New Miami High School Senior Guidance Newsletter #5 January 2015

Dear Parents and Seniors, Happy New Year! Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season with family and friends. It is now time to get back to business! For students who plan to pursue additional education and training beyond high school-- 2015 is your year. The counselors met prior to winter break with many seniors to assist them in processing college applications. While several students have finished the application process, there are some that still have paperwork to do or others who have not yet taken action at all! It is important to keep in mind there is a time line for completing paperwork. Those who do not apply to schools in a timely manner could be put on a wait list or not be admitted at all. If you plan to turn in an application, please do so as soon as possible. Applications should be turned into the Guidance Office at least 1-2 weeks before they are due. There is no guarantee that paperwork will be processed and mailed/submitted if this request is not followed. Please read the entirety of this newsletter as there are many important deadlines and events approaching. In the next few months pay close attention to scholarship and college application deadlines, attend our FAFSA day on February 4th, and check out College Goal Sunday on February 8th at Miami Hamilton. In addition, in this newsletter you will find the dates that Graduate Services will be taking cap and gown orders. Graduation will be held on May 21st, 2015 in the High School Gymnasium. Sincerely, Mara Elam New Miami School Counselor melam@new-miami.k12.oh.us Follow me on twitter @nmhscounseling Visit my guidance webpage at : http://www.new-miami.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=1103 “Like” our Facebook page: “New Miami Middle and High School

College Planning

It is absolutely necessary that anyone who plans to go on to higher education realize there are time lines for the college admission process. All college and scholarship applications must be turned into the Guidance Office at least 1-2 weeks before the deadline date. There is no guarantee that applications can be processed and mailed in a timely manner if this request is not followed. Here is a list to help students and parents check progress and timelines: _____Have you met with your counselor to discuss career and college plans? _____Have you taken the either the ACT or SAT yet? _____Have you visited the colleges you are thinking of attending? _____Are you beginning to fill out the necessary admission applications so that you will be able to have the information to your counselor at least one week ahead of the deadline date? _____Do you have a personal data sheet or resume complete so teachers and counselors can use the information to write letters of recommendation? _____ If applicable, have you written your college essay? If you didn't answer "yes" to all of the above questions, you are running the risk of not getting information to colleges in a timely manner. Please keep in mind that involving parents in the college planning process is very important. And remember your counselor will be happy to assist you.

Mid-Year College Transcript Reports Some colleges and universities require that an official high school transcript be mailed to them at the end of the first semester. Usually the institution has a form students need to turn into the Guidance Office. Unless our office is officially notified by the student or institution we have no way of knowing that a mid-year transcript must be forwarded to a college/university. Transcript Request Forms are available in the Guidance Office.

Scholarship Corner

College/University-Based Scholarships Reminder: Almost every college/university sponsors scholarship programs for those students who make application to that specific institution. Students can come into the guidance office anytime to review available university-based scholarships.

General Scholarships

FYI

Southwest Ohio Credit Union Outreach Alliance Scholarship- two $500 scholarships awarded to students in Southwest Ohio available to any high school senior pursuing a post-secondary education of any kind. Applications available in the guidance office. Deadline: February 28, 2015. Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars- The 2015 Summer Scholars Application is available. Spend the summer on a college campus with a scholarship from the Joyce Ivy Foundation. Deadline: March 1st, 2015 www.joyceivyfoundation.org Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors Emerging Leaders Group

Description - The mission of the OVABC ELG scholarship fund is to support and encourage area youth to further their interest and education in construction related fields by offering a $1,000 scholarship.

Eligibility - To be eligible for the 2014-15 scholarship, candidates (as of October 2014) must be enrolled 10th-12th grade, at a high school within the following counties:

OH – Allen, Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Darke, Greene, Hamilton, Scholarship applicants must plan on attending a post high school program in a construction related field. This scholarship can be used to fund programs at a trade school, technical school, community college, 2 or 4 year university. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to 2 students for 2014-2015.

Dates – Completed scholarship applications are due on February 1, 2015. They should be sent to OVABC ELG Scholarship, 33 Greenwood Lane Springboro, OH 45066. Scholarship finalists and a family representative will be invited to attend the April 2015 Excellence in Construction Awards Gala where Winners will be announced.

Galen College of Nursing- 2015 Nursing Scholarship Application Scholarship awards up to $3,000 will be paid directly towards total tuition cost of the recipient’s selected nursing program at Galen College of Nursing. Applications are located in the guidance office.

Miami University Electronics and Computing Service Scholarship- Public spirited students are eligible for a $4500 scholarship provided by the National Science Foundation to jump start their careers in service through Miami’s computing and electrical engineering degrees. Learn more at MiamiOH.edu/EaCSS Southwestern Ohio Education Association Student Scholarship- THE SWOEA Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a student majoring in Education in the Fall of 2015 and will be based on academic qualifications and/or financial need. Deadline: Wednesday, January 28,2015 @ 4:00pm. Visit the Guidance Office for the scholarship application “If I Were Principal for a Day” Creative Writing Contest- application can be picked up in the guidance office. Deadline is March 2, 2015. MENSA Education & Research Foundation Scholarship winners will receive up to $3,000 at the local level based on an online essay 550 words or less describing their academic or career goals. Applications must be submitted no later than January 15, 2015. Students can apply at www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships General Electric Credit Union 17th Annual Robert A. Cunningham Memorial Scholarship-To be considered for the scholarship, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a college-bound high school senior 2. Be a Primary member of the GECU 3. Have activities that demonstrate a steadfast and long serving spirit of volunteerism 4. Have a strong academic record with at least a “B” average

Applications must include 1) An essay (described on the scholarship application form 2) Two letters of recommendation (one from an organization where you have volunteered) 3) An official copy of your transcript

You can pick up an application from Mrs. Elam. The deadline is 5:00pm on Monday, January 5, 2014. For more information visit: www.gecreditunion.org “Current Promotions” found under “Quick Links” on our homepage.

Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools Scholarship

Deadline: April 10, 2015

Application and more information @ www.ohiocareercolleges.org or in the Guidance Office.

This scholarship program is open to Ohio high school graduates of the 2015 academic year. Multiple scholarships are available. More information and applications can be found in the New Miami Guidance Office, or at www.ohiocareercolleges.org, under "Scholarships”.

The Ohio State University Alumni Scholars Program Deadline: January 15, 2015 Students pursuing this scholarship should fit the following criteria: Accepted into The Ohio State University (must have submitted an undergraduate admissions application). Demonstrate involvement in school and community activities. Show a sound interest and positive attitude toward college work. Application & more information can be found in the Guidance Office.

Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) Student Scholarship – for a high school senior athlete who plans to attend a university, college, or two-year institution that does not provide athletic scholarships. Eligibility: CGPA 2.0, accepted at a 2 or 4-year college/university, nominated by high school coach, participated at the varsity level in athletics for at least one year, has not accepted any scholarship funds or grants to participate in college athletics, not the child of a current or retired NFL player. Criteria: application, transcript, career goals, coach’s nomination letter, academic achievement, potential for success, leadership and character, essay. Application Deadline: January 15, 2015 The William D. Squires Scholarship – Criteria – only students from Ohio can apply, primarily need-based, have a specific career goal, highly motivated, good character and show academic promise; (minimum 3.2 GPA). Application deadline: April 6, 2015. A copy of the scholarship application and detailed information are available for free from: www.wmdsquiresfoundation.org. Buick Achievers Scholarship Program - Criteria: enrolling for full-time study as first time freshman at a 4 yr. college, plan to major in one of the following: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, or Design, are interested in a career in the automotive or related industries. Amount: 100 scholarships for up to $25,000/yr., 1,000 scholarships at $2,000/yr., renewable for up to 4 years. Application: WWW.BUICKACHIEVERS.COM. Application Deadline: February 27, 2015.

Other Upcoming College and Career Events and Information Apprenticeship Training Opportunity Notice

American Line Builders Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is accepting applications for their apprenticeship programs

including outside lineman, substation technician, cable splicer technician, traffic control signal technician, underground

residential distribution technician, and transmission technician. Interested persons may obtain an application online at

www.albat.org.

Cincinnati State has announced a new Welding Program that will build the skills or add to the welding skills of any student. Apply online at www.cincinnatistate.edu or call (513)569-1753 for more information.

Questions Frequently Asked About Financial Aid 1. How do I apply for scholarships?

Organizations, foundations, private individuals, places of employment and commercial vendors can sponsor scholarships. Those general scholarships are featured in these newsletters and applications are available in Guidance Office.

Colleges and universities send applications for scholarships. Those are kept in a

separate file in the Guidance Office. Some university scholarships do not have separate applications; students with a certain GPA and test score can be automatically awarded money.

2. What about commercial loans? Comparison shopping among the lending institutions is strongly advised. 3. How do I apply for a financial aid package?

1) Parents should fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out this form will enable you to be considered for federal, state and institution based aid. THE FAFSA SHOULD BE COMPLETED WHETHER FAMILIES THINK THEY QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID OR NOT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OPPORTUNITIES MAY BE AVAILABLE UNLESS THE APPLICATION IS COMPLETED. ADDITIONALLY, SOME SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS REQUIRE THAT THE FAFSA HAS BEEN SUBMITTED.

2) The recommended method to complete the FAFSA is the online format over the

Internet. This is the fastest way to apply. To submit your college application using FAFSA on the Web (FOTW), go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

3) Remember to indicate college codes for all colleges you have applied to. The

College Code Guide Book is available in the Guidance Office. Your counselor can help you with this.

4. Who determines financial aid?

A federal processor, using federally established formulas and policies will compute the family's expected contribution toward educational costs. The expected family contribution (EFC) is then subtracted from the cost of attendance. After informing the colleges of the amount of the federal/state award possible for your family, a financial aid officer from each college applied to will determine what the college itself can contribute.

5. Is there any way our family can get a "sneak preview" of what our expected family

contribution (ERC) will be?

FAFSA4caster is a financial aid estimator that you can use before officially applying for financial aid using the FAFSA. FAFSA4caster will provide you with an estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an index that colleges use to determine what types of student aid you may receive. Using your EFC, FAFSA4caster will then determine what types of federal grants, loans, and work-study you may qualify for and will provide you an estimated award amount for each. To use the FAFSA4caster go to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

6. What is taken into consideration for financial aid awards?

In addition to family income, such factors as assets, family size, and the number of children in college are also considered. In addition to the parents' contribution, the student's contribution includes a portion of prior year earnings as well as money from the student's personal savings and assets.

7. We live in an affluent community-- why bother to apply?

Every family should fill out the FAFSA! Although the package awarded may not be a large one, but "every little but helps". Even though many students are not eligible for scholarships many ARE eligible for some sort of financial aid.

8. When do I find out the amount of my financial aid award?

Families will receive a packet of information including a letter announcing the details of the financial aid award around April 15. The package may change from year to year if the family's financial circumstances change, if costs increase, or if the availability of funds changes. An attendance commitment to the college of your choice is due May 1.

9. What if our family does not demonstrate enough financial need to warrant a full aid

package, yet we still need assistance? Many colleges offer special payment schedules. Commercial loans should be

investigated. The federally supported Stafford Loan Program helps parents meet college costs. Even if a student is not eligible for a work-study job, there are many employment possibilities on and around most college campuses. For more information on any of these options, contact the financial aid office of any college you are applying.

10. Is there any special consideration given to minority or first-generation college students?

Many institutions offer renewable awards in recognition of academic achievement and financial need to these diversified students. Be sure to check with the financial aid office of relevant colleges.

11. What about non-citizens?

Contact the financial aid office of any college you are applying to ask questions about non-citizen.

Completing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on line...

The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the fundamental qualifying form used for all federal and government-guaranteed commercial lenders’ programs-- as well as for many state, regional and institutional student aid programs. Pay attention to the priority filing date for each of the colleges you are applying to. There are two ways to complete the FAFSA.

a.) The older method is the paper application. Copies are available in the Guidance Office. This method takes longer for information to be processed.

b.) The recommended method to file the FAFSA is the online format over the internet. This is the fastest way to apply and has built in edits to help prevent errors. To submit your application using FAFSA on the Web (FOTW), go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is the appropriate tool to assist students and parents completing the FAFSA online. Over 90% of FAFSA applications will be submitted on the Web, and the Worksheet provides students and parents the opportunity to gather the information needed before sitting down at the computer. The Worksheet follows the flow and logic of the online application and is therefore the appropriate tool for those filing on the Web. In order to complete the FAFSA online you must have a PIN number. First time FAFSA filers and parents(s) of a dependent student can each go to the PIN web site and register for a PIN. The PIN serves as the electronic signature for the FAFSA and gives the student the ability to gain access to other Department of Education systems. The PIN can be applied for at any time. Having the PIN in advance will mean quicker processing for students and parents who file FAFSA on the Web (FOTW. Applying for a PIN: 1. Go to: www.pin.ed.gov 2. Enter personal information: name, social security number, Date of Birth (DOB) 3. Provide address: street, city, state, zip code, e-mail 4. Both student and parent need to have own PIN number to complete the FAFSA The federal government calculates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based mainly on the prior year’s income. The EFC takes into consideration the following: income, assets, family size and number of family members in college. After filing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of your FAFSA answers and a way to make corrections. Keep the SAR for your records. If you need to make corrections go to www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Graduate Services will be coming to New Miami and Butler Tech to take care of all your senior ordering needs!

Graduate Servies (513)272-5890

Website: www.graduateserviceinc.com

2014 - 2015

NEW MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL

DATE: TIME:

SENIOR MEETING 1/22/15 7:45 AM

SENIOR ORDER 2/5/15, 2/6/15 7:00 AM

ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERY 4/17/15 7:00 AM

CAP AND GOWN PASS OUT 4/17/15 7:00 AM

RING INFORMATION 1/22/15 8:15 AM

RING ORDER 2/5/15, 2/6/15 7:00 AM

RING DELIVERY 4/17/15 7:00 AM

BUTLER TECHNOLOGY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL

DATE: TIME:

SENIOR MEETING 10/8/14 9:00 AM

SENIOR ORDER 10/27/14, 10/28/14 Lunch, 7:00 am

ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERY 3/25/15 Lunch

CAP AND GOWN PASS OUT 4/28/15 Lunch

College Goal Sunday Sunday, February 8, 2015

2:00 pm Cost is FREE

For high school seniors and their parents

Receive FREE, professional help completing the FAFSA.

Financial aid professionals from Ohio colleges and universities

will be available at sites throughout the state.

These experts will coach families through the FAFSA form

and help strategies a financial plan of action.

What to bring: Student’s and parent’s IRS 1040 tax return & W2s

Social Security Card/Driver’s License Other benefit income information

Miami University – Hamilton

To register for the event, go to: www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org

Or Call 1-800-233-6734