Class of 2022 (Srs) - CollegePrep@OCS Assignments

If you are planning to take the April ACT, registration ends March 12th. The next ACT offered is not until June 12th. To register, go to my.act.org

See the flyer in Google Classroom for all upcoming dates and deadlines.

First time signing up? See the Google Classroom assignment and instructions that we posted in November.
*Remember, don't use your OCS email address
*December test is deadline for most scholarships
*April test is deadline for qualifying for TOPS

M*A*S*H is a summer program (held on the campuses of Louisiana Tech and BPCC) which offers students interested in health careers an opportunity to learn the basic sciences relating to medical theories, diagnosis, careers, and treatments. These intense, college-level classes are condensed into a 12 day Pathophysiology course; students are expected to study, take tests, and perform at the highest academic level.
**11th and 12th graders can apply
**3.0 minimum GPA
**21 ACT minimum

The AHEC of a Summer Program is a program for high school students who are interested in pursuing a healthcare career. Students are given the chance to explore various career opportunities in medicine by volunteering at local hospitals.

Here are a few things to know about the "AHEC of a Summer" Program:
**9th, 10th, and 11th graders can apply
**Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA
**This program is usually held 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) for 3 weeks in the month of June
**Applications due to counselors on March 4, 2021

***PLEASE NOTE***

As of 12/9/20, Claiborne Electric has cancelled the trip associated with this contest. Instead of the trip, they will select two winners who will receive a $2000 scholarship.

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Claiborne Electric’s Rural Electric Youth Tour Contest provides two Junior students with a free trip to Washington, DC. To be eligible, you must live in a residence served by Claiborne Electric. Application deadline is 2/5/21.

See the attached for details.

** If not interested, clear the assignment by "Marking as Done."**

I'm sharing this with all HS students; if you are not a senior but think you'll want to apply for this in the future, make note of it for later.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation scholarship application is now available!

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides four-year scholarships of $30,000 and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, to highly motivated African American students who have maintained a 98% college graduation rate.

The application closes at 5:00 pm ET on February 1, 2021.

To get more information, click the link in the attached PDF, or copy and paste this address into your browser.

https://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/?utm_campaign=counselors&utm_source=programs&utm_term=FY21&utm_medium=email

Interested in ULM? Check them out at Talon Tours January 30. See the campus and learn from their recruitment team. Register and find more information at the link below.

JUNIORS: It's not too early to schedule a personal tour (on a school holiday or during the summer, please). Use the Hawkseekers link below to schedule.

ANOTHER VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR
The College Board (which is the company that produces the PSAT, SAT, and AP Tests) is offering a series of virtual fairs, "BigFuture (TM) Days." Designed for sophomores and juniors (but if you're a freshman and interested, we say, go for it!), You'll be able to connect with admissions reps & explore colleges. Register at the link below & see the attached PDF for more information.

FEBRUARY ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Friday 1/15 is the last day to register to take the ACT Test. If you need assistance, look back in our prior posts to find out more details about how.

NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM AND OTHER PROGRAM INVITATIONS
Some of our high school students have begun receiving another round of invitations to the National Youth Leadership Forum, these for Medicine and Engineering.

We'd like to remind you that, although the invitation might indicate someone at the school has recommended you for this, we aren't aware of anyone who actually has done this.

Also, for this particular program, we have had students who participated in past years and found it to be a great opportunity. However, your decision to participate is entirely your own. These are quite expensive programs.

As with any such experience which requires your missing school, before committing you should clear your absences with Mrs. Stokes.

If you receive similar materials in the future, please feel free to ask us about them.

If you took the PSAT/NMSQT in October, your results are now available! If you supplied them with your personal email address or cell phone number, you might already have received this notification.

Here are the next steps you should take:

--> Create a College Board account online--or if you already have one, log in to your account. This account is used for the SAT test and AP test as well, so be careful not to create an additional account. Log into the one you already created, or contact them for assistance in getting back into it.

--> In this account, you will be able to see your test scores and receive test performance feedback. In the attached PDF and in the email we sent you today, you'll find a link to a brief video explaining how to understand your scores.

--> We will receive paper copies of your score reports soon. We will pair these with your actual test booklet which you used to take the test and deliver these to you through your Bible classes. If you want your test booklet sooner than that, email us or come by to see us. Because the score reports have your actual answers as well as the correct answers on it, you can use the report + booklet as a study guide if you plan to prepare for a future PSAT test or take the SAT test.

--> Engage in more practice: The PSAT/NMSQT is great preparation for the SAT®. Your score unlocks a free, personalized practice plan through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®. Visit satpractice.org, create an account, and link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts for a plan based on your test results.

--> Learn more about the College Board National Recognition Programs. These are academic honors that can be included on college applications. They're not scholarships, but colleges use them to identify academically exceptional students. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and are African American, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, attend school in a rural area, or are from a small town, may be invited to apply for academic recognition as part of the College Board National Recognition Programs. For more information, go to the link in the accompanying PDF.

--> Did you find the PSAT “easier” than a typical ACT? Consider trying out the SAT. It’s the “other” college admissions test, and scores from either are accepted at virtually all colleges. If you did find it so, you might score higher on the SAT than the ACT, increasing your chances for admissions and scholarships. See the link in the accompanying PDF to learn more or register.

--> College Board’s Big Future resource guides students and parents in college planning and includes a scholarship search feature. Take advantage of this free program. See the link in the accompanying PDF.

--> Learn more about PSAT/NMSQT Scholarship Partners which offer $350M+ in scholarships. See the link in the accompanying PDF.

You can see that the PSAT really is so much more than just a standardized test we make you take. Let us know if you want more information or assistance with this. Your counselors are happy to help!

This webinar, "What's the Real Cost of College? How to Save, Plan, and Pay" is offered by Sallie Mae, a lending corporation.

Our philosophy is to borrow as little as college as possible, or none at all is even better. If you elect to watch this webinar, please keep that in mind, but we do want to offer you this opportunity as a way to begin or continue thinking about this for the future.

More information is available in the attached PDF. You should be able to register via the live link in the attached PDF; if not, copy/past one of the links below into a browser.

Wednesday 12/9, 1-2pm ET:

https://salliemaebank.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=salliemaebank&service=6&rnd=0.32284764535638555&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsalliemaebank.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b00000004418c9467a065216e6587a5d95ec9da9b5ee8018c532db6b5183f334d5779285e%26siteurl%3Dsalliemaebank%26confViewID%3D175647444868009904%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAARshZJv-K_DN-2E8rPDF1fQWK-yWBrkmZne_TQAZqXiHw2%26

Thursday, 12/10, 8-9pm ET:

https://salliemaebank.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=salliemaebank&service=6&rnd=0.23754512049146304&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsalliemaebank.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b00000004daf6a4984097d26334d30cbc390b3f8bb33c3cb60a1df0509b12a5bc50a572fd%26siteurl%3Dsalliemaebank%26confViewID%3D175648045866684244%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAARYBJU_LkG2gxIhbbIRwXWVWHse1a5CrCRMZvL0yBC1wg2%26

Planning to take the ACT? Register at my.act.org.

See the attached flyer for all upcoming dates and deadlines.

FIRST TIME SIGNING UP? You should know these things:

1. PARENTS-- your student should be involved in the setting up of his/her account, as there will be information requested that is easiest for them to supply, and should know how to access the account too.
2. You will have to provide a contact email address for the student. Here are our very strong suggestions:
----> DO NOT use your OCS email address! Our server's filter will not allow incoming emails of this nature.
----> This might be a good time for the student to have a personal email address if he/she doesn't already have one. It will be needed in the future for PSAT, PreACT, senior college applications, etc.
----> Parents can assist their students in setting up an address and can monitor it if needed. Make up an address that is "professional"--a college admissions officer might have to email you one
day!
----> The email address you use for ACT should be one that is checked frequently AND one you have access to.
3. The student should complete the Interest Inventory once per year.

If you have always wanted to become a health care professional, now is the time to try it out and see if it's for you! Take part in the different health career programs that AHEC offers throughout the year.
Their two fall programs are "Day with the Doctors" and "Day with AHEC."
**Must be in 11th or 12th grade to apply
**"Day with the Doctors" applicants must have a 3.0 GPA
**"Day with AHEC" must have a 2.5 GPA
**Applications due to counselors on Thursday, November 5th

Juniors: see the attached for your room assignment on Thursday. You'll go straight to your assigned testing room after the first bell rings. Here's what else you need to know:

WHAT TO DO NOW
Use the prep booklet to prepare for the test
Check the attached list to be sure you know which classroom you’ll be in for Testing Day. It probably won’t be your homeroom class.
Know what you need to bring for testing day
#2 pencils, sharpened, and NOT mechanical pencils
Calculator--check your prep booklet to be sure you are bringing an approved calculator.
Pack a Snack--you’ll have at least one very short break, and you can have a snack but can’t leave the room to buy one.

WHAT TO DO ON TEST DAY
Eat a good breakfast
Bring a snack for test breaks
Be on time!
When the first bell rings, report to your testing room

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE TEST
You’ll go to your third or fourth period class, so make sure your assignments for those classes are done.
You’ll follow the regular schedule for the rest of the day

***Don't Forget to Mark As Read this assignment so it disappears from your assignments due list***

>>--- TOPS MINIMUM ACT SCORE SET AT 20 FOR 2021 SENIORS ---<<
Annually, state law recognizes the minimum ACT score to qualify for TOPS based on the prior year's state ACT average (never lower than 20). The average for the class of 2020 did not rise above 20, so the minimum score required for the Opportunity level of TOPS remains a 20.

>>--- TECH, ULM SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS ARRIVING ---<<
We're starting to hear that ULM and Tech are now emailing/mailing your scholarship offers. Here's what we recommend:

1. If a scholarship offer is non-binding (read the fine print), accept all scholarships and return the documentation to them in the way they request. READ THE FINE PRINT, but ULM & Tech are traditionally non-binding offers.
2. At the end of the year, we'll instruct you to decline previously accepted offers to the schools you are NOT attending; because your decisions might change between now and June, it's best to accept all offers while you are still deciding as long as you're comfortable with the associated risks.
3. Email // screenshot // let us make a copy of your award letters. We recognize your accomplishments at the end of the year. Do this ASAP; you'll forget otherwise.

>>---UPCOMING VIRTUAL VISITS ---<<
***LSU Virtual Event for Students in Ouachita Parish***
Wednesday 10/21, 6-6:30pm.

You must pre-register here:
https://admissions.lsu.edu/register/Ouachita

***Louisiana College Virtual Preview Day***
Saturday 10/24, 1-3pm
Attendees will have $25 application fee waived and have a chance of winning 1 of 2 $1000 scholarships.
Register here:
https://lacollege.edu/admissions/visit-campus/preview-day/

>>--- NELA VIRTUAL FAIR ---<<
The schools in Central and North LA have decided to host another Virtual College fair for the students of Louisiana on Tuesday, October 27 from 6pm-8pm. Attached is a flyer with the schools who are attending. The first 45 minutes will be presentations from the institutions and then the last hour and 15 minutes students will be able to jump on other zooms with the institutions individually to ask specific questions.

>>--- JOB SHADOW DAY NEXT THURSDAY ---<<
Seniors, if you haven't already scheduled your shadow experience for next Thursday, you are running out of time. Remember we told each of you it's your responsibility to schedule your own job shadowing experience. Your counselors will be extremely busy getting Testing Day going and won't be able to set aside time to offer advice next week, so act quickly. The information and form that you must return to school are included in this Google Classroom under "INFO & FORMS."

>>--- LDCC (Delta Community College) APP NOW OPEN // SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER---<<
The Fall 2021 application is now available for high school seniors interested in attending Delta after graduation. Students can apply directly through their website (NO application fee).

Go to https://www.ladelta.edu/ and select "APPLY."

Delta offers incoming freshmen scholarships. The application for these will be be available in late November.

>>--- COCA COLA SCHOLARSHIP OPEN // DEADLINE OCTOBER 31 ---<<
This is the first of several scholarships for which we'll share information. So you can see it on the calendar, we'll add it as an "Assignment;" you should be able to read the info and mark as done to get it off your Assignments list but still see the deadline on the calendar. If interested in applying, follow the links/read the info to continue.

>>--- GOOD ULM INFORMATION ---<<
We met recently with our ULM recruiter and got some good information to share with y'all:

1. ULM will use a student's ACT "SUPERSCORE" to award scholarships this year! This is an unpublished procedure and does not apply to admissions; only freshman academic scholarships.

2. ULM Foundation Scholarships application for first-time-freshmen (that's y'all) is open through October 28. Please, please, please apply if you're at all interested in ULM. There are dozens of these and the requirements for each vary and are often different from those for freshman academic scholarships.

To apply: https://ulm.academicworks.com/
You will need your CWID (remember that we keep reminding you to find the ULM email that has this information and your login/password in it!): https://ulm.academicworks.com/