Preparing for College

There have been some significant changes to FAFSA. Due to the changes, the application for FAFSA won't be available until December of this year. One thing that students can do is create an FSA ID. One significant change to FAFSA is that each student and parent will need their own FSA ID. Mrs. Knox will be working with seniors next Friday, October 27th , in the computer lab to create their IDs. They must have their social security number to complete the FSA ID. Mrs. Knox will hold an information session in November for parents to help with FSA ID and FAFSA. 

Attention Juniors: Here is a unique opportunity at Murray State University:

Commonwealth Honors Academy (CHA)

CHA is a prestigious 3-week living/learning experience in which rising high school seniors take two 3-credit hour courses, live in Murray State’s dorms, participate in social development seminars, and enjoy lots of fun extracurricular activities. Upon completion of the program, students meeting qualifications receive a 4-year in-state tuition scholarship to Murray State University, in addition to their 6 hours of college credits that are transferable to other institutions.

Academy Dates: June 8-29, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

There is no cost to complete the application. If accepted, a $250 tuition processing fee will be charged. This fee is waived for those who receive free and reduced lunch or an ACT waiver. 

All students applying for the Commonwealth Honors Academy should:

-have earned approximately a 3.5 GPA (on a 4-point scale).

-have earned approximately a 25 Composite ACT (or the equivalent PSAT, SAT, ACT-Aspire, or standardized test score).

-be at least 16 years old prior to the beginning of the Academy.

-be a rising high school senior at the time of the Academy.

Click the link for the Student Application Form

Attention Sophomores and Juniors:

The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) application has opened. GSA is a tuition-free residential summer program for passionate and talented young artists. Current high school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply for the 2024 summer program. Applications are due on January 14th. Please see Mrs. Knox for more information.

SENIORS & PARENTS:

Your student should have started the application process for college by now. I have had individual meetings with almost all of the seniors. As your student begins to receive acceptance/scholarship letters from colleges/universities, please have them bring those letters to me. I make copies of each student's file and give the originals back. 

I met with the seniors during their religion class to review starting college applications and career readiness. All seniors need to schedule an individual meeting with me to ensure they are on track to be successful after they graduate. Seniors are allowed 3 excused college/career visits this year as long as they complete the necessary paperwork. This can be found in the files hanging outside of my office. Please make sure that your student is signing up for a meeting with me and that if you schedule a college/career visit, they have the required forms. 

Thanks,

 Mrs. Knox

Dual Credit Opportunities:

Thomas More University has FOUR information sessions regarding dual credit opportunities for Spring 2024 and 2024-25. Please see the attached flyer for dates. RSVPs are required and can be done at: https://apply.thomasmore.edu/register/dualcreditinfo1

Seniors and Juniors:

A link has been provided for students at Holy Cross to take the "My Major Quiz."

After taking this assessment, you will be recommended the top majors, colleges, and careers based on your academic achievements, interests, and personality. https://hchscov.mymajors.com/college-major-quiz/

Scholarship Opportunities:         

Upcoming College Visits:

Planning Calendar for Seniors:

There are many steps along the path to college. Get a helpful planning guide to follow here.

Eventually, you will need to turn in teacher and/or counselor recommendation letters to colleges or scholarship programs. Please complete this personal biography form and have it ready to give to the teachers or counselors who will be writing the recommendation letters. This will help them gain a full perspective on the areas they need to highlight….(for example, your awards, honors and service to the community and extracurricular activities).

Hannah Knox
College Advisor
[email protected]

859-431-1335 ext.193

Paying for College

FAFSA

Students who are planning to attend college this fall should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) anytime after October 1st! You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

If you need additional information that can help assist parents and students, or if you need additional copies of the FAFSA worksheet, please go to www.fsapubs.gov.

KEES

Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES) are available to Kentucky high school graduates who are residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as determined for purposes of admission and tuition assessment by the University. KEES awards are available for a maximum of 8 academic terms and must be used within the earlier of attainment of a baccalaureate degree or 5 years from high school graduation. KEES awards can be used for the fall and spring terms only and are not available for summer coursework.
All students must keep track of their own KEES money. Go to www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/home and click on student account. Make sure soc.sec.#, Date of Birth and each years GPA. is correct. You have a limited time to fix this information or it will be lost. The money will not be paid to you. This is out of the counselor's control. They do not have access to your account any longer. This is YOUR responsibility! Please contact your counselor with any questions. If you do have incorrect information on your account, e-mail the incorrect information and the corrected information to your counselor ASAP.