SIGNATURESCHOOL
SENIOR GUIDANCE BULLETIN
NOVEMBER, 2002
Dear Juniors/Seniors and Parents/Guardians:
Previous newsletters can be found at under the counselor’s section. If you would like to be on an email distribution list to receive this newsletter monthly, please make your request at (notice there is no “n” at the end) and reference the student name in the subject line.
General Information
Be certain to check the guidance bulletin board on the 5th floor hallway frequently for information on scholarships, colleges, college campus days, and college admission visitation dates.
College and scholarship applications must be completely filled out before turning them in to the counseling office. The guidance section will then be completed and an official copy of transcripts, test scores and other information requested by the institution will be prepared. I REQUIRE FIVE (5) WORKING DAYS TO PREPARE THIS INFORMATION BEFORE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE. THIS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. When you are ready for an application mailing, include your completed paperwork, a check for any fees required, and a stamped, addressed envelope. This will ensure that applications are submitted in a timely and efficient manner.
WHAT’S NEW
The National Youth Science Camp is an intense month-long camp for young scientists the summer after they graduate from high school. Two students from each state are invited by their governor to participate in this all expenses paid program. Contact for more information.
A SENIOR PARENT MEETING REGARDING THE FAFSA HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 8, 2003 AT 6:30. THERE WILL BE A FINANCIAL AID REPRESENTATIVE THERE THAT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FAFSA PROCESS. THIS IS A VERY INFORMATIVE MEETING, SO PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW.
College admission visits
The fall admission rep. visits are winding down. There are still several scheduled to visit our school. We have received some very valuable information by attending these meetings. Again, parents are welcome to sit in on these visits also.
Tuesday, November 5, 2002EarlhamCollege10:30
Thursday, November 7, 2002Rose-Hulman8:30
Tuesday, November 12, 2002USI10:30
Wednesday, November 20, 2002Indiana State University1:45
Monday, December 2, 2002PurdueUniversity1:34
TESTING INFORMATION
ATTENTION JUNIORS: IT’S TIME TO START REGISTERING FOR THE SAT/ACT.
SIGNATURESCHOOL CEEB CODE: 150966
Registration packets are available in the counseling office or you may register on-line.
You will need the above CEEB Code to register for the SAT/ACT. Please make a note of it. Many scholarships require SAT and/or ACT scores, so plan to register for an early test date
ACT – Registration fee: $25.00
Late Registration fee: $40.00
ACT Test DateRegistration Deadline
December 14, 2002November 8, 2002
February 8, 2003January 3, 2003
April 12, 2003March 7, 2003
June 14, 2003May 9, 2003
SAT – Registration fee: $26.00
Late Registration fee: Additional $16.00
SAT Test DateRegistration Deadline
December 7, 2002November 1, 2002
January 25, 2003December 23, 2002
April 5, 2003**February 28, 2003
May 3, 2003March 28, 2003
June 7, 2003May 2, 2003
**Subject tests (SAT II) offered each testing date except this one.
SCHOLARSHIPS INFORMATION
Detailed information about scholarship opportunities, applicant criteria and deadlines are printed in monthly senior bulletins as they are received by the counseling office. Information will not be repeated in future newsletters. See Dr. Gibson if you are interested and meet the qualifications of any of the listed awards.
School Scholarship Information
FranklinCollege
Numerous scholarships available from full tuition, fees and room and board to the Deans Scholarship. This school also has an Outstanding Junior Scholarship: Juniors must score a 55 or better on each section of the SAT, be in the top 10% of the class or have a 3.5 GPA. The award is $6000-$11,000.
MarianCollege
Numerous scholarships are available from 3,500 per year to full-tuition awards. See the guidance office packet for Marian for more information.
IndianaUniversity
The Minority Achievers Program (MAP) award or the Mathematics and Science Scholarship (MASS) awards scholarships to students of underrepresented ethnic groups at IU pursuing a baccalaureate degree in specific academic areas. The MASS awards focus on the science and math majors. More information available at
DePauwUniversity
The Holton Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and/or exceptional service to their school, family, church and community. Awards range from 1,000 to full-tuition. Deadline is February 1, 2003.
BethelCollege
Scholarships available for Woodwind, brass, percussion and string performers, vocalists and pianists. Auditions Feb. 7, 8, March 15, and April 26.
University of Southern Indiana
USI has numerous scholarship opportunities for interested students. Details can be obtained from their Financial Assistance Planner located in the counseling office at SignatureSchool or by contacting their Department of Financial Aid.
PurdueUniversity
Offers numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships. They will also be visiting our school on December 2, but encouraged students to go ahead and apply for admissions as soon as possible.
Other Scholarship Information
GirlsGoingPlacesCollege Scholarship Program
Awarded to 15 girls who demonstrate budding entrepreneurship; are taking the first steps toward fiancial independence; and make a difference in their school and communities. Awards range from 1,000-10,000. Deadline is February 28, 2003. Find out more at
Junior Achievement Walt Disney Company Foundation Scholarship
Applicant must plan to attend a four year university, must declare a major in business administration or fine arts. Application postmark due date Feb. 1, 2003.
Junior Achievement Joe Francomano Scholarship
Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, must exemplify achievement, leadership, and college and career potential. Deadline postmark date is Feb. 1, 2003
Junior Achievement Office Depot Scholarship
Applicant must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, must exemplify achievement, leadership, and college and career potential. Deadline postmark date is Feb. 1, 2003
AAATravelHigh School Challenge
Provides $156,000 in college scholarships to top winners from the Hogan Family Foundation. The first phase is web-based. In January, students can log onto where you will take a timed, multiple-choice travel and geography test. The five students with the best scores in each state will advance to the next round which involves a written test. Each state winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and advances to finals at Universal Studios in Florida.
Knights of Pythias Educational Assistance Program
Student must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Student must submit SAT and/or ACT scores. Include a typed essay (600 words or less) about yourself and your goals after graduating from college. Student must also included a second essay (600 words or less) regarding his/her need of financial assistance. The awards are $1,000 each with an application deadline of January 25, 2003.
Bristol-Myers Squibb/Mead Johnson Scholarships
Each of these awards consists of a total of $20,000 payable in yearly installments of $5,000. The applicant will obtain five letters of recommendation, a completed application and a transcript. This material is due February 15, 2003.
Toyota Community Scholars Program
Awards renewable scholarships valued at $10,000-$20,000 over four years to outstanding students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who best exemplify outstanding academic leadership and dedication to community service. The nominee must have initiated or be actively involved in a service program that addresses a school or community need. The SignatureSchool can nominate only one student for this scholarship. Students interested in being nominated should submit a letter to Dr. Gibson by November 15, 2002.
The DuPont Challenge, 2003 Science Essay Awards Program
Deadline of January 24, 2003. Go to the following website and check out all of the details. An application is available to download at the site.
The National Federation of Independent Business
$1,000 non-renewable scholarships given to a minimum of 100 students (nationwide). These are not based on financial need. Students must complete a 3 page application including an essay on the importance of free enterprise and a question on how they have demonstrated entrepreneurial achievement. Postmark deadline of March 15, 2003. Students may download an application at
Attn: Class of 2004
Discover Card Tribute Award Scholarship
Awards nine state and nine national scholarships to juniors with at least a 2.75 GPA who are multi-talented, take the lead, have overcome obstacles and who are giving back to their communities. Applications are available in the counselor’s office or can be downloaded from the website: The deadline is January 10, 2003.
The Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union
Offer ten $1,000 scholarships to seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 with parents are guardians who have been members of ETFCU for at least one year prior to the Feb. 1, 2003 scholarship deadline. Applicants are required to submit an essay, two letters of reference, and the application form available through the counseling office. All materials need to be submitted to the counselor by January 27, 2003
Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship
Available through the spring. Pick up an application at Eastland Mall at the “Market Place’ across from Merle Norman cosmetics. More information available at
Richard C. Lugar Minority Scholarship
Each school can recommend two seniors from their school. In March, 2003, they will award two $20,000 and eight $4,000 scholarships to the finalists. Eligible students must meet the following criteria: be a minority high school senior (African American, Hispanic or Native American), Intent to enroll in and Indiana college or university, have a combined SAT of 1000 or higher, and have a “B” average or higher. Interested students should submit a letter to the counseling office by November 25.
Burger King Scholars
SignatureSchool will be nominating one senior for the Burger King Scholars program. The eligibility criteria are as follows: GPA of 2.5-4.0; works an average of 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year; demonstrates participation in community service/co-curricular activities; demonstrates financial need. If you qualify for this award, please let Dr. Gibson know in writing by November 15, 2002. More details are available at
SOME FINAL DETAILS
Juniors need to start thinking about college campus visits in order to narrow down the list of colleges to apply to next fall. Look at the individual college homepages to see their preview days typically scheduled in the early spring and make arrangements to go. This is an excused day from school when you bring verification of your visit to the office.
There are lots of career, college and financial aid resources on the Internet. Below are some websites for you and your parents to check out. If you do not have access to the Web at home, you may use our Internet access at school:
Scholarship search sites:
(United Negro College Fund)
In addition, be aware of scholarship scams. Check out these sites to find more information:
Hard copies of the senior bulletin will always be distributed via Mr. Lynch’s Government/Economics classes. If you or your parent would like a copy emailed, please send a request to reference the student’s name in the subject line and you will be placed on our email list. Thank you.