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April 2024

Welcome to the April issue of the College Now Student Newsletter! Read on for information about upcoming scholarship deadlines, how to get paid for preparing for the SAT and ACT, programs that take you on trips across the country and more! 

 

Be sure to pass along this information to your parent(s)/guardian(s) and reach out to your College Now advisor for any questions or additional details. College Now is dedicated to supporting YOU as you embark on your path toward a successful career.

Are you waiting for your recalculated Student Aid Index (SAI) and FAFSA Submission Summary?



  • We encourage you to log back into your FAFSA periodically to check for updates. At this time, it is unclear if Federal Student Aid will send an email when the new information is available.  
  • Institutions will likely receive Institutional Student Information Records (ISIR) this week. The information provided in ISIR will allow institutions to begin calculating offers of financial aid. It should be noted that institutions will receive batches of information based on the initial submission date, so processing delays are expected. 


For further details on the FAFSA, visit studentaid.gov or consult with College Now College and Career Access Advisors at your school. 

Complete the FAFSA Here

Need help completing your FAFSA?



Remember, you are not alone in your journey to completing the FAFSA, which opens doors for financial aid opportunities! Join us at one of our informative in-person workshops for assistance and guidance on completing your application.  

Cleveland Public Library

Rockport Branch

Saturday, April 13

12 - 2 p.m.

Register Here

Cleveland Public Library

Fleet Branch

Thursday, April 18

4 - 6 p.m.

Register Here
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Offers of Financial Aid

What is a financial aid award letter?

  • A formal notification from an educational institution detailing types and amounts of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study and loans, to cover attendance costs.
  • Students need acceptance and submission of financial aid application materials such as FAFSA or College Scholarship Service Profile on College Board's website.


What should I do with my award letter?

  • Upon receiving your award letter, schedule a meeting with your College Now advisor to assess and compare offers. Advisors are experienced in reviewing multiple award letters, helping you and your family to understand anticipated costs and offering insights on informed decisions.

After finalizing your decision on which institution to attend, it's common for colleges to request prospective students to submit an enrollment or acceptance fee to secure their place by May 1. However, due to FAFSA challenges this year, some institutions have extended their enrollment deadlines. Please ensure to review your prospective institution's website for the latest updates and deadlines. 


While you're here, check out our upcoming

virtual financial aid assistance sessions!

Understanding Student Loans 101


Tuesday, April 9 &

Wednesday, April 24

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Register for April 9 Here
Register for April 24 Here

Understanding & Comparing

Award Letters



Tuesday, April 6

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Register Here

College Now Traditional Student Scholarship


Application Deadline EXTENDED: Monday, April 15


College Now’s Traditional Student Scholarship provides scholarship dollars and one-to-one mentoring throughout a student's college journey.


To be eligible for the scholarship, students must:


  • Attend a College Now served high school
  • Have a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 2.5 through first semester of high school senior year
  • Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 or combined verbal and math SAT score of 960
  • File the 2024-2025 FAFSA / FAFSA Submission Summary
  • Qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
  • Show ambition by working with your College Now advisor
  • Submit the required documents by the deadline
Apply Here

Jane Edna Hunter Scholarship 


Application Deadline:

Thursday, April 25 


The Jane Edna Hunter Scholarship provides needs-based financial assistance for full-time undergraduate women under the age of 30, who are residents of Ohio or South Carolina.  

Apply Here

The Malone Scholarship  

Application Deadline EXTENDED: Monday, April 15 


The Malone family is looking for students with passion, drive, energy, a sense of humor and financial need. There is no tangible list of requirements. Students of all races, religions, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations are welcome in the Malone Scholarship family. 

Apply Here

Marcia LaRichie Scholarship


Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 1


The Marcia LaRiche Scholarship was established to assist dependent children of parents who have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and live in Northeast Ohio.  

Apply Here

Register for an upcoming college entrance exam today! We encourage you to take at least two exams before applying to college. Check with your College Now advisor about the steps needed for registration.

ACT


Saturday, April 13

  • Registration deadline: Closed


Saturday, June 8

  • Registration deadline: Friday, May 3


Saturday, June 8

  • Registration deadline: Friday, May 17



Register Today

SAT

The SAT will be administering a digital exam.  



Saturday, May 4

  • Registration deadline: Friday, April 19


Saturday, June 1

  • Registration deadline: Friday, May 16



Register Today

Things to know about the new digital SAT


  • The new digital SAT is shorter. Students can anticipate sitting for the exam for about two hours, rather than three hours with the traditional paper booklet exam.

  

  • Students are permitted to use a calculator for the entire math section of the exam and may bring their own or use a built-in graphic calculator.  



  • Students that do not have their own devices will be provided with one at the testing center. Students will need to indicate when registering if they intend to use their own device or if they need a testing center device. 
More tips for taking the digital SAT

Get support preparing for entrance exams by participating in College Now’s impact! program! Learn more about our test prep programming HERE

Why should you test? It is recommended that students take at least two entrance exams before submitting college applications. Scoring well on entrance exams can increase a student’s eligibility for merit-based aid and special scholarships. Although many institutions across the nation no longer require entrance exams, College Now encourages students to take at least two exams before graduating. Plus, colleges/universities may require a test score for specific academic majors and scholarships.  

We still have spots open for our spring sessions out-of-school-time programs! College Now partners with several community organizations – both corporate and non-profit – to bring its college access services to students outside of school hours. Sign up today! 

Find your career passion and travel the country with Xplore!


Xplore is College Now’s after school program that focuses on college and career readiness, travel and finding the major that’s best for students. Each session focuses on a meta-major that students deep dive into.



At the end of each session, students receive an all-expenses-paid trip! Xplore travels to places such as New York City, Washington D.C. and more.  


Register Here

Get paid to study for the ACT and PSAT with impact!


The impact! program provides students with ACT or PSAT test preparation and guides students through college and career research. The Spring 2024 impact! program is in-person at each site and attendance is required to participate. 


But that’s not all - students who complete an impact! session receive a stipend!

Register Here

The end of the school year is right around the corner!

April is a good time to start thinking about your academic plans for the summer. 

Freshmen

  • Apply for summer opportunities such as jobs, programs, internships, volunteering or job shadowing. Many application deadlines for these programs are in April. 
  • Create a resume to keep track of what you accomplish this year. Use your school’s college & career planning tool or ask your College Now advisor for assistance. 


Sophomores

  • Watch for announcements from your school on college exposure opportunities, such as college fairs or field trips.  
  • Create goals for the summer. Consider taking a summer course or participating in a program at a local college. 
  • Polish up your resume.
  • Search summer opportunities and apply for summer jobs and activities.  
  • Continue to research career options and matches to college majors.
  • AP exams are coming up. Keep your AP Grade Report if you're interested in earning college credit. 


Juniors

  • Create or polish up your resume.  
  • Set up job shadowing opportunities and apply for summer internships or jobs.
  • Explore training programs, apprenticeships and other postsecondary options.  
  • Explore summer opportunities on college campuses.  
  • Keep studying for the in-school ACT or SAT, participate in impact! and afterschool test prep programs with College Now.  
  • Register for an ACT and/or SAT national test. This is separate from the in-school test and will give you an alternative score.  
  • Meet with your College Now advisor to learn about the college application process. 
  • Create a list colleges you’re interested in. Consider the categories of "reach," "match," and "safety" schools.
  • Look into scholarships that you may be eligible for.  
  • Watch for announcements from your school about college exposure opportunities, such as college fairs and college visits.  
  • Attend college fairs and open houses. Learn as much as you can about colleges online and visit some colleges during the spring.  
  • Make a list of teachers and/or community leaders you may want to ask for a letter of recommendation. 


Seniors

  • Do a final review of college award letters.  
  • Ensure that your college has all the required paperwork to date.
  • Finalize your choice. 
  • Prepare to submit your housing and/or enrollment deposit.  
  • Continue to check your college student portals for announcements and items on your “to do” list. 

As a parent, use the rest of the school year to think about what you can do with your student over the spring and summer.  

Middle School

  • Prepare your student for high school by visiting schools if your district has a high school choice program. 
  • If you know what high school your student will attend, check to see if they have an open house or tours for incoming freshman. 


Freshmen and Sophomores

  • State tests for math and English will be administered this month at public schools. Review school calendars and information sent home about the test dates. Ensure your student eats and sleeps well before taking the tests. 
  • Support your student in their job or internship search. Help them find an organization that may algin with their college or career interests.
  • Begin to discuss financial literacy with your student, including how to save money and budget the money they may earn with their summer job. 


Juniors

  • Support your student in their job or internship search. Help them find an organization that may algin with their interests in college or career. 



Seniors

  • Support your student in their job or internship search.  
  • Assist your student with their college decision and ensure they have communicated their intent to the institution by their respective deadlines. Be sure your student has completed all the necessary steps to secure a spot where they plan to enroll in the fall. 


See you next month! In the meantime, reach out to your

College Now advisor!

Contact Us

Post Office Plaza

1500 West 3rd Street, Suite 125

Cleveland, OH 44113

216.241.5587

collegenowgc.org

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