Counselor’s Corner
by KATHY ARENDT, COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELOR
Spring is a very busy time for high schools. TAKS English/Language Arts testing is scheduled for March 1, 2011. The week of April 25 to 29 is the TAKS Math, Science and Social Studies tests. Seniors should be finishing their college applications and should begin to focus on scholarships and financial aid.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) became available on www.fafsa.gov on January 1, 2011 for our seniors. Hays CISD encourages all seniors to complete the FAFSA this spring. March 1 or March 15 are common deadlines for colleges for FAFSA submission. Seniors graduating in the top 10 percent of their senior class must complete the FAFSA by March 1, 2011, to be considered for the $2,000 Top 10 percent Scholarship from the Higher Texas Coordinating Board.
Hays High School and Chapa Middle School have hosted three very successful Financial Aid Saturdays recently. There will be one final Financial Aid Saturday, hosted by Lehman High School on March 5 from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Scholarships are another source of funds for college. We really encourage our seniors to take advantage of the various scholarships available in our area. The Local Scholarship Application for Hays CISD has been available for three months and covers many organizations such as the Buda Lion’s Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Athletic Booster Club. The final deadlinefor this local application is March 22, 2011. Applications are available in the Career Center and should be turned in to Hays High School Career Counselor Kathy Arendt or Lehman High School Career Counselor Allison Tillotson. There are many other scholarship applications available in the Career Center and in the Scholarship Bulletin posted on the Hays High School website.
As the economy continues to stagnate and many educational cuts are pending, diligence in applying for financial aid and completing scholarships is more important than ever. The counselors at the high schools are here to be of assistance. We encourage you to ask questions and seek our help.
Kathy Arendt is the Lead Counselor at Hays High School.
