EducationQuest Foundation
College Planning Bulletin
A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students
October 2016
Attend a College Fair! Talk to representatives from colleges across the state, region and nation during upcoming college fairs.
Norfolk Area College Fair, Sunday, September 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Northeast Community College
Grand Island Area College Fair, Sunday, September 25, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Heartland Events Center
Tri-State Area College Fair, Sunday, October 2, 12:30-3:00 p.m. – Marina Center, South Sioux City
Lincoln Area College Fair, Sunday, October 9, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Southeast Community College
Omaha Area College Fair, NOTE NEW DATE! Sunday, October 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m. – University of Nebraska at Omaha
For more details and a list of colleges at each fair, see the College Fair article at EducationQuest.org.
If you can’t make it to a College Fair, attend an Educational Planning Program (EPP), which are smaller college fairs held
statewide. See “Upcoming Events” at EducationQuest.org for dates and locations.
Register for a barcode
Before attending a college fair or EPP, visit NebraskaCollegeFairs.org to register for a barcode. Print the barcode and take it to the
fair so that college reps can scan it. This will save time spent completing college information cards.
It’s FAFSA time!
Beginning October 1, you and your parents can complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Follow these tips
to prepare:
Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID for you and one for a parent at fsaid.ed.gov. You and a parent will each need an FSA ID to
access and sign the FAFSA.
Attend an EducationQuest Financial Aid Program (FAP) to learn about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. If you attend,
you’ll be eligible to register for a $500 scholarship! FAPs will be held at high schools across the state. Click here for dates and
locations.
Review the FAFSA Checklist at EducationQuest.org to determine items you’ll need to complete the FAFSA.
See FAFSA Tools at EducationQuest.org for helpful resources.
For free personal help, call EducationQuest to make an appointment: Omaha – 888.357.6300, Lincoln – 800.303.3745, Kearney –
800.666.3721, and Scottsbluff – 800.303.3745, ext. 6654.
It’s time to Apply2College
This fall, over 200 Nebraska high schools are holding Apply2College events during the school day to help seniors complete college
applications. Whether or not your school is participating, here are some tips and resources to help you prepare for the application
process.
Winning the scholarship game
Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:
Don’t pay for scholarship services! Free resources include ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org, your school counselor’s
office, and EducationQuest offices in Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.
Focus on college-based and local scholarships. You’re more likely to earn them over large national awards.
Continually update your activities, honors and volunteer or paid jobs using the Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org.
Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exams in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior
year.
Use quality references such as a teacher, coach or counselor. Give them advance notice, a specific deadline, and a copy of your
Activities Resume.
Ask at least two people to proofread your application.
October “To Do” List
Juniors and Seniors:
___ Attend a College Fair or Educational Planning Program in your area.
___ Attend a Financial Aid Program.
___ Sign up for Countdown2College to receive monthly college planning tips.
Seniors:
___ Create an FSA ID for you and one for a parent. You’ll need them for the FAFSA.
___ Be aware that you can complete the FAFSA beginning October 1.
___ Narrow your college choices and be aware of application deadlines and criteria.
___ Register by September 16 for the October 22 ACT.
___ Register by October 7 for the November 5 SAT.
For free help with college planning, contact EducationQuest Foundation:
OMAHA: 402-391-4033; 888-357-6300
LINCOLN: 402-475-5222; 800-303-3745
KEARNEY: 308-234-6310; 800-666-3721
SCOTTSBLUFF: 800-303-3745 ext. 6654
Your Journey to College Begins with Us!
12