September Newsletter

It's now time for Step 3! September is the month where we will focus on applying to the schools that we discussed during your one-on-one meeting. Remember, we are doing this all month long! You have plenty of time to apply to as many places as you wish.

Below is a list of the colleges that will be at the school this month for College App Week. Make note of which days your colleges will be here. If your college is not listed, swing by Ms. Abby's office in 316 to get assistance with your application. If you apply to a school on your own, make sure you let Ms. Abby know so that she can help request your transcript.

This year our theme will be Monsters University. There will be many activities throughout the week that all high school students can get involved in for the chance to win prizes. There will be a candy jar guess, trivia and human bingo! Pay attention to the announcements throughout the week for more information.

How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

You should always apply to at least one (1). To increase your chances of getting into a selective school- and to account for colleges you may not have considered before- the more colleges you apply for, the better. A good balanced list could include at least 1 reach college, 2 matches, and 1 safety school. They should all be colleges that you would be happy to attend.

What are reach, match, and safety schools?

A safety school is any college or university that you have a very high chance of being accepted. They are sometimes considered back up schools. If you recall in our one-on-one meetings, we discussed that due to TN Promise, community colleges and TCAT schools are wonderful back up plans.

A reach school is a college or university that you may have difficulty getting into for a multitude of reasons. The school could have a low acceptance rate, it's out of state, or it could be very expensive. Remember, it's called a reach college because it'll be a lot of hard work to create a strong application. But it can be done!

Match schools are typically known as the perfect fit. They're not hard for you to get into, but you aren't absolutely guaranteed admission, either. Your GPA and test scores should match those of the current incoming freshman class.

Should I apply to colleges if my test scores or grades are below their published ranges?

Yes! The admission scores and grades that colleges post on their websites are averages or ranges- not cutoffs. There are students at every college who scored lower and higher than the number shown on the site. Colleges consider many things when looking to admit you. They look at the types of classes you took in high school, your activities, recommendation letters, essays and your overall character. Admission test scores and grades are just two parts of that complete picture.

Should I even bother applying to colleges that I don't think I can afford?

Absolutely! Remember that after financial aid is applied, most students will pay far less than the "sticker price" listed on the college website. You won't know if you can afford a college until after you apply and find out how much aid that college will offer you. Even if the aid package the college offers is not enough, you still have options. Many colleges are willing to work with students they have chosen for admission to ensure that those students can afford to attend.

When you begin applying, you may see some unfamiliar terms such as "early decision" or "early action".

Early decision is for students who only want to apply to their first-choice college. If you apply for early decision you enter into a legally binding plan that means you must attend the school if you're accepted. You also have to withdraw any applications to other schools you applied to. You can only apply to one college early decision and must accept the financial aid package the college offers you. You need to complete this application early- around November so the decision can be made by December.

Early action is when a student applies to college early and gets an early admission decision. If you apply early action you enter a non-binding plan that doesn't require you to attend if you're accepted. You can apply to early action to more than one school. If you're accepted, you can wait until spring to make your decision, which gives you more time to review other offers of admission and financial aid packages.

The Common Application is a standardized application used by nearly 700 colleges. You will normally be able to apply to your colleges straight on their website; however, you may come across a couple that will require you to fill out the Common Application.

There is also a Common Black College Application (CBCA). Students can instantly apply to 68 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), paying one $20 application fee. Unlike the Common Application, which is used by hundreds of colleges, the CBCA is exclusive to HBCUs. It also offers users a more stripped down application process.

Be aware that you may need to submit additional or separate documents to some colleges. You also still need to pay individual application fees for each college.

What is the United States Senate Youth Program?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for qualifying junior or senior high school students to receive a $10,000 college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to attend an intensive weeklong education and leadership program. In this program, students will hear major polilcy addresses by prominent members of our government institutions, such as senators, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and the president of the United States.

Who can attend?

Two qualifying high school students (juniors or seniors only) will be selected from Tennessee. Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Any high school junior or senior student is eligible for the program provided they meet qualifications and have not previously been a delegate to Washington Week and have not received a USSYP scholarship.
• The student must be enrolled for the entire 2024-2025 academic year in a public or independent high school located in the state in which at least one of their parents or guardians currently resides. Home-educated students may also apply.
• The student must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States at the time of application.
• The student must be living in the state that they will represent for the entire 2024-2025 academic year.
• The student must hold a high-level leadership position in any one of the following student government, civic or educational organizations during the entire 2024-2025 academic year:
• Student body president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
• Class president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer
• Student council representative
• A National Honor Society Officer (including discipline-based Honor Societies) or state-level civic, service, and/or educational organization wherein the student holds a high-level, year-round leadership position representing a constituency and/or providing service to others.

Where can students apply?

For the online application and a full description of the program and the selection process, visit https://www.tn.gov/education/students/opportunities-for-students.html

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

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

Be Bold No Essay Scholarship- $25,000 Deadline: September 1st

This scholarship will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile based on the following characteristics: earnest, determined and moving.

https://bold.org/scholarships/the-be-bold-no-essay-scholarship/

The Gates Scholarship- Covers cost of attendance (full ride) Deadline: September 15th

This scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, miniority, high school seniors from low income households. Will receive funding for the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid. Minimum 3.3 GPA and must plan to enroll in a four-year college or university. An ideal candidate will have: outstanding academics, participation in community service or other extracurricular activities, and exceptional personal success skills (emotional maturity, motivation, perserverance, etc).

https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

Women in Nursing Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: September 15th

This scholarship aims to support women who are passionate about pursuing careers in nursing and making an impact on their patients. Any female student who plans to pursue a 4 year degree in nursing, may apply for this scholarship. You will need to create an account with Bold.org.

https://app.bold.org/login/?returnTo=%2Fscholarships%2Fwomen-in-nursing-scholarship%2F#ref=best-scholarships

QuestBridge Match Scholarship- Covers cost of attendance (full ride) Deadline: September 26th

Grants early admission to one of Questbridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000. Student must be in top 10% of class, have a minimum of 28 ACT, and family income is below $65,000.

https://www.questbridge.org/apply-to-college/programs/national-college-match/the-match-scholarship

Tennessee Tech University Balanced Man Scholarship- $1,500 Deadline: September 28th

Sigma Phi Epsilon is proud to offer this scholarship for those interested in applying to Tennessee Technological University.

https://tennesseetech.sigep.org/bms/?_ga=2.146686141.884650831.1724934445-1998930656.1724934444

Coca-Cola Scholarship- $20,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship recognizes seniors for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to make a significant impact on their schools and community. Must be planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Must be able to verify a minimum overall 3.0 GPA.

https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

Cochlear Scholarship- $8,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship applicants must be a Cochlear Nucleus, Baha, or Osia recipient. Must also have a 3.0 GPA.

https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/home/ongoing-care-and-support/connect-with-us/scholarships

CollegeXpress Scholarship- $10,000 Deadline: September 30th

Must be currently attending high school, college, vocational, or any other accredited post-secondary institution. You will need to create a CollegeXpress account.

https://www.collegexpress.com/reg/signup?campaign=10k&utm_campaign=studentscholarships&utm_medium=link&utm_source=studentscholarships

Don't Text and Drive Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: September 30th

Complete the online application form including a 140-character message about texting while driving. The top 10 applicants will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500 to 1,000 word essay about texting while driving.

https://www.digitalresponsibility.org/dont-text-and-drive-scholarship

Equal Opportunity No Essay Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship exists to support high school students who want to improve their life and the lives of people around them. This scholarship is open to students from any field of study who have a 2.0 GPA or higher.

https://calvinrosser.com/scholarships/equal-opportunity/

Future Mentors Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: September 30th

All applicants are required to submit an 800-1,500 word essay on mentorship which must include answers to their prompt questions. Feel free to include Big Brother or Big Sister programs, influential teachers or role-models, and any other relationships that have enriched your lives.

https://www.jsgfirm.com/scholarship/

Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Nursing Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: September 30th

Open to high school seniors who are wanting to pursue a career in nursing with a focus on Cardiac Care. Must make a Scholarships.com account.

https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/heartfelt-dreams-foundation-nursing-scholarship#

HostingAdvice Future Web Developer Scholarship- $1,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship is available to students aspiring to attain employment in the IT sector. Eligible majors includes computer science related fields, including, but not limited to, web development, software engineering, digital security, systems management, artifical intelligence, networking, and data analytics. You must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and submit a 500-1,000 word essay.

https://www.hostingadvice.com/scholarship/

Money Matters Scholarship- $5,000 Deadline: September 30th

To be considered for the scholarship, you must complete the following steps:

• Study the 2024 Money Matters "Bring Home the Gold" student workbook to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the basics surrounding your first paycheck. You can access this workbook online.
• Complete a 5 question quiz based on material found in the "Bring Home the Gold" student workbook.
• Each student who correctly answers all 5 questions on the quiz will be automatically entered in a drawing for the scholarship.
• Candidates can retake the quiz as many times as needed to achieve a passing score.

Niche Back to School Scholarship-$25,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship helps cover the cost of college without having to write a single essay! Niche is giving one student $25,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses.

https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/25k-no-essay-scholarship-202409/?utm_source=student_scholarships&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=student_scholarships_25k_202409

"No Sweat" Scholarship- $2,500 Deadline: September 30th

This is a scholarship that can be used for any educational purpose. To apply, create an account and complete your story through your profile. No GPA or income requirement.

https://www.cirkledin.com/scholarships/

Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: September 30th

Must be a high school senior, plan to enroll in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school in the United States. Student must not be an employee or dependent of an employee of The Home Depot. Must pursue a degree focused on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or construction management.

https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/skillpointefoundation_homedepot-pathtopro

Sallie Mae Scholarship- $2,000 Deadline: September 30th

This scholarship is open to any high school junior or senior who intends to enroll in an accredited college or university located within the United States, within a year of graduating.

https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/2k-scholarship/?dtd_cell=SMPLSODCZPPSOTOTOTHOTHRN010000&utm_source=studentscholarships&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=acq1p_ss_s_u_u_sch_u_u&utm_content=app

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

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)

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

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/

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

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

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.