EducationQuest’s Virtual College Fairs on Oct. 12, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8. We are excited to have you, your students, and their family members participate!
$500 Scholarships!
Following each Virtual College Fair, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to an eligible attendee who has visited a minimum of five college booths. Attendees who meet the requirements are automatically registered for the drawing. Click here for details.
Registration
College Booths
Students can visit college booths any time through Dec. 8. Here is a list of participating colleges. A search function will allow students to find colleges they want to visit. After clicking on the booth, students can view informational videos and communicate with college reps via group video chat or 1:1 chat.
College-Prep Sessions
A live session will be held during each event. The sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on our YouTube channel through Dec. 8. A button on the fair homepage will direct participants to the recorded sessions. Times and topics are as follows:
Tuesday, Oct. 12: 9 a.m. - noon CT
Live Session: 10 a.m.
Presenter: Wynter Davis, EducationQuest Foundation College Planning Specialist
Session Description: Stay on Track! During this fast-paced session, seniors will learn must-do items to keep them on track to college.
Wednesday, Nov. 10: 5-8 p.m. CT
Live Session: 7 p.m.
Presenter: Luis Soto, Doane University Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Session Description: Successful Scholarship Essay Tips. Don’t miss out on free money for college! Learn how to complete a successful application and how to write a winning essay.
Wednesday, Dec. 8: 9 a.m. - noon CT
Live Session: 10 a.m.
Presenter: Allison Ourada, EducationQuest Foundation Scholarship Specialist
Session Description: How to Earn Scholarships. Discover where to look for scholarships as well as how to get organized and take charge of the process.
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Junior Year is the Time to VISIT CAMPUS!
Time to visit campus! This time of year is a perfect opportunity to start visiting college campuses. Each school’s website will allow you to schedule your visit. If you need any help arranging your visit, stop by and see your counselor. Here are some questions to ask during your visit:
- How much time do students typically spend on homework?
- What is the average class size of introductory classes?
- How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?
- What is the average class size of upper-division course?
- What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?
- How many students participate in undergraduate research?
- Is there a culminating senior year experience?
- Do you have an honors college?
- Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience?
- What is your average financial aid package?
- What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?
- What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?
- What is the average merit award?
- What percentage of students receive college grants?
- What is the average college debt that students leave with?
- What work-study opportunities are there?
Here is a list of Nebraska schools offering virtual visits:
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Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
This program was established to increase educational opportunities for students who live in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, & Wisconsin. Through the MSEP, public institutions agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate for specific programs; private institutions offer a 10% reduction in their tuition rates. Some schools are Minnesota State – Mankato, NW MO State, Truman State, Univ. of KS, KS State . . . plus more. Here’s an example of how the MSEP program works:
Public college out-of-state tuition $8,000
Public college in-state tuition $4,000
Your MSEP tuition (150% of in-state tuition) $6,000
YOUR SAVINGS - $2,000
Private college tuition $12,000
MSEP discount (minimum of 10%) $1,200
Your MSEP tuition $10,800
YOUR SAVINGS - $1,200
These are only examples. Please contact the participating institutions for actual rates. Want more info? http://msep.mhec.org
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ACT / SAT Application Fee Waivers
As you begin to plan your college admission testing timeline, keep this in mind… if you believe you meet the federal guidelines to qualify for free/reduced lunch, you can receive two ACT fee waivers. The income eligibility guidelines can be found at this link. If you believe you meet these guidelines, please see your school counselor prior to registering for the ACT and/or SAT to receive a fee waiver. Each waiver can only be used once, so you will need to obtain a second waiver to register for the second time.
SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You?
Many students and parents begin the college planning process by comparing the ACT and SAT tests. The ACT and SAT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Some schools do require SAT subject tests.
Should I Take the ACT or SAT?
The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit. Try this QUIZ: SAT, ACT, or Both? to learn more.
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2022 ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
Feb. 12 Test - Register by: Jan. 7
April 2 - Register by: Feb. 25
June 11 Test - Register by: May 6
July 16 Test - Register by: June 17
2021 SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
March 12 Test - Register by: Feb. 11
May 7 Test - Register by: April 8
June 4 Test - Register by: May 5
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Scholarship Applications for Juniors
Most scholarship applications are only available during your senior year. However, here are two you may want consider applying for:
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Applicants are to write an essay on the following topic:
Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. Awards include: 1st place - $10,000, 2nd place - $3,000, five finalists - $1,000 each, eight semi-finalists - $100. Visit their website for more information or to apply.
Deadline: Jan. 14, 2022.
The Coolidge Scholarship
This is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. This one-of-a-kind scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university in the U.S. The application is open to any high school junior who is an American citizen or legal permanent resident. Selection based primarily on three criteria: Academic Excellence, Interest in Public Policy/Appreciation for Coolidge Values, Humility, and Service. Visit https://coolidgescholars.org/ for more information and application. Deadline: January 20, 2022.
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Here are some ways to continue researching colleges
If you narrow your college choices by the end of your junior year, your senior year will be less stressful. Here’s how to get started:
Review College Profiles at EducationQuest.org to learn about colleges in Nebraska and across the country.
Check out the EducationQuest Virtual College Fair. The live fair is over, but you can still register and log in to visit college booths and watch recorded college-prep sessions.
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Mercy High Counseling Staff
(402) 553-9424
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