Counselor’s Corner

This site was last updated on 5/17/2010

            My name is Phil Goetstouwers, typically known by the students as Mr. G or Dr. Phil, and I am the counselor at Red Rock Central.  Since there is plenty of information that comes to my attention daily, I wanted to provide the same information to the students and parents in the most effective way possible. 

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - For most schools, complete by March 1st, 2010.

The financial aid and scholarship search links are located at the bottom of this page.

Seniors should set up a time with me to discuss post-high school plans.

 

College Rep Visits

(Sign up on Mr. G’s door and get a pass from Mr. G to be excused from class)

 

Search Majors and Colleges

www.MyMajors.com This is a great link to discover what might be appropriate majors for you.  Click on MyMajors – College Major Quiz.

www.collegeview.com This is a great link to discover what colleges might be a great fit for you.  Click on advanced search to narrow down your search.  This is a great site after you know what major(s) you are interested in.

 

College Fairs

 

Special College Event Days:

Alexandria Technical College:

          FREE PIZZA!  Monday, May 17th from 4-8 pm at Pizza Hut in    Marshall,      MN.  Visit with a college representative and register for            door prizes.

 www.alextech.edu  or call 888-234-1222 ext. 4520 to set up a visit.

                        Explore ATC – Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 4-7 pm.

 

Augustana College:  Special Visit Days

To Register for one of these programs call 1-800-727-2844 or go to AUGIE.EDU/ADMISSION

 

Bemidji State University: Campus Preview Days

          Register by calling 1-877-BEMIDJI (236-4354)

 

Crown College Christian Leadership Scholarship Days

          For eligibility requirements, application process and more

                   information visit www.crown.edu/leader

         

Crown College Christian Leadership Storm the Campus Days

          Check out campus, attend chapel, take a class, eat with students,     talk with professors and coaches.

 

Dakota State University: Discover DSU Days

          Visit www.dsu.edu for more information or register at    http://admission.dsu.edu or call 1-888-378-9988.

 

Gustavus Adolphus College: College fair

          www.gustavus.edu

 

Jamestown College Department of Nursing: Admission deadline is Feb.    26 and is limited to 30 students.  Must have minimum GPA of 3.25        and preferred ACT score of 24 to be admitted.  Visit www.jc.edu          for more information.

 

Lake Area Tech (Watertown, SD): Visit days

         

Lake Superior College:

 

Minnesota State University – Mankato

          Sign up online at www.mnsu.edu/admissions/openhouse or call

          1-800-722-0544

 

Minnesota West: For more information call 1-800-658-2330 or        www.mnwest.edu

         

Minnesota West Canby Campus: 

          Email  gus.condezo@mnwest.edu or call 800-658-2535.

          Scholarships due April 1st, 2010.

          For more information , contact: Katie Delaney at 800-658-2535 or           katie.delaney@mnwest.edu.

 

Minnesota West Granite Falls Campus: High Tech Tuesday. 

          Email andrea.mills@mnwest.edu or call 800-657-3247.

 

Minnesota West Pipestone Campus:  Contact them at    www.mnwest.edu/springfling or contact Laurel Berg at 507-825-         6815 or 800-658-2330 or email her at           laurel.berg@mnwest.edu

 

Mitchell Technical Institute:

          Call 1800-684-1969 or register at www.mitchelltech.edu

 

Morningside College: Open House

Register on-line at www.morningside.edu

North Dakota State College of Science: Special Event Days

 

Ridgewater College:

          RSVP to Kim Tensen at 320-222-7606 or        kim.tensen@ridgewater.ed

 

SCAD: The University of Creative Careers: The most comprehensive art     and design university in the world, has registered 14 courses of        study with the Hong Kong Education Bureau.  SCAD Hong Kong     will offer degree programs in advertising, animation, graphic      design, illustration, interactive design and game development,           motion media design, photography, and visual effects.  More information can be found at www.scad.edu.

 

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona

 

Southeast Technical Institute:

 

South Central College

          Also, scholarship deadline is March 5th.

 

South Dakota State University:

          Call them at 800-952-3541.

 

Stanford University: An eight-week summer college for emerging    scholars. June 21, 2010 is the first day.  Visit online at       http://summer.stanford.edu for more information.

 

The University of Minnesota-Duluth: Campus Visit Days

          (800) 232-1339 or www.d.umn.edu/admissions/visit.html

 

The University of South Dakota:

         

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

          For more information visit www.openhouse.uwm.edu

 

University of Wisconsin-Stout: Applied Science, Applied Mathematics,      and Computer Science programs.  Visit www.uwstout.edu for       more information.

 

Waldorf College: General information.

          All Waldorf students receive some type of scholarship.  More information can be found at www.experiencewaldorf.com .

 

Winona State University: Visit Days

          Call 1800-DIAL-WSU or email www.winona.edu     

 

 

 

List of scholarships available that I am currently aware of:

(All scholarship applications can be picked up in Dr. Phil/Mr. G’s office or online if there is a link listed)

Here are the basic questions many scholarships ask:

1.     Include basic information about yourself including name, address, and phone number.

2.     What are you plans for the future?  Include where you plan to go to college, what you intend to major in, and what you hope to be doing after you complete your post-secondary education.

3.     How have you been involved in school activities as well as how have you been involved in your community?

4.     Why should this scholarship select you?

The scholarships listed were last updated on 5/17/2010.

 

 

1.     Christopher Lee Miller Scholarship

a.     Eligibility: Any senior planning on attending a 2 or 4 year college.

b.     Requirements: None.

c.      Awarded Based on: In memory of Chris, this scholarship is intended for any student that is like Chris in GPA and effort.  A student whom exemplifies a good work ethic, regardless of GPA.

d.     Amount: There will be three $250 scholarships this year.

e.     Deadline: Faculty will vote after first semester.

2.     Great Clips Cosmetology School Scholarships

a.     Eligibility: Anyone interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology or barbering.

b.     Requirements:

                                                                       2.      Complete application.

                                                                       3.      Attach a one-page essay why cosmetology interests you.

                                                                       4.      Include a letter of recommendation from a professional, other than parents or relatives.

c.      Amount: $500 scholarships

d.     Deadline: May 31.

3.     2010 James J. Wychor Scholarship Program

a.     Eligibility: Students must be accepted or enrolled at an accredited post-secondary institution and enrolled in courses preparing them for a career in broadcasting or electronic media.

b.     Requirements:

                                                                       1.      A paper writing sample, minimum of 5 pages long.

                                                                       2.      Two letters of recommendation.

                                                                       3.      Send an official transcript.

                                                                       4.      Send a copy of acceptance from post-secondary school offering broadcast related curriculum.

                                                                       5.      Completion of a 500 word essay explaining why you want to pursue a career in broadcasting.         

c.      Amount: $1,500.

d.     Deadline: June 30.

4.     Wendy’s High School Heisman

a.     Eligibility: Men and women entering their senior year in the 2010-2011 school year with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and participate in at least one school-sponsored sport.

b.     Requirements: Complete applications at www.wendyheisman.com

c.      Amount: $500.

d.     Deadline: October 3, 2010.

 

 

 

Scholarships for Specific Colleges

 

1.     Alexandria Technical College

a.     Eligibility: Seniors planning to attend ATC.

b.     Requirements: Complete application at www.alextech.edu/foundation

c.      Amount: varies.

d.     Deadline: Be accepted and complete application by April 1st.

2.     Buena Vista University

a.     Eligibility: Seniors planning to attend Buena Vista.

b.     Requirements: Audition January 30th and February 20th.

c.      Amount: Five full tuition scholarships, four full tuition and double occupancy room and board, participation awards, honors programs that give students $2,000, and the Dean’s Fellowship Program including a $2,000 travel stipend.

d.     Deadline: January 30th and February 20th are the audition days.

3.     Northern State University

a.     Eligibility: Seniors planning to attend Northern State and hopes to receive a music scholarship.

b.     Requirements: Audition February 19th and 20th.

c.      Amount: $8,000.

d.     Deadline: Prior to February 19th.

4.     Texas Lutheran University: Pacesetter Award for College Excellence

a.     Eligibility: Seniors planning to attend TLU with a minimum GPA of 3.5.

b.     Requirements: Be admitted to TLU.

c.      Amount: $18,000.

d.     Deadline: February 6, 2010.

5.     University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management.  “Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship Fund

a.     Eligibility: Must have a 3.75 GPA and leadership experience.

b.     Requirements: Complete application.  Learn more about AKPsi at www.akpsionline.com

1.     Submit resume, activities list, or copy of U of M application.

2.     Submit transcript.

3.     Write an essay of no more than 500 words describing your goals or most memorable leadership experience.

c.      Amount:  Eight scholarships with the combined value of $100,000, which includes tuition and housing.

d.     Deadline: Submit the application to scholarships@akpsionline.com by January 29th, 2009.  Interviews would be on February 27.

6.     University of Minnesota

a.     Eligibility:

b.     Requirements: Complete application. 

c.      Amount:  3-$1,000 scholarships and a housing scholarship.

d.     Deadline: April 2, 2010 and then attend scholarship day on April 24 or April 25.

 

 

 

CLASS OF 2009 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AT RRC HONOR BANQUET

May 18, 2009

Name of Scholarship                                                    Student                                          

Chief-Hawk Student Athlete                                                       Abby Furth        

Christopher Lee Miller Memorial                                              Bevern Wani                                                     

                “                                                                                              Josh Erickson                                        

                “                                                                                              Cassie Peterson                                   

                “                                                                                              Mallory Friedley                                              

Daily Globe Worthington                                                              Emily Neperman                                 

                Outstanding Female Senior                                                                        

Dr. Gary D. Oltmans Memorial                                                   Kalen Manthei 

Esther Anderson Memorial                                                         Abby Halter

George & Alice Mann                                                                     Caitlyn DeCock 

Glen Meyer Memorial                                                                   Jordan Vollmer

L.A. Amundson – all locations                                                     Brian Benedict  

“                                                                                              Caitlyn DeCock                     

                “                                                                                              Tyler Derickson                     

                “                                                                                              Mallory Friedley                                 

                “                                                                                              Abby Furth                                            

                “                                                                                              Mitchel Grams                      

                “                                                                                              Abby Halter                                           

                “                                                                                              Jena Jorgenson                    

                “                                                                                              Jacob Miller                                           

                “                                                                                              Emily Neperman                                 

                “                                                                                              Cassandra Peterson                           

                “                                                                                              Jordan Vollmer                                

Lamberton American Legion Auxiliary                                     Emily Neperman                                 

Lamberton American Legion Post #41                                     Jordan Vollmer                    

Lamberton Reading Club                                                              Jordan Vollmer                

Masonic Lodge Sanborn matching fund                                 Cayla Sutlief      

MN LivestockBreeders' Association                                          Kalen Manthei 

Minnesota Masonic Lodge, Inc                                                  Cayla Sutlief         

Red Rock Central Education Association                                 Abby Furth                                            

                “                                                                                              Emily Neperman

Redwood Electric Cooperative                                                   Caitlyn DeCock   

Storden American Legion Auxiliary                                           Cassie Peterson                                   

Storden American Legion                                                             Jacob Miller                                           

                “                                                                                              Mitchel Grams                     

Storden Fire Department                                                             Elliott Sinnott                                        

“                                                                                              Mitchel Grams

Student Honor Loan Chapter                                                      Bevern Wani                          

                “                                                                                              Abby Furth                             

                “                                                                                              Jacob Miller                            

                “                                                                                              Mitchel Grams      

                “                                                                                              Caitlyn DeCock      

                “                                                                                              Jordan Vollmer     

                “                                                                                              Kalen Manthei                      

                “                                                                                              Emily Neperman                  

                “                                                                                              Abby Halter                            

                                   

First-year scholarships         =  $69,450 (includes college scholarships).

 

 

Career Links:

 

Challenging Careers in the Natural Resources Conservation Service:

            For more information on how to apply, contact your local NRCS office or      visit: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

            To see job opportunities, visit:   http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9nrcshqp.asp

 

(MCIS) Minnesota Career Information System
You can use MCIS to access thousands of sources of financial aid and scholarships. Go to "financial aid" to get an alphabetical list of financial aid sources and/or to "financial aid sort" to sort financial aid sources by various criteria (e.g., program of study, gender, race or ethnicity, etc.).   You will need to pick up the WHS username and password in the Counseling and Career Office.

 

 

Scholarship Links and Financial Information:

Minnesota College Access Network Scholarship Listings
Listings of MN scholarships for students of color, first generation college students, as well as diversity scholarships and scholarships based on income/living arrangements.

Fast Web
A scholarship search engine with a personalized mailbox.   Also contains tips on college search and financial aid process, as well as resources for test preparation.

CollegeBoard Scholarship Search
Search for scholarship using various criteria using a short questionnaire.  Includes option to search for grants, internships and loans.  More than 2300 sources, with nearly $3 billion in funds available.

Free Scholarship Search
Contains close to 170,000 scholarships.  Has links to many sites regarding college search and financial aid information.  Student can create a custom search.

FastAid
This site contains over 450,000 scholarships and is consistently updated.  Fastweb has a wonderful article regarding how to apply for scholarships, basic information on what financial aid consists of and includes links to several sites on college entrance and scholarship search. User may do a custom search and is able to select specific scholarships from the initial search and save them.

Guaranteed Scholarships
This site lists scholarships awarded by specific schools to students who qualify. These scholarships require no essays, interviews, or competition.

(MCIS) Minnesota Career Information System
You can use MCIS to access thousands of sources of financial aid and scholarships. Go to "financial aid" to get an alphabetical list of financial aid sources and/or to "financial aid sort" to sort financial aid sources by various criteria (e.g., program of study, gender, race or ethnicity, etc.).   You will need to pick up the WHS username and password in the Counseling and Career Office.

Scholarshiphelp.org

University of Minnesota Scholarship Search Engines
A long list of more scholarship search engines.

Wired Scholar
This website uses extensive questioning to narrow down criteria for scholarship eligibility. Many "unique" scholarship criteria.

Avoiding Scholarship Scams
Don't get taken in by phony scholarship search offers.  Check out this website first. 

 

CollegeZapps

New website on scholarships and ways to pay for college.    There is a new $5,000 scholarships.  Click under the “students” link.

 

FinAid! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans

This website has links to scholarships, loans, savings, financial aid, military aid, other types of aid, and financial aid applications.

 

Collegeboard

Another helpful website for scholarships, but it also helps students and parents find the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans, and college financing.

 

Go College

This website can be a student’s reference to finding money and getting the most out of college education.

 

FAFSA4Caster

FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process by providing you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid.  In addition, FAFSA4caster will increase your knowledge of the financial aid process and provide information about other sources of aid.

 

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

A link to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

 

 

 

 

NEW: Practice for college placement exams. 

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html

These sample items illustrate the types of questions students will encounter in the COMPASS® placement measures.

 

 

 

Summers Only:

T.R.I.U.M.P.H. –Transition Readiness Insights Useful for Moving to Post-Secondary Higher Education.  These are FREE CLASSES that prepare you for post-secondary education.  The academic offerings in math, writing, and reading will assist in improving your basic academic skills.  It may also assist you in improving your scores on your Accuplacer test in order to avoid taking remedial courses and paying for them.  The average cost of a remedial course will be between $300-$500 and depending on where you place on the Accuplacer, you may have to take up to three additional courses per subject.  TRIUMPH is free!  Information in this course includes: college preparatory skills, math, writing, reading, applications, registration, financial aid, Accuplacer test, time management, study skills, goal setting strategies, problem solving strategies, decision-making techniques, personal finances, effective communication, and self esteem.