College Prep Guide 2013 by Billings Gazette

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WhErE arE yOur drEaMS takinG yOu? Let EOC help you create a path to your goals... rovid the EOC provides

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servicess:

• Pre-college and college admissions, financial aid and career information.. • Academic, career and personal counseling • Career exploration and interest inventory services • Assistance with pre-college preparation, adult basic education • Choosing a college/major • Securing scholarships and defaulted d student loans Billings • Butte • Flathead ReseRvation • gReat Falls • havRe • helena • Kalispell & liBBy • Missoula • RocKy Boy ReseRvation

Call Michelle Gasek for assistance EOC Site Coordinator, Billings

406.281.5109

email: gasekm@billingsschools.org 2

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

LinCOLn CEntEr 415 n. 30th St. Billings, Mt 59101 www.msun.edu/grants/eoc

Paying for college and figuring out financial aid isn’t easy. But the truth is, we get it! It’s our job. We can help! Student Assistance Foundation offers staff at campus outreach offices around the state to help students and families realize their dreams of higher education. Visit SmartAboutCollege.org to learn more. - Manage your money counseling including assistance with spending and borrowing plans

- College planning and college success strategies - Scholarship search tips and assistance

- Assistance understanding the Federal Direct loan process and paperwork - AND MUCH MORE!

- FAFSA completion - Foster Youth Education and Training Vouchers - Assistance and resources to help with the financial aid process

- Student loan counseling sessions

KALISPELL Flathead Valley Community College (406) 756-3382 PABLO Salish Kootenai College (406) 275-4860

MISSOULA The University of Montana (406) 243-5426

GREAT FALLS Great Falls College MSU (406) 771-5136

HELENA Helena College UM (406) 447-6950

BOZEMAN Mon Montana State University (406) 994-5024 BUTTE Montana Tech of The University of Montana (406) 496-4890

Our outreach managers can help you plan your route on the education highway!

BILLINGS MSU – Billings (406) 657-1639

EGE L L CO

ND U BO

MILES CITY Miles Community College (406) 874-6197

(877) COLG4ME 2500 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 safmt.org | (800) 852-2761 College Prep Guide Fall 2013

Experience E d u c a t i o n

Northern Wyoming Community College District •

Over 70 Programs of Study

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Access to Advanced Degrees

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Industry Training and Professional Development

Joining a campus organization......................................5 Choosing the right major..................................................7 Choosing a college.............................................................. 8 Scoping for Scholarships..................................................9 Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)........................... 10 Preparing for college life............................................... 12 Assimilating into campus culture.............................. 13 Campus Outreach Offices.............................................. 14 Sales and Marketing Director: Dave Worstell Special Sections Coordinator: Linsay Duty Section Designer: Katherine Jore The College Prep Guide is a special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette. Access the College Prep Guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Sheridan College

Gillette College

3059 Coffeen Avenue Sheridan,WY 82801 307.674.6446 800.913.9139 www.sheridan.edu

300 West Sinclair Gillette,WY 82801 307.686.0254 888.544.5538 www.gillettecollege.org

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

Sheridan College in Johnson County 235 S. Main Street Buffalo,WY 82834 307.684.2001 www.sheridan.edu/jc

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E D I S

BENEFITS TO JOINING A CAMPUS ORGANIZATION (Metro Services)

The first week of life on a college campus can be somewhat overwhelming for first-year college students. For many students, college is their first taste of independence. Some embrace that newfound freedom, while others grow homesick and long for the company of their immediate family. But as the school year progresses, the majority of first-year college students adapt to life on campus and grow to love their new surroundings. Once students have comfortably adapted to their new lives, many seek opportunities to become more actively involved in life on campus. College clubs and organizations are a great way to do just that, providing a host of benefits that further enhances college life.

Meet people

Boost your GPA

Joining a club or student organization also may make you a better student. That’s especially likely for students who join a club or organization that’s aligned with their field of study. A club or organization can help you apply lessons from the classroom in real-world situations, improving your grasp of certain concepts. In addition, your fellow club members may make great teachers, especially those who are ahead of you and have taken many of the same classes you’re now taking or expect to take down the road. Such students can be invaluable resources, helping explain concepts and offering advice as to which courses to take and which professors they prefer.

Network with professionals

Joining a student club or organization is a great way for college students to meet fellow students, professors and other people of note on campus. This is especially beneficial for first-year college students, whose social circle may otherwise be limited to roommates or fellow residents of their dormitories. Joining a club or student organization can quickly expand that social circle to include people who share your interests and not just your dorm assignment.

Clubs and campus organizations also are a great way to begin networking with professionals in your future line of work. Many clubs or organizations bring in professionals within the field to speak to members. Such speeches and discussions are typically members-only, which means you will have an advantage over fellow students in your field of study who have not gone the extra mile and joined a club or organization. Professionals may also give you advice on finding an internship in your field or a job once you have graduated.

Find a major

Improve overall experience

Many first-year college students are unsure about a course of study, enrolling as an undeclared. Such students can benefit from joining clubs or student organizations that pique their interests. For example, joining an on-campus debate club might help you discover a passion for debate, which can lead down a path to becoming a lawyer. Students who enroll in college without declaring a major may have the most to gain by joining a club or organization.

Joining an on-campus club or organization is a great way for students to meet new people and improve their overall college experience.

WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE MAKING THE [DIFFERENCE].

IS WILLISTON STATE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

Graduate in two years or less in one of our Career and Technical programs Transfer to college or university with junior status Of those who apply, 9 out of 10 receive a scholarship Safe campus environment w/security cameras and staff High-paying part-time jobs on campus and in community

Even if a student club or organization has nothing to do with your studies or your future career, signing up is a great way to improve your overall college experience. You’re liable to create more memories, make more friends and get the most out of your time on campus, which many college seniors will tell you is going to be gone before you know it. Take advantage of all of the opportunities your college or university offers, and you will likely one day look back and be glad you made the most of your time on campus. College Prep Guide Fall 2013

HELPING COLLEGE STUDENTS CHOOSE CHOOSE THE THE RIGHT RIGHT MAJOR MAJOR Picking a college major is a big step for young students. Though many adults eventually find themselves working in fields that have little to do with their college majors, many more spend their entire careers in the same field they chose to major in way back in their college days. Choosing a major is a decision that ultimately rests on the shoulders of the students who must consider a host of factors before committing to a specific field of study. But parents can still help their children, whether those kids are already enrolled in college or college-bound, as they make such an important decision that could very well affect the rest of their lives.

Suggest a double major

(Metro Services)

they choose a particular field of study. Some kids might be encouraged by an internship, while others Many of today’s students are might realize a given field is not fully aware of the difficult job really for them. Either way, the market and the cost of a college internship can help narrow down education. As a result, such stuthe field of prospective majors for dents want to choose a major they young students. feel will put them in the best position to land a well-paying job after Let kids know a major college. That’s a smart strategy, but it’s also one that overlooks isn’t the same thing as the joy of studying a subject you are passionate about. Parents can a career The pressure to choose the right simultaneously encourage kids to major can be overwhelming for be smart about their job prossome young students. But parents pects and pursue their passions should let kids know that a major by suggesting a double major. is not the same thing as a career, For example, if your child has a and many graduates end up worklove of art but understands the ing in fields that had little or nothdifficulty in earning a living as an ing to do with their majors. For artist, suggest a double major in instance, just because a student art and graphic design. This way Encourage patience he or she has more career options earns a degree in finance does not Today’s college students and col- upon graduation but still has the lege-bound youngsters are living chance to pursue a subject he or in a world that’s significantly difshe is passionate about while in ferent than the one their parents school. or even older siblings might have encountered. Global and domestic unemployment rates remain high, Encourage students to and technology is changing the apply for internships way many industries conduct busiAn internship is another great ness. But students trying to pick way parents can help kids as a major should avoid picking one they decide on a college major. too quickly. Just because a certain Internships are rarely easy to get, field is experiencing job growth but some firms hire interns who does not mean that field is ideal We’re are still in high school. Parents for all students. Encourage kids to should encourage kids to pursue be patient when choosing a major internships as early as possible. so they can find the field that’s Internships can provide young right for them, and not just the students with some real-world to giving our students major they feel will produce the experience and give them an best job prospects. accurate glimpse into what their

mean he or she will end up working on Wall Street. While parents should emphasize the importance of choosing the right major when speaking to their children, they should also let kids know that nothing is ever set in stone. That can help take some of the pressure off students as they make such an important decision. Today’s college students have more to consider when choosing a college major than many of their predecessors. But parents can still take steps to help kids choose the right major without succumbing to the stress that comes with making such a significant decision.

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committed

professional lives might be like if

unmatched opportunities. 800-777-0750

AskMSU.com We maintain an unwavering focus on our students—their wants, needs and aspirations. Our students excel through uncommonly strong, one-to-one relationships with highly-talented, energetic faculty and staff. They graduate as educated citizens that possess a life-long devotion to the common good and the welfare of others. College Prep Guide Fall 2013

(MetroServices)

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE

Academics should always carry the most weight but other factors like cost and distance from home should also be considered.

Montanans automatically qualify for scholarships valued over $2,800 . We suggest you ASSUME NOTHING and visit campus to SEE FOR YOURSELF what Northwest offers.

800.560.4692 / 307.754.6101

NWC IS AN EOI

Your Y our future, our focus

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

(Metro Services)

When choosing a college, students often look for the best academic institutions. While it’s hard to argue with that approach, high school students facing the decision of where to spend the next four years of their lives should know that the right university is not necessarily the one with the best academic reputation. A host of factors come into play when finding the right match between student and university. Academics should always carry the most weight, but students should consider a host of other factors before ultimately deciding where to continue their academic careers.

Cost

In a perfect world students would not have to worry about financing their college educations. But that’s not a world in which today’s students live, so the cost of a college education is something nearly every college-bound student must consider before making his or her decision. According to the College Board, the average overall cost to attend in-state public college for the 2012-13 academic year for students who did not receive financial aid was $22,261, a nearly 4 percent increase from the previous school year. That sticker price includes the cost of living in a dorm, food, books, and the additional expenses college students typically have. And the College Board notes that, despite the cost increase, financial aid budgets stayed the same as the year before, meaning even those students who received financial aid paid more money. While cost should not dictate where high school students ultimately go to college, students should know that eventually student loans will have to be repaid with interest, so those who do not want to bury themselves in student loan debt after graduation would be wise to choose a university that’s more affordable or one that’s offering a more attractive scholarship and grant pack-

age. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid.

Distance from home

While many high school students may think a school far away from their folks is ideal, the reality of being far away from home is a struggle for many college students who attend college outside of their home states. Homesickness is a very real thing for college students who are away from home and on their own for the first time. In addition to homesickness, collegebound students should consider the cost of travel before enrolling in a college or university that’s far from home. Mom and Dad might not be able to afford to fly their college student home several times per year for the holidays and other breaks in the school year, and the burden of financing that travel can fall on students. If you are not planning to work during the school year, then financing trips home may prove very difficult.

Environment

Both the academic and social environments at a college or university merit consideration when students are deciding where to continue their educations. Some students thrive in a competitive academic environment, while others tend to fare better in a more casual setting. Students should assess which environment is best for them and choose a university that best suits them as a student. A college or university’s social environment is another factor for students to consider. Larger schools tend to rely heavily on Greek life, while smaller schools may be more intimate and less exclusive. Students who hope to join a sorority or fraternity might benefit from a school with a thriving Greek life, while those who want a more intimate social environment might prefer a smaller school where all of the students seem to know one another.

SCOPING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: (Courtesy of SAF)

THEY’RE THEY’RE OUT OUT THERE, THERE, START START LOOKING! LOOKING!

Scholarship deadlines arrive quicker than you think, so students should get started soon in their search for some much-needed cash for class. Take some time this fall to visit with your guidance counselor, and contact the financial aid office at the postsecondary schools you want to attend. (About 90 percent of scholarships are awarded locally and at the schools that students attend.) Search websites including your college financial aid office website or office, the Montana Career Information System (http://mtcis.intocareers.org/), FastWeb.com, scholarships.com or Collegeboard.com to find scholarships for which you might qualify. Remember, scholarships aren’t just available to students with the greatest financial need, although that is a consideration for some awards. Instead, scholarships are available to students for reasons ranging from academic success, to athletic prowess, to volunteer efforts - in truth, there is something for everyone. By identifying some scholarships for which you would like to apply now, it will allow you time to ask coaches, teachers, and others for letters of recommendation. Plus, you won’t be rushed to complete application forms, write essays (if required), and put your best effort into attaining some money to help pay for school. Pay close attention to deadlines - don’t waste your time preparing applications for scholarships with deadlines that have already passed, and make sure you don’t miss out on scholarships with deadlines that are looming. • Many scholarship committees place a great deal of emphasis on the essays that accompany scholarship applications. Keep the following in mind:

• Grammar and spelling count. (You aren’t texting a friend!) • Promote yourself by talking about extra-curricular activities, paid and volunteer jobs and more. • Share your personality and creativity through your essay in order to set your application apart from others. • Be enthusiastic about the scholarship for which you are applying and explain how receiving it will help you achieve your goals. • Ask for help. Have a teacher, parent or friend edit and critique your application. • Follow up. Make sure your application was received, and ask if additional information is required. When applying for scholarships, it’s important to remember that there are no “guaranteed” scholarships, and that legitimate organizations don’t charge a fee to apply. Be cautious. Once you are notified that you have received a scholarship, accept it in order to assure that funds are reserved for you. Should you decide to attend a different school at which certain scholarships don’t apply, notify the other schools promptly so that they can free up that financial aid for other students in need. Finally, remember to extend your gratitude for the investment in your academic future by sending a thankyou note. Donors enjoy hearing from students and learning how their scholarship funds are making a difference. Nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation is available to provide free assistance with scholarship searches and preparation, in addition to FAFSA completion. Find an office near you at http://smartaboutcollege.org/outreach.jsp.

Circle of Succe$$ Scholarships: Be sure to apply in the New Year!

Among the many scholarships available to Montana students are the Circle of Succe$$ scholarships provided by nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation (SAF). Each year, SAF’s goal is to provide at least 56, $1,000 scholarships in honor of Montana’s 56 counties. Those scholarships are distributed among six scholarship regions throughout the state. In order to qualify for a Circle of Succe$$ scholarship, applicants must be Montana residents who graduated from a Montana high school, and attending a Montana college or university at least half time. They must be in their second, third or fourth year of postsecondary education and maintaining at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA). A committee of SAF employees evaluates the applications to determine who receives the grants. Applications will be available at www.SmartAboutCollege.org on Jan. 1, with a deadline of March 15.

Miles Community College offers: • Affordable, High-Quality Education • Full Transferability to Four-Year Progam • Two-Year Associate of Science in Nursing Programs • Career and Technical options in Agriculture, Automotive, Business, Equine Studies, Heavy Equipment, Information Technology, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy and more. • Small Class Sizes and Accessible Faculty • Online, Distance (ITV) and Evening Classes. • Workforce Development (CDL, CNA, etc.) 406.874.6100 www.milescc.edu

2715 Dickinson Miles City, Montana

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

COMPLETING THE FAFSA: WHAT’S WHAT’S IN IN IT IT FOR FOR YOU? YOU? (Courtesy of SAF)

(ThinkStock)

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

“My parents make too much money.” “My grades aren’t very good.” “It takes too long, and I don’t think I would qualify anyway.” These are just some of the reasons students give for not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to Rhonda Safford, state-wide coordinator of College Goal Montana. “Each year these misconceptions result in many Montana students missing out on financial aid to help them pay for school,” she said. “The truth is, the FAFSA is for everyone who wants to pursue higher education. The only thing for certain is you won’t get any financial aid if you don’t apply!” Beginning on Jan. 1, Montana students and their families can begin completing the FAFSA for the 2014-15 Academic Year and nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation (SAF) is here to help. Visit SmartAboutCollege.org to access videos explaining the FAFSA completion process step by step, beginning with getting a FAFSA PIN, through signing and submitting the application. In addition, FAFSA filers can watch the videos on SAF’s YouTube channel, SAFTube4U. Should students or families need one-on-one assistance, the SmartAboutCollege website provides email, phone and chat options. SAF’s campus outreach managers also are available to assist with the process at no charge. Plus, SAF will be providing guidance to schools and communities who want to host their own FAFSA completion event, so students and parents should watch for information about those opportunities in their area. College Goal Montana is an annual campaign to encourage FAFSA awareness and to help students and families complete the important form. 2014 will mark the ninth year

Be prepared to complete your application In order to complete the FAFSA, students and parents should have the following information available: • FAFSA PIN - to get your PIN, log on to www.pin. ed.gov. Both student and parent (if the student is under the age of 24) will need a PIN. • Social Security numbers (students and parents) • 2013 federal tax returns (or 2012 tax returns if 2013 are not complete) • W-2s, tribal income, other aid information (TANF, child support, other benefits) • Additional asset information (money market funds, stocks, other investments)

that SAF has organized the effort for Montana. “About $150 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds is available each year, and that doesn’t include the state and institutional aid that is out there,” said Safford. “Financial aid professionals in Montana will tell you that the return on the investment of taking half an hour or 45 minutes to complete the FAFSA is worth it.” Safford reminds students that many postsecondary institutions have priority deadlines for completing the FAFSA. At most Montana schools, that deadline is March 1, with the exception of The University of Montana which has a deadline of Feb. 15.

NOW MORE THAN EVER! MSUB & BILLINGS HAS MORE! More Full Time Jobs • More Part Time Jobs • More Internships • More Personal Time with Faculty • More Athletic Programs • More Student Clubs & Organizations • More Concerts • More Movie Theatres • More Shopping • More Restaurants • More Ways to Make a Diﬀerence

msubillings.edu • 800.565.MSUB • msubsports.com College Prep Guide Fall 2013

HOW COMMUTER STUDENTS (MetroServices)

CAN CAN ASSIMILATE ASSIMILATE INTO INTO CAMPUS CAMPUS CULTURE CULTURE

Many commuter students find it difficult to assimilate when arriving on a college campus. Living off-campus, be it in their own apartment or at home with their parents, can make it difficult for commuter students to make friends with classmates who live in the dorms, where they already have a built-in social network. But while it’s often easier for students living on campus to assimilate into campus culture, commuter students can still become an integral part of their colleges and universities. The following are a few tips that might help commuter students more easily assimilate into campus culture.

Form a study group

The classroom is where many com-

muter students are introduced to their fellow students, so it’s a great place for commuters to make new friends. A study group outside the classroom can be a bonding experience for commuter students and their classmates, and such groups can be a great way for commuters to improve their grades while learning about social gatherings on campus.

campus, and student organizations are a great way to do just that.

Get a job on campus

they have a spot on their teams, or organize a team of your fellow commuter students. Intramural sports can be a great, pressure-free way to make new friends on campus while getting a little exercise to boot.

Many commuter students work in an effort to offset the rising costs of tuition. When looking for work, such students can look for an on-campus Make lunch dates job where they can meet more of their Many college students, especially fellow students. This is a great way to those living in dorm rooms that aren’t Join student organizations put some money in your pocket while equipped with kitchens, have their Student organizations, whether it further involving yourself in campus life. meals with friends and fellow students. is student government or the campus Commuters can do the same, booking radio station or a school-based charity, lunch or dinner dates with classmates Play sports are great opportunities to get the most and friends. This keeps you on campus Intramural sports are wildly popular out of a college or university. They’re longer, which allows you more time to on many college campuses, and you also great places to meet new people make friends and assimilate into the need not be a great athlete to take and expand your social circle. Commutcampus culture. advantage of these opportunities. Ask er students can still be actively involved friends or acquaintances from class if in campus life even if they don’t live on

R O C K Y. E D U

FRESHMAN MERITSCHOLARSHIPS Trustee........................................... $13,000 Presidential .................................... $10,500 Dean’s.............................................. $7,000

TRANSFER MERITSCHOLARSHIPS Trustee............................................$11,000 Presidential .................................... $10,000 Dean’s.............................................. $7,000 RMC Grant......................................$5,000

Apply online and the application fee is waived.

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS - 1511 Poly Dr - Billings, MT 59102 - 1.800.87.ROCKY

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

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CAMPUS OUTREACH OFFICES:

REACHING OUT TO TO STUDENTS STUDENTS REACHING OUT (Courtesy of SAF)

Student Assistance Foundation (SAF) reaches out to students and families, along with counselors and other education professionals, across Montana through staff at its nine campus outreach offices. Managers at these offices provide money management counseling, scholarship search and application assistance, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion help, resource referrals and more. “These outreach offices allow SAF employees to interact with students in a setting that’s accessible and comfortable,” said Kelly Cresswell, SAF’s vice president of Foundation Activities. “We know from our experience that we’re able to serve far more students when we’re on campus, and provide a valuable resource to the communities in which we have outreach offices.” In addition to assisting students and families, campus outreach managers are available to visit classrooms and other youth groups to provide presentations on the steps to get to college, how to use financial aid to help pay for college, and financial literacy topics. “Many of these presentations are interactive, and can be tailored for the audience,” Cresswell said. “For example, in the Roadmap to College game, students actively participate by taking turns being game pieces and moving around the game board as they answer questions about getting to college.” To find a campus outreach office in your area, visit http://smartaboutcollege.org/outreach.jsp. Or, to view a full listing of presentations outreach managers can provide to your students, visit http://smartaboutcollege.org/ community/roadmap-to-financial-fitness.jsp.

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

Billings

MSU-Billings McMullen Hall 1500 University Dr. Billings, MT 59101 (406) 657-1639 (office)

Helena

UM- Helena College of Technology Student Center Donaldson Campus Helena, MT 59601 (406) 447-6950 (office)

Kalispell

Bozeman

Flathead Valley Community College PO Box 777 Lakeside, MT 59922 (406) 756-3382 (office)

Butte

UM-Missoula Lommasson Center, Room 218 Missoula, MT 59812-2232 (406) 243-5425 (office)

MSU-Bozeman Strand Union Building, Room 179 Bozeman, MT 59717 (406) 994-5024 (office)

Montana Tech Student Union Building, Room 112A 1300 W Park Butte, MT 59701 (406) 496-4890 (office)

Great Falls

MSU-Great Falls College of Technology 2100 16th Avenue South Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 771-5136 (office)

Missoula

Miles City

Miles Community College 2715 Dickinson St Miles City, MT 59301 (406) 874-6197 (office)

Pablo

Salish Kootenai College Kenmille Building 58138 US Hwy 93 (406) 275-4860

L I F E TA K E S C O U R A G E . A N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y L I F E TA K E S

uncommon courage.

Where does uncommon courage come from? At the University of Great Falls, we believe it comes from within. That’s why we cultivate those unique strengths – the building blocks of uncommon courage – in every member of our community. Here, you’ll explore your faith, develop your gifts, and learn how to live and make a living. Where will uncommon courage take you? Visit the University of Great Falls and find out.

A private, Catholic, liberal arts university

1301 20th St South Great Falls, MT 59405

406-791-5202

www.ugf.edu College Prep Guide Fall 2013

Look on SmartAboutCollege.org for: Don’t forget to

• Step-by-step videos on FAFSA completion • Calendar of local College Goal Montana events FAFSA experts answer questions by chat, phone, or email

College Prep Guide Fall 2013

APPLY EARLY for your

FAFSA PIN To obtain a FAFSA PIN, log on to pin.ed.gov. Use it to reapply for financial aid each year.

Don’t lose it.