Financial Aid and Scholarships

A variety of financial assistance for post high school education/training is possible. There are three main types of financial aid: (1) Scholarships and Grants:money that you don't have to repay, usually based on financial need, (2)Loans: money that you can borrow at low interest rates, then repay after college, and (3)Work Study: part time jobs offered to you on campus.

1. First, as you fill out a college application, be sure to check any box showing that you want to be considered for financial aid.

2. Next, in January, get all of your tax return information organized early, because you will need it to accurately complete the FAFSA form. The FAFSA form is required by all colleges to determine if you'll qualify for federal aid and some state aid. This form is available on-line (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) or in paper version from the student services office. Regardless of the number of schools you apply to, you'll only need to fill out one FAFSA. The federal government encourages you to apply online as the process is speeded up and corrections can be made online. Aid is generally awarded on a "first come first served" basis, so you don't want any delay in the processing of your application. Even if you feel you will not qualify for any need-based aid because of your income, you probably should still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and organizations often want it verified that students are not eligible for federal or state aid before they award institutional and/or private funds. Note: Some loan programs also require completion of the FAFSA. Also remember to make a copy of your completed FAFSA before you send it in, to save for future reference. And obviously, be sure to keep a copy of your tax return forms.

If you would like personal help completing the FAFSA form, there is an excellent way to do that on Sunday, February 10th. Click here for details: COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY

3. Also in January, apply for LOCAL AND STATE SCHOLARSHIPS. All seniors will receive a letter about this in late December, with a brief application attached. There are 15 to 20 scholarships each year, from a variety of local sources (see below). The JMM Scholarship Committee will review these applications and award the local scholarships by May.

4. February-March: Approximately 3-10 weeks after you've mailed in your FAFSA or submitted the FAFSA online, you'll receive a SAR (Student Aid Report). A copy of your SAR is also sent to the colleges you designate on your FAFSA. Your SAR will tell you if you are eligible for a Pell Grant and it will also inform you of your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is the amount determined that parents can afford to pay for their son/daughter's education the following year. If the cost of the college is more than your EFC, you have a financial need and should be eligible for financial aid. This aid, however, may come in the form of loans.

5. March - April - May: You should ultimately receive a document called an "offer of financial asistance" from each college you have applied to. There will be a very important due date for your reply. Once you've compared colleges, respond to all by the due date.

6. In some cases, in addition to the FAFSA, some private colleges also require submission of the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. The PROFILE is not an application, but a supplemental need analysis document that is used to determine eligibility for private funds and institutional aid (aid made available by the individual colleges). PROFILE forms are available in the Student Services Office. Only complete this if the college you're applying to requires it.

7. If you're willing and able to do even more searching, check Memorial's MONTHLY SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN POSTINGS on our guidance website(below). Every week, all year long, Memorial is mailed announcements about scholarships being offered by corporations, colleges, and an assortment of private sources. Eligibility criteria vary from one scholarship to the next. We list these as we receive them, in the Scholarship Bulletin, showing essential details. Should you find a scholarship that you may qualify for, go to the Student Services Office and ask secretary Deb Kosloske for an application for that scholarship. Good luck!!!

8. While you're at it, consider using free search services like FASTWEB on the internet. (This Guidance Department strongly recommends that you never pay money for a scholarship search service).

9. Take a look at our favorite financial aid web links under HELPFUL INTERNET LINKS below.

Memorial High School is fortunate that a variety of state and local organizations give annual scholarship monies to Memorial High School graduating seniors. Each agency or organization sets the criteria, which must be met for the money to be awarded. The criteria vary widely, but most often relate to grade point average, service to school or community, leadership, character, participation in extra-curriculars, or some combination of the above. Two scholarships that people frequently inquire about are:

The Academic Excellence Scholarship: Given by the State of Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board. This is a four-year award worth $2250 per year, awarded to the top five seniors, and payable only if the student attends college in the state of Wisconsin. HEAB directs each high school to award this to seniors ranked number one in the senior class, as measured by cumulative grade point average through semester one of senior year.

The Wisconsin All State Scholars Scholarship: Given by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, the Wisconsin Foundation for Educational Administration, and the Wisconsin State Journal. This is a four-year award worth $1500 per year, awarded to the top three seniors in each graduating class, and payable no matter which state the student's chosen college is in.

Tie Breaking Procedure For The Academic Excellence Scholarship and The Wisconsin All State Scholars Scholarship: Often, Memorial will have as many as 25 to 30 students tied for this number one rank, all with cumulative GPAs of 4.0. Effective with the 2004-2005 school year, the top rank of those tied at the 4.0 GPA will be determined by using the highest composite ACT score (or highest converted SAT score), from a student's best single test date, (tests taken no later than December of senior year). If after using this test score approach, a tie still exists (i.e., six students all share composite ACT scores of "35") our committee declares that a deadlock exists. In this event, there exists no further method that would fairly and objectively separate one outstanding candidate from another. At this point the names of the students tied at each test score level would be entered in a random lottery. The lottery would be supervised by one of the Memorial principals, to yield a final rank ordering.

The following local service clubs/organizations generously provide a variety of other local scholarships to Memorial. Again, the criteria for winning the award varies according to the wishes of the donating person or agency:

Below is a copy of the letter that will be mailed to all seniors in December, 2008.

Each year, nearly twenty local organizations generously award scholarships to deserving Memorial High School seniors. The Memorial Scholarship Committee, a group of thirteen teachers representing each department, is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding these scholarships. Criteria for these awards vary, but most center upon academic achievement, leadership, school/community service, financial need, or a combination thereof. This notice alerts all seniors and their families to this opportunity. If you are interested, please read on and complete the attached application. In doing so, you will be considered for every scholarship that our committee awards.

The attached application asks for information that will enable the JMM Scholarship Committee to choose the most deserving student for each scholarship. Some scholarships are limited to students with specific characteristics, specific career goals, or financial need. Please complete the application as thoroughly as possible. If you leave an item blank, you may not be considered for a scholarship that depends upon that data element. (This is especially true of the parental income blank. You are free to leave this blank, but in doing so you will remove yourself from consideration for several needs-based scholarships.)

The committee will review applications between January 7th and April 29th. Announcements of the winners of the scholarships will occur April 30th, and the formal awards convocation will occur on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009.

If you wish to be considered for these scholarships, complete the attached application. Note that a personal essay is required. Send your completed application and essay to the Memorial Guidance Office no later than Wednesday, January 7, 2009. If you would like help completing your application, speak with your counselor. Other questions/comments may be directed to me at 663-6064. Best wishes to you all!!!

James Madison Memorial High School Local Scholarships Application
(DUE IN GUIDANCE OFFICE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009, PLEASE PRINT

Last Name: _____________________ First Name:___________________ Student ID Number: _____________

E-mail address (VERY IMPORTANT IF WE NEED TO CONTACT YOU) _______________________________

Student lives with: ___both parents ___parent/step-parent ___mother ___father ___guardian ___other

Parent/Guardian names: ______________________________________ _____________________________

Parent/Guardian occupations: _________________________________ _____________________________

Parent/Guardian place of employment: __________________________ _____________________________

Names/ages of brothers/sisters: ________________________________________________________________

Colleges you hope to attend: (1st choice) ________________________ (2nd choice) ____________________

Probable college major(s): ___________________________________________________________________

Career(s) that you are considering: _______________________________________________________________

Participation in Sports/Clubs/Organizations: (any participation from grade 9 thru grade 12)
Sport/Club/Organization: Month(s)/Year(s) that you were active: Were you an officer or leader?

Part time jobs you have held during grades 9 - 12:
Employer name: Job Title: Approximate months worked (From __ to __) Approximate hours per week:

Community Service: Unpaid Service Performed To Benefit Others at School or in the Community:
Description of the activity (Please be specific.) Month(s)/Year(s) that you performed the service: TOTAL number of hours of service Were you an officer/leader?

Are there any other examples of your leadership or service, not detailed above, that you'd like to describe here?

Do you have any kind of physical disability or learning disability? (Explain briefly)

Are there any special circumstances or hardship you'd like us to consider? (death of a parent, illness, loss of job)

The Memorial Scholarship Committee has several scholarships that are based on financial need. If you wish to be considered for these, you must provide the following information.

Parent's "adjusted gross income" from line 32 of tax form 1040: ______________________________________________

Do you qualify for free/reduced lunch? ________ Number of your bro/sisters also in college next year? _______

If parents are separated, do you receive financial support from both of them? ___________________________

Personal Statement Required: Attach a statement of 100 to 200 words: "What I'd like the Scholarship Committee to know about me."
Reporting Responsibility: Between now and graduation, if you are notified that you will be receiving any other scholarship, you must notify committee chair, Mr. Evenson in the Guidance Office.

DEADLINE FOR THIS FORM: THIS FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE, ALONG WITH THE PERSONAL STATEMENT, NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2009. (THE GUIDANCE OFFICE WILL ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPT.

How to apply for local scholarships? Seniors are mailed details and a paper application for these local scholarships in December of each year. The same application is posted just above this heading here on this website. For more complete information see the section above entitled, HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

December 4, 2008:
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT FOR SENIOR PARENTS
Memorial High School Auditorium
7:00 PM
Guest speaker:
Michelle Curtis, Office of Financial Aid, UW Madison
A "how-to" session on applying for financial aid.

SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN ’08-09 #1
September 25, 2008
We have recently received information about the following scholarships. If you wish to have further details and the application, go see your guidance counselor, or go to the guidance clerk, Deb Kosloske. Note the urgency of some DEADLINES.
Good luck!!!
_________________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
$ Amount of award: $5 to $50 Wendy’s gift cards; Up to $10,000 for your school and possible trip to NYC for Heisman Memorial Trophy Weekend.
Criteria: grade 12; 3.0 GPA; participation in one of 33 officially sanctioned sports
Deadline: October 1, 2008
Web site: http://www.wendysheisman.com/
Apply online; application must be verified by a high school representative.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: ScholarshipExperts.com
$ Amount of award: $1,000 to $5,000
Criteria: grade 9-12; Completion of essay and registration at www.scholarshipexperts.com
Deadline: September 30, October 31, November 9.
Web site: www.scholarshipexperts.com
Use caution when submitting personal information to a commercial scholarship service.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Wisconsin Title I Association Student Scholarship
$ Amount of award: $1,500
Criteria: grade 12; Title I/Chapter I Program
Deadline: February 17, 2009
Web site: http://wt1a.com/award_scholarship.html
The scholarships are available to students to further their education by pursuing a two-year certificate or four year degree. Students who apply must have been in a Title I/Chapter I Program sometime during their Early Childhood through Grade 12 school career. Public as well as private school Title I/Chapter I students are eligible to apply.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Air Force ROTC
$ Amount of award: Full tuition plus $900 for books
Criteria: grade 12
Deadline: December 1, 2008
Web site: http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/hsschol/types.php
The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program provides 3- and 4-year scholarships in three different types to high school seniors. The application process is the same for each type. Review the application website for details of ROTC obligations for award recipients. No obligation is required to apply.
___________________________________________________________________________
Scholarships from Individual Colleges/Universities
• UW-Stevens Point
Numerous freshman merit scholarships are available; for a complete list see http://www.uwsp.edu/foundation/scholarships.shtm and select the link for Freshman Scholarships or contact Jen Anderson Richmond, 102 Student Services Building, 715-346-
SEE OTHER SIDE
2443. Beginning this year, all scholarships will be awarded based upon the admissions materials received from USWP applicants. However, the Gordon M. Haferbecker Scholarship will require a separate application.
• Skidmore College
The Department of Music Filene Scholarship Competition is open to seniors interested in pursuing a liberal arts education at Skidmore; $40,000, four-year scholarships ($10,000 each year). At least four scholarships are awarded for each incoming class, with three of the awards being made solely on the basis of musical excellence, without regard to area of specialization. The fourth scholarship will be awarded to help meet the department's current ensemble needs. Scholarships are renewable with academic good standing and a recommendation from the Department of Music. It is not necessary to major in music.
See: http://www.skidmore.edu/academics/music/scholarships/Filene-index.htm
• University of Iowa
For information on these and other first-year scholarship awards at the University of Iowa, see http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/scholarships/first-year.htm . The following require participation in the Presidential Scholarship program.
Presidential Scholarship (University of Iowa)
– 20 awards
– Requires an ACT composite score of 30 or above (a combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1330 or above) and a cumulative high school grade-point average (GPA) of 3.80 or above on a 4.00 scale.
– The Presidential Scholarship Application* for fall 2009 must be postmarked by Dec. 12, 2008.
– Value: $52,000 ($13,000 a year for up to four years) through a combination of a $10,000 Presidential Scholarship and a $3,000 Old Gold Scholarship (below)
Old Gold Scholarship (University of Iowa)
– For the top 350 applicants in the Presidential Scholarship competition
– Value: $12,000 ($3,000 a year for up to four years)

SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN ’08-09 #2
October 27, 2008
_________________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Abbott and Fenner Business Consultants
$ Amount of award: $1,000
Criteria: Juniors and Seniors
Deadline: June 20, 2009
Web site: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on one of the two topics below. Your submission should be emailed to scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
• If you could have lunch with any famous person, either living or dead, whom would you choose and why? Describe your conversation at lunch.
• When you look back on your life in thirty years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful?
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: AXA Achievement Scholarship
$ Amount of award: $10,000 (1 per state); $25,000 (10 national awards)
Criteria: grade 12
Deadline: December 15, 2008
Web site: http://www.axa-achievement.com
Scholarships are awarded in conjunction with U.S News and World Report. Applicants are evaluated based upon their ambition and drive; determination to set and reach goals; respect for self, family and community; and ability to succeed in college.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Burger King Scholars
$ Amount of award: $1,000 (multiple)
Criteria: High school senior
Deadline: February 2, 2009
Web site: http://www.bk.com/scholars
BURGER KING® Scholars awards assist students who work part-time and excel academically.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Annual Brother Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest
$ Amount of award: $350 1st place; $150 2nd place
Criteria: High school juniors and seniors
Deadline: Mandatory informational meeting: October 31, 6-8:30 pm
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is holding its Annual Brother Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest in Madison, Wisconsin on November 30. The oratorical contest is open to ALL Madison area high school juniors and seniors. The topic is “The African American Male: Existing in a State of Crisis or Opportunity?” To enter, please attend the mandatory informational meeting: October 31, 6-8:30 pm at the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, Madison.
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Scholarships from Individual Colleges/Universities
• UW-Platteville Community Scholarship Program
There are no set eligibility requirements for these scholarships. Students accepted to UW-Platteville are encouraged to meet with their school counselor about this scholarship opportunity or go to http://www.uwplatt.edu/foundation/csp/ to apply. Memorial has 2 - $100 scholarships. Priority deadline is January 1, 2009.
• University of Minnesota Curtis L. Carlson Scholarship
Each year the University of Minnesota chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon presents the Balanced Man Scholarship to several male students exemplifying the Balanced Man ideal. The concept of the balanced man challenges members to excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement with the ultimate goal of becoming the future leaders of America. Scholarships total $2,250. See: http://www.sigepmna.org/index_files/bms.htm

SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN ’08-09 #3
November 19, 2008
We have recently received information about the following scholarships. If you wish to have further details and the application, go see your guidance counselor, or go to the guidance clerk, Deb Kosloske. Note the urgency of some DEADLINES.
Good luck!!!
_________________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: American Legion High School Oratorical Contest
$ Amount of award: $600-$18,000
Criteria: unspecified
Deadline: unspecified
Web site: http://legion.org/homepage.php
Participants in the American Legion Oratorical Contest develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and are better prepared for the acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, for the rights and privileges of American citizenship. A single main speech topic related to the United States Constitution will be required with a length of 8 to 10 minutes, as well as an "Assigned Topic" that must consume 3 to 5 minutes of presenter's delivery. For more details, see link above. For dates, sites and deadline information concerning local, district and state level competition, individuals should contact their local American Legion Post; email jill@wilegion.org.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Wisconsin Title 1
$ Amount of award: unspecified
Criteria: unspecified
Deadline: February 17, 2009
Web site: http://wt1a.com
The Title 1 Association offers scholarships to students who are/were in a Title 1 program.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: 2009 Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)
$ Amount of award: $1,450 per year (4)
Criteria: Seniors; parent(s) must be and active or retired WEAC member or parent(s) held a WEAC membership at time of death
Deadline: February 20, 2009
Web site: http://weac.org/
Applications available online to WEAC members only. GPA and class rank considered. One of the awards is designated for a student of color.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Engineering Foundation of Wisconsin
$ Amount of award: $1,000 (3)
Criteria: Seniors
Deadline: December 22, 2008
Web site: http://www.wspe.org/efw.html
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers, the EFW promotes engineering education through annual scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities and need.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: Air Force ROTC
$ Amount of award: Full tuition
Criteria: Seniors
Deadline: December 1, 2008
SEE OTHER SIDE
Web site: http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/hsschol/types.php
The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program provides 3- and 4-year scholarships in three different types to high school seniors. The application process is the same for each type. Complete the short online application by December 1 and then follow-up with required materials.
_______________________________________________________________________
Scholarship name: The American Legion
$ Amount of award: various
Criteria: various
Deadline: various
Web site: www.legion.org
The cornerstone of The American Legion's Education Assistance Program is its scholarship and financial aid guide. This 152-page booklet, updated annually, is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, veterans' dependents and members of The American Legion family. See copy in guidance.
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Scholarship name: McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship
$ Amount of award: up to $10,000 per year for 4 years (60)
Criteria: Seniors who have owned and operated their own business for at least 1 year
Deadline: January 25, 2009
Web site: http://mckelveyfoundation.org/apply/
Must attend a 4 year institution within the 50 states. Business must have at least one paid employee.

Scholarships from Individual Colleges/Universities
• UW-Platteville Community Scholarship Program
There are no set eligibility requirements for these scholarships. Students accepted to UW-Platteville are encouraged to meet with their school counselor about this scholarship opportunity or go to http://www.uwplatt.edu/foundation/csp/ to apply. Memorial has 2 - $100 scholarships. Priority deadline is January 1, 2009.
• Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University
The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis honors the student who embraces high ideals, whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence. Full and partial tuition scholarships available; see your guidance counselor for necessary recommendation. Deadline is December 1, 2008. See: http://admissions.wustl.edu/scholarships/programs/Pages/Danforth.aspx
• Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill: Robertson Scholars Program
The Robertson Scholars Program provides full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. These benefits last for four years. Scholars receive a laptop and have access to three summers of generous funding. The Robertson Scholars Program allows students to take advantage of the faculty and other resources of the two universities. It empowers students---generally 18 at Duke and 18 at UNC-Chapel Hill each year-- to make their own education. See: http://robertsonscholars.org/

The Downtown Rotary Club	The Family of Andrew Coombs
The Downtown Rotary Club Foundation	The Horizons Rotary Club
The Downtown Kiwanis Club	Rubin For Kids
The Madison West Lion's Club	The Estate of Ethel Mabie Falk
The UW Credit Union	The Estate of Joseph E. Hind
The TDS Corporation	The Family of William and Margaret Olson
UW Health: Odana Atrium	The Family of Dave McClain
The Family of Andy Gauss	The Family of Carolyn Taylor
The Downtown Kiwanis Club	The Sauk Trails Optimist Club
The Devine Family Foundation	The Bassett Foundation
The Estate of Albert Trathen	The Estate of C.R.Stein
The Estate of Theodore Herfurth	The Estate of Joseph D. Mason
The Estate of Genevieve Gorst Herfurth	The Estate of Victor Albright
The Family of John & Elizabeth Gregg	The Betty Perego Scholarship
The Family of Harold & Virginia Graham	The Estate of William McPyncheon
The West Towne Middleton Rotary Club	The Estate of Francis Drew Winkley
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Nelson	The Estate of Hazel Paschall
Friends of Dick Shimon	The Lindle Award
The Breakfast Optimists Club	The Estate of Fritz Kaump
The Family of Frank A. Zuerner	CUNA Mutual
The Estate of Ross M. Koen	Anonymous Sponsors of the Mathalete Award

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS