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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