scholarship ministry

[Key Factors] [The Right College] [Admissions] [Getting Started] [Grades] [Grants]

WHAT IS A COLLEGE

AN IMPORTANT DECISION: Choosing a college is often the most important decision in life -- exceeded only by the choice of a husband or wife.

IN MONEY TERMS: College can easily be the second largest expenditure in life -- exceeded only by the cost of a house.

COLLEGE IS:

More than a preparation for a career.
A graduating senior is different from an entering freshman.
A life imprintor: I'm a Morehouse man!

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN
THE COLLEGE SELECTION PROCESS

School's Reputation:	Can my child graduate from this school?
Tuition & Room/Board:	How Much / Payment Options / Financial Aid
Safety:	Crime Statistics / Medical Care / Etc.
Student's Major:	Engineering / Sociology / Business / Health Field
Accessibility Of School:	Local Transportation / Airports / Highways
Location Of School:	Urban / Suburban / Rural
Physical Plant:	Condition Of Buildings, Roads, Etc.

Size Of School:

Small Less Than 2,000
Medium From 2,000 - to - 7,500
Large More Than 7,500

Class Statistics:	Availability Of Classes / Class Sizes / Who Teaches
Academic Rigor:	SAT Scores / Class Preparation Time / Class Presentations
College's Culture:	Nurturing / "Dog-Eat-Dog"
Personnel Accessibility:	Staff / Faculty / Administrators
Interaction w/ Personnel:	Non-Classroom Time Spent with Faculty & Administrators
Demographics:	Racial & Ethnic Mix / Boy & Girl Mix
Students & Faculty:	Tolerance Of Differences & Diversity
Housing:	Quality Of Residential Units On-Campus / Off-Campus / Guarantees
Geographical Diversity:	Local / State / Regional / National / Global
Social Life & Growth:	Student Activities / Extracurricular Involvements Sports & School Spirit

PICKING THE RIGHT COLLEGE

True or false? Choosing a college is a difficult decision. True, without a doubt. In fact, many high school students rank it right up there

with taking a taxing test. After all, they not only have to choose where to continue their education, but they also have to make sure the

schools they eventually select are well-suited for them and that they'll be accepted.

To help, here's a run-down of some of the most important factors high school students should consider when picking a college that meets their aims and capabilities.

ADMISSIONS

Start with this premise: All qualified students -- including those with average grades -- can get into college. The fact is, except at a few dozen elite private colleges, admission these days is basically a buyer's market.

"Waiting lists are reduced, and colleges are admitting (more) new students later in the year than ever," says Mike Malone, a college admissions director. "Students with a strong B-plus (grade average) can get in almost anyplace."

STUDENT LIFE

Colleges have different personalities. The atmosphere on some campuses is intensely competitive. Others are more easygoing and socially oriented. And students themselves can range from preppy to alternative. For students with special interests, it takes extra effort to find the right schools. The best way is to visit the campuses of two or three of your top choices.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Prospective courses of study will have a lot to do with an individual's college choice, because not every major is available at every school. Students who have a firm degree goal in mind -- such as engineering or business administration -- obviously will want to attend a campus with a strong program in those areas.

COST

Students should not rule out any school because they think it might cost too much. The most expensive institutions often are the best endowed and able to grant financial aid of their own, which makes them no more costly than many colleges charging much less in tuition.

A ROADMAP TO THE ADMISSIONS WORLD

Making The Right Choice

For many high school students and their parents, choosing a college or university can be one of the most nerve wracking and emotionally charged experiences ever.

After reading countless glossy brochures, watching numerous promotional videotapes, and reviewing a legion of course catalogues, it's no wonder that one starts feeling shell-shocked. Generally, the average high school senior applies to four to six schools, and the search for the right selection can be as exhausting as running a marathon.

As a parent, if you've been through this exercise before, you know the hurdles and the pitfalls, but if this is your first time through the chute, some friendly guidance may be just what the doctor ordered.

The philosophy behind a good admissions process is to make it as comfortable as possible. There are some steps and processes that not only apply to one college but also to the overall strategy of finding the right school to suit each student's needs. As with any new venture, you can't get from point A to point B unless you have a plan.

That means that all prospective students must think about what they want from a college experience. This is the place to start from. To do that, they need to make an honest assessment of their needs and their expectations of the college they ultimately choose.

The Admissions Cycle

There are so many buzzwords in the admissions world. For example, what is early decision and how does it compare to early action? What is common app? And, exactly what does selectivity mean? All these terms can be confusing. Don't get caught up in them. The number one rule of thumb is to stop an admissions counselor (or your own high school guidance counselor) when you hear a term you don't understand and have him or her explain it to you. The process of finding the right school to suit your needs should be exciting, not intimidating.

School's admissions offices are often asked when a student should start researching colleges and universities. The answer, of course, is that it is never too early to start. Many times sophomores contact school's admissions offices and ask to be added to their mailing lists. They periodically receive materials that give them a feel for student life on those campuses.

Parents and students need to understand that the admissions cycle is a fourteen-month cycle. The time to start getting serious is in the spring semester of the junior year. It's recommended that juniors start visiting college campuses after April 1st. From an admissions perspective, it is best to see a campus before the middle of May, while classes are still in session and students are on campus.

The summer between junior and senior year of high school has traditionally been a time to do the proverbial "college swing". It's advisable that students tour as many campuses as possible during this time.

Also, make sure there is variety among the school you are visiting. Visit a large one, a small one, one located in an urban area, and one located in a rural area. Many high school students will tell you that it's not necessary to interview during this early stage. Just tour a narrow down your choices.

It's wise to call the admissions office at each school to confirm the tour schedule before arriving on campus. If you like the way a campus looks and feels, come back and have an interview at a later time, especially in the Fall. How you feel when you step onto a campus is important. Make sure your choice feels right.

The Admissions Interview

The admissions interview is a two way street. It is a chance for the prospective student to learn about the college and vice versa, but more importantly, it is a student's opportunity to ask some serious questions. Information about a school's people can help to visualize the school's community and decide whether its size, diversity, and level of faculty interaction matches your needs.

You should ask how many students are enrolled at the institution and what the demographic profile is of the entire school community, jot just the student body. Know the academic profile of the incoming class. Does it match yours? Know the retention rate of the institution.

In other words, how many students who complete their freshman year come back for their sophomore year. (At Lehigh University, this rate is 92%.) This is an important indicator that a school's offer of admission is a four-year commitment to encourage students' success and meet their changing needs.

Another important factor is the graduation rate. Again, what percentage of students graduate within five years? The national average is 53. (Again, at Lehigh University, this rate is 87%.)

An area in which a school should take great pride is that of student-faculty interaction. A healthy philosophy here is one that says the best way to learn is to do. Therefore, opportunities to do hands on research with a faculty member while using state-of-the-art equipment, for example, is one to appreciate and look forward to experiencing.

The Application

No matter which school a student applies to, a cardinal rule is to get the application in on time. Generally, each application must be completed by a student and his or her parents and given to the high school guidance counselor along with a check to cover the application fee.

Prospective students are notified of admission decisions and financial aid awards around April 1st, or earlier if they apply for early decision. Those students who are offered admission are asked to notify their respective schools of their intentions to accept or not accept admission by May 1st.

Take A Test Drive

Once a student has narrowed down his or her choices to their top two or three, it's time to take a test drive. Spend time on the campuses of your choice and not just time with the Admissions Office. Arrange to spend a night with an Overnight Host; go to classes; eat in the dining halls; talk to students and faculty.

Are these the kind of people with whom you want to spend four very important years? Listen to your gut!

How does each place feel to you? If the place feels comfortable, then you will be making the right choice.

To The Student: A Final Note

The search for the right college does not have to be a long and tortuous journey. Finding the right fit is easier if you know what you want. If you are uncertain, and maybe a little apprehensive, then you are like most students who are college bound. In that case, the best advice is to find a school that has breadth of disciplines, the depth of a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, and the flexibility to let you spread your wings.

THE ADMISSIONS GAME

The first and last things to remember about the admissions game is that it is a game!

1. Rules Of The Game

They vary from place to place
Warm bodies = more money for the colleges
Winning means more than getting into a school that’s right for your child.
Your child’s goal: SURVIVE and EXCEL

2. Players In The Game

The student
The Admissions Committee

3. Strategies And Counter-Strategy

Recognize that academic qualifications never guarantee admission.
Use counselors and coaches.
Essays and interviews can make a difference, but usually only at the margins.

GETTING STARTED

Organizing what you are going to do is the key to keeping your sanity while trying to cope simultaneously with the problems of choosing a college, finishing high school, and taking care of the many other details and problems that come crowding in on you all at once.

Among the things on the TO DO list are:

1. Taking college entry exams: SAT and/or ACT.

2. Buying several college guides.

3. Determining the kinds of schools for your child: colleges, university, etc.

4. Consult teachers and guidance counselors, after preliminary ideas.

5. Determine your personal requirements: geography/campus atmosphere/financial arrangements/etc.

6. Send for college catalogues: 10-to-20.

7. Attend high school meetings with college representatives.

8. Apply to several colleges, and make you choice.

WEEDING OUT THE COLLEGES

Always get as much input as possible. And, never rely upon only one guru!

College Brochures
College Catalogues
Professors

Local Community
Libraries
Financial Weeding
Campus Visit
Dormitories
Food
Bookstores

GRADES MATTER MOST
TO COLLEGES

SELECTION CRITERIA

(Percent of Colleges)
IMPORTANT FACTOR

Grades In College Prep Courses

82%

Test Scores (ACT/SAT)

46%

Class Rank

42%

Counselors' Recommendations

22%

Teachers' Recommendations

21%

Essays or Other Writings

14%

Personal Interviews

12%

High School Activities

6%

Student Recognition Programs:
(Honor Society/Who's Who/Etc.)

No Weight: 44%

SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS

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TEACH WITH THE HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

Higher Achievement Academy Teacher: A Washington D.C. based seven and a half week paid internship, beginning in mid-June. Teachers attend a week and a half orientation/training immediately preceding the six-week Academy's start. Using Higher Achievement's progressive, skills-based curricula, teachers are responsible for three to five small classes in their subject area per day.

Teachers work with intellectually curious middle school students who have applied to and been selected for the program. In addition to classroom time, teachers are responsible for: lesson planning, homeroom leadership, weekly staff meetings, and supervision during recreation time and field trips (including an overnight to a college or university).

Qualifications: We are looking for dynamic, flexible, culturally sensitive applicants with positive personalities. Applicants should have experience managing groups of young people and be comfortable with group leadership. Teaching experience is preferred but not mandatory. Professionals in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Higher Achievement encourages a diverse staff, both culturally and experientially. Currently rising college juniors and seniors will be considered.

Compensation: $1,600 - Housing is not provided.

How to Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to Marcus Gray, Placement Director at mgray@higherachievement.org or fax to (202) 842-5123. If you are currently a college student, please include a letter of recommendation with your application. Visit us at www.higherachievement.org for more information.

Marcus T Gray
Higher Achievement Program
Ward 6 Center Director
202.842.5116 (office)
202.842.5123 (fax)

www.higherachievement.org
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RE: Summer Jobs- Six Flags of America

Six Flags of America is hiring approximately 3,000 people for the summer for all three shifts. Applications and on the spot interviews are being held, Monday - Friday- 12:00- 6:00 pm and Saturday 12:00- 4:00 pm. For more information please don't hesitate to contact them.

Work Requirements:

15 years old with a valid work permit
Social Security Card
Original Birth Certificate
Valid Picture ID

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Subj:Summer Teaching-Paid Internship Positions

TEACH WITH THE HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

Higher Achievement Academy Teacher: A Washington D.C. based seven and a half week paid internship, beginning in mid-June. Teachers attend a week and a half orientation/training immediately preceding the six-week Academy’s start. Using Higher Achievement’s progressive, skills-based curricula, teachers are responsible for three to five small classes in their subject area per day.

Qualifications: We are looking for dynamic, flexible, culturally sensitive applicants with positive personalities. Applicants should have experience managing groups of young people and be comfortable with group leadership. Teaching experience is preferred but not mandatory. Professionals in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Higher Achievement encourages a diverse staff, both culturally and experientially. Currently rising college juniors and seniors will be considered.

Compensation: $1,600 – Housing is not provided.

How to Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to Marcus Gray, Placement Director at mgray@higherachievement.org or fax to (202) 842-5123. If you are currently a college student, please include a letter of recommendation with your application. Visit us at www.higherachievement.org for more information.

Marcus T Gray

Higher Achievement Program

Ward 6 Center Director

202.842.5116 (office)

202.842.5123 (fax)

www.higherachievement.org

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Subject: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Summer Internships 2004.
Look no further for an exciting, meaningful summer internship!

The FAA is looking for students who:

* Have a 3.0 or better grade point average
* Major in engineering, computer science, mathematics, economics, business administration/management & more
* Are U.S. citizens
* Attend a Historically Black College or University

If you meet these requirements, send a resume to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program Manager:

Contact Person: Genise Stancil
or
Genise.Stancil@faa.gov

FAA AHP-300, Rm. 523
202-267-3895 (p) 202-267-9508 (f)
800 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20591

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Subject: Available Scholarships - Need More African Americans To Apply

Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does.

Pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated moneys for scholarship use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest.

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! PARENTS,

HEADS UP!

No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it.

Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be. Our youth really could use these scholarships.

Thanks!! (If clicking on the link doesn't work, then type in the Web site address manually.)

1) Bell Labs Fellowships for Under Represented Minorities

http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships

2) Student Inventors Scholarships

http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

3) Student Video Scholarships

http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships

https://www.coca-colascholars.org/cokeWeb/jsp/scholars/Index.jsp

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships

http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

6) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major)