Senior Scholarship Newsletter
October 2014
Important tips from your guidance counselors:
1) Now is the time to apply to college! Simply go to the college’s website to apply. If
you receive free or reduced lunch, see your counselor about application fee waivers.
2) Keep taking the ACT! Register on www.actstudent.org for the Dec. 14th test.
3) Explore college websites, including their net price calculators which give you an
estimated cost based on income, ACT score, your academic record, etc.
4) Schedule college visits
5) Use the Get2 College Center in Ocean Springs for free help with applying to college,
ACT prep, scholarships, and more! We love their website www.get2college.org and
you can even call 875-4441 for help with anything.
Upcoming dates:
USA Days- Visit the University of South Alabama on one of their fall preview days:
October 18th or November 22nd. Register at www.usouthal.edu
MSU Fall Preview Day- October 13th or October 27th. Registration is required ASAP to
secure your spot. If neither of these days work, you can register for “Bulldog for a Day”
any Friday this fall for a campus tour and talk with admissions staff. www.msu.edu
Ole Miss Fall Preview Day- October 11th is Ole Miss’s preview day. Register at
www.olemiss.edu
Coming to GHS this month…
USM will be visiting GHS on October 21 at 8:00 in the GHS library. See your counselor
for more info.
Ole Miss Competitive Scholarships will be presented in the GHS library on Oct. 28 at
8:00. Students wishing to apply to Croft, Honors College, etc. should attend.
Ole Miss School of Pharmacy will be in the library on Oct. 29 at 8:00. Students
interested in this highly selective program will want to be sure to attend.
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Scholarships
Wendy’s High School Heisman: Deadline October 3, 2014. Seniors in high school
who have at least a B grade average, are involved in leadership activities, and
participate in at least one school-sponsored sport can get details and apply online at
www.wendysheisman.com
Unity Festival Scholarship contest: Deadline October 10, 2014. This is a contest for
Mr. and Miss Unity. Applicants will need to include a typed biography along with the
written application. These documents will need to be e-mailed to
unityfestivalinc@gmail.com to the attention of the scholarship committee. Call 228-8630307 for more information. Applications are available at the Hair Boutique, 1903 31st
Avenue, Gulfport or in the GHS guidance office.
Horatio Alger State Scholarship: Deadline October 25, 2014. This is a need based
scholarship for students whose annual family income is $50,000 or less. Students are
eligible if they are seniors, US citizens, active in community and school activities, have a
minimum B average, and who have had something major that they have had to
overcome. This is a very in-depth application process. You may apply through
www.horatioalger.org/scholarships
YMCA Earl Wyman Performance Achievement Award: Deadline October 31, 2014.
This local scholarship awards students who made good grades and who are active in their
school and community. Student are eligible who are active in community serve,
particularly through a community group (like the YMCA), church, etc. One scholarship
will be awarded for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Applications are available in guidance.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program: Deadline October 31, 2014. This scholarship is VERY
competitive. Semi-finalists will be selected by December 1 to continue with the second
phase of applications, including an interview. Only 50 students are selected as national
scholars and receive $20,000 in scholarship. It is for students with a very high ACT score
and a high GPA. Also, they look at your leadership and activities from your high school
career. The application can be found at https://www.coca-colascholars.org
The Mississippi Concrete Industries Association Essay/Scholarship: Deadline October
31, 2014. Essays must be typed and cannot be more than 600 words on a concrete-related
topic. Sample topics may be found on the website. MCIA awards several scholarships, ranging
from $300 - $1,000. The entry form and rules are available online at
www.mississippiconcrete.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Program: Deadline November 1, 2014.
Students compete for different scholarship amounts by writing and recording a 3-5 minute long
broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why Veterans Are
Important to our Nation’s History and Future.” Details and entry forms are available at
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www.vfw.org under “Community” then “Youth and Education.” Prizes and scholarships are
available at the local, district, state, and national level, with the top scholarship being $30,000.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship: Deadline November 4, 2014. This is
a national scholarship for top high school seniors with significant financial need. The scholarship
awards up to $30,000 per year. Only 40 applicants will be chosen nationwide. Seniors with a
3.5+ unweighted GPA and a 26+ on the ACT and who demonstrate financial need are eligible to
apply online at www.jkcf.org/scholarships
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Deadline November 4, 2014. This scholarship
recognizes students who are making a significant impact through community service. Go to
www.spirit.prudential.com to access the online application, complete the application and the
student/parent agreement. Be sure to go to the “certification” page to e-mail instructions for
your certifier, Mr. Michael Lindsey. Only one student from Gulfport High School can be
certified/nominated for state-level judging. The state scholarship awards $1,000 and a trip to
Washington DC!
Get2College Essay Contest: Deadline December 15, 2014. Fifty $1,000 scholarships will be
awarded throughout the state. Write an essay (typed and double-spaced) of no more than 500
words on the topic “You have been invited to give a speech at your high school graduation. Give
us your script.” Applications are available in guidance or online at www.get2college.org.
Essays and applications may be uploaded to the website, mailed, or e-mailed to
scholarship@get2college.org by the December 15 deadline. Get more details and directions on
the website.
The AXA Achievementsm Scholarship: Deadline December 15, 2014. This very
competitive scholarship, in association with U.S. News & World Report, provides $10,000 to one
recipient in each state. AXA Achievement Scholarship recipients are students who demonstrate
ambition, the ability to succeed in college, and respect for self, family, and community. AXA
Achievers are students with remarkable accomplishments such as setting up a food bank in their
community, designing a curriculum to get kids interested in science, and founding a nonprofit
organization for young people that encourages community service and civic involvement. Get
details and apply online at www.us.axa.com and click AXA Achievement Scholarship. Only the
first 10,000 applications will be accepted, so APPLY EARLY!!!!
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Scholarship: Deadline December 18, 2014.
Students are eligible who own and operate his/her own small business. Scholarships start at
$1,000. A selection committee will award students based on the applicants’ academic records,
extracurricular activities, leadership, character, and evidence of entrepreneurial spirit and
initiative. Financial need is not a factor. Students complete the online application at
www.nfib.com/yea.
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ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS!!!
Students who have a 20 or higher on the ACT, a 2.5 or higher GPA and who have
taken the classes they need to get into a 4 year college might be eligible for the
HELP scholarship. This scholarship gives full tuition to students who go to an
in-state college. You have to meet the family income requirements, so keep
reading….
If you make this amount or less (for the past 2 years) you could qualify!!!
Students who are the only child………………. $39,500
Students with one sibling under 21…………… $44,500
Students with two siblings under 21………….. $49,500
Students with three siblings under 21………… $54,500
Students with four siblings under 21…………. $59,500
Students with five siblings under 21…………. $64,500
Visit www.ihl.state.ms.us for more info or talk with your student’s guidance
counselor.
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The majority of student’s financial aid for
college comes from the college. They have
money to help… you just have to apply!
Once you have been accepted, you will need to make sure you APPLY for
the different scholarships they offer on the colleges’ websites!!
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For students with competitive ACT scores and high GPA’s…

Honors Colleges- Many universities also offer an honors college program, with
deadlines for admissions fast approaching. These programs are selective and
require high ACT scores and GPAs that vary from college to college.
-
Mississippi State University Shackouls Honors College- Dec. 1
University of South Alabama Honors Program- Dec. 5
University of Mississippi Sally Barksdale Honors College- January 5

University of Mississippi- Early Entry application deadline for the highly
esteemed School of Pharmacy is December 31.

Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program (METP) Scholarship
MSU- deadline Dec. 1…. Ole Miss- deadline Jan. 15
This is available through MSU or Ole Miss. If you are interested a career as a
high school English or math teacher, have a 28 or higher on the ACT, and a 3.5 or
higher GPA, this FULL scholarship will cover everything! Visit www.metp.org
for information on applying. Be sure you have applied for admission and have
been accepted first.
Mississippi State University
Students must apply for admission before applying for competitive
scholarships. Create and upload a scholarship resume by the Dec. 1
priority deadline for consideration.
Freshman Academic Scholarship
Students with above average GPAs, good ACT scores, and excellent leadership/service
activities are eligible for scholarships ranging from $4,000 - $34,000 over four years.
Presidential Scholarship
Students with 30+ on the ACT, a 3.75+ overall GPA, exceptional leadership, &
application to Shackouls Honors College are eligible. The scholarship covers all
expenses.
Accounting Excellence Scholarship
Students planning to major in accounting with outstanding ACT and high school record
are eligible for up to $10,000 over four years.
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Engineering Excellence Scholarship
Students with 30+ on the ACT and who plan to major in engineering or computer science
are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years. Essay required.
Ramsay and Elaine O’Neal Scholarship
Pre-med students with 28+ on the ACT with exceptional high school academic records
are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years.
Sharp Academic Scholarship
Forestry major students with outstanding academic records and exceptional ACT scores
are eligible for up to $12,000 over four years.
Other Scholarships…
MSU awards scholarships for Star Student, Student Body President, Valedictorian,
Salutatorian, and National Merit/Achievement Semifinalist and Finalist.
University of Mississippi__________________________
Apply for admission AND submit an online Special Programs &
Scholarships Application by the appropriate deadline. Most deadlines
are January 5th
Ole Miss offers many different kinds of scholarships… Get on their
website to learn more!!!!!
1) Academic excellence- these scholarships are based on GPA and ACT and begin
with a 3.0 and a 24 on the ACT.
2) Academic and leadership- these are listed under the University Foundation
Scholarships- due January 5th (includes LuckyDay, Lott Leadership, etc.)
3) Specific studies/programs- (Croft, Honors College, Modern Language, School of
Business) – due January 5th
4) Other department scholarships (School of Engineering and School of
Accountancy)- deadline Feb. 15th
5) Financial need based scholarships- (Ole Miss Opportunity, Women’s Council,
Ole Miss First Scholarship)- due Feb. 15th. These are based on your family’s
income. FAFSA must be submitted by this date, also!!!
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6) Military Science- Army ROTC scholarship- deadlines vary. E-mail
armyrotc@olemiss.edu or call the Army ROTC Dept. at 662-915-7238
7) Other scholarships- Boys State/Girls State, Eagle Scout, Student Body
President, Valedictorian/Salutatorian, etc. Deadline- confirmation before first
term of enrollment.
University of Southern Mississippi________________
Scholarship consideration deadline: February 1. Complete the
Freshmen Competitive Scholarship Application available at
www.usm.edu under admissions in the scholarship/financial aid section.
1) Academic Scholarships- (Academic Excellence, Golden Opportunity, etc.) These are
offered based on your ACT and GPA. All you need to do to receive these is apply for
general admission and be accepted. Scholarships start with a 24 on the ACT and 3.0
GPAs.
2) Competitive scholarships- (Presidential, Leadership, and Luckyday- These are big
scholarships with big benefits, such as special housing. They are based on your
academic record, leadership, and community service. You must complete the freshmen
competitive scholarship application on-line to be eligible. While the deadline is
February 1, it is strongly suggested you apply early!
3) Other scholarships- National Merit, Eagle Scout, Star student and other scholarships are
available. Visit www.usm.edu for more information.
Millsaps College: Visit www.millsaps.edu for information on applying,
scholarships, & deadlines. Early Decision Admission Deadline is November 15. Early
Action Admission Deadline is December 1. Regular Decision Admission Deadline is
February 1. Need Based Financial Aid (FAFSA) Priority Date is March 1.
Delta State University
Visit www.deltastate.edu for scholarship information. Students must complete a
scholarship application, along with the required essay and resume by the March 1
deadline for consideration.
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University of South Alabama
Scholarship information is found online at www.southalabama.edu. There is no
separate application required to receive scholarships. Your application for
admission is all you need. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the student’s
ACT score and overall GPA.
William Carey University
Academic scholarship amounts vary depending on the student’s ACT score and overall
GPA. No separate scholarship application is needed. William Carey also offers countless
talent scholarships for students involved in music, annual staff, speech and debate,
and theatre. Most of these programs require you to set up an audition. Visit
www.wmcarey.edu for more information.
Alcorn State University
Academic scholarships are based on a combination of the student’s GPA and ACT
score. These scholarships are renewable each year as long as the student maintains a
certain GPA. Service scholarships through band, athletics, music, and ROTC are also
available. Students should contact these individual departments directly to inquire about
scholarships. Visit www.alcorn.edu to get updates on scholarships and deadlines.
Jackson State University
Visit Jackson State’s website to request information on the different scholarships available.
They vary from academic scholarships to athletic and music.
http://www.jsums.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Mississippi College
Visit www.mc.edu for scholarship deadlines and details. Your application for admission
serves as the scholarship application, so you are automatically considered based on ACT
scores and GPA. Scholarships start for students with an 18 on the ACT. The highest
award is valued at $10,000 each year for students with 29 or higher on the ACT, an
outstanding academic record, a required essay and an interview. There are also stackable
scholarships for everything from band and music participation to Christian ministry.
Belhaven College
Visit www.belhaven.edu for scholarship information and deadlines. Academic
scholarships are based on a combination of ACT score and GPA. Belhaven offers many
scholarships through their fine arts department. You must contact the individual
department (dance, theater, etc.) to audition.
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Other Scholarship Resources
Search for more specific scholarships through the following sites:
www.brokescholar.com
http://www.discusawards.com/list-of-scholarships
www.wiredscholar.com
www.unclaimedscholarships.us
www.carpedm.com
www.christianconnector.com
www.collegefund.com
www.NextStepU.com
www.cappex.com/scholarships
www.meritaid.com
http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/scholarship.php
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.FastWeb.com
www.mississippi.edu
www.scholarships.com
www.scholarshiphelp.org
www.athletic-scholarships.net
Hispanic Scholarship Fund www.hsf.net
United Negro College Fund www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarships.asp
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