RHS

Letter of Recommendation: Students should provide a resume and complete a recommendation form (you may pick one up from your counselor) and give at least one week notice to the person who will be writing the recommendation

One of the best sources of scholarship and financial aid information is the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at the college to which you are applying. Be sure to visit each college’s website and follow that individual school’s instructions regarding required forms and deadlines.

Other helpful information on scholarships and financial aid can be found at www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.com. Scholarships vary by qualifications and deadlines.

While searching for scholarships, be mindful of scholarship scams. These companies are sometimes difficult to spot and charge fees for their services. To protect yourself, read the valuable information at http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml

Never attend presentations guaranteeing free scholarships!!! Never pay $$$$ to apply for scholarships!!!!

Q: Should I take easy classes in high school so my GPA will be high enough to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship?

A: NO!!! Taking easy classes in high school might get you a higher GPA but you won't be prepared for college and you'll be less likely to keep your scholarship after your freshman year. Take all the Math, Science and English classes you can get!

Q: While I'm in high school wouldn't I be better off working more to save money for college?

A: Not if your grades suffer from it! A HOPE Scholarship at a four-year institution is worth at least $16,000. That's like working to save $100/week, every week, for more than three years!

Q: Do I have to go to college right after I graduate to get the HOPE scholarship?

A: No. Students that meet all other eligibility requirements can take 16 months off before enrolling at a HOPE eligible institution.

Q: My college is using an ACT "super score" for admissions. Can I use it to qualify for the HOPE too?

A: No. Your highest composite score on a single test is used to determine HOPE eligibility.

To apply for the following scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can go ahead and get a P.I.N. today. A parent and the student, BOTH need to get a personal identification number at www.pin.ed.gov. Gather all your information for the FAFSA. Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, tax returns, other financial records indluding untaxed income, savings, investments etc. for parents and the student. Get your FAFSA filled out ASAP after January 1st. Priority deadline is February 15th. Filling out the FAFSA is FREE. Be sure to follow up on your FAFSA! Once processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), Review your SAR for corrections or updates.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP: 21 ACT/980 SAT or 3.0 GPA. Award: $4,000 for 4-year institutions; $2,000 for 2-year institutions (not to exceed the cost of attendance)

ASPIRE AWARD: $1,500 supplement to HOPE Scholarship: meet HOPE scholarship requirements AND parents' or independent student's adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on tax form.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY MERIT SCHOLARSHIP: $1,000 supplement to HOPE Scholarship: Must have a final GPA of 3.75 AND 29 ACT/1280 SAT.

Tennessee HOPE ACCESS GRANT: Award amount is $2,750 for 4-year institutions; $1,750 for 2-year institutions. Must have at least a final GPA of 2.75-2.99 AND score 18, 19, or 20 on the ACT AND parents' or independent student's adjusted gross income must be $36,000 or less on tax form.

WILDER-NAIFEH TECHNICAL SKILLS GRANT: Award amount is $2,000 (not to exceed the cost of attendance) Available to all persons who enroll in a certificate or diploma program at a Tennessee Technology Center and meet residency requirements. May be eligible for HOPE scholarship if student is intially HOPE eligible and enrolls at an eligible institution within 3 years of completing a TTC diploma program.

Visit www.TN.gov/collegepays for information on grants and scholarships and loan forgiveness.

See individual campus websites for more information on procedures and deadlines.

· All students who are interested in attending MTSU should apply for competitive scholarships by Wednesday, February 15. In particular, we recommend that they submit the DREAM Scholarship and Foundation Scholarships through the Financial Aid Office applications (both available at https://mtsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com).

· February 15 is also the deadline for Valedictorians and Salutatorians (with ACT of 23-26) to submit their rank to the MTSU Admissions Office, to be considered for a Valedictorian-Salutatorian Scholarship. (If you know your rankings will not be available by February 15, please let me know so that we can work out alternate arrangements!)

· February 15 is the deadline to submit International Baccalaureate verification forms to the Admissions Office.

· Additionally, students who qualify for guaranteed academic scholarships but missed the December 1 priority deadline may still be considered for academic scholarships, if funding is available and if they apply for admission by February 15.

-- Honors College Open House: High school students and/or transfer students and their families are invited to a Presidents’ Day Open House at the MTSU Honors College on Monday, February 20. The University Honors College at MTSU provides an Ivy League experience for high-ability scholars. The Honors College provides small classes, dedicated faculty, unique curricular and extracurricular experiences, award-winning arts and literary magazine, an Honors credit for Study Abroad, Governor’s school, Advanced Placement and IB credits. Intensive academic and social interaction between faculty members and students help to create a neighborhood of exuberant vitality. High school students must have a 25 ACT or higher and 3.5 GPA or higher to be qualified. For more information and registration information, including a printable flyer, go to: http://www.mtsu.edu/honors/OpenHouse.shtml.

--Music Scholarships: The MTSU School of Music has three scholarship audition days scheduled for January 27, February 18, and February 27. Students who audition may be considered for the many scholarships offered by the department, including both music performance and band scholarships; recipients are generally not required to major in music. Additional information is available at http://www.mtsu.edu/music/scholarships.shtml.

Gates Millennium Scholars: One thousand students will be selected based on the following eligibility criteria: are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American; are a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the U.S.; have attained a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.3; will be enrolling for the first time at a U.S. accredited college or university as full-time, degree-seeking first year student in the Fall of 2012; have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities; meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. (This can only be determined through the submission of a FAFSA). Must have all required forms completed and submitted by the deadline of January 11, 2012. For information, and application forms, visit www.gmsp.org.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriotic Audio Essay Competition: "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?" The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in school. You will record your original 3-5 minute essay on a cassette tape or CD. More information is available in the counseling office. Deadline is November 1, 2011.

Tennessee Concrete Association High School Essay Contest: www.tnconcrete.org

Scarlett Family Foundation: Applicant must plan to pursue a career in buisness and must demonstrate financial need. Minimum GPA of 2.5. Deadline: December 15, 2011. Visit www.scarlettfoundation.org for more information.

Vanderbilt's Top TENN Scholarship Program: All applicants whose class rank of first or second appears on the official high school transcript will be considered for this scholarship. If you wish to be nominated, please inform Mrs. Rodgers in the counseling office prior to December 16, 2011.

State Farm Good Neighbor Scholarship Program: Applicants must meet the following criteria: Plan to enroll full time at a two or four year college, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 to 3.20, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need. Up to 26 selected recipients will receive a $2500 award. Find out additional information, and apply online at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/statefarmgoodneighborscholarship/.

Mary Neal Alexander Scholarship: Student must be an incoming Freshman within the Human Sciences Department at MTSU. Applicant must declare a major in one of the Human Sciences areas: Family & Consumer Studies, Interior Design, Nutrition & Food Science, Textiles,Merchandising & Design. Minimum GPA of 2.5 and ACT 25. Deadline January 28, 2012. Applications available in the counseling office.

Christine & Roddy Memorial Scholarship: Applicant must declare a major in one of the Human Sciences areas: Family & Consumer Studies, Interior Design, Nutrition & Food Science, Textiles, Merchandising & Design. Minimum GPA of 2.8 or ACT 18. Deadline January 28, 2012. Applications available in the counseling office.

The Ditcharo and Johnson Orthodontics Scholarship: $500 award. Applicants must currently be in orthodontic treatment, or have completed orthodontic treatment by either Dr. Ditcharo or Dr. Johnson. Recipients will be determined based on essays, academic achievement, and participation in school and community activities. Applications available in the counseling office. Applications must be completed after the first semester of senior year is completed and must include at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher. Also, a 500-1000 essay must be completed on the following topic: How does your new smile give you confidence and how can this help you pursue your life and career goals? Applications must be turned in prior to March 16, 2012.

Optimist International Essay Contest: Students under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011. Students must submit their essay with a application form by January 18, 2012.. Topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community". Applications are available in the counseling office.

Heritage South Community Credit Union Scholarship: Applicant must be a current member of Heritage South Community Credit Union. Applicant must have demonstrated active participation in and service to the community in which they live. Applicant must have either been accepted or prove that they have applied to an accredited college or university. All applications must be postmarked or returned to the credit union no later than March 1st. Applications can be found at www.heritagesouth.org.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Scholarship: The Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc is offering a $1500 scholarship to an African-American young lady who will be graduating from high school in May 2012, and who plans to matriculate at a four-year college in the fall of 2012. Must have a 3.00 GPA, and ACT score of 23 or above, financial need, and three letters of recommendation along with an appropriate head shot photo. Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline for submitting all application materials is February 29, 2012.

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: This scholarship rewards collegebound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Applications are due February 17, 2012. Learn more about the scholarship and apply online at http://www.reaganfoundation.org/ge-scholarship.aspx .

Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors: Deadline is March 26, 2012. Turn in completed applications to Mrs. Rodgers in the counseling office. Applications are available in the counseling office.

The Richard Siegel Foundation Scholarship: 2.8 GPA, or a 20 ACT score and need financial assiatance. Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline is March 12, 2012.

Murfreesboro Credit Bureau Scholarship: Must pursue a major in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at MTSU; satisfy admission requirements to MTSU; possess a proven academic record; demonstrate good moral character. Deadline is March 16, 2012. Applications available in the counseling office.

Sheltia S. Murray Scholarship: Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and ACT score of 22. Deadline is April 30, 2012. Applications are available in the counseling office.

The Community Foundation Scholarship: www.cfmt.org - look under the heading Request. Online application can be completed and submitted electronically. Deadline to apply is March 15, 2012.

Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: Available to students who plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business, with an interest in the automotive industry. Deadline: February 29, 2012. Visit www.buickachievers.com for more information.

Middle Tennessee Electric Scholarship: Candidate must be a Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation member or a child of an MTEMC member. Deadline is February 15, 2012. For more information, visit www.mtemc.com

Rutherford Education Association Scholarship: Minimum GPA of 3.0; essay; 2 letters of recommendation; copy of transcript; ACT score; must major in education in college. Deadline is April 20, 2012. Applications available in the counseling office.

FriendSupport Scholarship: College scholarship awards are available to students whose parent or family member has experienced illness, financial crisis or a life-changing event. Email info@friendsupport.org for a Word document version of the application. Deadline is April 1, 2012.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship: Criteria: African American; Must enter college in the Fall of application; Accepted for enrollment in an accredited four-year college or university; GPA of 3.0; ACT score of 22; Member of National Honor Society. Deadline is March 5, 2012. Applications available in the counseling office.

Balanced Man Scholarship Tennessee Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon: This scholarship is for graduating male seniors that will enroll at The University of Tennessee Knoxville. There is no obligation for winners to join Sigma Phi Epsilon or any other fraternity at UT. Apply online at www.tnalpha.com.

Beta Theta Pi Delta Kappa Chapter Men of Principle Scholarship: This scholarship is for graduating male seniors that will attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Recipient of this award will be based on GPA, test scores, community involvement, and up to two interviews. Apply online at http://betavols.org/mpsonline.php.

JPJ Scholarship Fund: DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!! Criteria: Must be a minority high school graduating senior that plans to attend and has been accepted to a four year college. 3.0 GPA. Deadline: March 30, 2012. Applications available at http://www.jpjfoundation.com or in the counseling office.

Kerr Foundation Scholarship: GPA 2.5 or higher; applications available in the counseling office. Deadline is March 31, 2012.

Dorothy L. Stevens Memorial Scholarship: Minimum 3.0 GPA; ACT score 22; 2 letters of recommendation from people in the community; recommendation by teacher; official transcript; applicant must be a female of African American descent.Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline is March 31, 2012.

Middle Tennessee Network Association MTSU Alumni Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to three deserving MTSU bound high school seniors. Achievements in academics, financial need, good work ethic, community outreach and the understanding of the value of education will be considered in awarding the scholarships. Applications available in the counseling office. Postmark deadline is May 7, 2012.

Kappa Tau Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is offering a scholarship/book grant to an African-American female student that will graduate in May 2012. Student must plan to attend a 4 year college. Applications will be evaluated based on the student's GPA (3.00 or above on a 4.00 scale; ACT score of 23 or above), financial need, and three letters of recommendation along with an appropriate head shot photo. Applications are available in the counseling office. Deadline is may 10, 2012.