Counselor's Corner

NEWS, INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

TAKS Testing - April 29 through May 2
Tuesday, April 29 - 10th Math
Wednesday, April 30 - 11th Math
Thursday, May 1 - 9th Math, 10th Science, 11th Science
Friday, April 2 - 10th Social Studies, 11th Social Studies, 9th pre-TAKS Science

TAKS Exit Level Senior Retest
Tuesday, April 29 - English/Language Arts
Wednesday, April 30 - Math
Thursday, May 1 - Science
Friday, May 2 - Social Studies

Advanced Placement Exams
LCM will administer the following AP exams in May:
U.S. Government - May 5
Calculus AB- May 7
U.S. History - May 9
English Language - May 14
Any home schooled students who are interested in taking one of the above AP exams at LCM, should contact Jeanna Ridout at 886-5821, x1750.

THEA (Formerly TASP) - Texas Higher Education Assessment

The THEA Test is used by Texas institutions of higher education to assess the reading, mathematics and writing skills that entering freshman-level students should have if they are to perform effectively in in undergraduate certificate or degree programs. College-bound juniors and seniors now have the opportunity to take the THEA test five times each year. Students enrolling in a Texas public college or university must take the THEA test before enrolling in any college coursework including co-enrollment classes. Exemption from the THEA Test is possible if the student meets qualifying standards on the exit-level TAAS or TAKS (2200 math, 2200 ELA with a 3 on the writing), the ACT (combined math and English average of 23 with an individual math and English of 19), or the SAT (composite score of 1070 with verbal and math scores of 500). Dates for testing and registration materials are available in the Guidance office. The cost of the THEA Test is $29.00. Region 5 Education Service Center also offers many dates for THEA testing. Students may email or phone Jaynell Robertson at Region 5 to register. jaynellr@esc5.net (923-5423)

SAT and ACT TESTS College-bound juniors and seniors who wish to take the SAT or ACT college entrance exams can pick up registration and practice materials in the Counseling Office or go online to register for the the SAT at www.collegeboard.com or for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. The LCM School Code is 445-240.

Seniors who have not yet taken their SAT or ACT exam or who wish to take the exam again should plan to take them in the early fall of their senior year in order to meet college admisssion deadlines.Juniors are encouraged to take their SAT or ACT for the first time beginning the spring semester of their junioryear. Those dates are January-June.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)-This test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you will need for academic success in college. It isgivenseven times during the 2007-2008 school year.

The SAT consists of three parts: Critical Reading-sentence completion and questions based on reading passages;Mathematics-based on the first three years of high school math for college-bound students; and Writing-muliple choice questiona and a written essay.Scoring is on 2400 point scale with the maximum score of 800 on each section.The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long.

Price of the test $43.00.

ACT-This test contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and a Writing portion on the ACT Plus Writing. This test will be given six times in the 2006-2007 school year.
Scoring is on a 36 point scale with the maximum score on each section being 36 points, then the four parts are averaged together to get one composite score.The ACT is 3 hours and 25 minutes long.

Price of the test is $30.00 (No Writing) or $44.50 (Plus Writing)

TOPCAT-Preparation Website for SAT and ACT Tests
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board currently has a website that provides free online test preparation materials in English and Spanish to middle, high school students, and adults preparing to enroll in college for the first time. TOPCAT (Texas Online Preparation for College Admissions Tests) allows free access to SAT and ACT test prep tutorials, practice sessions, timed sample tests , a vocabulary builder, and test-takien tips. You can access this TOPCAT through the College for Texas website, http://www.collegefortexans.com/

FREE SAT preparation - The College Board offers some free resources for preparing students for the SAT. Students may access practice questions and an official SAT practice test at www.collegeboard.com/satprep

COLLEGE INFORMATION

Stephen F. Austin State University Showcase Saturday - Prospective Lumberjacks may wish to attend SFA's Showcase Saturday program on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Students may contact SFA's Office of Admissions for further information (936-468-2504). SFA also offers campus tours Monday through Friday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm and on Saturdays by appointment.

College Search - The Web makes it easier than ever to find the right college for you. At www.collegeboard.com/collegesearch you can explore and compare colleges, research admissions requirements, majors, financial aid information, take photo tours, prepare for campus visits, and more!

Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Tuition reciprocity for Texas Residents! Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana is now offering in-state tuition costs for out-of-state students. Northwestern State offers campus tours Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturdays by appointment. For further information call 800-327-1903.

Start College Early at Lamar University
The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities at Lamar University is a residential, tuition-free, early admissions program which provides junior and senior students the opportunity to complete their last two years of high school and their first two years of college at the same time. If you are interested in starting your college career early, visit www.texasacademy.org or call 409-839-2995.

SCHOLARSHIPS-UPDATED 3-25-08

Texas Workforce Commission-Power Zone
Amount: Not listed
Criteria: College entrance and financial aid assistance for students with financial need. The Texas Workforce also has programs to help with career search, job search, enjoying your job, and moving on to a new job; contact the Power one at 886-0414 or www.powerzone.org
Deadline: Not listed

David Self Ford-Perfect Attendance-Class of 2008
Amount: $1000
Criteria: Senior with perfect attendance in 2007-2008; attendance records will automatically be checked at the end of the year for this scholarship; no need to apply--just be aware and be in attendance all year!
Deadline: End of school year

SAE Engineering Scholarships
These scholarships are offered to qualified students who are interested in the study of engineering or a related science (math, chemistry, physics, biology, technologies, computer science). Undesignated scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $10,000. University sponsored scholarships range in value from $400 to full tuition.
Criteria: The applicant must be a high school senior at the date of application and must intend to earn a degree in engineering or a related science. The applicant must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application and must meet the minimum requirements with regard to grade point average, SAT Reasoning Test and/or ACT scores as outlined in the individual requirements of each scholarship. Students are encouraged to retrieve the application and information online at http://www.sae.org/students/engschlr.htm. You may also contact SAE Customer Service at 1-724-776-4970.

State Farm Scholar Athlete
State Farm will award 50 scholarships worth $1,000 each to senior scholar athletes statewide. Students must be nominated by a counselor or school official and only school officials are eligible to submit nominations online. Therefore, if you are interested in being nominated for this scholarship, please talk to your counselor or athletic director.
Criteria: A student must actively participate in athletic competitions and sporting practices, maintain a 3.0 GPA (or equivalent), be a graduate of the Class of 2008, and display leadership and good citizenship on and off the field.
Deadline: May, 1, 2008

Al's Formal Wear Scholarship
This year, Al's Formal Wear will offer two $2,500 college scholarships. Applications may be picked up at any Al's Formal Wear store. Once awarded, the scholarship will be sent directly to the student's chosen college.
Deadline: May 5, 2008

Sam Houston State University Academic Scholarships
SHSU offers scholarships for beginning freshmen who excel in academic achievement and leadership. To reviewavailable scholarships, visit www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or contact 936-294-1672 for further scholarship information.

Lamar University Scholarship-Family and Consumer Sciences
The Virginia Anderson Presidential Scholarship in Family and Consumer Sciences will be awarded to an incoming freshman who has just completed high school. First consideration will be given to a student who plans to pursue a Family and Consumer Sciences major concentrating in teacher certification. The deadline for applicationis April 1,2008. The student may receive the scholarship for four years as long as he/she remains eligible. Interestedstudents may pick up an application from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office.

Baylor University --Carr P. Collins Scholars Program
This scholarship is for $4,150 a year and is renewable up to three years. Applicants must meet all admissions requirements, have a minimum SAT score of 1250 or ACT score of 28, have completed a balanced college prepprogram, be in the top 25% of their class, and be a resident of Texas. The application may be accessed at http://www.baylor.edu/admissions/CarrCollins

Slough Foundation Scholarship
Students receiving the Slough Scholarship who continue to meet the established criteria may receive an award of $5,000 a year for up to five years or the completion of their Bachelor's Degree, or a total accumulation of 136 semester hours, whichever comes first. Eligible applicants must have at least a 3.0 gpa on a 4.0 scale, be a U.S. citizen and be a Texas resident at the time of application. Applicants must submit a Slough Scholarship Application, the results of their FAFSA, a one page essay, and provide an official copy of their high school transcript, which should include school rank, overall gpa, and any ACT or SAT scores. Students are encouraged to apply via the internet at www.midland.edu/admissions/aid/forms/slough.pdf. The deadline is March 29, 2008.

Delta Tau Delta - Committed to Lives of Excellence Scholarship
Delta Tau Delta is offering five one-time book scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors. Any student entering a college or university with a chapter of Delta Tau Delta is eligible to apply for the scholarship. Membership to Delta Tau Delta is NOT a requirement. The deadline for application is June 1, 2008. Interested students may find out more details and apply online at www.delts.org

St. Edward's University (Austin, Texas) - Holy Cross Scholar Award
This scholarship from St. Edward's University has recently been created to honor outstanding freshmen applicants who have at least a 1250 SAT or 28 ACT and rank in the top 10% of their class. Chosen students will receive fulltuition annually for four years. Applications are available in Mrs. Ridout's office.

Don't Mess with Texas Scholarship
Applicants have two opportunities to win money for college; they can write an essay about either 1) how they have helped solve a litter problem in their community (a $3,000 grand prize scholarship and a $1,000 second prize will be awarded) or 2) what their ideas are to assist Don't Mess with Texas in its effort to put a "Litterbag in Every Car" (a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded). Applications may be downloaded atwww.DontMessWithTexas.org. The deadline for application is April 4, 2008.

Gayle Sims Memorial Scholarship - Lamar State College-Port Arthur
This scholarship is for the 2008 Fall Semester. Only students who are planning to attend LSC-PA will be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who exhibit a B or better grade average. The application is due by April 4, 2008 and can be found at www.lamarpa.edu

Ozarka Natural Spring Water - Every Drop Counts Earth Science Scholarship
Ozarka will be awarding two $10,000 scholarships for students pursuing a degree at a four-year college or university in the field of earth/environmental science. For scholarship documents and information, visit www.ozarkawater.com and click on the "Doing Our Part" section at the bottom of the page. Applications are dueby March 31, 2008.

EducationFirst Federal Credit Union
A $500 scholarship will be awarded to an LCM senior in the top 25% of their class or carrying a 3.0 gpa who will be attending an accredited college or university on a full-time basis. Applications can be picked up from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office.

MCT Credit Union
$1,000 scholarships available to graduates who plan to continue their education at a trade school, 2 year or 4 year accredited college no later than the fall session after graduation. Recipients must be graduating seniors who are members of MCT Credit union with accounts in good standing. Applications may be picked up from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office.Lamar State College-OrangeThe Presidential Scholarship ($2000/$1000 for the fall and $1,000 for the spring) is awarded to the highest ranking boy or girl from LCM who will be attending LSC-O in the Fall of 2008. LSC-O also offers general scholarships to other applicants. Applications can be picked up from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office and must be returned to the counseling office by April 1. Applications must include a typed, one page, double-spaced essay describing the applicant's educational goals, along with a copy of the applicant'stranscript with class rank and GPA.

East Texas Baptist University - Math or Chemistry
ETBU offers four-year scholarships to students pursuing a degree in mathematics, chemistry, or teacher certification with an emphasis in math or physical science. For further information, or to receive an application pakcage, contact: Chair, Dept. of Mathematics and Dept. of Chemistry, East Texas Baptist University, 1209 No. Grove Street, Marshall, TX 75670.

Lamar University - Pre-Professional Scholarship
Students planning to attend LU as a pre-professional (pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-podiatry, pre-veterinarian, pre-optometry) are asked to apply for the Pre-Professional Scholarship. Available scholarships are open to high school seniors in the top 20%, have an SAT score of 1000 or better, and/or have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application and required documentation must be submitted by April 11, 2008. Interested students may pick up an application from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office.

Lamar University - Southeast Texas Legends Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition, fees and books with competition open to all Texas high school seniors. The scholarship is renewable up to four years based on review of student performance. In addition to completing the application, students will write a 300 word essay and attach a copy of a current FAFSA Student Aid Report, a brief resume of activities and two letters of recommendation. Applications and other related items must be submitted by April 15.

Mobiloil Federal Credit Union
Four $1,000 scholarships are being offered to members in good standing who are graduating this school year. Applications may be picked up from Mrs. Ridout in the counseling office and must be returned to Mobiloil Federal Credit Union by April 4.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) PIN-Apply Now!!!
For parents and students who plan to apply for federal or state grant money for college, now is the time to apply for youPIN (personal identification number) so that when the FAFSA applications go online January 1, 2008, you will be ready to file you FAFSA. Obtain you PINs at www.pin.ed.gov. FAFSA is now available for parents and students to do the full application. Log on at: www.fafsa.gov Remember this is connection for federal grant money for college such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.

Financial Aid Web Search Sites/ College Search Sites

• College Board's Fund-Finder http://www.collegeboard.org
• CollegNET http://www.collegenet.com
• EXPAN Scholarship Search http://www.collegeboard.org/funfinder/bin/funfinde01.pl
• FASTWEB http://www.fastweb.com
• Minority On-Line Information System http://www.fle.com.molis/scholar.htm
• Total College Planning Service www.nelnet.net/collegeplanning
• Peterson's College Quest http://www.collegequest.com
• RSP Funding Focus:: AOL Keyword "RSP"
• SRN Express http://www.rams.com/srn
• Student Advantage's Scholaraid http://www.scholaraid.com
• The Collegiate Websource http://www.gocollege.com
• www.SchoolsintheUSA.com
• http://www.srnexpress.com
• http://www.freshchinfo.com
• Financial aid and scholarships http://finaid.orghttp://www.scholarships.com
• http://www.cashe.com
• http://www.scholarship-page.com
• http://www.scholarships.salliemae.com
• http://www.wiredscholar.com
• http://www.fastaid.com
• www.window.state.tx.us/scholars/
• http://adventuresineducation.org/sbase/index.cfm
• www.collegeanswer.com/paying/scholarship__search/pay_scholarship_search.jsp
• www.lunch-money.com/
  
  Financial Aid
• Application for Aid On-Line http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Department of Education's Financial Assistance http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/
  
  Student Loans
• Student Loan http://www.estudentloan.com
  
  New TEXAS Grant Program
  The Texas Legislature established the "Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success (TEXAS)" Grant Program. This program establishes grants to cover tuition and fees to Texas public universities, community colleges, and technical schools for students who have successfully completed the recommended or higher school graduation programs, have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance, and have financial need.Financial aid officers at Texas institutions of higher education will identify eligible students by reviewing the high school transcripts sent to them. For a student to qualify, his or her transcript must clearly state that the student graduated under the recommended high school or distinguished program. The "financial need" will be determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Keep in mind that state funds are limited and are appropriated on a basis of the order in which applications are receivedFor further information concerning the TEXAS Grant program, contact Jane Caldwell at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, (800) 242-3062 ext. 6455 or (512) 427-6455 or Evelyn Hiatt, Advanced Academics Division at the Texas Education Agency, (512) 463-9455 or on the web at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/divisions/student/TEXAS.htm
  
  TEXAS B-ON TIME LOAN PROGRAM
  This loan program was created by the 78th Texas Legislature and should provide some relief to students who qualified for a TEXAS Grant, butwere not able to receive it because of limited funding. The eligibility requirements of the B-On Time Loan Program are similar to those of the TEXAS Grant Program. B-On-Time loans may be forgiven if a student graduates from college promptly with an overall 3.0 GPA. Students must have graduated from high school under the recommended or distinguished curriculum to be eligible, be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree or certification program at an eligible institution, and have completed a FAFSA form and be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Pare and students need to know that the funding level for this program is not sufficient to provide a Texas B-On-Time loan to every student who meetsthe eligibility requirements. For more information about this loan program, please visit this websitewww.HHLoans.com or call 1-800-242-3062.

The Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation is a zero-interest educational loan program available through Frost National Bank in Galveston, Texas. Beginning November 1, 2007, qualified applicants. Call 409-770-5665 to request an applicaiton packet. The application deadline is February 28, 2007.

Texas Department of Transportation - Conditional Grant Program
The grant program provides tuition assistance to eligible graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, computer science, and management information or computer information systems. Students will receive a maximum of $3,000 each semester or $6,000 per academic year. To qualify, the student must be a Texas resident, considered economically disadvantaged and attend a Texas fou-year public college or university as a full-time student. For program rules, requirements, and application visit www.txdot.gov/careers. A complete notarized application packet must be received by March 1, 2008.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAMS

NASA - High School Aerospace Scholars (for juniors)
HAS is an online learning experience where high school juniors complete Web-based lessons during the school year and travel to NASA for a six day summer experience. The application and selection process takes place from September to November. If selected, students engage in distance learning assignments from December through May. The six day residential experience at NASA then takes place in the summer. Interested juniors may apply online at http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/HAS. For more information, call 281-483-4112.

Youth Exchange programs of Rotary International
Students interested in a foreign exchange experience may pick up a preliminary interest form from the Youth Exchange Programs of Rotary International in the guidance office. There are opportunities to participate in a school year program and a short term summer exchange program.

Criminal Justice Summer Camp - Sam Houston State University
SHSU will hold two Criminal Justice Summer Camp sessions this summer (June 15-19 and June 29-July 3). This program is designed to introduce 15-17 year olds to the diveristy of the criminal justice profession. The applicaiton and information may be accessed at http://www.cjcenter.org/college/camp/index.html. Interested students may also contact Candice Williams, the camp coordinator, at 936-294-1702.