2004

Make it To College - Learn About South Dakota Scholarships

If you're from South Dakota and plan to go to college in your home state, check out the Dakota Corps Scholarship and the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. These scholarships were designed to help keep South Dakota's best students in the state.

Dakota Corps Scholarship Winners of the Dakota Corps Scholarship get their tuition and generally applicable fees completely paid for them for their entire eligible college career! What's the catch? You must:*

• Graduate from a South Dakota high school.
• Have at least a 2.8 GPA and an ACT score of 24 or more.
• Attend a participating South Dakota college.
• After you graduate, work in South Dakota for the same number of years you received the scholarship, plus one.
• Enter a critical need occupation:
  • Teaching K-12 music, special education, or foreign language or high school math or science; or
  • Working as a Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse, or in other allied health care fields.

If you meet these requirements, visit www.state.sd.us/dakotacorps/default.html to learn more. Winners of this scholarship are chosen from the pool of qualified applicants . If you have questions, contact EAC's Marlene Seeklander at 1-800-592-1802, ext. 4318 or Marlene.Seeklander@eac-easci.org .

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship If you are awarded the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, you could receive up to $5,000 over four years of college. To qualify, you must:*

• Be a South Dakota resident.
• Have an ACT of 24 or more.
• Complete the Regents Scholar Curriculum.
• Attend an NCA-accredited South Dakota college.

To learn more about these requirements or to apply, visit http://www.sdbor.edu/sdcollegeprep/financial/scholarships/index.cfm or call 1-866-COL-PREP. If you meet all of the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship requirements, you will be awarded this scholarship .

*These lists summarize requirements; more complete information can be found at the web sites listed above.

Make it To College - Taking the ACT/SAT

A very important part of getting into college is taking the ACT and SAT assessment tests. These tests are designed to provide colleges a good idea of what you learned while in high school and help them predict how well you may perform in college. Here are some tips that will help you give the very best impression to the college of your choice.

• Every high school student should take the ACT, even if you aren't sure that you'll end up going on to higher education.
• Taking the SAT provides schools with another source of information on you, and is required by some colleges.
• Take the test(s) in spring of your junior year - this gives you plenty of time to retake the test if you want to try for a higher score.
• Put advanced classes on your class schedule. The further you go in math, science, and English classes in high school, the more you'll know when the ACT/SAT tests what you've learned.
• Prepare for the test(s). Download the free guide, Preparing for the ACT, at www.actstudent.org/testprep/ and take advantage of a free full-length SAT practice test at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/newsat/prep/prep.html. Both sites also provide preparation services for a fee. Be sure to think seriously and consult your parents before spending your money.
• Learn about test dates and registration at:
  • ACT - www.actstudent.org
  • SAT - www.collegeboard.com
• Get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and do your best on test day.

Get a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov

• Electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Renewal FAFSA, which dramatically reduces processing time.
• Make corrections to your FAFSA information online.
• View the status of your FAFSA on the Web.
• View and/or print a copy of your Student Aid Report, the listing of your FAFSA information.
• Find your student loan information on www.nslds.ed.gov.
• Sign your student loan Master Promissory Note electronically (if your school and lender participate).

How to Get a PIN

Make it To College - Time Management

High school is a busy time. In addition to school work, sports, activities, and maybe a part-time job, you have to plan for college. To make sure you stay organized, you must learn to manage your time well. The tips below can help you out.

• Use a daily planner. Whether it's a calendar or simply a notebook, have one place to write down homework assignments, appointments, and deadlines.
• Prioritize. You may not have time to participate in every club or activity. Choose those most important to you and make time for them.
• Ask for help. Know someone who always has it together? Ask him or her for help organizing your schedule.

Don't Waste Your Money on Financial Aid Help

All of the information and help these companies offer can be found completely free of charge from:

• Your high school counselor
• College financial aid offices
• EAC at 1-800-874-9033, fas@eac-easci.org, or www.eac-easci.org

Why spend a thousand dollars (or more) for information that is free? Check out a reputable source and save that money for the many expenses of college.

Saving Your Summer Earnings

1. Save as much as possible in a college fund. Every little bit helps when you get to college. Set a goal, like saving enough to buy your own books, and celebrate (cheaply) when you meet it.
   
2. Stock up. Things like shampoo, soap, and cosmetics can really eat into your budget while you're in college. Why not take some of that summer money and make sure you've got your favorite shaving cream on hand when you leave for college?
   
3. Pay some bills in advance. Make an early car or insurance payment. It will provide you with a safety net later, and help you get ahead.
   
4. Have a little fun. After all, we don't want Jack to be a dull boy. Go mini-golfing, spend a day at the beach, or plan a picnic. Just don't blow all that hard-earned cash! You won't believe how fast it can go at college.

he secret to living well in college and beyond is knowing how to handle your money the right way. Financial mistakes made during your college years can follow you for the rest of your life. Learn now how to stay in control.

Budget is Not a Four-Letter Word
A budget (call it a "spending plan" if that works better) is simply a way to keep track of the money coming in (from a job, scholarship, or Mom and Dad) and the money going out (tuition, rent, car payments). Having a budget is how you can make sure your rent money (and spending money) is there when you need it.

Credit Can Crush You - If You Let It
Credit cards are everywhere on campus. Believe it or not, you can get through college without one. However, if you decide to get one, make sure you:

• Discuss it with your parents first
• Find the best deal, including a low interest rate and no annual fees
• Get only one card
• Keep the credit limit as low as possible
• Use it for emergencies only

Student Loans Take A Long Time to Pay Back
It seems great - you borrow money for college now and you don't start paying it back until you leave college - and then you've got ten years to pay them off. What's very important to understand is that every dollar you have to pay toward student loans is taken from the kind of house you'll be able to buy, the kind of car you'll drive, and the lifestyle you'll be able to lead. Do your future self a favor - borrow only what you absolutely need.

Use these tips to stay on track financially - you'll thank yourself later.

Choosing the Right College

If you're a junior, it's time to seriously start thinking about what college would be the best fit for you.

1. Figure out what you want to be when you grow up
   Knowing what career you will be pursuing makes it much easier to know which type of college offers the right degree.
2. Select a college type
   Think about the different kinds of colleges:
   • State colleges and universities
   • Private colleges and universities
   • Technical schools
   • Local community colleges
   The right type of college for you will depend on the degree you are looking for, finances, and other factors.
3. Consider the practical things
   It's very important to think about:
   • Cost
   • Financial aid package
   • Placement rate
4. Know your personal preferences
   Some considerations may just be what suits your personality:
   • Close to home or far away
   • Small town or large city
   • Student housing availability
   • Student-to-faculty ratio
   • Athletic/extracurricular programs
   • Religious affiliation
5. Start visiting colleges
   Finally, visiting the campus is a great way to get a feel for how you might fit in there. Make sure you:
   • Speak to a financial aid administrator
   • Visit a class in the field in which you plan to major
   • Attend a game, concert, or play
   • Check out the dorms, library, and cafeteria
   Following these steps will help you make a college choice you can live with.

Award Letters - The Next Step to Financial Aid

What is an award letter?
Award letters come from the college's financial aid office and outline the financial aid package you will receive at that college.

How can I use my award letter?
Use your award letters as a factor in determining the right college for you. Use EAC's How to Compare Award Letters (http://www2.eac-easci.org/resources/awardcalc.pdf) to help you determine your cost of attendance for each college.

What do I do now?
Once you've made a final college choice, complete that college's award letter:

• Accept the aid you are interested in - especially scholarships, grants, and work-study offers.
• Decline any loans you don't absolutely need.
• Sign the award letter.
• Return the award letter to the financial aid office.

You are now one step closer to becoming a college student. Congratulations!

Am I a Dependent Student?

• Was I born before January 1, 1982?
• Will I be working on a masters or doctorate in 2005/2006?
• Am I married?
• Do I have a child(ren) who receives more than half of his or her support from me?
• Do I have any dependents other than children or a spouse?
• Are both of my parents deceased or have I been a ward of the court?
• Am I a veteran?