This month

Volunteering

• Feature — Smart volunteering
• Your turn — Search for volunteer opportunities online
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Smart volunteering

One way to get involved is to volunteer in your community. But how can you get started? And more importantly, why should you do it?

Why should I volunteer?

• You can add volunteer hours to your college admissions applications.
  Volunteering sets you apart from other college applicants.
• Volunteering can expand your personal "network."
  It's a great way to meet leaders in your community, which can help you get into college and get a job later in life.
• Some college money comes from volunteering.
  Community involvement is a key requirement of some scholarships.
• It may be required.
  Putting in volunteer hours may be a requirement for high school graduation; check with your guidance counselor to find out.

How do I volunteer?

• Research the causes or issues important to you.
  Look for a group that works with issues you feel strongly about. If you can't find such an organization, start one yourself.
• Combine your goals.
  Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you reach your personal goals. For example, if you like animals and are thinking about becoming a veterinarian, volunteer to help out at the local humane society.
• Use your computer skills and talents.
  If you have computer skills, there's a lot you can offer to organizations in your area. If you like creating Web pages, offer to create one for your church, child care center, or other worthy organization. If you're creative with graphics and design, offer to produce invitations, posters, and other documents.
• Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering.
  Bring your heart and sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with an enthusiastic spirit.

Source: "Ten Tips for Volunteering Wisely" from the USA Freedom Corps

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Web quest

Search for volunteer opportunities online

Visit the following Web sites to learn more about causes and to find volunteer opportunities near you.

• SERVEnet
  Through SERVEnet, users can enter their ZIP code, city, state, skills, interests, and availability and be matched with organizations needing help.
  www.servenet.org
• Network for Good
  The organization's goal is to connect people to charities via the Internet — using the virtual world to deliver real resources to nonprofits and communities.
  www.networkforgood.org
• VolunteerMatch
  VolunteerMatch is a leader in the nonprofit world dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer.
  www.volunteermatch.org

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen

Begin researching colleges and careers:

• News articles, charts, and graphs that feature college and financial aid information can teach you about current trends in higher education.
• Clipping articles about hot jobs and future career needs may help you choose your career.
• Investigating the courses and education required for emerging careers can help you choose high school courses.
• Start a file for the materials you collect.

For sophomores

More volunteering

• Help others by volunteering at assisted living facilities, food drives/soup kitchens, and charity events.
• Volunteer to help tutor at an elementary school in your area.
• Help a favorite teacher at your school put up bulletin boards, collate papers, etc.
• Go to a child care center after school to read or play with children.

For juniors

Here are some things to do as you search for the college you want to attend:

• Call the college's admissions office prior to a campus visit. The staff will help you make the most of your time on campus and will provide suggestions on what to do and where to go.
• Even if you have been on the campus before, take a tour. You'll get a thorough view of the campus and tour guides are a great source of information. It is also helpful to meet other prospective students and listen to their questions.
• Meet with an admissions representative. He or she will review the college's admission criteria and help you understand the application process. This could be the same representative who reads your application next year.
• If you have an idea of the major you might choose, you may schedule a meeting with an advisor from that particular department. The advisor can answer specific questions for you about a degree program.
• If the college permits, visit a class.
• Ask to see the inside of a residence hall.
• When you return home, you may want to make notes about your observations. Also, if a college admissions representative or other advisor was especially helpful, it is appropriate to write that person a note of thanks.

For seniors and parents

Financial aid deadlines are approaching for many schools. Check with individual schools for information. Also, remember that you may be eligible for state aid even if you don't qualify for federal aid. Here are a few upcoming state deadlines:

• To view all the state deadlines, see the U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA Deadlines (www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm).
• Note that state forms do not replace the FAFSA. You should complete and submit the FAFSA by June 30 to receive federal student aid.

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Take notice

Important dates

Mark down these dates.

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) or call (866) 756-7346.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

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