FAFSA is available for completion on January 1st at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is
important to not put off filing your FAFSA until the last minute, and you certainly do not want to miss the deadline. For the 2014–2015 academic year, FAFSA on the Web
applications must be submitted by midnight on March 10, 2014. *Please make note of individual school deadlines.
Please note: It is not possible to start filling it out until you have your tax information for 2013. However, you can register for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. Your PIN will serve as your electronic signature for the FAFSA on the web. It is recommended that you get a PIN number, even if you do not plan to fill out the FAFSA on the web. Both parents and students need separate PIN numbers, so both should plan on setting up a PIN.
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For more information about the FAFSA process and the next steps to take after filing, please visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa. Seniors should also take a look at eStudent (http://www.in.gov/sfa/2438.htm), which allows you to see your award amount, if there are issues with your FAFSA, and review your application. Changes to the FAFSA must be completed by May 15!The College Major: What It Is and
How to Choose One
Article from
The College Board
A major is a specific subject area that students specialize in. Typically,
between one-third and one-half of the courses you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it.
At some colleges, you can even:
• Major in two fields.
• Have a major and a minor (a specialization that requires fewer courses
than a major).
• Create your own major.
When to Choose a Major
At most four-year colleges, and in the case of many majors, you won’t have to pick a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you plenty of time to check out various subjects and see which ones interest you. Some majors — like areas of
engineering — are exceptions to this rule. You have to commit to these fields of study early so you have time to take all the required courses. If you're earning a two-year degree, you'll probably select a major at the start because the program is much shorter. Most students switch their major during college.
How to Choose a Major
Take courses in areas that appeal to you, and then think about which subject truly motivates you. Stephanie Balmer, dean of admissions at Dickinson College, suggests you take “classes in which you’re going to be confident, but at the same time, take some risks.” She notes that a class you never planned to take could end up helping you choose your major.
You Can Change Your Mind
If you’re not sure about your college major while you’re in high school, don’t worry. Most students switch their major during college. Even students who think they are sure about what they want to major in often change their mind. Shawna, a college sophomore, began college as a physics major but switched to electrical engineering. During her first semester, she discovered that
college physics “was all the things about my physics class in high school that I didn’t like. And my engineering class was all the stuff I actually did like.”
Majors and Graduate School
Some colleges offer advising programs — such as premed or prelaw — to students who plan on attending medical school, law school or graduate school. These programs are not the same as majors; you still need to pick a major.
College students who are planning to continue their education in professional or graduate programs often choose a major related to their future field. For example, undergraduates in premed programs often major in biology or chemistry. They don’t have to, though — as long as students fulfill the course requirements of the graduate program they want to enter, they can major in any subject they like.
Majors and Professions
If you specialize in something like nursing, accounting or engineering, you're learning a specific trade. Many majors, however, prepare you to enter a range of careers once you graduate. For many students, picking a college major is not the same as choosing a job. It will be up to you to pick a career path you like. For example, a degree in English literature might lead you to a job in publishing, teaching, advertising, public relations or law, among other fields.
Remember, you're not alone when choosing a major. Ask academic and peer advisers for help.
A Just-for-Fun: Career Aptitude Test
http://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/career‐aptitude‐test.php
This section provides you with a comprehensive list of scholarship and financial aid information with a listing of the school, criteria, and
deadline that relate to the scholarship.
If you are interested in any of the following scholarships, please circle the scholarship(s) of interest, write your name on top of this sheet and bring it to
the Counseling Center. We will then provide you with the appropriate information.
Meijer Scholarship Award: Up to $10,000
Criteria: Awarded to seniors who may work at Meijer store or have a parent or guardian who works at a Meijer store. Awards are based on financial need, academic standing, a statement of aspirations and goals, and the applicant’s community involvement. Applications can be found at
http://meijerscholarship.egrant.net
Deadline: Must be submitted by 5:00 pm (EDT) on April 1, 2014 Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship
Award: $500
Criteria: Must be committed to pursuing an education and career in a law enforcement field at an Indiana college or university, must be a current member of the association or a dependent/grandchild of a current member, must enroll as a full-time student, must have taken ACT or SAT. Please come to the Counseling Center for an application.
Deadline: April 1, 2014
Peter Pasula Study Habits Scholarship Award: $500
Criteria: Must be attending a post-secondary institution by fall of 2014, a student can be enrolled at any level in any program 2 years in length or longer, students must answer the essay question on the website application form by going to
http://www.mortgagebrokersburnaby.com/apply.php Deadline: April 1, 2014
Delaware County Farm Festival Scholarship Award: $500 annually
Criteria: Applicants must provide two years of service to the Delaware County Farm Festival. Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, leadership qualities, and community
involvement. Students must enroll in the College of Agriculture, or Business, preferred 3.0 GPA, have agriculture background or work experience, must submit an essay on how you plan to use your major in the chosen career. Additional information can be found at www.farmfestival.org. For an application, please come to the Counseling Center.
Deadline: May 15, 2014
Tri-Kappa Scholarship (Kappa Kappa Kappa Philanthropic Sorority of Muncie)
Award: $2000
Criteria: A high school student who is completing his/her senior year
and has maintained a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, and a combined score of 1050 on the math and critical reading sections of SAT or an ACT Composite Score of 23 or
better. Selection is based on scholastic excellence, high school leadership activities, participation in community/church
activities or employment history and financial need. Eligible students must attend an Indiana College or University for the academic year 2014-2015. Please come by the Counseling Center for an application.
Deadline: Candidates must submit their completed application forms and supporting materials by March 21, 214 (Postmark by March 20). U.S. Bank Scholarship
Award: $1,000 or $5,000
Criteria: Available to high school seniors or current undergraduate college students enrolled by September 1, 2014 at an eligible two- or four-year college or university. Winners will be selected at random. Please visit
https://www.usbank.com/community/financial-education/scholarship.html for an application Deadline: May 29, 2014 by 5:00 pm (CST)
Indiana Oil and Gas Association Scholarship
Award: Dependent on applicants and available funds
Criteria: Must have 3.0 GPA or higher, have financial need determined by the scholarship committee, plan to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry, be attending college in the fall of 2014, be a
pursuing a bachelor’s degree with preference given for Earth Sciences, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Geology. Must submit a short essay. For an application, please come to the Counseling Center or download one at
www.inoga.org.
Deadline: Applications and essays must be submitted by April 1, 2014 Muncie Rotary Club’s Morrison Galliher Self-Reliance Award
Award: $500
Criteria: This award is given each year to Delaware County, Indiana graduating high school seniors who have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives, demonstrated remarkable self-reliance and will be graduating this spring. Award recipients are students who have risen above a variety of different problems and
persevered. Application must also include two reference forms (must be completed by at least two current or former
administrators, counselors or teachers who personally know the student). For an application packet, please come to the
Counseling Center.
Deadline: Return to the Counseling Center by March 19, 2014 Dr. Ferrell W. Dunn Memorial Scholarship
Award: To be determined by the committee
Criteria: Must be a graduate of a Delaware County High School, be enrolled in an accredited premedical or medical school in the U.S., must demonstrate a desire to study and practice medicine, financial need, and scholastic achievement consisting of a 3.0 GPA or higher, preference given to students entering or
continuing medical school. For more information and to pick up an application, please come to the Counseling Center.
Deadline: April 1, 2014
Making Dreams Happen Scholarship Award: $1,000
Criteria: Must be a senior in Delaware County school, possess a GPA of 2.5 or better, be in good standing, have been accepted by an accredited vocational school, college, or university in Indiana to begin study in Fall 2014, and submit a completed application package by the deadline. Please come to the Counseling Center for an application.
Circle City Classic Scholarship Award: Unspecified
Criteria: Awarded to high school seniors and students currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution who exhibit outstanding
leadership, scholarship, and community service. Emphasis is placed on financial need and first generation students.
Scholarships are funded by proceeds of the Circle City Classic Football Game and are payable upon recipient’s full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Applicants must complete an application, including a one page Personal Statement Essay and references. For more information and to access an application, please visit www.indianablackexpo.com; click Circle City Classic, then Scholarships.
Deadline: April 4, 2014
2014 College and Scholarship Fair
When: Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Where: Northwest Community High School, 5525 West 34th St. Indianapolis What: Unlike a traditional college fair, this fair will provide students the
opportunity to receive admission and college scholarships on-site in addition to meeting admissions and financial aid representatives from more than 80 universities and colleges across the country. Students who wish to apply for any scholarships should bring: copies of their transcript, ACT/SAT score, two letters of
recommendations, students other than academic (including band, athletics, etc.) should bring a video/audio tape of other
extracurricular activities. Last year, universities awarded over $8 million in scholarship assistance to local area college bound students. ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOME!
IPFW Campus Visit Day
When: Sunday, April 13, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Where: IPFW Campus- Walb Union
What: Register at www.beamazedbyipfw.com or call admissions at 800-324-IPFW
Earlham College Admitted Student Event
When: April 6-7 or April 13-14. Registration is from noon to 1:00 PM. Where: Earlham College
What: Students offered admission to Earlham are invited to attend one of two Admitted Student Events. Whether students are ready to celebrate their decision to attend Earlham or are still considering Earlham as their final choice, these special events blend fun and information. Students have the option of staying overnight on Sunday evening in a residence hall as a guest of a current student. To register, please visit
http://www.earlham.edu/admissions/visit/admitted-student-visit-days/preview-day-registration-form/or call 1-800-EARLHAM Ball State Spring Preview Day
When: April 12, 2014
Where: Students will meet at the Welcome Center in Lucina Hall
What: Students and their families are able to attend an admissions session and participate in a student-guided walking tour of campus. Visitors even see a residence hall room along the way. Please plan to spend approximately three hours on campus. Enjoy a free lunch! Please visit https://bsu-uga.edu.185r.net/survey/index.php?time=2014-04-12%2007%3A45%3A00&id=231&timeID=87&filter=63 to register for the event.
Mrs. Julie Maugherman
Director of Guidance & Counseling [email protected]
765-285-2341
Samantha Floyd/Johanna Hillgrove Counseling Center Assistant
[email protected] 765-285-2341
This is only a small list of the thousands of scholarships that are available. We encourage you to browse www.fastweb.com or check out individual college websites for corresponding scholarships. Once on the university’s home page, click on Prospective Students or Financial Aid or Scholarships in order to view available information. If you have specific colleges or universities in mind and are still having trouble, please contact us at the Counseling Center for further assistance.
