sent your materials to the respective college.  It can also be used to note important test dates, campus tour dates, and other important senior related events.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• November 4 – Early Registration Deadline for ACT Test on December 10.

Late Registration date for this test is November 18.

• November 5 – SWOSU Saturday There is a flyer outside my office with details.

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.

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.

• ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION – Most Valuable Student Scholarship. 

Scholarship deadline is December 2, 2011.  I have a few applications on site or you may find an application at:  www.elks.org/enf/scholars.  This is a very long application and requires several components do not wait until the last minute to complete.

• BURGER KING ANNOUNCES “BK SCHOLARS” SCHOLARSHIP:  Application period is November 15, 2011-January 12, 2012.  Eligibility and how to apply visit:

http://haveityourwayfoundation.org/bksp_scholarship_eligibility.html.

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