Counselor Newsletter–January 2016
Regina Taylor,
A-F / Kristen Wilson,
G-O / Monica Lewis,
P-Z / Jessica Zeitz,
Testing Coordinator / Sara Swinford,
Social Worker / Sandra Simmons,
Registrar
Checklist:
Create a FSA ID in order to complete the FAFSA FSA ID Link
Complete and submit your FAFSA at See theDecember Senior Sting for information needed to complete the FAFSA.
Submit other financial aid applications that may be required by colleges you plan to attend.
Apply, apply, apply for scholarships.
Submit your FAFSA now! The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of being eligible for thousands of dollars in student aid. Students who file by mid-January have the best chance of receiving these funds. If 2015 taxes have not been filed parents can use estimates based on end-of-year paystubs and 2014federal tax returns.
Free, Professional FAFSA Workshops – Save the Dates!
WCHS FAFSA Workshop - You are invited to attend a FAFSA workshop on Tuesday, January 12at 6:30 p.m. in room 112. Kate Ware (Director of Student Financial Planning, Midway College) will walk you through the process of completing the FAFSA and provide you with one-on-one assistance completing it!
College Goal Kentucky (formerly College Goal Sunday) – This program is offered throughout Kentucky on multiple dates and provides families with assistance completing the FAFSA. The closest workshop to Versailles is at Martha Layne Collins High School 801 Discovery Blvd, Shelbyville, KY 40065 Library/Computer Labfrom 5pm-7pm.Students will need to bring a parent and their completed 2015 federal tax forms. If tax forms have not been completed, then bring 2014 federal tax forms and a final 2015 paycheck stub. For more information and a detailed list of College Goal Kentucky offerings throughout the state, go to
Avoid Common Financial Aid Mistakes
Many students and parents spend more money for college than they need to because of the following common mistakes:
- Not filing the FAFSA because you think you will not qualify. This can hurt your chances of getting more free college money. Several need- based scholarships require copies of your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) for consideration.
- Not searching for scholarships or filling out scholarship applications due to time constraints. Set aside time!
- Waiting until the last minute to apply for financial aid. Many programs have deadlines and/or limited funds.
Top Financial AidScholarship Resources
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Financial Aid Offices/Websites of Individual Colleges
- Church/Religious Organizations
- Fraternities/Sororities
- Professional and Service Organizations
- Parent Employers
- Student Employer Tuition Assistance Programs
- Local Scholarships
- FREE Scholarship Searches
Federal Student Aid: Basic Information
- Basic FAFSA info:
- Dependency status for FAFSA:
- How aid is calculated (including link to detailed EFC info:
- Fill out the FAFSA:
Types of Aid/Getting Aid:
- Types of financial aid:
- Who can get federal aid:
- Pell Lifetime Eligibility:
- Scholarships:
- Loan interest rates and fees:
- Avoiding Scams:
Repaying Loans:
- Loan Repayment:
- Income-Based Repayment:
- Pay As You Earn:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
- Loan forgiveness (general):
- Loan forgiveness (teachers):
College Prep:
- College Preparation Checklists for Academic and Financial Preparation:
- Why go to college (education and pay/unemployment rates):
Special Audiences:
Social Media:
- @FAFSA Twitter:
- Federal Aid YouTube channel:
- Federal Aid Facebook page:
Deadline / Scholarship / Description
January 7 / GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship / In honor of the legacy and character of President Ronald Reagan, this program annually rewards up to 20 college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with up to $40,000 per recipient. Apply at
February 26 / Big Ass Scholars Program / New scholarship program provided by Big Ass Fans. Apply at
February 8 / University of Kentucky Athletic Trainer / Available to a Senior student who holds a 2.75 or above and has an interest in a career in the medical field. Please see link /userfiles/589/UK%20trainer.pdf
February 15 / WACE / 160 merit scholarships awarded to students with a 3.5 GPA and accepted into a WACE Partner Institution i.e. University of Cincinnati. For a list of other eligible institutions and to apply, visit
February 15 / James B. Heird Scholarship / Awarded to a graduating student from a high school in Owsley or Woodford counties who is graduating in the upper 10% of the class and be pursuing a career in the medical profession or closely related area of service. Students must also show a financial need.
February 28 / Kentucky Farm Bureau Scholarship / Awarding 83 county and state college scholarships to high school seniors who are the children of a Kentucky Farm Bureau member. Must have either a 3.5 grade point average or a minimum 23 ACT score. Apply at
March 15 / Woodford County Conservation District/Agricultural National Resource / Applicants must be a resident of Woodford County Who plans to study agriculture or related science in a KY college, university, or technical college. Must have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
March 15 / Woodford County Conservation District Community/Technical/ Trade / $500.00 per semester will be awarded to a graduatin senior who is a resident of Woodford County planning to enroll in a KY community/technical/trade school, majoring in agriculture related field, and demonstrating financial need.
March 15 / WKU Biotechnology S-STEM Program / Western Kentucky University is awarding 6 incoming freshman up to $10,000 per year depending on financial need. Students must have a 3.2 GPA and 23 ACT composite. Selection based on a combination of financial need, academic merit, and interest in a career in biotechnology. Apply at
June 10 / Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants Scholarship / Awarding $1,000. Submit an essay on the topic that appears on the application page. Apply at
June 17 / BigSun Athletic Scholarship / Offering a $500 scholarship to a deserving student athlete, regardless of which sport you participate in. Visit
- Info for parents (tax benefits, support your child, college costs):
- Aid for military families:
Test Date / Deadline / Late Fee
February 6 / January 8 / January 9-15
April 9 / March 4 / March 5-18
June 11 / May 6 / May 7-20
Stop by the Guidance Office to pick up an
ACT and/or SAT practice test.
Subject / ACT / COMPASS / KYOTE
English / 18 / 74 / 85
Math / 19 / 36 / 22
Reading / 20 / 85 / 20
Please see your counselor if you have any questions