EducationQuest Foundation
College Planning Bulletin
A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students February 2017
All about scholarships !
Most scholarships are based on academics , but others are based on community service , school involvement , or talent in art , dance , music , or athletics . Some are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid ).
It ’ s time to start applying for scholarships . Here ’ s where you can find them : � ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest . org features over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships . After you create a profile , you ’ ll be matched with scholarships that fit your criteria . � Your school counselor ’ s office . Visit regularly to check on local and national awards . � The college you plan to attend . Contact the school for a list of scholarships they provide and application procedures . � National search sites such as College Board , Peterson ’ s and Chegg . � Other resources could include your coach , clubs and organizations , and your parents ’ employers and civic organizations .
Here ’ s a scholarship you can apply for now !
Apply by March 31 for EducationQuest ’ s Scavenger Hunt Scholarship . You might win $ 500 toward your college education . Here ’ s how it works : 1 . If you haven ’ t already , complete a profile in ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest . org . 2 . If you ’ re a Nebraska resident in grades 9-12 , you ’ ll see the EducationQuest Scavenger Hunt Scholarship as one of the scholarships that will appear on your results page . 3 . “ Scavenge ” around the EducationQuest website to find answers to questions in a survey . 4 . EducationQuest will draw a winner from those who answer all questions correctly . The winner will receive $ 500 to invest in a NEST 529 College Savings Plan .
Juniors : it ’ s time to find the right fit for college ! Here ’ s how to get started : 1 . Attend a college fair to meet with representatives from colleges that interest you . Upcoming fairs include : Lincoln Area College Fair – Sunday , March 19 , 1-3 p . m ., Southeast Community College Grand Island Area College Fair – Sunday , March 26 , 1-3 p . m ., Pinnacle Bank Expo Center Scottsbluff Area College Fair – Sunday , April 2 , 1-3 p . m ., Western Nebraska Community College Omaha Area College Fair – Sunday , April 9 , 1-3 p . m ., University of Nebraska Omaha Sapp Fieldhouse Tri-State Area College Fair ( South Sioux City ) – Sunday , April 23 , 1-3 p . m ., Marina Center
Before you attend , register for a barcode at NebraskaCollegeFairs . org . Print the barcode ( or download it to your smartphone ) and take it to the fair . College reps will scan it to retrieve your demographic information – and you won ’ t have to complete their information cards .
2 . Schedule a campus visit . Your upcoming spring break is a good time to visit schools that interest you . Follow these tips for a successful visit .
February “ To Do ” List
Seniors : ___ If you haven ’ t already , complete the FAFSA . ___ Expect financial aid award notifications from the colleges you listed on your FAFSA . ___ Apply for scholarships . Juniors :
___ Prepare for the ACT . Here are test-prep resources to consider . ___ Register by February 10 for the March 11 SAT . ___ Register by March 3 for the April 8 ACT .
For free help with college planning , contact EducationQuest Foundation : Omaha Lincoln Kearney Scottsbluff 402-391-4033 402-475-5222 308-234-6310 800-303-3745 ext . 6654 888-357-6300 800-303-3745 800-666-3721 Your Journey to College Begins with Us
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