College and Scholarship Newsletter
Peter Johansen High School
MJC NEWS
New Student Days at MJC 8:00am April 8th and May 20st
at East Campus. For seniors
who need assistance in
completing your application,
orientation and assessment
tests. Parent and Financial Aid
information sessions available. Questions: Call 5756789
Take a class this Summer for FREE Freshmen - Junior students, you can take classes at
MJC without paying tuition. Apply online at
Volume 3, Issue 9
April 2017
www.mjc.edu. You must also
complete a Petition for Advanced
Admission that needs to be signed
by your academic counselor. See
your counselor if you have questions
or need assistance.
English and Math Placement Exams:
Students must take their placement exams a
minimum of 10 days prior to registering for classes.
The earlier you take them, the earlier you’ll be able to
register. Go to the MJC testing center on the website
for the testing schedule.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
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Jennisy Nammachanthy for being selected as an KP Launch Summer Intern! Jennisy will be
starting her path to becoming a doctor with her paid internship with Kaiser Permanente!
Jennisy Nammachanthy for receiving the UC Regents’ Scholarship, Bobcat Grant and
Merced Benton Honors Scholarship totaling over $18,000 a year!
Samantha Romero for receiving four scholarships totaling $23,000 a year at Calvin
College!
Samantha Romero for receiving the St. Mary’s Gael Scholarship at $19,000 a year!
Tori Bauman for receiving the Modesto Masonic Lodge Scholarship!
Tori Bauman for being selected to interview for the Gallo Scholarship/Internship!
Julie Bauman for receiving the North Modesto Kiwanis Scholarship!
Emanuel Abok, Jose Calderon and Karissa Dempewolf for each receiving The Mozelle
Hamaway Scholarship from Modesto Kiwanis.
Yamin Valadez for receiving a CSEA Modesto Chapter 007 scholarship
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KEEP THE SCHOLARSHIPS ROLLING IN!!
Have you earned a private or college/university scholarship?? Let Mrs. H know so you can be
recognized as well!
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May 16 - Senior Awards Night in
the Johansen Theater 6pm: Seniors
that earned scholarships from their
colleges or individual organizations
will be honored. Additionally CSF
Life Members and NAHS students
will be recognized. Parents and
family are invited.
**Please notify Mrs. Hildebrandt of all awards and scholarships you receive. I need copies of
financial aid awards from your colleges, even those you will not attend. I also need copies of
any scholarships you receive. I want to include any seniors at Awards Night who are receiving
awards; the only way I can do that is if you make me aware of what you have earned. Thank
you!
CSU/UC/Private Colleges
CHECK YOUR COLLEGE PORTALS DAILY!!
New requirements and deadlines are
constantly added! Housing deposits for
most campuses are in April!!! If you miss
the deposit deadline you most likely won’t
get on campus housing.
MAY 1st is your absolute deadline to notify
your college of your intent to register! Be
sure to compare all financial aid awards
from all schools to help you with your
decision.
register for classes without these tests. The
cost is $20 per test and there are no fee
waivers for these tests. Register online at
http://www.ets.org/csu/registration/
TEST DATES
April 22
May 6
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
April 7
April 21
*** May 6th LAST DAY TO TEST FOR FALL
2016 ENROLLMENT***
UCs: English placement exams are on May
14th for students who have not otherwise
fulfilled the Entry Level Writing
Requirement.
If you applied to a CSU you will be
requested to take your EPT and ELM
placement exams unless you qualified for
an exemption. You can test at CSU
Private Schools: Will contact you through
Stanislaus even if you’re planning to attend email or your student portal regarding
another campus. You will not be allow to
placement exams and registration
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SAT and ACT Info
Juniors, get registered for the SAT reasoning test and/or the ACT this spring! I
recommend that you take it once in June of your junior year, and again in the fall of
your senior year. Take them both, since the tests are different and students
frequently do better on one test over the other. Colleges will only look at your
highest score on the test you score best on. Be sure to write down your user name/
passwords and sign up using your full legal name. All registration is online.
Save yourself time and money - send score reports now when you register before you take the test. It’s ok if you don’t
know exactly where you’re going to apply in the fall. You can send the scores to all the CSUs and UCs for free before you
take the exams. If you wait until after you take the tests you will have to pay to send the scores. So don’t wait!! The UCs
automatically share all of the scores. The ACT can be shared with other CSUs when you apply in the fall.
Use the following codes to send them:
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SAT scores sent to CSU Mentor 3594 and UC Merced 4129.
ACT scores sent to CSU Stanislaus 0435 and UC Merced 0450.
The writing portion of the exam is now optional on SAT and continues to be optional on ACT. All UCs and some private
schools require the writing portion. If you plan to apply to any UC or private college, you need to take the tests with
writing.
SAT: register at www.sat.org June 3rd (registration deadline May 9), Aug. 26th (registration deadline July 28)
ACT: register at www.actstudent.org June 10th (registration deadline May 5)
Students on free or reduced lunch are eligible for a total of 2 SAT fee waivers and 2 ACT fee waivers. It’s a good idea to use
one the spring of your junior year and one in the fall of your senior year. Fee waivers are available in Mrs. Hildebrandt’s
office in the Career Center. Students who register for the ACT with a fee waiver are eligible to receive one year of ACT
online test prep for free— normally a $40 cost! Be sure to register for the test prep when you register for the test.
Test Prep Resources
Below is a list of free, online resources to help prepare for the SAT and ACT exams:
***HIGHLY RECOMMEND*** www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat - downloadable free test, video tutorials
for questions, Math, Reading and Writing Practice plus a phone app for daily questions.
www.collegeboard.org/practice - offers 1 Free full-length Test, Question of the Day, SAT Skills Insight and My
College Quickstart
www.actstudent.org - ACT Question of the Day, Preparing for the ACT, Sample test Questions and test tips
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/2752 - fun online test for vocab and many other subjects
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1639760-sat-math-problems-thread.html - thread of Math
Problems
http://www.majortests.com free mini practice tests (no username and passwords required)
http://ineedapencil.ck12.org free tests
https://www.number2.com free ACT/SAT tutorials
http://www.4tests.com/exams/exams.asp practice exams for many different tests
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Financial Aid 101
Below are some of the types of terms and financial aid you might see on your award letter:
Cal Grant: Cal Grant is a financial aid program providing aid to California undergraduates. Cal Grants can be
used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California. All Cal Grants are need based and determined by your FAFSA or Dream Act applications. Students may only receive one type of Cal Grant.
Cal Grant A: Awarded to low and middle income students with Cal Grant GPA 3.0 or higher. Students
must attend a 4 year university to use this award. If you received Cal Grant A, but decide to attend a
community college, you can put the award on hold for 2 years with a written request.
Cal Grant B: Awarded to low income students with Cal Grant GPA 2.0 or higher. The first year, the school
of attendance will award a school grant in the amount of Cal Grant A and Cal Grant will award $1648. In
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of college, Cal Grant will pay the equivalent of Cal Grant A plus the additional
$1648.
Cal Grant C: Awarded to low and middle income students who enroll in vocational courses of study, Associate Degree or Certification programs only.
Campus-Based Financial Aid: This includes three major aid programs funded by the federal government: the
Federal Supplemental Educations Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Work-Study
(FWS).
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): this is an amount calculated by using a congressionally mandated formula which determines what portion of a family’s resources can reasonably be expected to be used for college expenses.
Federal Pell Grant: These are need-based federal grants award to undergraduate students.
Federal Perkins Loan: These low interest loans, which colleges award to both undergraduate and graduate
students, are government funded.
Federal PLUS Loan: Offered under the Federal Education Loan Program, this is a non-subsidized loan programs
for parents of undergraduate students to take to help students pay for college expenses.
Federal Stafford Loan: Federal Education Loan Program offers two options:
1. Subsidized: Offered to undergraduate students with financial need. Your school determines the
amount you can borrow, and the amount may not exceed your financial need. The U.S. Department of
Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while you’re in school at least half-time, until six
months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period). This type of loan is most favorable for students.
2. Unsubsidized: Offered to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need. Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive. You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan from the date the loan beings. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school,
your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). This type of loan is not as favorable for students.
Federal Work Study: An on campus job that is guaranteed to meet the amount listed (although if students
continue the job, they can earn above the amount listed). These jobs are reserved for FWS and work around the
students’ class schedules.
Merit-Based Aid: Need is not a consideration with this type of financial aid, only the student’s personal and/or
academic achievements and/or outstanding individual characteristics.
Unmet Need: Occurs when a student’s financial aid combined with a family’s contribution do not cover the
costs of attending a particular college or university.
**Grants do not require repayment
Decisions, Decisions...
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How to decide which college to chose??
1. Print out and compare all financial aid award offers from every school to which you’ve been
admitted!! See where you’re getting the most financial support.
2. Visit each campus, if possible. At least take the virtual tours on the campus website. You really
need to feel like you’re going to fit in at the college you attend. This school will be your home for
the next four years.
3. Really evaluate what YOU want/need in a college. Look at: campus size and location (close to
home/far away) ; the “extra” programs, clubs, activities, etc. that are offered; the majors
(programs of study) available; climate; surrounding area activities (is there fun stuff to do on the
weekends?)
4.
Spend time discussing your options with family and/or other trusted adults in your life.
Ultimately, the decision should be yours, but it’s a big one! So getting others’ thoughts, ideas,
and feelings can help you narrow down your decision.
DEADLINES!!
Once you do decide - you need to move quickly! Most of your deadlines will be in April
and May.
1. Accept the admissions offer - once you choose your school, you need to accept the school. Most
require that you go on-line to you student portal to accept that school. Many colleges will want a
deposit when you sign your “intent to attend.” May 1st is the acceptance deadline for the
majority of 4-year colleges and universities. If you miss this deadline, your space at that school
will be gone. If necessary, talk to your parents ahead of time so you can use their credit card to
pay the deposit.
2. Accept your financial aid award offers. You need to check each award that you are accepting. If
you have questions, it is best to call the college’s financial aid office. You can also bring in a
copy of your award to Mrs. H if you have further questions.
3. If you plan to live on campus - look on the school website to learn about housing and meal plan
options. Decide which is best suited for you and reserve your spot. You may need to pay a
deposit for housing. The deposit deadline might be before the May 1st acceptance deadline.
Check your school’s website to make sure!!
4. Reserve your space (and pay) for the freshman orientation/welcome activities offered.
5. Request your final transcript to be sent to the college you are attending. In your government
class, you will complete a form that tells the school’s registrar where to send your transcript
after graduation. MAKE SURE you get that completed and turned in once you decide.
Check your college portal at least every other day!! Colleges send out information frequently now
and they will NOT accept anything for a missed deadline. If you miss the deadlines - you WILL miss
out! There isn’t an excuse the colleges haven’t heard and they do not make exceptions.
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Scholarships
Bookmark and visit the Modesto City Schools monthly scholarship bulletin at: https://www.mcs4kids.com/district/counselingand-guidance/college-counseling/financial-aid
Kaiser Permanente African American
Professional Assoication (KPAAPA) - will award
a total of eight scholarships to students enrolling in
an accredited Northern Californian college this fall.
Go to: aim.applyists.net/KPAAPAssociation to apply.
Deadline: April 17, 2017 at 11:59pm.
a 200 word response to the following: Describe
yourself and three goals for you art or music career.
Email responses to: Penny White,
[email protected] Deadline: May 1,
2017
The Fisher & Talwar Scholarship - a $1,000
scholarship is available to students who plan on
pursuing a college degree. Students must be a U.S.
Citizen, have a 3.0 GPA and submit a 500 word
essay. Visit http://www.fishertalwar.com/scholarship/
to apply. Deadline: November 15, 2017
Rotary Scholarship - over 26 - $1000 scholarships
for graduating seniors. Applicants are judged on
essay content (60%) academic achievement (15%),
and scholarship requirements (25%). Go to http://
rotaryfootball.org/Pages/scholarship.html for the
application. Deadline: received by 11:59pm April
Al Barr Memorial Scholarship - Up to $3000 may be
17, 2017
award to students declaring an art or graphics major
Stanislaus County School Nurse Association at an accredited four-year college. This is the final
scholarship available to a student planning to pursue year this scholarship will be offered. Applications
a career in a
available in the scholarship box. Deadline:
health care
received by 5 pm April 14, 2017
profession with a
George A Rogers Scholarship - if you attended Orville
minimum GPA of
Write Elementary school, there are two $500
3.0. Short
scholarships available. See Mrs. H for an application.
narrative and
Deadline: Turned into Mrs. H by April 17, 2017.
letter of
recommendation Splawn Scholarship - The Don and Roy Splawn
Charitable Foundation West offers a Scholarship
required.
Grant of up to $1,000.00 to eligible students who
Application
demonstrate significant dedication to their school,
available in the
scholarship box. family and community. Students who live
independently or whose parent(s)/guardian(s)
Deadline:
struggle financially are encouraged to apply for
received by
April 21, 2017 consideration. Go to https://
online.foundationsource.com/public/home/
Student View Scholarship Program - multiple
splawnscholarship to apply. Deadline: Submitted
scholarships ranging from $500 - $4000 are awarded
by 11:59pm April 15, 2017
to students who take a 12-15 minute survey. Go to
Captain James Davis Scholarship - scholarship
http://www.student-view.com/
available to seniors with a 3.0 GPA and are a U.S.
ScholarshipWmap.html for information. Deadline:
citizen. Short personal statement and letters of
April 22, 2017
recommendation are required. Applications available
Tees To Please - Art and Music students there are
in the scholarship box. Deadline: must be
three scholarship 2 - $1000 for high school senior
received by 4pm April 30, 2017.
artists and musicians (vocal and instrumental). Write
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Scholarships
B. Davis Scholarship - a $1000 scholarship
available to juniors and seniors. Write an essay
less than 1000 words on: “Describe the three
characteristics of leadership you value most. Discuss
why you believe that these traits are so important
and how you feel that are developed in an
individual.” To apply, email your essay of less than
1000 words to: [email protected]
and include your name and the school you are
attending this year and next Deadline: May 22,
2017
Horatio Alger National Career & Technical
Scholarship Program - Receive up to $2,500 to
pursue a career or technical certificate/degree at a
community college (MJC) and demonstrate financial
need. Go to https://scholars.horatioalger.org/
scholarships/about-our-scholarship-programs/
technical/ to apply. Deadline: June 15, 2017
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program - a
$1000 scholarship is available. A 500-1000 word
essay is required. Visit at http://
www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm for
essay topic and details. Deadline: June 12, 2017
Big Sun Scholarship - scholarships are available
for student athletes. Write a 500 - 1000 word essay.
Go to www.bigsunathletics.com for the essay
questions and to apply. Deadline: June 19, 2017
California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational
Grant - available to any student who wishes to
attend school for vocational training. Go to https://
chea-elks.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/
Scholarship Search Engines
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www.fastweb.com
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www.scholarshipexperts.com
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www.studentscholarships.org
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www.latinocollegedollars.org
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www.scholarships4students.com
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www.chegg.com/scholarships
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www.cappex.com/scholarships
These are good sites for legitimate
scholarship searches. I recommend creating
a new, separate email as your inbox could
be inundated with notifications from these
search engines.
VocationalApplication.pdf to download application.
Deadline: 3-6 months before your program
begins.