Preparing for College

Upcoming college entrance tests

College Visits

Helpful College Information

• The University of Memphis Lambuth Campus offers tours on the first Saturday of every month (excluding holiday weekend and university closings). Please see the website to sign up for a tour!   • http://memphis.edu/lambuth/
• Bethel University Free Application Week! February 20-26, 2012. For more information call 731-352-4030 and speak to one of the enrollment counselors or visit the website to complete the application.   • https://secure.sitemason.com/www.bethelu.edu/admissions/application
• Engineer Your Life is a national initiative developed in partnership with the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Engineer Your Life seeks to encourage and inspire college-bound high school girls to integrate engineering into their future studies and careers.   • http://www.engineeryourlife.org
• Free application processing for Union University through September 30th!   • http://www.uu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/HowToApply.cfm
• Nashville National Portfolio Day - Sunday, October 16th at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. This is a great opportunity to receive valuable input on work that will help art students enter the college of their choice. Please visit the website for additional information on how to attend.   • http://www.watkins.edu/portfolioday  • email
•   • http://www.ecampustours.com
• Preparing for the ACT   • http://www.actstudent.org
• Complete an application once and send copies to designated colleges   • http://www.commonapp.com
• Look at other high school students' college essays   • http://www.teenink.com/College/Essays.html
• ACT and SAT Workshop Opportunities   • http://www.janerosstutoring.com
• Suggestions for choosing the right school and preparing your application   • http://www.embark.com
• Financial Aid   • http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
• For Free PSAT prep   • http://www.eprep.com/courses/psat/register
• A great website for test preparation   • http://www.Studentedge.com
•   • http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
• Free information on hundreds of private colleges and universities to help higher education consumers make the best college choices posible.   • http://www.ucan-network.org

College Links

•   • http://www.gobama.ua.edu
•   • http://www.olemiss.edu
•   • http://www.gatech.edu
•   • http://www.utk.edu
• UTK Housing   • http://uthousing.utk.edu/tnliving/index.php
• For info about a UTK visit or campus tour   • http://www.visit.utk.edu
• UT Scholarships and Financial Aid   • http://finaid.utk.edu/
• UTK Admissions   • http://www.admissions.utk.edu
• UT Academic programs   • http://www.utk.edu/catalogs
• To apply online to UTK   • http://www.apply.utk.edu

Scholarship Opportunities

• Hendrix Scholarship competition: Bethel University is hosting its 24th Annual Hendrix Scholarship competition on February 17th through the 18th. Current seniors that meet the 3.25 GPA and 24 ACT/1090 SAT requirements are encouraged to apply. You can apply online. The first place winner receives full tuition room and board for four years, the second place winner receives full tuition for four years. All of the applicants are eligible for academic scholarships ranging from $4,000-$6,000, up to $10,000 if accepted into the honors program. For more information please visit the College Advising office!   • www.bethelu.edu/admissions/hendrix_app
• Best Buy Scholarship Program: Students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. & Puerto Rico are eligible to apply. Students need solid grades plus community service or work experience! Apply online. Scholarship amount: $1,000   • www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com or www.at15.com
• The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program: 9-12 grade students are welcome to apply. Complete the application found in the College Advising office by January 13, 2012. After applying, you must attend the competition on February 9th at 6:30 p.m. The contestants must come ready to give a Prepared Oration not less than eight minutes and not more than ten minutes on some phase of the Constitution of the United States which will give emphasis to the attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. Also at the competition Assigned Topics will be put in a box and drawn at random for each contestant. There are four Assigned Topics and they are listed in the Scholarship form. Please stop by the College Advising Office if you have any questions or to get the application packet.
• Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts wishes to award six $600 scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to major in Agriculture and pursue a career in this field. The applciants must be accepted to a Tennessee public university. If you would like to apply, stop by the college advising office and get an application. We will attach a transcript and mail it for you. It must be completed by January 30th.
• Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: You are making a difference. In your classroom and in your community. If you have the passion to succeed—especially in fields of study important to the automotive and related industries—the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is looking for you. This year, we will award 1,100 scholarships, including 100 renewable scholarships of up to $25,000 per year. If you are interested in this great opportunity, please go online and apply. The deadline is February 29th. Stop by the Office of College Advising if you have any questions!   • http://www.buickachievers.com/
• Visit www.cancercarecenter.org today for our 2012 scholarship application. NEW this year, our application may be completed online & emailed. Please save file(s) as your first & last names, followed by high school name to avoid confusion. Thanks! And please let me know if you have any questions.   • www.cancercarecenter.org
• Renaissance: The Bethel Performing Arts Experience - Bethel University is looking for any and all students interested in receiving athletic-style scholarships to be a part of Renaissance, the Bethel Performing Arts Experience. Renaissance is a three tier program containing sections in Vocal Music, Musical Theater, and Instrumental Music. In the Renaissance program we award scholarships similar to those in athletics which simply means that you can major in any one of our university's many majors and receive a large scholarship for your participation and dedication to performance in our program. We seek out anyone with talent and passion for the arts. We have two open audition dates on January 21st adn March 14th. To schedule audition on either of these two adtes or at any other time please call Deborah Noble at (731) 352-0405 ext. 202   • www.bethelu.edu/renaissance
• American Legion Tennessee Auxiliary- Vara Gray Scholarship Fund- If you are a graduating senior high school student living in our state, and you are the dependent of a veteran, you're half way to qualifying for this scholarship. In addition to your application you will need to submit letters of recommendation, an essay, and your nomination from a local American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Awards are in the amount of $500 each. If you would like to inquire about this opportunity, contact: American Legion Tennessee Auxiliary Department Headquarters, 104 Point East Drive, Nashville, TN 37216. Phone: 615-226-8648 and Fax: 615-226-8649. There is no website available for this resource.
• the Foundation is pleased to offer six $1,000.00 scholarships to Tennessee women and girls who are making a commitment to improving their economic autonomy.
  
  Three scholarships will be awarded to graduating senior high-school girls, including one who has received the Girl Scout Gold Award, and three will be awarded to non-traditional students who are returning to college after a five-year break. In addition to academic achievement and financial need, the Foundation will consider leadership and participation in community activities in selecting the recipients.
  
  Scholarships OPEN August 15, 2011 and CLOSE September 30, 2011.
  
    • http://womenseconomicfoundation.org/scholarships.html
• The Bird Dog Foundation Youth Art Contest: The Bird Dog Foundation’s Annual Sporting Dog Art contest for grades K-12 is held each year has become very popular with local school age children. The deadline for submissions is January 15th of each year. The Annual Art Contest Award Ceremony is TBA each year. Please check thewebsite for updates on these dates. Contest rules and guidelines can be seen on the website, as well.   • http://www.birddogfoundation.com/Art%20Contest.htm
• The Bird Dog Foundation Essay Contest: The Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. has established a Scholarship Fund to promote interest in wildlife conservation and related subjects. An annual College Scholarship Essay Contest sponsored by the Bird Dog Foundation, Inc. has been in effect for several years now. This contest was created in the hopes that it would enhance scholarly training and education in wildlife and wildlife conservation as well as give financial aid for tuition the college-bound student. High School seniors whose primary, home residence is in Tennessee, Mississippi or Arkansas are eligible to enter this contest. First and Second Place winners will be chosen. Winners will receive a one-time scholarship payable to an accredited college, university or other bona fide institution of his/her choice upon proof of registration at that institution. Currently, the 1st Place Award is $1,500.00. and the 2nd Place Award is $1,000.00.
  
    • http://www.birddogfoundation.com/Art%20Contest.htm
• The College Peas Standout Student College Scholarship: College Peas Student Standout College Scholarship is for the student who has something special that makes them different from their peers. To qualify for the College Peas Standout Student Scholarship you must be a current high school student and:
  Be a current high school student that intends to enroll full-time at a four-year college.
  Have a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0.
  Submit a short essay describing a special skill, talent or interest that helps you standout from your peers. The essay should be no longer than 100 words.
  
  Scholarship amount: $500 + a free college admissions consultation with Mike Moyer
  The application deadline is August 30, 2011
  
    • http://www.collegepeas.com/money/
• Hammons Charitable Scholarships: Must attend Union University. Preference is given to an active nenber of a Southern Baptist church. Applications due February 1.
• Wendy's Heisman: See website for more information. Due no later than October 2, 2011.   • www.wendyheisman,com
• VFW Voice of Democracy: Audio essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12. Award: $1,000-$30,000. Due by November 1   • www.vfw.org/index/cfm?fa=cmty.level&did=150
• John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. For high school students grades 9-12. Must be nominated by a teacher. Award: Up to $10,000. Deadline: January 7, 2012.   • www.jfkcontest.org/
• The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding $3 million to 250 students who are motivated, dedicated and involved. Apply online. Deadline to receive applications is October 31st.   • http://www.coca-colascholars.org
• UTC's Grote Chemistry Scholarship: The Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announces the Grote Chemistry Scholarship Program for 2012. Awards of $14,000 will be presented to as many as three entering freshman majoring in Chemistry. Eligibility: Complete a course in high school chemistry with an A or B, Attain a high school grade point average of 3.5 or above, have a composite score of 26 or above on ACT, declare chemistry as a major at UTC. The complete application and two recommendation letters must be completed by February 1, 2012. For more information please go to the website listed below or come to the College Advising Office.   • http://www.utc.edu/Chemistry
• FMY Essay Scholarship-Each spring, FMY Orthodontics offers $2000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. In order to qualify, students must be current or former patients of FMY Orthodontics, maintain at least a B average during senior year and above average attendance during junior and senior years. Applicants must perform a minimum of 12 hours community service during senior year and be accepted for full time enrollment to attend an accredited community college or four year college or university. Applicants are also required to write a one thousand word essay on the topic "Where I Am Going and How I Plan to Get There."
    • http://www.fmyortho.com/fun_stuff.htm
• NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award: Young entrepreneurs who are graduating high school seniors are eliglible to receive a 2012 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Qualified candidates must be operating a small business. Visit www.NFIB.com/YEA for more information and beginning October 1, 2011, apply online for the 2012 NFIB Young Entrepreneurs Awards.   • www.NFIB.com/YEA
• National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship Program: High school seniors with a 3.0 or higher, who plan to go to college, and hold a NWTF membership are eligible to receive a scholarship from the NWTF. Deadline: January 1, 2012. Stop by the College Advising Office to pick up an application, along with instructions and requirements!   • email
• GE-REAGAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: The GE-Reagan FSP annually awards roughly 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with $10,000 renewable scholarships- up to $40,000 total per recipient. For more information, eligibility requirements, and an online application visit the website. Deadline: February 17, 2012   • www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships

Financial Aid Opportunities

•   • http://www.act.org/fane/
•   • http://www.finaid.org/calculators/finaidestimate.phtml
•   • http://www.apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc welcome.jsp
•   • http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/
• Use the Financial Aid Estimator   • http://www.collegeboard.com
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)   • http://wwww.fafsa.ed.gov
• Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation(TSAA) offers Financial Aid and Information   • http://www.College PaysTN.com
•   • http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

Summer Study Opportunities

• Vanderbilt University Pre-College PAVE Program: PAVE is a six-week summer course of study and design to strengthen the academic skills of students who are planning to enter a college engineering, pre-medical, science, or technology program. If you are an eleventh grader and are planning to take advanced placement or honors mathematics or science courses, the PAVE program will fortify yur senior year and potentially improve your ACT, AP, SAT and TOEFL test scores, while increasing your chsnces for entrance when you apply to college. If you are a graduating high school senior and are planning to to attend any institution, this program not only exposes you to campus life, but also provides you with the experience to overcome the spots you may encounter. The session begins June 25 and runs through August 3. Upon completion of the PAVE program, all students receive a certificate of Achievement. Students who have demonstrated exceptional ability, but have not already been admitted to Vanderbilt University, will be considered for fall 2012 admission. For more information, see Mrs. Whisenant in the College Advising Office!   • https://pave.vanderbilt.edu/2012-school-info.html
• The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Veterinary Summer Experience Program. This program will take place June 4-July 27, 2012. To apply, a student must: Be a legal resident of Tennessee, be a current high school junior or senior, be at least 16 years of age by June 4, 2012, have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, be available for full time employment between June 4-July 27, 2012, have not previously participated in the Veterinary Summer Experience Program. All applicants must submit an application, an official high school transcript, and three reference letters. Applications must be electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 5, 2012. Supplemental materials must be postmarked by March 6, 2012. All applicants will be notified of their status via email on or before April 5, 2012. For more information stop by the College Advising Office or visit the website!   • www.vet.utk.edu/summerexperience  • email
• 2012 Emory Pre-College Program: The Emory Pre-College Program gives rising juniors and seniors in high school an exciting glimpse of academic and residential life at a top-ranked national university. High school students may enroll in classes with college students, earn transferable college credit, and explore topics with professors who are the leading experts in their fields. To learn more, please stop by the College Advising office or visit the website listed below.   • www.precollege.emory.edu  • email
• University of Notre Dame School of Architecture Career Discovery: Given an Editor's Choice Award for "Best Quality" by Early College Programs, the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture's Career Discovery is one of the top programs in the U.S. for high school juniors and seniors who want to learn about studying architecture before they get to college. Geared toward those who are considering an architechture program, participants not only learn architectural history but also the skills and responsibilities required in contemporary architectural practice. During the 13-day program, students participate in design studios, architecture seminars, and field trips to see exemplary architecture first hand. Registration is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis and begins February 1, 2012. Register online.   • www.architecture.nd.edu/programs/career_discovery.aspx
• Washington University in St. Louis 2012 High School Summer Scholars Program(5 weeks, credit) and Summer Institutes(3 weeks, noncredit) for students after the sophomore or junior year. For more information and application materials please visit website or contact at email address. Toll free phone (866)209-0691   • http://www.summerexperiences.wustl.edu  • email
• The Univerisity of Chicago is offering courses to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors through its Summer Session. Students take undergraduate courses for college credit. Please visit the website for more information on courses, applications, and cost.   • summer.uchicago.edu/hs  • email
• Vanderbilt Summer Academy 2012: A residential summer program on Vanderbilt's campus for rising 8th-12th graders. Session I: June 10-15, Session II: June 17-29, Session III: July 8-27.   • pty.vanderbilt.edu
• Carnegie Mellon offers students entering their junior and senior year of high school the opportunity to study in an intense college setting for six weeks in one of our seven distinct Pre-College programs. Our Advanced Placement/Early Action(AP/EA) program allows you to choose two courses in a variety of subjects that can earn you college credit. Please visit our website to find out more about our summer Pre-College Programs.   • http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/pre-college
• Oxford and Cambridge Summer Schools 2012: Applications are now open for programs taking place in Oxford and Cambridge this summer. Please visit the website to see a page listing all of the available subjects and details on how to register.   • http://www.oxfordandcambridgesummerschool.co.uk/
• Each year Phillips Exeter Academy welcomes to campus some 700 students for five weeks of academic study, athletics, and exploration that carry participants far beyond the classrooms and the playing fields. Dates: July 1- August 4, 2012. For more information about the academic and extracurricular offerings, please visit the website.   • http://www.exeter.edu/summer
• Oxford Advanced Studies Program: July 10-August 3, 2012; Oxford, England   • www.oasp.ac.uk
• The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, College of Engineering Summer Enrichment Program "Introduction to Engineering" for rising 7th through 12th grade students: The objective is to provide an introduction to engineering, showcase the applications of math and science, and learn what engineers do in the real world. Each program is one-week residential program designed for underrepresented participants that have performed at a B or higher level in both math and science. We encourage all students to apply. The programs offered this summer are: Introduction of Sophomores to Engineering Principles (INSTEP-rising 9th and 10th graders) and High School Introduction to Engineering Systems (HITES-rising 11th and 12th graders). All applications must be received no later than March 2, 2012. For more information please stop by the College Advising Office or go to the website listed below.   • http://www.engr.utk.edu/edp/pre_college.html