COLLEGE/CAREER CENTER SENIOR NEWSLETTER December 2012
APPLY NOW TO UNL, UNO AND/OR UNK
Many students use UNL, UNO and UNK as their “sure to get into” schools. Many
students delay making application to these schools. Many students miss the scholarship
deadline (UNL=Jan. 15, UNO & UNK=Feb. 1). If you are considering attending these
universities, APPLY NOW. Applying is NOT a commitment. Don’t miss out on their
many scholarships!
$$$$$ DO YOU NEED FINANCIAL AID?????
All families with college-bound students are encouraged to complete the Free
Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It cannot be submitted before January 1,
2013. Before completing the FAFSA online, you need to get a PIN #. Do this at:
http://www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN will allow you to sign your FAFSA
electronically. The government is no longer mailing paper FAFSA forms to the high
schools, but you do have the option of accessing the PDF version by going to:
www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. However, FOR FASTER FAFSA FILING, USE THE
ONLINE APPLICATION AT: www.fafsa.ed.gov
CAN YOU QUALIFY FOR ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS?
The answer is YES if:
- -You have worked very hard in school and it shows.
- - Your GPA is a B or better, you stand in the upper third of your class and your
SAT/ACT scores are above the national average: SAT I: 514 Math, 505 Verbal, ACT
Composite: 21 OR
- -You have a wide range of interests and have been active in school, community and
club activities, taking a leading role in organizing and advancing worthwhile programs
OR
- -You are talented in music, art, drama, dance or writing.
(An academic scholarship is one NOT based on financial need.)
UNL Math Placement Exam
The UNL Dept. of Math requires all students to take the Math Placement
Exam prior to registering for any UNL college math course, including
Advanced Scholars math courses. Students can take the exam remotely –
one time, un-proctored. Go to:
http://nse.unl.edu/nse-reservation/math-placement -exam.aspx and follow
the instructions for taking the exam un-proctored. Instructions for taking a
proctored test at your high school can be found on the above web page.
Contact Ms. Lori Mueller, lmueller2@unl.edu, 402-472-4319 with any
questions.
Is Community College Right for You?
Are you one of those students who know exactly what schools you want to apply to, but are worried about
paying for it? Or are you confused as to where you want to go or what major you’ll pursue? You might
want to pencil community college into your plans. Six million students across the country currently attend
community college, and many of them go on to attend four-year universities. These questions can help you
determine if community college is right for you.
Are you unsure of your major? Because of its affordable tuition, community college allows you the chance
to explore a variety of subjects without the pressure
of going into excessive debt. At a four-year college, spending an extra year or two at college because you
switch your major can cost you a lot. But by using a community college to narrow your major and your
career goals, you can save a significant amount of money.
Are you concerned about financial aid? Did you receive your award letter from your dream college, but
can’t justify the expense? Pay for just two years there instead offour. Attend a community college for the
first two years, then transfer.
Are you anxious about leaving home?
You might not be ready to take the huge leap to on-campus life. An easier transition might be from high
school student to community college commuter to four-year scholar. “For a lot of students who might not
be academically or emotionally ready to move on to a four-year school, community college is a great way
to get ready,” says Gail Cummins, director of admissions and recruitment at Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College (rowancabarrus.edu) in Concord, N.C. “Students can learn how to get a feel for the college world
before they are bombarded with the going-ons at a four-year university.”
Do you want to start a career quickly?
Community and technical colleges offer many programs that allow you to join the workforce with an
associate degree or certificate. You’ll find exciting programs like automotive technology, optics,
engineering technology and culinary arts at two-year schools. But aren’t community colleges just an
extension of high school? “Sometimes community colleges get a bum rap about not being as good as a
four-year school, but they just might be the right thing for a lot of students,” Cummins says. “Students need
to expect to have rigorous college-level courses.” Community college is college. And if you walk into
class with the attitude that it’s going to be easy, you’re going to be in for a surprise. But if you go in with
the understanding that community college has courses and facilities just like a university, and is filled with
students who want to learn just like you, you can be successful. “The major benefit of attending a
community college is the personal connection you get to have with the faculty and administration staff,”
says Lanna Durst, a sophomore at Northeast Mississippi Community College (nemcc.edu). “At a
community college, you are more than just a number on a roll or a name in the computer.”
Still unsure?
Whatever your college situation, factoring community college into your plans has the potential to save you
money and still give you the education you deserve.
The 10 Best Jobs of 2012
1.Software Engineer- Researches, designs, develops & maintains software for medical, scientific &
industrial purposes.
2. Actuary- Interprets statistics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness & death.
3. Human Resources Manager – Plans, directs, and/or coordinates all human resource activities and
staff of an organization.
4. Dental Hygienist – Assists dentists in diagnostic & therapeutic aspects of the practice.
5. Financial Planner – Related to careers in portfolio management, the financial planner offers a broad
range of services aimed at assisting individuals in managing and planning their financial future.
6. Audiologist - Diagnoses and treats hearing problems by attempting to discover the range, nature, and degree of
hearing function.
7. Occupational Therapist – Develops individualized programs of activity for mentally, physically,
developmentally and emotionally impaired persons, to aid them in achieving self-reliance.
8. Online Advertising Manager - Plans, directs, or coordinates advertising policies, campaigns and
programs online.
9. Computer Systems Analyst – Plans and develops computer systems for businesses and scientific
institutions.
10. Mathematician – Applies mathematical theories and formulas to teach or solve problems in a
business, educational or industrial climate.
Source: Careercast.com
SCHOLARSHIPS
*Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program - Up to $1000 awarded to students who submit
an award winning essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of their
website:http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline June 14.
*American Legion Auxiliary Dept. of Nebraska Scholarships – These scholarships (Ruby
Paul, Vocational Technical and Nurse’s Tuition) are all available online at:
http://www.nebraskalegionaux.net.
*Buffett (Susan) Foundation – Full tuition and fees, up to $3400 per semester and books
up to $400, for students planning to attend universities, colleges (two or four-year) in the
Nebraska state public school system. These funds are available only to the extent that
tuition and fees are not already covered by other grants and scholarships. You must be a
resident of Nebraska w/a current email address, financial need (family income up to
$95000 may satisfy the financial need criteria), 2.5 GPA and have applied for and
received your FAFSA results. You do not have to be Pell grant eligible to qualify.
Transcript and letters of reference required. Download an application at:
www.buffettscholarships.org. Apply after Jan. 1, 2013. Deadline Mar. 1.
*Burger King Foundation - High school seniors, Burger King employees, their dependent
children, spouses or domestic partners are eligible for awards up to $50000. You must be
a U.S. resident with a 2.5 GPA. To apply, go to:
www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/WhatWeDo/ScholarsProgram. Deadline Jan. 10.
*Cooperative Education Scholarship Program - 155 merit scholarships totaling $4 million
to students with 3.5 GPA’s or better, who intend to enroll at Drexel U., Johnson & Wales
U, Kettering U, Rochester Institute of Technology, U of Cincinnati, U of Toledo or
Wentworth Institute of Technology. You may complete the application online at:
http://www.co-op.ed. Deadline Feb.15.
*Council of Native American Heritage – Union Pacific - $500 or $1000 award to assist
Native American students based on the following: U.S. citizen, Native American
heritage, 2.5 GPA and active in extracurricular school/community activities. Essay &
letter of recommendation required. Deadline Feb. 15.
*Gates Millennium Scholars – Full tuition to the college of your choice with renewable
funding for up to five years. Criteria: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native,
Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American; citizen/legal permanent resident;
unweighted 3.3 GPA; demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in
community service, extracurricular or other activities; meet Federal Pell Grant eligibility
criteria and have all 3 required forms completed and submitted by the deadline. To apply,
go to: http://www.gmsp.org. Deadline Jan. 16.
*International Assoc. of Administrative Professionals - $1000 scholarship if you: reside
w/in 100 miles of the Omaha metro area, plan to pursue a career as an administrative
office professional and plan to enroll in college in the 2012-2013 academic year. Essay,
transcript and 3.0 GPA required. Go to: www.iaap-aksarben.org. Deadline Feb. 15.
Military Scholarships
*Montgomery G1 Bill Program - While serving on active duty in any branch of the
Armed Forces, you can contribute $ 100 a month for 12 months and be eligible to receive
up to $19,296 for college expenses. The Reserve and National Guard give you an
opportunity to earn up to $9,180 in total benefits with no initial contribution. You can use
these benefits while either a full-time or part-time student. The Montgomery Bill is
available for both officers and enlisted personnel. Call 1-800-893-LEAD or see your
local recruiter.
*U.S. Armed Forces College Funds & Programs - All branches offer programs where you
can receive up to $50,000 in cash for college. Call 1-800-USA-ARMY, 1-800-USANAVY, I800-423-USAF or 1-800-MARINES for more info.
*Army ROTC Scholarships – Scholarships cover 100% of tuition, $1200 yr. for books &
a monthly stipend from $300-$500. To apply, go to: http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/highschool-students/four-yearscholarship.
Deadline Dec. 26.
*Navy ROTC Scholarships – You may apply for a “full-ride” 4-year college scholarship
and there is no obligation to the U.S. Navy until after your first year of college.
Requirements are: ACT: 21 Math, 22 English or top 10% of class with any ACT score,
17 years old by Sept. 1, 2012, a U.S. or naturalized citizen and meet the Navy’s height
and weight standards. To apply, go to: http://www.nrotc.navy.mil.
MyMajors – Go to this website to enter an online drawing for a $500 scholarship:
www.mymajors.com
*Minnesota Transplants Scholarship - $500 award for a deserving Nebraska/western
Iowa high school senior who plans to attend a Minnesota college in the fall of 2012.
Transcript, letters of recommendation and essay are required. Deadline Feb.5.
*Missouri Western State University Freshman Scholarships - Nebraska residents who
will live on Missouri Western's campus, score at least a 21 on the ACT and have a 3.0 or
higher GPA will qualify. Several other freshmen scholarships are available. For a
complete list, go to: www.missouriwestern.edu/finaid.
*Nebraska Elks Association Vocational Scholarship – Two $500 scholarships intended
for students who will be attending a Community College, Trade School or Technical
School. You cannot submit an application for this application and the Elks Most Valuable
Student Scholarship. Financial need is a large consideration. Deadline Jan. 6.
*Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers -- Must enroll in an accredited engineering
curriculum in the State of Nebraska. Two $1000 scholarships are offered by the state
society to students attending an engineering or pre-engineering program in the U of
Nebraska system. 3.5 GPA & 29 ACT. Deadline Feb. 8.
*NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award - 150 scholarships ranging in value from $1000$10000 to students who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and initiative such as: starting
his/her own business, participation in organizations such as DECA, Future Business
Leaders of America, Junior Achievement or through other initiatives. Apply online at:
http://www.NFIB.com/YEA between Oct. 1 and Dec. 17.
*Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Advantage - The Bearcat Advantage scholarship is
available to first time freshmen and transfer students who live outside of Missouri.
Eligible students include freshmen who have scored a 23 or above on the ACT or have an
Admissions Index of 140 or higher and a 2.00 high school cumulative GPA. Freshmen
who scored a 21 or 22 on the ACT or have an Admissions Index of 100 or higher, and at
least a 2.00 cumulative high school GPA will also qualify for a 50% reduction of the
difference between in-state and out-of-state rate, an estimated award of more than $3,000.
Go to: www.thebearcatadvantage.com.
*Northwest Missouri State Scholarships – Numerous scholarships offered depending
upon your admission index which is a combination of your ACT/SAT score and your
class rank. Check your admission index at:
www.nwmissouri.edu/admissions/figureindex.htm. Deadlines vary.
*Northwest Missouri State Music Scholarships – These are for instrumental, jazz,
keyboard and vocal scholarships. Auditions are Feb. 15, 18 & 23. Additional info is
available at: www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/music/scholarships.htm. Deadline Jan. 25.
StudentScholarships.org – Search this website for numerous scholarships for which you
may be eligible.
*UNK Buckle Excellence Scholarship – One freshman majoring in Computer Science or
Information Technology will be selected to receive a two year scholarship for $3000. You must
be in the top 20% of your class with a minimum 26 ACT. To apply, go to:
www.unk.edu/academics/csis/CSIS_Scholarships. Deadline Jan. 4.
*UNK Honors Program – You must be in the top 25% of your class and have a 27 or higher
ACT. This is the link to the application: http://www.unk.edu/honors . Deadline Feb 1.
*UNK Music - $1000 awarded based on auditions held Jan. 27, Feb. 10 & 11, and Feb. 24 & 25
& Mar. 10. All first year students interested in a major or minor in music must audition for
acceptance into a music degree program. Scholarships and grants will be awarded based on a
competitive audition. Go to: www.unk.edu/acad/theatre. Deadline Feb. 1.
*UNO - Dept. of Music – All students who want to be music majors are required to audition
before they can be admitted as music majors. Scholarships are also available. For audition dates
and to complete an application, go to: http://www.unomaha.edu/music. Deadline Mar. 1.
*UNO - Phillip Schrager Scholarship - Two scholarships @$2500. Leadership is the main
criteria. Letter of recommendation, resume, essay and transcript required. Deadline Mar. 15.
*UNO/Peter Kiewit Institute - Walter Scott Scholarship - $4000-$12500 renewable awards, a
personal computer, plus priority living accommodations in the hi-tech Scott Residence to attend
the Peter Kiewit Institute of Information Science, Technology & Engineering. Basic requirements
are 30 or above ACT, 3.5 GPA or higher and involvement in school/civic activities. Apply online
at: http://www.pki.nebraska.edu. Deadline Jan. 15.
*Wayne State College Art Scholarships - Awarded to incoming freshmen who have shown
exceptional artistic merit at the high school level. You must major in art w/ a concentration in
Studio Art, Graphic Design or K-12 Art Education. Download the printable form at:
www.wsc.edu/artd. Deadline Mar. 14.
*Wayne State College Music Scholarships - Several scholarships available to music majors and
other talented musicians selected to perform in the College instrumental and vocal ensembles. To
apply, choose either Feb. 15 or Apr. 12 to audition by phoning 402-375-7359 and prepare two
pieces from the standard contest repertoire for instrument or voice.
Wacky College Scholarships
Believe it or not, these scholarships actually exist! There are a lot more wacky scholarship
opportunities out there (many can be found at fastweb.com), but these are 10 favorites.
*Sammy Milk Mustache Scholarship - Each year, the Senior Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year
fund gives 25 high school student athlete milk-drinkers a scholarship each for explaining how
milk has helped them excel in academics and/or athletics. Each winner gets $7,500 and an
invitation to an awards ceremony at Disney World.
*The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship - Are you a vegetarian? You could win a
scholarship for your commitment to not eating meat, fish or fowl. The Vegetarian Resource
Group awards two, $5,000 scholarships to graduating U.S. high school students who have
promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.
*The Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship - Duck Brand Duct Tape will give you and your
prom date a good chunk of change each for wearing prom outfits made completely from Duct
Tape. The first-place couple gets $3,000; the second-place couple gets $2,000; and the third-place
couple gets $1,000.
*The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship - Are you an experienced golf caddie? You could be
eligible for this full tuition and housing college scholarship for golf caddies, which is renewable
for up to four years. Selected applicants must have a strong caddie record, excellent grades,
outstanding character and demonstrated financial need.
*Tall Clubs International Scholarship - If you're tall, you could win some scholarship money
solely based on your height. Annually, Tall Clubs International awards student scholarships of up
to $1,000 each to tall students who are under 21, attending their first year of college and who
meet the TCI height requirement minimums of 5'10" for women and 6'2" for men.
*The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship Contest - If you
have a knack for duck calling, you could win a $2,000 first-place scholarship. Contestants must
use four calls in 90 seconds and the winner can use the money to fund his or her education in any
field..
*The American Sheep Industry Make It with Wool Scholarship Competition - If you
can sew, knit or crochet and are willing to make something entirely out of wool, you could win
$2,000.