1. Applying to College & Paying for College
BHS Counselor Ginger Ulmer

2. What Do I Do First?
Narrow your choices to three schools. Tour and view college websites. Listen when college recruiters visit.
Base your choices on major, distance, and cost.
Apply for those three schools by December.
-Online applications
-Paper Applications available in the
counselor’s office.
Some schools require an application fee. ATU and UAFS do not.

3. What Do I need to be admitted?
ACT or Compass Scores.
G.P.A./Transcript
Shot records
Once you apply either Ms. Ulmer or sign on her board you need ACT,Shot record, and transcript mailed. or text

4. So I have applied now what?
Compare the schools you have applied to and make certain they offer the major you desire. Once you apply you will receive letters of acceptance or further needed documents.
Fall transcripts aren’t available until Jan.
Final transcripts are available by May 25th

5. ACT, Grades, & Housing -Take the October and December ACT.
-If your scores aren’t high enough for admissions take the compass.
-In January begin your final decisions to begin applying for housing. Most require a $ housing deposit. It is a separate application.
-Finish strong with grades. Students don’t want to miss out on scholarships or being admitted due to poor grades.

6. Now How Do I Pay for College?
Financial Aid Resources
Grants (Income based and available through the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid- not available until Jan 1st).
Scholarships-Academic/Private
Work Study
Loans (must pay back)
Be looking for the BHS Financial Aid Workshop at the end of February. Fin-Aid reps from UAFS & ATU onsite

7. What About the Academic Challenge?
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship funded by the Arkansas Lottery is available January 1, The Universal Application applies students for several state scholarships including: Academic Challenge, Governor’s, Governor’s Distinguished, the Go Grant, Teacher’s Opportunity Grant, and many more.

8. When Can I Apply For Scholarships?
APPLY NOW FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!!
-Academic/ACT Based differ for each school.
-Private/Foundation Scholarships
-Check each potential schools Financial Aid webpage for scholarships.
-Some have separate applications and some do not.

9. Be Aware of Scholarship/FAFSA Scams
-The FAFSA is Free! In January when you begin applying make certain you use If it does not end in “gov” it’s a scam and will charge you.
-There are several free scholarship searches. If it requires a fee it’s most like a scam.

10. Great Scholarship Sources
-Individual colleges Financial Aid webpages - - -
-Ms. Ulmer’s webpage and bulletin board
- (click on high school then counselor)

11. Seek help from your counselor!
-Currently meeting individually with each senior to discuss college plans.
-Even if I haven’t called in your student if he/she needs help please or have them sign my board.

12. Thank you for attending!
Congratulations to you and your senior. You have an exciting year that will go quickly. Let’s have a great year and get ready to celebrate in May!!