September 24, 2007

From: Mr. Mellody, Guidance Counselor, Scranton Campus

To: Members of the Senior Class

Re: General Information

CSS/FINANCIAL AID PROFILE:

PROFILE is a program of the College Board, a national nonprofit association of schools and school systems, colleges and universities, and educational organizations. Many colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award non-federal student aid funds. The College Board does not award scholarship money or other financial aid. By completing PROFILE, you are able to give a complete picture of your family’s financial circumstances, including explanations about special circumstances, on a single application. A complete list of colleges, universities and scholarship programs that use PROFILE can be found at collegeboard.com. Seniors are required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning on January 1, 2008 for federal and/or state assistance. The cost of the PROFILE is $25 for the initial application and the first report. Students will be charged $16 for each additional college or program to which you want information sent. PROFILE applications will be accepted beginning October 1^st at collegeboard.com. PROFILE guides are available in the guidance office.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Coca-Cola Scholarship:

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, established in 1986 by Coca-Cola bottlers to recognize outstanding seniors, will award 250 achievement-based scholarships. Fifty awards are for $20,000, payable in equal installments over a four-year period. The remaining 200 awards are for $10,000, also payable over a four-year period. Recipients are well-rounded individuals with highly developed interests in their community. Applicants are evaluated on demonstrated leadership in school, commitment to community and academic achievement. The scholarships can be used at any United States accredited college or university. Seniors must apply online at coca-colascholars.org. The deadline is October 31^st.

Horatio Alger Association:

The Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education and a desire to contribute to society. The association has three scholarship programs; Horatio Alger National Scholarship, Pennsylvania State Scholarship and Horatio Alger Franklin Scholars Program. The scholarships are given to deserving students each year and range in award value from $2,500 to $20,000. There is only one application for all three scholarship programs. Interested students may apply at horatioalger.com/scholarships. Application deadline is October 30^th.

The Official SAT Online Course:

The College Board website (collegeboard.com) is offering an online SAT preparation course. Students will receive 18 interactive lessons, six official practice tests, 600+ practice questions, answer explanations for every question, and immediate scoring of the essay. The course is flexible and allows students to use the program at home, school, or wherever they have a computer.

ELECTION DAY:

Election Day in Lackawanna County is Tuesday, November 6^th. The last day to register to vote on that day is Tuesday, October 9^th. Eligible students that have not registered and would like to vote may pick up a Pennsylvania voter registration application in the guidance office.

REMINDER:

October 2^nd is the regular registration deadline for the November 3^rd SAT Reasoning Test.