Apply for all financial aid that you can, but keep in mind a “full ride” is rare. Many students find that they will need to work part time and may still need financial assistance from their parents.

Scholarships

These awards are given to students based on merit, need or a combination of both. Merit can be based on grades, extra curricular activities and/or community service. Scholarships may be awarded by specific colleges and universities or various national, state or local organizations. Each scholarship will have its own application (hard copy picked up in the Career Center’s scholarship box or online), requirements, and deadline. Some scholarships are a one-time award while others may be renewed each year that you are in college - check each scholarship to find out which it is. Scholarships require effort on your part to apply, but the money does not need to be paid back after you graduate.

Grants

Grants are primarily awarded based on need, which is determined by your parent/guardians’ income. Pell Grants are awarded from the federal government and may be used at any US college. Cal Grants are awarded by the State of California and can only be used at a California college. Each college or university may also offer a variety of grants as needed to meet students’ needs. In order to be eligible

for any grants, students must complete the FAFSA or Cal Dream Act by March 2, 2015. The earlier you submit your FAFSA/Dream Act application the better chance you have for receiving aid. Grants do not need to be repaid, but you will have to reapply every year by filling out the FAFSA/Dream Act.

Work Study may also be awarded to students who qualify through the FAFSA/Dream Act allowing students to work on campus.

Loans

Loans are a temporary loan of money while you are in school, that you must repay. The three most likely to appear on your award letter are Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and Parent PLUS loans. Subsidized means that the government pays the interests while you’re in college and for 6 months after you graduate. Unsubsidized means you are responsible for the interest (either you pay it monthly while in college or it gets added to your total loan amount) as soon as you use the loan. Parent PLUS loans will be the responsibility to your parents to repay after you graduate, so they will have to agree to take them out for you. Be VERY cautious about taking out loans.

It’s tempting to take all the money that is offered, but if you don’t absolutely need all of your loans in order to attend college, you will be better off taking fewer loans and having less to repay after graduation.

Volume 3, Issue 7

Johansen High School College and

Scholarship Newsletter

Cal Grant GPA Verification

Your GPA has already been

sent by Modesto City

Schools. You do not need to

print and have anyone fill

out the verification form.

Mark Your Calendars!

Tuesday, May 16th is our

scholarship awards night. This

is a special evening to

acknowledge all of your

accomplishments! This event is

for the whole family.

Financial Aid 101

641 Norseman Dr.

Modesto, CA 95357

Phone: 209-576-4702

Fax: 209-576-4752

College Counselor

Mrs. Hildebrandt

E-mail:

hildebrandt.m@mcs4kids.com

Johansen High School

Code: 051994

2017

PLACEMENT EXAMS:

UC entry level writing requirement

exam will take place in May, after

you’ve chosen your campus. Look

for and follow all information

regarding the test date and location.

CSU placement exams in math and

English are required unless you’ve

been exempted by your EAP, SAT or

ACT scores. You can take the tests

at CSU Stanislaus, regardless of

which campus you plan to attend.

The Cost is $18 per test (no fee

waivers are available). The

placements tests must be

completed by May 6th, but

recommend you take them as early

as possible! The next date is

February 11, 2017. Go to

www.ets.org/csu/registration/ to

get information and to register.

MJC will be hosting New Student

Days @ MJC in April and May. While

there you can complete your MJC

orientation, application and

placement tests. There will also be

parent info and financial aid

sessions. Placement tests must be

completed before you will be

allowed to register for classes.

April 8th at 8am for students

wanting to start with classes this

summer. May 20th at 8am for

students wanting to begin classes in

the fall. Pick up a flyer in the Career

Center.

Page 2

February College and Scholarship Newsletter

Senior check list for

February:

□ Submit FAFSA (if not

already done) Don’t

wait until the last

minute!

□ Sign up to take your

placement tests at

your respective

colleges (see

sidebar for info)

□ Continue searching

and applying for

scholarships

□ Keep track of

admission status for

all colleges by

weekly checking

student portals.

□ Make sure your

contact information

in your student

portal is correct

□ Submit any

documents

requested by the

Office of Admissions

by the deadline!

□ Notify the Office of

Admissions of any

changes in your

class schedule from

1st semester

□ Notify the Office of

Admissions of any

Ds or Fs in 1st

semester.

□ Start a chart to

compare college

admissions and

financial aid offers

as they come in

While you wait for your admission decisions...

College Athletes

NCAA—if you are planning to play a Division I or II

college sport you need to register with the NCAA

Clearinghouse at www.eligibilitycenter.org. You must

meet class and test requirements listed. NCAA does not

accept ESS or summer school classes. See Mrs. H with

additional questions.

Some private colleges and universities require that

you fill out the CSS Profile to be considered for

financial aid. (CSUs and UCs do not require this

form) Many of these deadlines are approaching!!

Visit www.collegeboard.org to find out if your

colleges require this form and then check with

each college to find out deadlines.

Financial Aid for Private Schools

FAFSA Deadline is

March 2nd!! Don’t

Miss out on receiving

grants to help you

pay for college!!

**Please bring copies of all scholarship offers to Mrs. H as soon as possible. This

includes private scholarship awards and awards from colleges and universities.

Scholarships are monies awarded to students based on a set of criteria. Scholarship amounts can vary, many range from $100 - $2500. This money does not have to be repaid. There are literally millions of scholarships out there, it’s just a matter of finding them and figuring out which ones you are qualified to apply for. Generally, applying for scholarships is a competitive process. In order to win a scholarship, you need to be the best applicant or in the top number if they award more than one.

Keep in mind, it is at the discretion of the scholarship committee who they select. You need to complete every aspect of the application completely so they see as the most qualified applicant. It has happened in the past that the committee is so impressed by an application that they create an additional scholarship. That could be you

So how do you apply for scholarships? There is no magic, easy way to be awarded a scholarship. Each scholarship has its own criteria, application, and

deadline. Students need to research scholarships, find ones that they meet the criteria for, then complete and submit the application by the deadline. Remember that this is a competitive process, so turning in a late application will eliminate you from the competition!

There are endless sets of criteria for scholarships. Some are based on a student pursuing a particular career or major in college. Read the information carefully, sometimes the career is extremely broad and most majors will be accepted. Others are based on the types of extra curricular activities that students have participated in while in high school (sports, music, leadership, etc.) Others may be limited to students whose parents work in a particular industry or meet certain income requirements. Some are based wholly or partially on academic performance. It’s up to you to read the criteria and determine if you are qualified to apply.

Applications may be basic forms or detailed questions requiring essay responses and many applications are now completely online. If Mrs. Hildebrandt has a hard copy, it will be in the scholarship box outside her office in the Career Center. They may require letters of recommendation and/or transcripts. In most cases, these will be submitted in paper form. Contact your recommenders and the records office at least a week (2 weeks would be better) before the deadline.

Mrs. Hildebrandt’s tips for completing applications:

If possible - always type your application

Be completely honest

Have somebody proof-read your application, especially if there are essays

Turn in your application EARLY, a least 2 days before the deadline

Keep a copy of your scholarship application and the contact information of the organization

If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be notified by mail or email. You may be asked to attend a ceremony or official presentation, and you should definitely write a thank you note! Most organizations will require you to provide proof of enrollment before they send the money. It’s up to the student to submit the proof of enrollment and college information. A copy of your class schedule is usually sufficient proof of enrollment. Many organizations will then send the scholarship money directly to the college, where it will be applied to your account. A few organizations will send a check directly to you. Sometimes it’s all in one payment, sometimes half is paid in fall semester and half in the spring semester.

If you are awarded a scholarship, please let Mrs. Hildebrandt know. We would like to recognize you at our scholarship awards night in May. Mrs. Hildebrandt might also be able to help facilitate the transfer of funds.

Lastly, ALL of the scholarships Mrs. Hildebrandt is aware of are published in this monthly newsletter

Page 3

What is a Scholarship and How Can I Get One?

Page 4

Scholarships

CTA Scholarship for Dependent Children - 35

$5000 scholarships available to students who have a

parent that is active, retired or a deceased member of

California Teachers Association. GPA should reflect a

high unweighted average. Scholarships are awarded

based on the applicant’s statement, school and

community activities and two letter of

recommendation. Go to www.cta.org/scholarships

Deadline: submitted by 11:59 pm February 3,

2017

Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program -

The James & Emma Freemont Foundation offers

scholarships to students with a record of leadership

and community volunteerism in non-school sponsored

activities. Students must have a minimum GPA of

3.0and a minimum SAT score of 1150 or ACT of 21,

plan on attending an accredited HBCU in the fall of

2017 with a major in the sciences. Go to http://

www.freemontfoundation.com/scholarships.html to

apply. Deadline: February 3, 2017

Dan Savage Middle School Scholarship - Several

$250 scholarships are awarded to a graduate of

Savage Middle School. To apply go to http://

savagems.sylvan.k12.ca.us/home/scholarships

Deadline: February 10, 2017

Calvin Coolidge Presidential Scholarship - a full

ride scholarship covering tuition, room, board and

expenses for four years of undergraduate study and

leadership training. OPEN TO JUNIORS ONLY

(class of 2018). Visit https://coolidgescholars.org/

to apply. Deadline: February 13, 2017

Soroptimist International

of Modesto Scholarship -

Three $1000 scholarships will

be awarded to graduating

seniors who demonstrate

involvement in community

service activities involving

women and/or girls. Scholarships are based on

financial need, academic merit and community

service. Please DO NOT apply to this scholarship if

you are applying for the Soroptimist Violet Richardson

Award. Applications in the scholarship box. Deadline

EXTENDED to: February 14, 2017

Violet Richarson Award - a $1000 scholarship will

be awarded to a young woman between the ages of

14 and 18 who volunteer in the community or school.

If interested in applying, see Mrs. H for an electronic

application. Deadline EXTENDED to: February 14,

2017

Shirley Elke Scholarship - a $500 scholarship for a

young woman pursuing study in the field of “creative

visual arts” (drawing, painting and graphic art). Must

include samples of recent work, letters of reference

and an essay describing your educational goals.

Deadline: EXTENDED to: February 14, 2017

WACE National Co-op Scholarships - award 195

$6,000 merit scholarships for students planning to

attend Clarkson University, Drexel University, Johnson

& Wales University, Kettering University, Merrimack

College, State University of New York Oswego,

Rochester Institute of Technology, University of

Cincinnati, University of Massachusetts Lowell,

University of Toledo, or Wentworth Institute of

Technology. Must have a GPA of 3.5 or better. Visit

http://www.waceinc.org/scholarship/ to apply.

Deadline: February 15, 2017

Farmerland Working Group Scholarship - a $400

scholarship will be awarded to the

senior who best answers the essay

prompt on the application.

Applications available in the

scholarship box. Deadline:

postmarked by February 17,

2017

CTE Martin Luther King Jr.

Page 5

Scholarships

Memorial Scholarship - encourages ethnic minority

students to become educators, school nurses, school

counselors or school therapists and to promote

professional growth for ethnic minority teachers and

ESP members. Visit http://www.cta.org/scholarships

to apply. Deadline: February 17, 2017

Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships - 13 different

scholarships are available for incoming or current

college students of various ethnic backgrounds, must

be full time college student in the fall. Minimum GPA

3.0 and be a US citizen or permanent resident unless

otherwise stated. Visit http://asianpacificfund.org/

what-we-do/scholarships/apply-for-scholarship/ to

view eligibility for each scholarship and to apply.

Deadline: February 24, 2017

Cyber Bullying Prevention Scholarship - a $1000

scholarship available for graduating seniors. Applicant

must write a 600-1000 article on why and how to

stop cyber bullying. For more information on how to

apply visit http://www.parentinn.com/scholarship.

Deadline: February 28, 2017

Mancini Music Scholarship - Open to students in

Modesto City Schools, must be a high school musician

or vocalist intended on pursuing a career as a public

school teacher. Applications available in the

scholarship box. Deadline: February 28, 2017

Oakdale Cowboy Museum Scholarships - The

Oakdale Cowboy Museum is presenting scholarships

to deserving High School seniors in the Central Valley

Region. Scholarships are to be used at a two or four

year college or university. For the Ag Scholarship -

The applicant must be actively involved in rodeo,

livestock or animal production or actively involved in

and is a graduating senior whose family is a member

of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. The Doc Dorius

Scholarship applicant must be actively involved or

aspire to be involved in production agriculture such as

animal nutrition, animal health, livestock and/or ranch

management with a focus in the cattle industry

These are merit scholarships and is not based on

financial need. Applicants must have an accumulative

GPA of 2.5 or higher. Visit http://

www.oakdalecowboymuseum.org/scholarships for

applications. Deadline: February 28, 2016

CalTrans District 10 Scholarship - A $1000

scholarship is available to seniors with a GPA of 2.6 or

better who plan to attend college. A 500 word essay

is required. See Mrs. H for an electronic application.

Deadline: February 28, 2016

Youth on Course Scholarships - Twenty $4000-

$20,000 scholarships available to seniors with a

minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are both need and

merit based. You do not need to be a member of

Youth on Course but members and/or golfers will be

given priority. Visit https://youthoncourse.org/

scholarships/ to apply. Deadline: submitted by

11:59pm on February 28, 2017

Sons of Italy Scholarships - three scholarships

available for students of Italian descent. One

scholarship available to study Italian in Italy for the

summer, the second an academic award for seniors

and the third is for students pursing a degree in sport

or a sports related field. Visit http://www.osiaca.org/

Scholarships/How-To-Apply to apply. Deadline:

postmarked by March 1, 2017

Eula Mae Jett Scholarship Program - 6

scholarships available in 3 different categories for

individuals seeking careers in the legal field including

legal secretaries, legal assistants, paralegals, court

reporters and law office administrators. They are not

intended for students planning to enter law school.

Applications available in the scholarship box.

Deadline: March 1, 2017

Stanislaus Futures Scholarships - multiple

scholarships GUARANTEED to several Johansen

students. Visit http://www.stanislauscf.org/receive/

scholarships to apply. Other scholarships on the

website that you can apply for with just one

applications!! Deadline: March 2, 2017

Page 6

Scholarships

State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship - up to

50 - $2500 scholarship available to seniors with a 2.5

- 3.2 GPA that demonstrates financial aid and is a US

Citizen. Visit https://www.scholarsapply.org/

statefarmgoodneighborscholarship/ to apply.

Deadline: March 2, 2017

Tzu Chi Scholarships - $1000 scholarships available

to college-bound seniors who demonstrate financial

need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Need letters of

recommendation and a typed autobiography

describing why you should be awarded this

scholarship. Applications available in the scholarship

box. Deadline: March 3, 2017

National Defense Transportation Accociation

Scholarships - Multiple scholarships are available for

students planning to enroll in 2- or 4-year college or

vocational training. Letters of recommendation and an

essay are required. Applications available in the

scholarship box. Deadline: postmarked or

emailed by March 11, 2017

Northern California Cherry Blossom Scholarship

- 2 - $2000 scholarships available to a senior with a

2.5 GPA of Japanese American descent. Letters of

recommendation and a short essay are required.

Applications available in the scholarship box.

Deadline: postmarked March 11, 2017

Daniel J Gonsalves Scholarship - 2 to 4 $500

scholarships to at least one male and one female

varsity athlete with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Letter of

recommendation and essay are required. Applications

available in the scholarship box. Deadline: received

by March 15, 2017

Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California Scholarships -

$500 scholarships will be awarded to students of

Portuguese descent with a 3.5 weighted GPA who

participated in at least 3 extra curricular activity in

high school. Application available in the scholarship

box. Deadline: Postmarked by March 15, 2017

California Association

of Nurseries and

Garden Centers

(CANERS) Scholarship -

for students majoring in

a horticulture-related field.

Visit http://

www.cangc.org/

scholarships.html to apply.

Deadline: Postmarked

by March 15, 2015.

California Alarm Assn. Scholarship - $27,000 in

scholarships available for students who are children of

the police, sheriff’s or fire department. Applications

available in the scholarship box. Deadline:

postmarked by March 24, 2017

California Wine Grape Growers Foundation

(CWGGF) offers six scholarships to graduating

seniors whose parent/guardian is employed by a

California Vineyard during the 2014-15 wine grape

growing season. At least two four-year scholarships

in the amount of $8,000 and four two-year

scholarships in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded

to students attending any UC, CSU or California

community college. Visit http://cawgfoundation.org/

to apply. Deadline: postmarked by March 24,

2017

Women’s Auxiliary Scholarships: Multiple $200 -

$1500 scholarships for seniors of African American

descent. Applications available in the scholarship box.

Deadline: March 31, 2017

Central Valley Opportunity Scholarships - six

$1500 scholarships available to students from low-

income or farm worker families with a 3.0 GPA.

Letters of recommendation are encouraged.

Applications available in the scholarship box.

Deadline: received by March 31, 2017

American Legion Auxiliary - Scholarships

available. Email: calegionaux@calegion.org for

information and applications.