AVID IV BLOG

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Monday, December 8, 2014

Return your College Books - Dec. 15-19th

Return your College Books

When:
December 15th—19th
10:00-1:30 & 2:30-4:30

Where:

Cottage
Back Round Table


UNC - G Guarantee - NOW OPEN!

UNCG Guarantee helps in-state students graduate from UNCG in four years with little or no debt as well as provides a support program to encourage academic and personal success. The university will make every attempt to meet the rest of the recipients' financial need through a combination of federal, state, university, and private grants and scholarships. Recipients will be provided with complementary systems of aid and outreach, vibrant, inclusive, sustainable learning environments, and caring, personalized and comprehensive support, thereby creating access to education and opportunities for success.

The UNCG Guarantee is more than an outstanding financial aid package for those who qualify; it is also a support program that provides a variety of opportunities and services to enhance scholars' academic achievement, leadership skills, and personal success.

In order to be eligible for the UNCG Guarantee, the student must meet all of the following criteria:
  • North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
  • Received a combined SAT score of a 1000 or above on the Critical Reading and Mathematics sections or an ACT composite score of 21 of above
  • Pursue a first undergraduate degree
  • Graduated from high school within the past eight months of your first enrollment at UNCG
  • Enroll full-time during the regular academic year
  • Have a family income that does not exceed 100% of poverty
  • Qualify for federal student financial aid
  • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA
The application is open NOW and the early applicants get priority so we encourage students to apply at their earliest convenience. You can find more information at guarantee.uncg.edu and attached is the electronic version of the postcard that we share with students. 

Please reply to this email with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Best,

UNCG Guarantee Program
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

--
Clayton S. Alexander
Undergraduate Admissions
University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Scholarship Opps!

New scholarships are now available for NC students who are planning to continue their education beyond highschool in the fall of 2015. They are listed below and include links to eligibility information and to the applications. Also, remember to check the CFNC.org site under the “Pay” tab for a full listing of scholarships.

Everett and Trudy Suddreth Scholarships of Excellence
Offered by the Carolinas Food Industry Council
30 scholarships at $2,500 each
www.retailpaysforcollege.org

NC Retail Merchants Scholarship
6 scholarships of $2,500 each
www.retailpaysforcollege.org

Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship
2 scholarships: One for $3,000 and one for $1,000
http://ncdames.org/refresh/templates/scholarships.php?id=49

Blog - Dec. 12

Look at the following picture and finish with specifics, 3 statements about your education and experience at ECHS/NCC.
EX - I struggle with....., I try to ....., I've reflected on...., I've learned...



Fin Aid Terms You Should Know

10 Important Financial Aid Terms You Should Know

Football and Financial AidFinancial aid is a lot like a football game. If you’re unfamiliar with the lingo, it can leave you dazed and confused. Just imagine what it would be like if a coach were to send in a quarterback without giving him a playbook or any tools to create an effective offense. In most cases, he would fail to move the ball. For some students, that’s exactly what has happened during the college planningprocess; they’ve received their college financial aid applications, but nobody has taken the time to explain what it all means. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. Here are 10 important terms that can help you score a financial aid touchdown!
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
High school seniors and current college students can submit the FAFSAbeginning in January (or as soon as taxes have been filed). The information in this application will be used to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Colleges may use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional aid, as well.
2. CSS/ Financial Aid PROFILE®
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® is a financial aid application service managed by the College Board. Some colleges may request this form in addition to the FAFSA, but it is only used to determine eligibility for non-federal financial aid. Applications are available starting October 1st.
EFC3. Student Aid Report (SAR)
Once you complete the FAFSA, you will receive the SAR (either by email or paper). Be sure to review it for errors, as colleges may use the information in this report (including your Expected Family Contribution) to help determine your eligibility for financial aid.
4. Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Colleges determine your EFC by using information received from the FAFSA or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®. This number represents your family’s financial strength, and determines this number by considering your family’s income, assets, size, and how many family members will be attending college. Colleges subtract your EFC from the total cost of attendance (COA) to determine how much financial aid you may need to attend college. Your EFC also determines how much financial aid you may receive from the federal government.
5. Cost of Attendance (COA)
Your COA is the amount needed to attend a college per year before financial aid is applied. It may include tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and living expenses.
Merit-Based Awards6. Merit-Based Aid
Merit-based financial aid is awarded to a student based on his/her academic success (grade point average, class rank, etc.), athleticability, artistic talent, or other areas.
7. Need-Based Aid
Need-based aid is awarded to a student based on his/her inability to pay the full cost of attendance. It may include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
8. Grant
Grants are free money for college that does not need to be paid back. Students typically receive grants based upon financial need.
9. Scholarship
Scholarships are gift-aid that does not have to be paid back. Students may receive scholarships from state, institutional, or private organizations/donors. A scholarship may awarded based on need, merit, skill, creative essay, or other factors.
10. Loan
This type of financial aid must be paid back. Loans may be offered through the federal government, a bank, or other sources. Terms and fees will vary by lender.
Understanding the lingo is the first step to creating an effective financial aid strategy. To learn more about financial aid and how to find free money for college, be sure to visit the Federal Student Aid website or head over toScholarshipExperts.com for more helpful advice.
 http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/blog/college-planning-2/10-important-financial-aid-terms-you-should-know

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Golden LEAF Scholarship

Golden LEAF Scholarship Programs

Since its inception, the Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded over $29.9 million to help more than 10,100 students from rural North Carolina attend the state's colleges and universities.
Scholarships are available to students from qualifying counties, who demonstrate financial need, to help them attend attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions or community colleges.
See information on the two scholarship programs below:
Golden LEAF Scholars Program
to attend NC 4-year colleges or universities

Since establishing the scholarship program, Golden LEAF has provided over 3,600 scholarships to help North Carolinians attend participating UNC System universities and private colleges and universities in N.C.
Participating NC colleges and universitiesParticipating institutions include UNC system universities and NC's private, nonprofit institutions. Click here for the list of participating colleges and universities.
Eligibility
High school seniors or community college transfer students planning to attend any of the participating colleges or universities who reside in aqualifying county and demonstrate financial need. Recipients are selected based upon multiple factors including grade point average, financial need, length of residence in the county and the ability to communicate a commitment to returning to a rural county that is economically distressed.
Award AmountFor students awarded scholarships:
  • High school seniors are eligible for a four-year scholarship totaling $12,000 ($3,000 a year over four years).
  • Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,000 a year for up to 3 years.
  • Years of scholarship support are subject to the number of credits transferred and the degree sought, among other eligiblity factors.
  • Approximately 215 scholarships will be awarded each year.
How to apply
Visit CFNC.org/goldenleaf to fill out the application form or call 866-866-CFNC for assistance. Your FAFSA, application, and transcripts are all processes through CFNC.org. Please do not send your information to the Golden LEAF Foundation.
Deadline
March 1, 2014 for your application, FAFSA, and transcripts
 http://www.goldenleaf.org/scholarships.html

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

See the announcement below regarding an upcoming webinar for Spanish-speaking parents.

The Office of Federal Student Aid is conducting a webinar for Spanish-speaking parents on federal student aid programs and the FAFSA in Spanish on Tuesday, December 16 at 5pm EST. Please share the webinar flyer (see attached) with all of your networks, and encourage everyone who will benefit from the webinar to register at this link http://fsaregistration.ed.gov/d/w4q655.

Regards,

Claire Fluker
AWARENESS & OUTREACH SPECIALIST
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
830 FIRST STREET, NE
UNION CENTER PLAZA, ROOM 32C2
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002-5340
202-377-4580 (Office)  |  202-275-0131 (Fax) 
Description: Description: Description: cid:image001.png@01CD7558.DAD9A180

Cappex Fin Aid Night



Cappex, Your College Decision Headquarters
YOUR STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO THE

Financial Aid + FASFA 101 Session for Students
December 17, 2014 • 6pm CST

Financial Aid + FAFSA 101 Session on December 17th, 6pm CST

Dear Dana,

Cappex is hosting the Financial Aid + FAFSA 101 Session on Wednesday, December 17th, at 6 p.m. CST. Let one of our financial aid experts, a former college and career counselor, help you by reinforcing the important financial aid facts for your students. Just send your students to www.cappex.com/finaid101 to register! 

Monday, December 1, 2014

Scholarship Opps at Western Carolina

http://www.wcu.edu/current-students/scholarships/

Make sure you look at deadlines!
FAQs - http://www.wcu.edu/current-students/scholarships/frequently-asked-questions.asp

Scholarship Opps at ECU

Please share the following information with prospective high school Juniors and Seniors!!
The College of Education at East Carolina University has many different scholarship opportunities opening this week. Interested high school seniors should complete a scholarship application online at https://ecu.academicworks.com  (there are a lot of scholarship opportunities in the system now but there will be about 85 more by the end of this week).

Also, attached is a copy of the Lane and Abernathy Scholarship and the College of Education Living-Learning Community (COE-LLC) application. The COE-LLC is an awesome support system for incoming freshman to help with the transition to college. Interested students will need to apply by January 28th for the Lane and Abernathy Scholarship (we had to move this date earlier due to University guidelines) and February 27th for the Living-Learning Community.  We do have specific scholarships available to some of our COE-LLC members. Students are encouraged to apply early as awards are available on a first come basis.

Last, please encourage any interested high school Junior or Seniors to register and attend our iTeach: What’s Your Superpower? COE Recruitment Day. It will be a day for potential students and families to meet current students and faculty and staff to learn more about our opportunities at ECU. This will be a great day!  Interested students can register online athttp://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/OTE/iTeach.cfm .


Dionna D. Manning, Director
NC Teaching Fellows and Maynard Scholars
Education Housing Community
manningd@ecu.edu

BLOG - AVID 4 Dec. 5

How are you feeling about NCC exams? Are you doing something academically different to increase you final grades in your current class? If so, what?

Monday, November 17, 2014

College Acceptance Letters and Such!

Please stop by to "Ring the Bell" and add your name and college to the wall!  Also, any acceptance letters, please bring them by so I can make a copy!

You all have made it this far! Congratuations!

Blog - Nov. 21 --- College Major - Careers?

What is your intended college major and list 4 specific jobs that you can do with your degree?

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Some random scholarship lists...

http://www.nrms.k12.nc.us/scholarship-information

http://www.campbell.edu/admissions/financialaid/outside-scholarship/senior-high-school-scholarships/

http://www.scholarshipplus.com/wake/scholarships.cfm

High Point University- Presidential Scholarship program. 
Go to highpoint.edu/scholarship for more info.  Your admissions app serves as your application. Apply Early decision or Early action for priority consideration.
Open House for Seniors- October 13, 2014
Open House for Juniors and Seniors- November 8, 2014 and November 22, 2014
Junior Open houses- April 2, 2015 and April 11, 2015  Sign up at highpoint.edu/visitcampus


BBB Torch Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted for this annual scholarship program which recognizes students who personify high ethics as demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal integrity and academic history. Go to 
http://www.bbb.org/raleigh- Durham/educational-foundation/torch-scholarships/ to apply. The deadline is December 1, 2014.
 
 

  TMCF/Lowe’s GAP Scholarship
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in partnership with Lowe’s, is pleased to provide need-based merit scholarships to graduating seniors. The scholarship awards range from $500 to $3,100. All students applying to this program must meet the following minimum criteria to qualify for a scholarship: 
• Attend one of the TMCF’s 47 member-schools 
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 
• Have an outstanding account balance between $500 and $3,100 
• Be a graduating senior 
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
The scholarship application and selection process is competitive. To apply, students must complete the following: 
• Resume (should demonstrate community service and leadership abilities) 
• One Letter of Recommendation from current faculty or staff member 
• 2014-2015 Student Aid Report (received from filing FAFSA, not school’s award letter) 
• College Transcript (official or unofficial)
• Essay: In a minimum of 500 words, please address the following question: 
What are your post-graduation plans? How will the GAP scholarship help you to achieve your goals?
Deadline: November 30, 2014 @ 11:59 PM EST
 
 

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Scholarship Application online process is now open. The deadline for all submissions is January 14, 2015 .          
GMS will select 1,000 talented students each year to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice.
Our program is more than a scholarship—it’s an opportunity to change your life!
If you seek nomination and recommendation, please see your Counselor.  It is important to let them know of your application, as there are additional parts that NNHS will complete online.
 

 
Boston University – full, 4 year,full-tuition Scholarship available.  Go to  www.bu.edu/admissions/trustee  Deadline 12/1. 


 The Robertson Scholars Program
The Robertson Scholars Program is not just a scholarship; nor isit just a leadership development program. The Robertson Scholars Program is acomprehensive, long term investment in our Scholars' futures.
More than just a monetary award, the Robertson Scholars Program allows studentsto take advantage of the faculty and other resources of two of the most highlyregarded universities in the nation, producing an undergraduate experience thatis unequalled in American higher education. It empowers students---generally 18 at Duke and 18 at UNC-Chapel Hill each year-- to make their own education. It provides students with the resources to further pursue their passions, the freedom to experience living abroad, and the mentorship to guide them through their years in college and beyond. Personal relationships with Robertson staffand faculty at both universities help Scholars explore their passions anddevelop their ability to turn these passions into action. During this four yearjourney,
There is no such thing as a 'typical Robertson Scholar.' Our scholars pursue a range of passions, academic interests, and personal and professional goals. Their skill sets, strengths, and personalities are unique but for one shared trait: the personal drive to have an impact on the world around them.
The application for high school students entering the is now available at   http://robertsonscholars.org/apply/high-school/
 
 

 
Wendys High School Heisman
Seniors who have at least a B average and participated in at least one school sponsored sport can apply for this recognition. National finalist attend the Heisman weekend in New York. Apply at  www.wendysheisman.com
 
 
North Carolina College Application Week
North Carolina College Application week is November 18-22. Application fees are waived for certain college and universities. Check CFNC website for a list of participating schools.

Monday, November 10, 2014

FSU - Early College Scholarship - Full Ride!

http://www.uncfsu.edu/admissions/information-and-services/early-college-scholarship

What do you need to have for the FAFSA???

https://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out?utm_content=sf33487644&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=spredfast&utm_campaign=Federal&sf33487644=1

Remember to use your personal email (not school) as you will be using your FAFSA account as long as you are in college. Your HS gmail account will close once your graduate. 

The FAFSA asks a series of questions that determine whether you are a dependent orindependent student for purposes of applying for federal student aid. If you are a dependent student, you must report parent information, as well as your own information, on your FAFSA. If you’re curious, you can find out now whether you’re a dependent student.

Blog - Nov. 14

What is your advice to rising "super seniors" about the college application process? Tips and/or challenges?

Friday, November 7, 2014

College Deadlines......

https://www.cfnc.org/static/pdf/home/sc/pdf/admissions_deadlines.pdf

Scholarship

http://www.americasfarmers.com/recognition-programs/grow-ag-leaders/


How to get your scholarship

  • Check eligibility requirements on our Terms and Conditions page.
  • Apply online at FFA.org/scholarships November 15, 2014 – February 1, 2015. FFA membership is not required.
  • Secure three farmer endorsements of their application. Farmers have until February 8, 2015, to endorse applications. LEARN MORE HERE
Majoring in the following Areas:
-Agricultural business management
- Agricultural communications
- Agricultural economics
- Agricultural education
- Agricultural engineering
- Agricultural extension
- Agricultural finance
- Agricultural journalism
- Agricultural mechanization
- Agricultural public relations
- Agricultural sales and marketing
- Agricultural systems management
- Agriculture policy and management
- Agriculture power and equipment
- Agriscience technician
- Agronomy and crop science
- Animal science
- Biochemistry
- Biological sciences
- Biotechnology
- Chemical engineering
- Communications
- Computer systems in agriculture
- Conservation
- Dairy science
- Dietetics
- Electrical engineering
- Entomology
- Environmental engineering
- Environmental science
- Equine science
- Farm and ranch management
- Food science and technology
- Food service management
- Food services and hospitality
- General ag/ag sciences
- Human nutrition 
- International agriculture
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Mechanical engineering
- Natural resources management
- Plant breeding and genetics
- Plant pathology
- Plant science
- Poultry science
- Public relations
- Public service and administration in agriculture
- Soil conservation
- Soil science
- Sustainable agriculture
- Water conservation

Monday, November 3, 2014

7 "Cs" to increase your odds on winning Scholarships!

http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/3994-7-c-s-of-winning-scholarships

7 C’s of Winning Scholarships

Featured Author:

Elizabeth Hoyt.  June 01, 2014
There are certainly ways to increase your odds of winning scholarships.
Check out the following seven “C’s” – ways you can increase your chances of obtaining sought-after scholarships.

1. Content

There’s plenty of content detailing directions of how to successfully apply for scholarships. Such content exists in resources like books, testimonials of scholarship winners and websites, like Fastweb. Utilize this information to create your own road map to gaining scholarship funds.

2. Commitment

Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Unfortunately, it’s difficult at times to win a scholarship and not everyone is guaranteed to win one.
Most of these winners will tell you that it’s vital that you never give up applying for scholarships – because then you’re guaranteed to never win one.

3. Communicate

Let others around you know that you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, as well as opportunities to gain experiences that scholarship providers will value.
Let your teachers, mentors and guidance counselors know so that they can provide letters of recommendation to include within your scholarship applications.

4. Causes

Take opportunities to volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. It looks great to scholarship providers and, if it’s a cause you’re really passionate about, you’ll also likely stick with it longer.
If you’re a student that cares about issues and are committed to making a difference in the world, scholarship providers are more likely to notice and value your contributions.

5. Create

If opportunities aren’t presenting themselves, create them. If you’re interested in something and your school doesn’t have a club for it already – create one. Taking initiative looks great and, if you’re passionate enough to create the opportunity, you will likely enjoy participating in it.
It also helps show scholarship providers that you’re willing to take on leadership roles when necessary.

6. Compliment

When it comes to scholarship applications, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn! Your achievements are something to be proud of and something providers should absolutely be aware of.
Remember, each achievement gives you an extra edge and will help distinguish you from the competition.

7. Curriculum

Try to balance out your curriculum by taking a mix of more and less challenging courses. Remember, a lot of scholarships do take your grade point average into consideration!

Scholarship search website....

https://www.salliemae.com/plan-for-college/scholarships/
http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships
http://scholarships.fastweb.com/y-high-school-seniors

Info on Student Aid.....
https://studentaid.ed.gov/home

Blog - Nov.7

What colleges do you have left to apply to...? What is your dream school?

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Website to help search for Scholarships - "The Scholarship of the Day"

Tuition Funding Sources (TFS) is using social media to help students apply for scholarships.

Every day we will post a new scholarship on our Twitter feedFacebook page andInstagram account called "The Scholarship of the Day".

Students, parents and school counselors can get a new scholarship delivered to their smartphone, tablet or computer - every day.

Please encourage your students to visit TuitionFundingSources.com and click on the social media icons to follow one or more of our social media accounts.

Tuition Funding Sources contains the largest scholarship database in the world and is sponsored exclusively by Wells Fargo.

A great example of College Majors by Topics

http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/majors-and-minors/majors-by-topic/

CFNC College Application Week - Nov. 10-14

https://www1.cfnc.org/College_Application_Week/CAW_Seniors.aspx

North Carolina College Application Week

November 10-14, 2014 


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Blog - Oct. 31

What has been the most difficult part of this semester? 2-3 sentences.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Blog - Due Oct. 24

 What are you goals ( for five years from now) and how will you achieve them? What will you do for a career? Will you still be in College? Masters/PhD?  3-5 sentences

College Road Trip Link - view colleges in NC

Here are some archives if this will help you in some way to use them--if you like! If the link does not work, then you can search College Roadtrips on WRAL's site. Just sharing...

Monday, October 13, 2014

BLOG - due October 17

College Admissions Tips
Pick TWO articles from any links below and write - 2 "tips" from each. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/college-application-tips/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2009/11/08/top-10-college-admissions-tips.html - many links/articles
http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/applying-college/5-tips-dealing-last-minute-college-app-stress
http://college.usatoday.com/2012/09/20/application-advice-from-college-admissions-officials/
http://applyingtocollege.org/2012/05/14/10-tips-for-students-to-reduce-college-application-stress/
http://student-tutor.com/blog/14-must-know-tips-college-admissions/
http://www.womansday.com/sex-relationships/family/10-tips-from-college-admissions-officers-123359
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/6-tips-about-college-admissions-results/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Scholarship Opportunity

Univision 40' Nuestra Juventud

"Nuestra Juventud," Univision 40's Scholarship Program recognizes the academic achievements and leadership qualities among Hispanic High School Seniors (12th grade) in the WUVC-Univision 40 viewing area.  Eligiblity:  Candidates must be entering the 12th grade, must be applying to a college/university in the fall of 2015 and must be of Hispanic descent.  Criteria:  The winners will be chosen based on Leadership, Academic Achievement, Hardship and Character.   Application process: Candidates must submit a copy of the school transcripts; a completed application; answers to the questions below (max. three pages may be used to answer the questions) and a clear picture, all in one packet.  Scholarship Award:  All scholarship awards will be sent directly to the college/university.  Failure to enroll in the Fall 2015 will result in forfeiture of the scholarship.Note: Faxed applications and transcripts will NOT be  considered.

Application Deadline - October 30, 2014

Click here to download the application - http://thencshp.org/programs/nc-hispanic-college-fund/univision-40-nuestra-juventud-scholarship/


NCSHP's 2015-2016 NC Hispanic College Fund

The North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals established this charitable fund at Triangle Community Foundation to benefit Hispanic students in North Carolina.  The North Carolina Hispanic College Fund awards annual scholarships worth between $500 and $2,500.  Scholarships recipients are recent graduates of North Carolina high schools who are of Hispanic/Latino background.  Recipients of a NC Hispanic College Fund scholarship must enroll in a degree program at a community college or a 2 or 4 year college/university and be committed to public service and community development.

Selection Criteria
  • Graduate of a NC high school within the past 2 years
  • A four-year cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
  • 2 letters of recommendation from a high school teacher, principal, pastor, employer, or other community leader
  • An official high school transcript
  • Personal statement (500 words)

Application deadline - January 15, 2015

Click here to download the application - http://thencshp.org/programs/nc-hispanic-college-fund/