College Corner

College Application Process
Find out the steps you need to take at Wheeler to apply to college.

College Visits
College Admissions Counselors visit Wheeler to talk to interested students. Juniors and Seniors who are interested in attending one of the sessions, should get a pass from Counseling prior to the date of the session so that you can leave class to attend.
List of College Visits

Scholarship List

GACollege411.org
This is a great resource to help plan for college. Includes career info, student planner, info about Georgia colleges, online applications and transcripts, info about paying for college, Ga College savings plans, and more.

HOPE and FAFSA
The FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed when applying for state and federal aid and many college-specific financial awards. Also, the FAFSA may be used for the HOPE Scholarship Program.

The paper version of the FAFSA is available in the Counseling Office. Georgia Student Finance Commission encourages parents to use the on-line version of the FAFSA because it is easier and faster. Check www.fafsa.ed.gov.

If the only type of financial aid for which you are applying is the HOPE Scholarship, only complete the HOPE Scholarship and Grant Application The eHOPE may be completed on-line (www.gsfc.org/ehope) or you can download a paper copy and mail it.

Eligibility for the HOPE requires an 80 cumulative average in the core academics for students graduating on the college prep curriculum.
An 85 cumulative average in the core academics is required for students graduating on the career tech curriculum. The program pays for a student’s tuition, mandatory fees and $150 per semester books through 127 attempted hours at a Georgia public post-secondary school. Students who attend a Georgia private post-secondary school are eligible for $3,000 per academic year for the first 30 hours attempted. For information about the HOPE Scholarship, visit www.gsfc.org

College Admission Essays
Here's a great link full of helpful advice on writing a great essay for college admissions http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills/9406.html

Free ACT practice questions
This site has study tips and ACT questions with detailed answer explanations.
http://www.actexampracticetests.com

PROBE College Fairs
A good way to speak with representatives from many colleges at once is to attend a PROBE or college fair. The PROBE tour travels around the state of Georgia from September to November every year and provides the opportunity for students and parents to speak with over 100 college representatives as well as representatives from the Georgia Student Finance Commission. For a complete list visit the PROBE website.

SAT & ACT
The SAT or ACT are required by for admission to college. Click here to learn more about these tests.

Scholarship Web Sites (Most of theses sites do scholarship searches; many of them also have general college information.)  

HOPE Scholarship- www.gsfc.org- Information on HOPE and other GA Student aid programs.

Georgia Applications & Career Advisement - www.usg.edu/ga-easy - Information on Georgia public colleges and universities; financial aid information; links to state scholarship websites; apply online to multiple GA schools with a single application.

Scholarship Scams (Federal Trade Commission)  www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/scholarship

Other Financial Aid & Student Loan Web Sites
FAFSA- FREE APPLICATION FOR STUDENT AID- www.fafsa.ed.gov- FAFSA can be completed online.  (All students applying for HOPE and/or other financial aid must submit the FAFSA.)  

SALLIE MAE – www.salliemae.com - Sallie Mae is a major provider of loans to college students. Financial planning information, apply online for loans.

STUDENT LOANS – www.estudentloan.com - matches specific student needs with loan programs.

STUDENT AID FOUNDATION – www.srudentaidfoundation.org - Low interest college loans for Georgia Women who are full-time college students. No interest accrues while in school.

StudentEdge
A Web-based resource for college and career planning. This resource is available 24/7 through any computer that has Internet access. StudentEdge helps students and families:  

• Find the optimal college on all levels—academic, social and financial
• Maximize college affordability with a scholarship search and financial aid tools
• Prepare for the SAT, ACT and PSAT with FREE, customized, award-winning online courses
• Explore the right career path based on their interests and talents
• Answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the college admissions process, entering the workforce or joining the military through articles and downloadable podcasts
• Ability to win money through scholarship contests   It's easy to get registered! 
  

1. Go to www.mystudentedge.com
2. As a first-time user, you should select the option “New User.” All new users should enter Wheeler's Access Code:  YTJSKLBY
3. After users submit their access code, they complete the registration form. All fields are necessary to register, including e-mail.  

College Information Web Sites
COLLEGE BOARD – www.collegeboard.org - online registration for SAT/PSAT, test preparation, scholarship search, college planning information, essay and application tips, online applications.

Here's a great link full of helpful advice on writing a great essay for college admissions http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills/9406.html

PRINCETON REVIEW- www.princetonreview.com - information on SAR, SAT I, PSAT; test tips & strategies plus a practice SAT; online application access; school match scholarship search.

PETERSON’S EDUCATION CENTER- www.petersons.com - college search, test preparation, financial aid information free practice ASVAB  (vocational aptitude) test.

KAPLAN – www.kaplan.com                                 

ACT – www.act.org

Latest College Rankings by US News & World Report- www.usnews.com

International universities are available at – www.universities.com  

SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION–www.sss.gov-18 year old males; must register to receive HOPE.