College Planning

Student & Family Resources

Housing Insecurity & College: A Resource for Students Experiencing Homelessness https://www.edumed.org/resources/college-student-homelessness-support/

Find Your Calling. findyourcalling.com  (by Rob Sentz, a Logos parent)

Degree Finder http://www.uidaho.edu/degree-finder The University of Idaho’s free online assessment that matches your interests and aptitudes to specific degrees. 

FutureFindr, by the state of Idaho. https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/  Data from the U.S. and Idaho Departments of Labor have been paired with John Holland’s personality types  

 Career Direct by Crown Financial Ministries is an in-depth career assessment to help older teens and young adults discover how their unique God-given mix of personality, skills, values, and interests suggests certain career options.  It’s a detailed analysis, but it’s not free.  https://careerdirect-ge.org/

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) was originally designed to predict future academic and occupational success in military occupations. However, the ASVAB assesses academic ability and predicts success in a wide variety of occupations. http://www.asvabprogram.com/

Idaho CIS (Career Information System) idahocis.org the Idaho Department of Labor’s Career Information System. 

 

College Applications

September 17, 2019 Seniors: Many of you have begun the process of applying to college.  If you know where you want to apply, there is no reason not to begin now.  If you don’t know, it’s time to start considering options.  Come see me if you have any questions or need ideas.  My office has a large number of college brochures and info packs, all dutifully filed for easy access. College Applications and Deadlines: Many college application deadlines are in January and February.  However, the deadlines are in the fall, if you want full consideration for scholarships, or if you want to apply to ‘early admission’ or ‘early decision’  For example, NSA’s application deadline is Feb 15th, but for early admission, it’s Dec 1st.  If you know where you want to go, there may be advantages to applying and committing early, such as scholarships as an incentive.  For more information about early applications, here is a useful article: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/the-facts-about-applying-early-is-it-right-for-you Most applications are online, so if you’re interested in a particular college, look on the internet now and quickly determine what is required, so nothing surprises you:
  • Check specific deadlines, and don’t wait until the last minute.
  • Some require essays and written references – these take some time.  If you need references, choose carefully, ask with plenty of time, and thank them profusely.
  • Almost all colleges will require SAT or ACT scores (a few make these optional).  Most will take your best score.
  • Some colleges charge a fee to apply, and some are free.  Some charge you a fee, and then if you choose to attend, they refund the fee.  Count the cost!
Common App:  Over 700 colleges use “Common Application” which is a single online application that is sent to multiple schools of your choosing.  It is most useful for applying to many colleges.  Only a few local colleges use it.  See https://www.commonapp.org for more info.

SAT & ACT – sign up!

Seniors, Most colleges and universities require applicants to take at least one standardized test (ACT or SAT) for consideration for admission. Both the ACT and SAT are required to graduate from Logos.  College applications are typically due in January and February (although early deadlines are in November), and so taking these tests by December of your senior year is a good plan - you can always re-test in the spring if you decide to try for a better score. Look at the schedules for the ACT and SAT now, and pick some test dates and register online.  They are only offered on certain Saturdays, and they and do can fill up, so don't procrastinate.  Note that scheduling conflicts can make this complicated, so if you are playing sports or involved in drama or Mock Trial, so look carefully at the schedule and pick one that works. Fee waivers for lower-income students may be available - see me for details.   SAT registration:  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register 
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline
24-Aug-19 26-Jul-19
5-Oct-19 6-Sep-19
2-Nov-19 3-Oct-19
7-Dec-19 8-Nov-19
14-Mar-20 14-Feb-20
2-May-20 3-Apr-20
6-Jun-20 8-May-20
  ACT registration:  https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
ACT Test Date Registration Deadline
14-Sep-19 16-Aug-19
26-Oct-19 20-Sep-19
14-Dec-19 8-Nov-19
8-Feb-20 10-Jan-20
4-Apr-20 28-Feb-20
13-Jun-20 8-May-20
18-Jul-20 19-Jun-20
- Mr. Euhus

College Visitations

Logos Sophomores and Juniors,

I was glad to see that some of you visited NSA on last Friday's Prospective Student Day.  It's important for you to visit any colleges of interest, preferably more than once.  If a prospective college is out of the area, it will take more planning, so start thinking about it now.  You can usually visit nearly anytime, but visiting while the college is in session makes the most sense, or on one of their special campus preview events.

Locally, there are a couple more special visitation events coming up soon:  

Final College Decisions

April 5th.

Seniors,

May 1st is typically decision day - the date when students must tell colleges whether they plan to attend.  Some colleges are June 1st, but May 1st is the most common.  Assuming you've decided on a college, double-check that you're confirmed your attendance by whatever means they require; typically by sending a deposit.

This decision date is most important for selective colleges (which have waiting lists), but non-selective colleges may give your scholarships away if you haven't confirmed.  

Even this date isn't the end; you still can apply late to many colleges, or change your mind.  This would be on a space-available basis, and sometimes with minimal financial aid.  We've had students who have changed their minds a few weeks before school starts, and it can actually work out.  But it sure is easier to make up your mind sooner.

College Application Deadlines

December 1st is a key day in many college applications.  Now is the time!  It's not usually the final deadline to apply, but it is often the priority deadline for full financial aid consideration.  Locally:
  • NSA's Early Bird Scholarship: $500 if you apply before December 1st and confirm before January 1st.  For all financial aid consideration, the deadline it has to be on or before February 15th.  Open enrollment is Feb 16 - May 31 (application fee goes up to $50.)   If you considering NSA, apply now!
  • The University of Idaho's priority deadline for financial aid is December 1st.  After December 1, the university will continue to admit students, award scholarships and other financial aid to qualified students on a rolling basis as applications are received.  If you are planning on the UI, don't wait.
  • LCSC has a priority deadline of March 1st for full financial aid consideration.  

Scholarship – Alex Kincaid Law

Seniors:

The scholarships offered by Alex Kincaid Law (in Oregon) are a bit unique, because (1) they want applications from "conservative-minded youth" and (2) "A photo or video depicting your responsible use of a firearm will enhance your application."

It has an application deadline of Dec 1st.  Forms and information here: https://www.alexkincaid.com/alex-kincaid-law-scholarship-fund/  

Horatio Alger Scholarship

Seniors,
Horatio Alger Lola and Duane Hagadone Idaho Scholarship Program For low-income seniors who will pursue a bachelor's degree at U of I, LCSC or NIC.  Deadline is Oct 25th. https://www.horatioalger.org
This scholarship is a good one because it's a national scholarship program, but the Idaho part of the program reserves 25 scholarships for North Idaho residents, at $7,000 apiece.  Every year a number of Logos seniors apply, but it's not applicable to everyone:
  • This is for Idaho state schools (U of I, LCSC, NIC).
  • It emphasizes financial need (family income of less than $55,000)
  • It requires that you write about how you have "overcome adversity"
  • be in involved with extra-curricular activities and community service.
I also have flyers in my office. - Mr. Euhus

Scholarship & Financial Aid Info

Some scholarships will be handed to you.  Local examples:
  • LCSC offers an automatic $2500 to Idaho students with a 3.75 GPA, and $1500 for a 3.25 GPA.
  • NSA offers an automatic $1000 scholarship for grads of an ACCS school.
  • UI offers an automatic $4000 scholarship for Idaho students with a 3.9 GPA, $3000 for a 3.75 GPA, $2000 for a 3.4 GPA, and $1000 for a 3.0 GPA.
  • If you declare a certain major, some departments may simply give you a scholarship.
But many scholarships require some initiative on your part. You must find them and apply.  Often, the application requires an essay, or written references. It's a bit of a hassle!  But, if you spend 10 hours filling out 10 applications, and you get 1 or 2 of those scholarships, the return on your investment is immense. Logos receives mailings on scholarships that are often quite specific. There are scholarships for young entrepreneurs, dancers, and students who do volunteer work. There's no easy way to post all of these offerings, but if I know you are interested in something specific, I will pass it along to you. Or, come in and browse! If there are scholarships that seem to be general interest, I'll send them along to everyone. Idaho State Board of Education Scholarships Here is one of interest:  The State of Idaho awards scholarships every year to Logos students.  These are for any state school in Idaho.  The application opens up Oct 1st.   See https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/    (for further info, here is a  short video that walks through the steps to complete https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mBjb-uDic).  There are numerous options; two specific ones to look at are:
  1. Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship.  Deadline February 15.  Requires 2.8 GPA and strong public service/volunteerism experience.
  2. Opportunity Scholarship.  Deadline is March 1.  GPA must be at least a 2.7, with demonstrated financial need.
Military: If you are interested in the armed forces, they have many options for paying for college. ROTC and the Reserves are options while you go to college, and active duty has educational benefits afterward under the GI bill. I have promotional material in my office if you are interested. Athletics: if you have an interest in college athletics at any level, you should discuss with Mr. Lopez and Mr. Euhus. There are many detailed forms and requirements to ensure your eligibility. Need-Based Financial Aid:   Merit-based scholarships are based on your abilities and accomplishments: test scores, GPA, recommendations, etc.  Need-based scholarships are based upon you and your family’s actual tax returns and other financial data.  If you don't submit your financial information, you will be eligible for only merit-based scholarships. Know the filing priority date for your college.  There are two common ways financial need is assessed:
  1. The FAFSA (“Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is one indicator of financial need. The federal government uses it to decide on federal grants and loans, but other non-Federal entities use it for an appraisal of financial need. For example, the FAFSA is used by some Christian schools, private scholarships, state scholarships, departmental scholarships, and work-study programs (which are prioritized by financial need).  Applications are available from www.fafsa.ed.gov and can be filled out after October 1st (it's open now).  The FAFSA deadline is June 30th, but do not be deceived: colleges require it MUCH earlier for their purposes. For example, the UI requires it to be submitted by Feb 15th.
  2. CSS Profile: Another means of assessing financial need is the College Board’s CSS Profile.  About 400 colleges use it, generally private and elite colleges.  New Saint Andrews uses it.  The CSS Profile is more detailed than the FAFSA.    https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
Depending on parental finances, both the CSS Profile and FAFSA can be complex (for example, if the parents own a business), so don't wait to begin this process.

Senior College and Career Day

August 23, 2018 Mr. Whitling has approved the second annual "Senior College and Career Day" which will be Friday, Oct 26th, 2018.  This is a day designated for senior Logos students to visit colleges or explore careers. Senior classes are canceled for the day, but it isn't a vacation day. Option 1: College Visitation.  Go visit a college you are interested in; take a tour, and sit in on some classes.  Note that Friday, Oct 26th is NSA's "Prospective Student Weekend" and also is the UI's "Envision Idaho" day.  You could even travel out of the area for the long weekend.  Colleges love to have you visit, but you need to arrange it ahead of time. Option 2: job shadow.  Spend a day following and observing somebody in a career you are interested in.  You might visit the hospital, EMSI, or an accounting firm.  There are lots of good options, but you will have to arrange it ahead of time. Notes:
  • Start considering options now.  Take advantage of the day to go visit someplace in person.
  • If you are having trouble deciding what to do, see Mr. Euhus for some ideas.
  • There will be an assignment.  You will report what you did for the day, via a worksheet you'll fill out.  Stay tuned for more information.
  • You can go visit colleges on other days, but senior classes will continue regardless of who is gone.  We are trying to get many or most of our senior visitation absences done on one day, rather than have it spread across the whole semester.  It is not a problem to be gone other days, but just plan ahead by getting your assignments.
I'll be discussing more with each of you in the next couple of months, and checking with you about your plan. Let me know if you have any questions. Blessings, Mr. Euhus