2008
Hot Topics for High School Students

Dakota Corps Scholarship Priority Date Reminder

If you are planning to apply for the Dakota Corps Scholarship, keep inmind that your application should be postmarked by February 1 to receive priority consideration. To learn more about the Dakota Corps Scholarhip, visit http://www.state.sd.us/
dakotacorps/default.html.

Web Site to Know: College Goal Sunday

Are you a senior thinking about college next year? Are you planning to apply for financial aid? Then visit www.collegegoalsd.org today to learn more about College Goal Sunday. This event, taking place in 13 locations across South Dakota, provides you with one-on-one guidance as you (and your family) complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Check it out today!

Web Site to Know: FAFSA4caster

Now there is a great web site for high school juniors to get a preview of the financial aid application process, including an estimate of your financial aid eligibility. Just visit www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov and try out the FAFSA4caster today!

The site provides three sections:
A - Understand the basics of getting started with financial aid.
B - Use the FAFSA4caster.
C - Learn what to expect next.

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Web Site to Know: Mapping Your Future

Mapping Your Future (http://mappingyourfuture.org) is an excellent source of information about planning for your career, and preparing and paying for college.

And if you have been there before, be sure to check out Mapping Your Future’s all-new look!

It’s About the Bottom Line

Cost is a major factor to consider when choosing the right college for you. It’s easy to look at the total tuition and fees cost and decide which college is “least expensive.” But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. To determine how affordable a college will be for you, you’ll also want to take a look at the financial aid package the college is offering.

Use EAC’s “Compare Award Packages” worksheet at https://www2.eac-easci.org/resources/awardcalc.pdf and see the complete picture.

Understanding the Types of Degrees

As you consider what kind of education you want to pursue after high school, it’s important to understand the different types of degrees you can earn:

Certificate/Diploma – Earned upon the completion of a short-term course of study.
Associate’s Degree – A degree earned after about two-years of full-time study, or 60 credits.
Bachelor’s Degree – A four-year degree, if you attend full time, or 120 credits.
Master’s Degree – An advanced degree earned after a Bachelor’s. May vary from 36-60 credits.
Doctorate – Advanced and intensive study. This is the degree earned by doctors, lawyers, and other advanced professionals.

Web Site to Know: Your College Web

If you’re a senior heading off to college next year, now is the time to familiarize yourself with your college’s web site. Especially be sure to check out the following pages:

Financial aid
Your field of study
Your extracurriculars, such as athletics or music pages
Housing/Meal plan information
Helpful services, such as counseling and tutoring

Registration, Orientation, and Housing

The summer after you graduate is a busy time for college-bound students. Be in close contact with your college, and ensure that you have:

Gone through the registration process. Do your best to get into classes that will move you closer to completing your degree, but be sure to explore areas that interest you too!
Signed up for on-campus orientation, which will give you a chance to know your college a little better, plus you’ll meet your new classmates.
Completed your housing applications, if you’ll be living on campus. If not, make sure you have housing lined up.

Contact your college for more information.

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2007

TOPICS:
Decision Making
FAFSA on the Web
Maintain Your E-mail Address
Protect Your Identity
Should I Take the PSAT?
The Financial Aid Process - From Start to Finish
Web Site to Know: Going 2 College
Web Site to Know: PIN
What Are Fall Planning Days?
What is the FAO?
Juniors:
  January: First Generation College Students
  March: Understanding the Types of Colleges
  April: Will you Meet Academic Requirements
  May: Be Credit Card Smart
Seniors:
  January: FAFSA Time is Here
  March: Award Letters
  April: Understanding Student Loan Types
  May: Tips for Succeeding at College

2006

TOPICS:
Mapping Your Future's Top Ten Tips for Completing the FAFSA
Reminder: South Dakota Corps Scholarship Deadline Approaching
Get a PIN: Personal Identification Number
Saving for College
Juniors: Get Involved
Juniors: Scholarships - The Easy Way
Seniors: Visiting Colleges
Seniors: How Reciprocity Can Save You Money

2005

TOPICS:
Resources for Students with Disabilities
Completing the FAFSA
Parents: It's Time to Let Go!
Job Shadowing
ACT vs. SAT
Watching Your Money at College
Stay Safe Online
Why Should You Take the PSAT?
Money: It's the Small Things
How Do I Contact the Financial Aid Office?
Avoid Over-Borrowing
Protect Your Identity at College
Using Your Award Letter
Parents: Teaching Your Child about Credit Cards
Make It to College - Your Student Aid Report
Make It to College - Visiting the Campus
Parents: Preparing for an Empty Nest
Thinking About Attending an Out of State College?
Make it To College - Complete the FAFSA

2004

TOPICS:
Make It to College: Learn About South Dakota Scholarships
Make It to College: Taking the ACT/SAT
Get PIN at www.pin.ed.gov
Make It to College: Time Management
Saving Your Summer Earnings
Manage Your Money at College
Choosing the Right College
Award Letters: the Next Step to Financial Aid
Am I a Dependent Student?
How to Get a Scholarship
Don't Waste Your Money on Financial Aid Help

2003

TOPICS:
Identity Theft: It Can Happen to You
The Military: Is it Right for You?
Free Financial Aid and Scholarship Help
What is Expected Family Contribution?
What is Reciprocity?
Cell Phones and College
How to Save Money at College
Credit Cards: Advice for Parents
Financial Aid Help for Students and Parents
Credit Cards: The Consequences

2002

TOPICS:
Credit Cards: Are You Ready?
Watch Out for Financial Aid Scams

2008 Hot Topics for High School Students