COLLEGE ADVISOR A Guidance Newsleer for BCS Students and Families Volume 12, Issue 6 February 2016 WEBSITE OF THE MONTH BCS Counseling Mission Statement is to promote spiritual growth, academic success, positive interpersonal relationships, and to prepare students to be servant leaders to further God’s kingdom www.BelieversCollegePrep.com This website was developed to help schools to walk you through the free resources and share how schools are using it to: Reverse the national 70% faith drop-out when students transition to college Help juniors, seniors, and their parents select schools during their college search with strong campus ministries and personally connect with them in advance. Generate vision and excitement to positively impact their secular or Christian colleges. This impacts sophomores, juniors, and seniors today. Director of Guidance Julie Cunard Avoid crippling student debt to empower students for success by reducing or negotiating lower costs in undergrad and graduate school. Student Editor Rayna Smith Sarasota-Bradenton Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship The Sarasota-Bradenton Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship is now available. Students who are interested must meet the following criteria: Inside This Issue 1. A male student from Manatee or Sarasota County 1 2. A 2016 graduating senior SAT & ACT Test Dates 3 3. Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 FSU Young Scholars Program 4 4. Submit a letter of recommendation from school representative 5. Present an official sealed transcript Bright House Scholarship 5 6. Present a letter of acceptance from a university/college Great Mates Scholarship 6 Students need to complete the scholarship application form and submit it via mail to P.O. Box 573 | Tallevast, FL | 34270 by Monday, February 22, 2016. Kallins, Little, & Delgado 10 Kappa Allpha Psi Scholarship *Applications are available in Mrs. Cunard’s office. EntreNousScholarship Entre Nous is a women’s service club dedicated to supporting Manatee County throughout scholarships, welfare, and local charities. They offer a scholarship which includes the following information: ♦ ♦ Scholarships are given based on financial need, but a minimum of a 3.0 GPA is required. Scholarships awarded are for one year only. ♦ Please have a referring teacher or school official review the completed application for accuracy and proof of income. We cannot accept incomplete applications. All applicants will receive notification of acceptance or rejection by mail. ♦ Scholarship interviews will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Should you be selected, you MUST be available to interview on this date in order to be considered for a scholarship award. Applications are due Thursday, February 11, 2016 back to Mrs. Cunard. Please pick up an application in Mrs. Cunard’s office. FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES ALL Seniors need to complete the Florida Financial Aid Application if they are planning to be a recipient of the Florida Bright Futures Program. Students must visit http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org and on the left hand side of the page click on State Grants, Scholarships & Applications. Then again on the left hand side of the page there will be a section titled "Want Bright Futures?" In this section, students are to click on the Florida Financial Aid Application and begin the process of completing this form. This form authorizes BCS to send transcripts to the Florida Department of Education for the purpose of receiving funds through the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This form must be completed no later than May 30, 2016 or students will no longer be eligible to receive this funding. Page 2 College Advisor SAT TEST DATES AND DEADLINES FOR 2015/2016 SAT Tests Regular Deadline Late Deadline October 3, 2015 September 3, 2015 September 22, 2015 November 7, 2015 October 9, 2015 October 27, 2015 December 5, 2015 November 5, 2015 November 23, 2015 January 23, 2016 December 28, 2015 January 12, 2016 * March 5, 2016 February 5, 2016 February 23, 2016 * May 7, 2016 April 8, 2016 April 26, 2016 * June 4, 2016 May 5, 2016 May 25, 2016 Register for the SAT at www.sat.org/register The testing fee is $54.50 * Redesigned SAT—For more information on the changes to the New SAT and view sample questions, visit www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org Test Security Enhancements: Students are required to provide their gender and a photo when registering for both the SAT and ACT. This information will be included on admissions tickets, test center rosters and high school reports. Students will upload (via the ACT and College Board website, mobile device, or mail) a recognizable head-and-shoulders photo of themselves when registering for these tests. Students must provide their high school code when registering. Students must also bring their admissions ticket and acceptable photo ID on test day. ACT TEST DATES AND DEADLINES FOR 2015/2016 ACT Tests Regular Deadline Late Deadline Photo Upload Deadline September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 August 21, 2015 September 4, 2015 October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 October 2, 2015 October 16, 2015 December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 20, 2015 December 4, 2015 February 6, 2016 January 8, 2016 January 15, 2016 January 29, 2016 April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 18, 2016 April 1, 2016 June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 May 20, 2016 June 3, 2016 Register for the ACT as www.actstudent.org . Testing fee is $39.50. Testing fee including writing is $56.50 *test including writing is highly recommended Volume 12, Issue 6 Page 3 2016 FSU Young Scholars Program Florida State University Young Scholars Program is a prestigious six-week residential summer science and mathematics experience for outstanding students of Florida’s public and private high schools. This opportunity is accessible to all highly qualified students who meet the eligibility as listed below: • Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (unweighted) • Have received a score in the 90th percentile or better in math on a nationally standardized exam (i.e., SAT, PSAT, ACT, or PLAN) before the application deadline • Be enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus • Be able to commit for the entire six weeks of the program (no exceptions will be made for travel to other summer internship opportunities, sports camps, Mu Alpha Theta, etc.) • Maintain a permanent residence in the state of Florida To find out more information or locate the application, please visit http://www.bio.fsu.edu/ysp/ Completed applications must be postmarked by Monday, February 15, 2016. Please see Mrs. Cunard if you are interested in this program. BUICK ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Applications are now open for the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program! The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is looking for students who are making a difference today and becoming leaders for tomorrow. There are scholarships up to $100,000 available awarded at up to $25,000/year. The following are encouraged to apply: • High School Seniors and current undergraduates • U.S. Military veterans and their dependents • Those who plan to enroll full time at a four-year college or university in 2016-2017 • Those who plan to major in a specified course of study focused on engineering, technology or design, with an interest in the automotive industry Visit www.buickachievers.com for program details and the online application. The deadline for the scholarship is Monday, February 29, 2016. Page 4 College Advisor Bright House Sports Network Scholarship Established in January of 1999, the David Logan Scholarship is awarded once each year to four high school seniors (one male and one female in both Tampa Bay and Central Florida) who excel in athletics and academics. The $2,500 scholarship is meant to assist students as they transition to college. The check will be presented at the school's annual awards assembly by a Bright House Sports Network reporter. The scholarship is granted in the memory of David Logan, a former NFL player and sportscaster. David was the original anchor of "Sports Connection" on Bay News 9. All applications must be postmarked by February 27, 2016. To be eligible for this scholarship an applicant must: • Have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a four-point scale • Have participated in athletics • Have attended high school within the Bright House Sports Network viewing area • Be willing to be interviewed and appear on Bright House Sports Network How to Apply Submit your application and written essay of 500 words or less explaining why you believe you deserve the scholarship. Submit two letters of recommendation from your high school coach and from a teacher, and a copy of your transcript for proof of GPA with your essay. To download an application, please visit www.bhsn.com Send applications to: David Logan Scholarship c/o Bright House Sports Network 7901 66th Street North Pinellas Park, FL 33781 USF—Sarasota/Manatee Spring Events Spring 2016 Events for Freshman Freshman Preview Day Saturday, February 13, 2016 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 8350 N Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34243 USFSM Future Bull Round-up Saturday, April 23, 2016 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 8350 N Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34243 At these events, you ‘ll have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current students. You’ll also get to see the facilities and learn more about the USFSM experience. To RSVP for an event or to learn more, visit: usfsm.edu/infosessions Page 5 College Advisor The Great Mates Scholarship The Great Mates vision is to enrich the lives of our members and community through charitable giving, events for local charities and organization, and to promote the health and wellness of those enjoying and involved in the yachting community. The Great Mates will award scholarships to students residing in Manatee County pursuing a degree at an accredited two year, four year or vocational institution. Scholarships recipients are required to attend full time to utilize the award during the upcoming academic year. Criteria: • Complete application • Essay—500 words or less describing several experiences from your life where you significantly demonstrated important qualities such as curiosity, initiative, creativity, motivation, diligence and/or perseverance. Examples of valuable experiences include travel, extracurricular activities such as sports or volunteering • Include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, pastor or employer. • Copy of Student Aid Report (FAFSA) • High School Transcript • To download the application visit www.TheGreatMates.org (application is now available) • Deadline is February 29, 2016 THE NATIONAL BETA CLUB 2015/2016 The Bradenton Christian School National Beta Club Chapter is helping to support Bethany Christian Services. They are collecting bags which include shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste, and other toiletries. There will be drop off boxes to donate these items throughout the month of February. For more information on this great organization, visit www.bethany.org. AP Exams Recently all students in the AP classes were given a Parent/Student Bulletin to explain the benefits of participating in the AP program. Sign-ups were also passed out in class. We are asking for you to discuss this as parent/students, and the sign up deadline is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, 2016. BCS offers the following AP Courses: AP Calculus AB, AP Physics I, AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP U.S. History, AP European History, and AP U.S. Government & Politics. Volume 12, Issue 6 Page 6 STUDENT ATHLETES MUST REGISTER WITH NCAA Students looking to par$cipate in a Division I or II collegiate sport should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center during their junior year of high school. Students must request that their ACT scores be forwarded directly to the center by entering code "9999" as a repor$ng selec$on when registering for the test. For more informa$on on the NCAA's core course requirements, GPA computa$on, and contact informa$on, and to complete the amateurism ques$onnaire, visit www.eligibilitycenter.org. Golden Herald Awards Bradenton Christian can nominate two seniors in each of the following categories: Art Athletics Business Citizenship Computer Science English and Literature Foreign Language General Scholarship Journalism Mathematics Music Science Social Science Speech and Drama Vocational ♦ Must have higher than a 3.0 GPA ♦ 10 minute interview with a 3 member panel at the Bradenton Herald site (BCS provides a mock interview to better assist our seniors) ♦ Winners receive $1,500 ♦ Honorable mention receives $500 ♦ 15 winners (one in each category) The deadline to submit your application at BCS is Friday, February 5. You can download the application at www.bradenton.com/goldenheralds. Please submit all applications to Mrs. Cunard and stop by the Guidance office for any assistance in completing the application. Page 7 College Advisor Local FAFSA Workshops Do you need money to help pay for college? ♦ Do you need help completing the Federal Financial Aid Form? ♦ Are you not sure what information you need to include? ♦ Are you getting frustrated? There is help! You are invited to attend any of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshops February 9, 2016—Bayshore High School (5-7 p.m.) February 23, 2016—Palmetto High School (4-7 p.m.) *Students do not have to be enrolled at the host school to participate in the FAFSA workshop *Though computers will be available, families are encouraged to bring a laptop if possible to avoid delays in completing the FAFSA Bring the following items: SSN, Driver License Number, 2015 W-2 forms and other records of money earned during 2015, 2015 Federal Income Tax Returns, Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bonds, and other investment records Tampa National College Fair Tampa Bay’s National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair will take place on Sunday, February 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, Tampa , FL. Approximately 150 colleges and universities will be in attendance. This event is free and open to the public. Before the Fair…. Go to www.nacacnet.org/nfcstudent to register for the fair. Watch the video for a complete fair overview. Learn about different types of colleges/universities. After the Fair…. Pick up the on-site locator for the latest school list and a booth location map. Meet one-on-one with college representatives who can answer questions. Visit the Counseling/Resource Center to talk to a counselor about choosing a major, financial aid, scholarship information, and more. Attend a Workshop About…. Learn about topics like financial aid and other college admission related information. Interested in the performing and visual arts? Learn more at www.gotomypvafair.com Page 8 College Advisor SCF FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS The SCF Foundation has awarded over 650 scholarships to students. The scholarships are available on their website between January 1-March 20, 2016. Please visit their website at www.scffoundation.net before March 20 to find out more information and to apply for scholarships. Students must have completed an application to SCF before they can apply for the scholarships. FLORIDA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP The Florida Engineering Foundation offers an opportunity for future engineering students to apply for scholarships from the Florida Engineering Society. Every eligible applicant will be considered for both the Florida Engineering Society statewide scholarships as described on the application form and the Myakka Chapter (local) scholarships. Also this year, a named scholarship is available to a deserving student pursuing an electrical engineering degree. Last year three students from Venice High and Pine View were awarded local scholarships. This year, a minimum of $5000 is available from the local Myakka Chapter. Six scholarships of $2500 each are available at the state level. Students interested in scholarships offered by the Florida Engineering Society should visit our web page at http://www.fleng.org/scholarships.cfm. The application is in the form of an Excel spreadsheet which the student should complete by entering all of the requested data into the spreadsheet (note the various worksheet tabs) and save the file to a FLASH/ JUMP DRIVE. Applications should include the following items: 1. A FLASH/Jump Drive with their completed Excel spreadsheet application. Drives will not be returned. Please be sure to include contact information on Application page 1 so that if questions arise, you may be contacted by email and/or phone. 2. A hard copy of the completed and signed high school scholarship application Certification Page. 3. A copy of transcripts that includes class standing (if the transcripts do not list their class standing for the last completed semester then a signed letter from the principal or guidance counselor stating the size of the class and the student’s standing in it will be acceptable). 4. A copy of any ACT/SAT/AP/IB/AICE test scores as they are not always shown on your transcript. Submit these items to the following address by February 12, 2016: Chip Hoover, P.E. Florida Engineering Society, Myakka Chapter 78 Sarasota Center Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240 Page 9 College Advisor Kallins, Little, Delgado K|L|D Scholarship The Kallins, Little & Delgado Law Firm has been helping the young people of this community by awarding annual college scholarships to high school seniors. Since 2006 scholarships have been awarded to 58 high school seniors totaling $82,000. A total of ten scholarships (one $3,000 scholarship, three $2,000 scholarships, and six $1,000 scholarships) will be awarded to seniors in Manatee County. The Scholarships will be awarded in May 2016 at their awards banquet. The following items are needed to complete this scholarship application: • Complete the online application at http:// www.kallinsandlittle.com/scholarship.php • Request a copy of your transcript and two letters of recommendation to be emailed to HeatherJ@kallinsandlittle.com or by mail to 433 8th Avenue West | Palmetto, FL| 34221 • The deadline to have everything submitted is March 4, 2016 GE-ReaganFoundation ScholarshipProgram The GE– Reagan Founda$on Scholarship Program annually awards roughly 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and ci$zenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships – up to $40,000 total per recipient. For an online applica$on, visit h;ps://www.scholarsapply.org/ge-reagan/ DEADLINE: February 8, 2016 Page 10 College Advisor