October Newsletter

Congratulations seniors! You have applied to at least one post-secondary institution and you are a step closer to that finish line! If you would like to apply to more schools, come by Ms. Abby's office if you need assistance. Even if you plan to go into the workforce after high school, it is still important to complete these steps in case circumstances shift or you simply change your mind in the spring. If you applied to a school on your own, make sure you let Ms. Abby know so that she can help request your transcript.

For the month of October, we will be switching gears and begin talking about all the various costs for college. Next month we will be discussing scholarships, grants, and the FAFSA.

Even though you will not be able to fill out the FAFSA until December, you will still need to create your FSA ID this month. Look below for more information!

Those students who wish to attend TCAT in the fall, come by to see Ms. Abby for assistance in signing up for orientation. You MUST attend orientation before you are placed on the waiting list for your program. The sooner you attend orientation, the better.

Let your parents know that there will be a Senior Parent Information Night at 5:00 PM on October 17th in the high school library. There will be a small presentation about what students and parents should expect in the spring with FAFSA, scholarships and financial aid.

Parents in attendance will be eligible for a raffle at the end of the event.

The FSA ID is a username and password used to log in to certain Federal Student Aid (FSA) websites. This will be used every year you complete the FAFSA online as well as to check the status of your federal student loans (if you have to take out any for college).

You and the parents in your immediate household will each need an FSA ID in order to electronically sign the FAFSA. These should be created prior to filling out the FAFSA in December/January.

Information Needed to Create an FSA ID

Student Information:

• Student Social Security number
• Student personal email address (DO NOT use your school email as this email will no longer work once you graduate)
• Student cell phone number

Parent/Legal Guardian Information:

• Parent/Legal Guardian Social Security number
• Parent/Legal Guardian email address
• Parent/Legal Guardian cell phone number

We will be having a FSA ID Creation Workshop on October 29th and November 14th! Seniors and parents are welcome to sit down with Ms. Abby and receive assistance on creating FSA ID's and personal emails (if needed). See below for more details!

That is okay! We have plenty of time to make sure that all students and parents have an FSA ID before the FAFSA opens. Parents are more than welcome to set up an appointment with me if they would like me to help them create their ID.

Some parents may prefer to create this on their own. Which is also okay! Below are the steps in how to create an FSA ID. All they need to do is just go step-by-step. These steps are located in the next section.

Parents can click on the button below to schedule an appointment with Ms. Abby.

Each student and the parent(s) in their household must have a unique FSA ID in order to electronically sign the FAFSA.

Step One (Personal Information)

1. Go to the Create an Account (FSA ID) webpage at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
2. Click Get Started.
3. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, date of birth, (mm/dd/yyyy) and Social Security number. If your name is too long and you can't fit your full name into the box, type as much of your name as you can.

Step Two (Account Information)

1. Create a username 6-30 characters in length using any combination of numbers and uppercase or lowercase letters.
2. Enter and confirm your email address. It is recommended to use a non-school-based email address since you will need to access your FSA account after you graduate high school.
3. Create and confirm a password 8-30 characters in length. The password is case sensitive and must include a combination of numbers, uppercase letters and lowercase letters. Do not use personal identifiers (e.g., date of birth, name).

Step Three (Contact Information)

1. Enter your permanent mailing address. If you don't have one, you may use your high school address.
2. Enter and confirm your mobile phone number (the student and parent email and phone numbers must be different).
3. It is highly recommended to check the box allowing for quick and easy mobile phone account recovery.

Step Four (Communication Preferences)

1. Select if you would like to receive U.S. Department of Education communications via email (recommended) or postal mail.
2. Select your preferred language (English or Spanish).

Step Five (Challenge Questions)

1. Select Challenge Question 1 and answer.
2. Select Challenge Question 2 and answer.
3. Select Challenge Question 3 and answer.
4. Select Challenge Question 4 and answer.

Step Six (Confirm and Verify)

1. Review your information for accuracy and make any necessary edits.
2. Review FSA's terms and conditions and agree to them by checking the box.

Step Seven (Account Recovery)

1. Select to verify your mobile phone number, email address and/or authenticator app by retrieving the six-digit code sent to you and entering it into the box provided. Two of these three verification methods are required, and you must verify both methods chosen. Be sure to save the backup code given.

Keep your username and password in a safe place and do not share this information with anyone. If you provided an email address, you will receive a confirmation email. It will take 3-5 days for the Social Security Administration to verify your information.

The cost to attend college is often referred to as "Cost of Attendance" (COA). This is used in the calculation to determine eligibility for financial aid. It is often calculated to show the total cost for the academic year.

We can divide up college costs into two (2) categories: Direct Costs and Indirect Costs.

Direct Costs are fixed costs that are billed by the college:

• Housing and food (if living on campus)
• Tuition
• Fees

Indirect Costs are not included on a college bill. However, they are considered in the overall cost to attend college:

• Books and supplies
• Housing and food (if living off campus)
• Child care or other dependent care
• Loan fees
• Personal computer
• Personal expenses
• Transportation

Tuition

The cost of tuition and fees charged by a college depends on many factors, but the most significant is what type of college it is.

• Public Colleges: Tuition and fees are generally the lowest because they receive funds from state taxes. Most four-year and two-year public colleges charge higher tuition for nonresidents. This out-of-state rate can make the cost of attending as high as attending a private college. However, some bording state residents (Kentucky & Virginia) may be treated as legal residents under an agreement.
• Private Colleges: Tuition is usually higher at these schools. They do not receive public funding and need to charge more for the real costs to students. However, private colleges often have more financial aid resources than can help you pay for college. The greater your overall cost of attendance, the greater possibility you will demonstrate need for financial aid.

Fees

Many colleges charge fees for other services. Examples include:

• Athletic
• Enrollment
• Greek societies (membership dues)
• Health center
• Library
• Parking
• Student Activities
• Technology fees

Housing and Food

Regardless of the type of college you choose, you will have to consider housing and food expenses. Housing and food is built into your Cost of Attendance. Colleges with their own housing typically charge students on a nine-months basis for housing and most meals, excluding holiday and vacation periods. Note that some colleges do not allow students to stay in on-campus housing during excluded periods. Colleges also expect that students living in privately owned, off-campus housing have a similar level of expense.

If you plan to live at home, you are likely to have lower expenses than on-campus students because you do not have to pay for housing. You will still need to factor in your cost of food and other living expenses. These costs are usually built into a commuter student budget for financial aid purposes.

Books and Supplies

As a college student, you will spend money on textbooks and school supplies, such as notebooks, paper, binders and pens. The amount you spend for books and supplies will vary only slightly by the type of college, but is related to the curriculum of courses you select. In some academic fields, such as nursing and other medical fields, you will spend more money on books. Some fields will require specific uniforms and equiptment that must be purchased, such as art, medical or lab supplies.

Personal Expenses

Regardless of the type of college you choose to attend, you will have some personal expenses, such as clothing, laundry, toiletries, recreation, cell phone bills and medical costs.

Transportation

All students spend some money for travel. If you live in a different city than where your college is located, you have to travel to get there. Most students also go home at least once during the year. For financial aid purposes, colleges often budet students for two-round trips home per year by the least expensive means of travel possible.

Commuter students will also have travel expenses. These costs are built into student expense budgets by colleges for financial aid purposes.

Determining Your Own Costs

To determine your own cost estimates, remember to consider any additional costs that might result from medical bills or extraordinary personal expenses. If your cost of attendance calculation is greater than the amount determined by your college, you may request an appeal to have your cost of attendance adjusted. The adjustment might increase your eligibility for financial aid.

Walters State Community College Scholarship- Amount Varies

All students are encouraged to apply after being admitted. Use your MYWS log in to apply.

https://ws.edu/cost-aid/types/scholarships/ws-scholarships/index.aspx

UT Promise- last dollar scholarship Deadline: December 15th

UT Promise is an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying TN residents attending UT's campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis.

https://tennessee.edu/ut-promise/apply-high-school-seniors/

Be Bold Scholarship- $25,000 Deadline: October 1st

Must plan to enroll in college by fall of 2025 and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship will be awarded to the applican with the boldest profile based on the following characteristics: earnest, determined and moving.

https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship/#ref=best-scholarships

AES Engineering Scholarship-$500 Deadline: October 8th

This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post-secondary school. You are NOT required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by an evaluation of the essays that are submitted. There is no application for this scholarship. Students will need to submit an essay of between 500-1,000 words to the following question: "When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey?" Send your essay to scholarships@aesengineers.com

Keep Going Forward-$1,500 Deadline: October 30th

Scholarship is open to people of all backgrounds and education levels. The only requirement is that you are moving forward to something new. Students will need to create a Bold.org account.

https://bold.org/scholarships/keepgoingforward/

Chick-fil-A Scholarship- $25,000 Deadline: October 30th

This scholarship is for seniors planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university, or full-time study at an vocational-technical school. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be involved in community service, extra curricular activities and/or leadership roles in the 12 months prior to application date. Examples of community service is volunteering for non-profits, helping others less fortunate, tutoring/mentoring, etc. The student must also be willing to participate in Chick-fil-A's Scholars Program (a one year experience of mentoring, activities, and professional development) if selected. Chick-fil-A Team Members are not eligible to apply.

Chick-fil-A Community Scholars - Scholarship Guidelines (scholarsapply.org)

Voice of Democracy Scholarship- $35,000 Deadline: October 31st

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000 - $21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.

https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Buy-Rite's Annual Beauty School Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: November 1st

Applicants must have applied to or be enrolled as a full-time beautician, esthetician, or cosmotology student. To apply, students will need to submit an essay (between 500-1,000 words) detailing their most meaningful achievement and how it related to your future within the beauty industry.

https://www.buyritebeauty.com/scholarships/

National Space Club Scholarship- $20,000 Deadline: November 1st

Student must intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, be academically strong and excel in public speaking. In addition to speaking at the Goddard Memorial Dinner, the individual selected will also receive a scholarship.

https://www.spaceclub.org/scholarship/index.html

Track to the Trades Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: November 4th

Available to any student who will enroll in trade school (TCAT) for plumbing, HVAC, electric or a closely related field while embodying G.R.I.T. (generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork). Must create a Bold.org account.

https://app.bold.org/login/?returnTo=%2Fscholarships%2Ftrack-to-the-trades%2F#ref=best-scholarships

Dr. Robert Hawkins Memorial Scholarship- $1,000 Deadlline: November 6th

Scholarship applications received after November 6th will need to have a postmark date, (hand stamped) of November 6th to be accepted. No online applications will be accepted. No recommendations will be accepted that are not included with the application and materials submitted. Students must be planning or are attending a university/college within the United States.

https://sousafoundation.net/sub_menu_items/12

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship- up to $55,000 Deadline: November 14th

This is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend a four year college or university. The scholars receive college planning support, ongoing advising, and the opportunity to network with the larger Cooke Scholar community in addition to scholarship funding. Must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/

10 Words or Less Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: November 15th

Must be planning to enroll in college fall 2025. This scholarship is provided by StudentsScholarships.org. In order to apply, you must go to their Facebook page, like and comment on the post that says, "In 10 words or less, tell us why you deserve the $1,000 scholarship".

https://studentscholarships.org/easy.php

Brent Willis Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: November 30th

This scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate the potential to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to their education and career goals through coursework and extracurricular activities. Must answer the prompt with an essay of 500-1,000 words.

https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/brent-willis-scholarship#

ACF Visionary Scholarship- Varies Deadline: December 1st

Fill out the registration form on the link below. You will receive an Application Packet via email within 2 weeks from the time that you register.

American College Foundation - ACF Scholarship Details

Burger King Scholars Program- Varies Deadline: December 16th

Applications will be accepted from October 15th - Deceber 16th.

https://bk-scholars.com/?utm_source=MCHe1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BK2022

Austin Peay Balanced Man Scholarship- $1,750 Deadline: December 31st

Sigma Phi Epsilon is proud to offer this scholarship for those interested in applying to Austin Peay State University.

https://austinpeay.sigep.org/bms/?_ga=2.79710494.884650831.1724934445-1998930656.1724934444

UT- Chattanooga Westbrook Scholarship Program- $14,000 Deadline: February 16th

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announces this scholarship program which will award $14,000 (over 4 years) to as many as 7 entering freshmen majoring in Chemistry or Physics. Once awarded these scholarships they are automatically renewed provided that the student meets specific academic requirements. Student must have completed a course in high school chemistry or physics with an A or B, must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and must declare chemistry or physics as their major. A separate "Application for Admission" to the university must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at UTC by February 1st. The completed Westbrook application (submitted online) and 2 letters of recommendation (emailed) are due by February 16th. Announcement of the awards will be made in middle to late April.

https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/chemistry-and-physics/department-of-chemistry-and-physics-scholarships/westbrook-scholarship

College for TN: https://www.collegefortn.org/

College for TN is a free one-stop resource for college and career information in the state of Tennessee.

Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Big Future is a free online resource that can help you plan for college, scholarships, and explore careers. Plus, when you complete steps, you can earn the chance to win $40,000 scholarships.

CAPPEX: http://www.cappex.com/scholarships/

A data base with $11 billion in listed scholarships.

Career One Stop: http://www.careerinfonet.org

An informational and scholarship search site sponsered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com/

Fastweb allows you to search for scholarships, internships, and more.

Scholarships.com: http://www.scholarships.com

This site has a database of 3,000 sources worth up to $3 billion.

ScholarshipOwl: https://scholarshipowl.com

ScholarshipOwl is a scholarship search site where all you have to do is complete a brief questionnaire and they find scholarships for which you may qualify. Now, here's the difference...they apply for the scholarship on your behalf.

UNIGO: https://www.unigo.com/

UNIGO has multiple ways to search for scholarships and explore various colleges.

Become: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/

Interactive guide that helps you learn about career paths associated with various careers and understand what it takes to get the career by picking the college/classes to climbing the company ladder.