January 25 - 29, 2010

This week

• Feature — Scholarship scams
• Your turn — Paying the bills
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Scholarship scams

There’s no fool-proof method for identifying scholarship scams, but some warning signs include guarantees of winning, statements that anyone who enters is eligible, and high-pressure tactics. Watch out for the following well-known scams:

The free seminar. Be wary of communications inviting you to an interview or free seminar at a nearby hotel, activity center, or even a school. Often, these seminars are sales pitches for financial aid/scholarship consultants who charge for their services.

Ego stroking. You receive an offer to see your name and achievements in print for a fee, as well as a chance to compete with others in the directory for scholarship awards. Check the fine print before signing on the dotted line. These scholarships typically only cover 5–10 percent of all entries.

Pay to play. A letter or e-mail indicates that you have already won a scholarship. However, it states that you have to mail in a "shipping and handling fee" or pay taxes on the award up-front.

Notification by phone. All scholarship organizations notify winners by writing. Even calls from organizations by a scholarship sponsor are followed with written notification.

Time pressure. Be wary of phrases such as "first-come, first-served" or others that pressure you to make an immediate decision.

The name game. This scam uses official sounding names with words like national, federation, administration, or bureau (for example, the National Federation of Education, the Bureau of Educational Administration, or State Scholarship Federation). Just because it sounds official doesn’t mean it is. Ask your counselor if in doubt.

No phone number. As a general rule, legitimate organizations and foundations include a phone number on scholarship application materials.

False sponsorship. The Better Business Bureau and federal agencies do not endorse private enterprises. Personal information requests. Never share your bank account number, credit card number, or Social Security Number. None of these are necessary in order to process or award private scholarships.

Application fees. For the most part, scholarship foundations are nonprofits and cannot charge an application fee.

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Your turn

Paying the bills

Financial aid can help you significantly in getting an education — it definitely beats "working your way" through school. In 2006, a student earning minimum wage would have to work 55 hours per week, every week of the year in order to pay the tuition, fees, and living expenses of two semesters at a typical public university.

When would you have time to go to class?

Source: TG EduFacts (www.tgslc.org/edufacts/2006/edufacts_0906b.cfm)

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen

Here are some factors to consider as you make your course choices for your sophomore year:

• Select classes that are both challenging and appropriate. You want to choose the most difficult class you can handle, but you also want to do well. Your teachers and your counselor can assist you.
• Find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests.
• If you already have some colleges in mind, review the list of courses that the colleges say are required for a student to be considered for admission.
• Talk to older students about the classes that they have found beneficial.

For sophomores

As the month comes to a close, it is time to start considering what courses you will choose for next year. Look over these factors to consider as you choose your classes:

• Challenge yourself. You want to choose the most difficult class you can handle, but you also want to do well. Your teachers and counselor can assist you.
• Take additional academic classes. Courses in English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages look good on a college application.
• Find elective courses that will allow you to further your interests.
• If you already have some colleges in mind, review the list of courses that the colleges say are required for a student to be considered for admission.
• Talk to older students about the classes that they have found beneficial.

For juniors

It is time to start considering what courses you will choose for your senior year. Consider these factors as you choose your classes:

• Review your list of prospective colleges. What courses are listed as "required" for admissions purposes?
• Choose solid academic classes. These include English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages.
• Colleges look closely at the list of the courses taken during the senior year. Admissions representatives look for students who are taking strong academic classes in preparation for college.

For seniors

Here are a few hints about college interviews:

• Dress in clean, pressed casual clothes. Avoid jeans. There is no need to wear a suit.
• Be prepared. Take a transcript and resume with you.
• This is the opportunity to share information that was not covered in your application.
• Be yourself. Don't try to be what you "think" the college wants.
• Follow up the interview with a thank you note.

For parents

Parental involvement in the course selection process is vital. Here are some hints for you:

• Carefully read all literature sent home by the high school regarding the procedure for course selection.
• Find a time to talk with your teenager and review all the materials together. Encourage your child to take challenging courses.
• Be aware of course prerequisites.
• If you have a sophomore or junior, investigate any Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses that would be appropriate for your child's abilities.
• Seek advice from your teen's teachers. They know your child's abilities, work ethic, and study habits.
• Research college admission requirements.
• Provide all parent signatures required by the high school on course registration materials.
• If you will have a senior next year, you might want to request a conference with their counselor to make sure they have met all graduation requirements.

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Take notice

Important 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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