Spring Break. March 10-14

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1 Spring Break March FAFSA is available for completion on January 1st at 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 academic year, FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by midnight on March 10, *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 However, you can register for a PIN number at 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. ***For more information about the FAFSA process and the next steps to take after filing, please visit Seniors should also take a look at estudent ( 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!

2 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 twoyear 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.

3 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 aptitude test.php

4 Scholarships, Awards, & Financial Aid 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 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 Deadline: April 1, 2014

5 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 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: Deadline: 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 Please come by the Counseling Center for an application. 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 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 resident of Indiana and attending an accredited college, be

6 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 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. Deadline: Please return to the Counseling Center by March 21, 2014.

7 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 click Circle City Classic, then Scholarships. Deadline: April 4, 2014 College Fairs and Visit Days 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 34 th 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 or call admissions at IPFW Earlham College Admitted Student Event When: April 6-7 or April Registration is from noon to 1:00 PM. Where: Earlham College

8 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 call 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 12%2007%3A45%3A00&id=231&timeID=87&filter=63 to register for the event. This is only a small list of the thousands of scholarships that are available. We encourage you to browse 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. Mrs. Julie Maugherman Director of Guidance & Counseling jmaugher@bsu.edu Samantha Floyd/Johanna Hillgrove Counseling Center Assistant guidancega@bsu.edu