College Prep Guide Fall 2016 by Billings Gazette

REACH HIGHER MONTANA DUAL CREDIT COURSES FAFSA CHANGES DORM SAFETY

Cut Living Expenses Montana Money Magic

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE FALL 2016

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College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

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INSIDE

Do more. Be more.

‌FAFSA Changes..................................................................... 4

Reach Higher Montana......................................................... 5 Searching for Scholarships..................................................6 Montana Money Magic......................................................... 7 Take a Course in Dorm Safety.............................................. 8 How to Cut Living Expenses.................................................9 Dual Credit Courses............................................................ 10 Become a Student Worker..................................................11

Reach Higher Montana guides, prepares, and supports students and families in their eﬀort to attain higher education through oﬃces located in:  Billings  Bozeman  Butte

 Great Falls

 Helena  Kalispell

General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz

The College Prep Guide is a special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette.

Access the College Prep Guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

 Missoula We oﬀer:  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion help  Scholarship search and application assistance  Financial education  Support and advice for pursuing your goals for higher education

To connect with our knowledgeable advisors, call (877) COLG4ME or visit ReachHigherMontana.org. Follow us

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Student Assistance Foundation's public beneﬁt and outreach activities are now Reach Higher Montana.

College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

FAFSA: Changes to financial aid filing process Courtesy of Reach Higher Montana ‌Students accustomed to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the beginning of the calendar year may now fill out this important form in the fall. In September 2015, President Obama announced that change to the federal student aid process, along with the opportunity for families to use income information from taxes filed two years earlier to complete the FAFSA. For the 2017-18 school year, families will use their 2015 tax information. “This is a big change and school administrators, counselors and financial aid officers are revising their processes to address the new circumstances of the FAFSA,” said Rhonda Safford, statewide coordinator of Reach Higher Montana College Goal, previously College Goal Montana. “While the change may cause some confusion in this first year, we believe it will make filling out the FAFSA easier and less stressful for families across the country.” As part of the FAFSA changes, this form — which allows students and families to access federal student aid for the 2017-18 academic year— will be available on Oct. 1, 2016 rather than on Jan. 1, 2017. This accelerated time schedule will result in new priority FAFSA filing dates at U.S. postsecondary institutions. Students should confirm priority filing dates with their respective schools. The priority filing date at most Montana schools is Dec. 1, but Nov. 15 for the University of Montana and Missoula College. “This shift in timing better aligns with college application efforts, providing students and families with the ability to tackle both of these tasks at once rather than separately,” Safford said. In addition, she is particularly encouraged that FAFSA filers this fall will be able to use their 2015 tax information (prior-prior year) to fill out the form. “Many FAFSA filers who were trying to meet

College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

Reach Higher Montana Scholarships: Almost time to apply Along with big changes in the timeline for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are big changes when it comes to applying for Reach Higher Montana scholarships, formerly known as the Circle of Success scholarship. Applications for these $1,000 scholarships will be available beginning on Oct. 15, with a submission deadline of Dec. 15. To qualify, applicants must be: ■ Montana high school seniors. ■ Montana residents who graduated from a Montana high school and are attending a Montana college or university. ■ Planning on attending school at least half time. ■ Maintaining a 2.5 grade point average (GPA). To date, $689,000 has been distributed through this scholarship program. the priority filing date on the previous system were unable to take advantage of the IRS data retrieval tool because they hadn’t yet completed their taxes,” Safford said. “By allowing the use of tax information from the prior-prior year, more families will be able to use this tool that automatically populates information in the FAFSA.” Safford urges students and families to watch for Reach Higher Montana College Goal events in their communities should they need help completing the FAFSA. In addition, she suggests connecting with Reach Higher Montana on social media to receive important tips. Follow Reach Higher Montana on: ■ Facebook at Reach Higher Montana ■ ■

Twitter @ReachHigherMT Snapchat at ReachHigherMT

For more information about the FAFSA, or other postsecondary preparation-related topics, visit ReachHigherMontana.org or call (866) COLG4ME.

Student Assistance Foundation Asking Montana students and families to reach higher Courtesy of Reach Higher Montana ‌That’s what nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation (SAF) is encouraging Montana students, parents and educators to do through its recent rebranding of its public benefit efforts. Kelly Cresswell, Reach Higher Montana’s executive director, said, “You can still rely on receiving the same dedicated support you received from us in the past. But we’ll be doing our work with a refreshed, inspiring name, look, and feel.” For the past couple of months, Reach Higher Montana’s staff members have been visiting their part-

ners in Montana communities to introduce the brand, answer questions, and create excitement about what Reach Higher Montana means to students, families, and education professionals. “Reach Higher Montana is a call to action for all Montanans to go beyond what is expected and reach their goals for their future through the attainment of higher education,” Cresswell said. “Our role is to guide, prepare, and support students and families in this process.” Since 2000, SAF has invested nearly $32 million in its public benefit ef-

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

forts to help Montana students achieve their college dreams. According to Cresswell, as Reach Higher Montana looks to the future, its leaders will be engaging in planning work with its board of directors and collaborating with partners to shape its future investments. Right now, the changes are simple — organization name, logo, colors, and program names. “We’ve only just started this journey,” said Cresswell. “We hope Montanans will be inspired to do more, be more, Reach Higher Montana.” For updates, stay connected with Reach Higher Montana:

■ Website: ReachHigherMontana.org ■ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachHigherMontana/ ■ Twitter: @ReachHigherMT ■ Snapchat: ReachHigherMT

Reach Higher Montana Advisors: Helping students statewide ‌Reach Higher Montana helps students and families, along with counselors and other education professionals, through staff at seven offices located throughout Montana. Offices are located in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Flathead, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. Advisors at these offices provide scholarship search and application assistance, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion help, financial education, resource referrals and more. Services are provided at no cost to students, families, or schools. “As our new Reach Higher Montana brand indicates, our advisors are prepared to inspire Montana students to reach their goals through the attainment of higher education,” said Kelly Cresswell, Reach Higher Montana’s executive director. “It is our advisors’ role to guide, prepare, and supports students and families throughout this process.” In addition to assisting students and families, advisors are available to visit classrooms and other youth groups to provide presentations on the steps to get to college, how to pay for college, and financial literacy topics. To find an advisor in your area, visit ReachHigherMontana.org or call (877) COLG4ME (265-4463).

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College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

Searching for Scholarships: Every little bit helps Courtesy of Reach Higher Montana ‌When it comes to paying for post-secondary education, every penny counts. As a result, finding and applying for a variety of scholarships is an excellent method of making headway on college-related bills. “Scholarships are free money,” said Allen Heisler, Reach Higher Montana’s advisor in Great Falls. “Yes, you will usually need to write an essay or complete some other type of application, but the money you receive through scholarships does not need to be repaid.” Take some time to visit with your school counselor, and contact the financial aid office at the colleges you want to attend. (About 90 percent of scholarships are awarded locally and at the schools that students attend.) In addition, Reach Higher Montana is proud to bring Montanans free access to the Scholly app and website. The app, which was featured on a past episode of “Shark Tank,” uses an adaptive matching engine to link students with scholarships for which they qualify in seconds. To use Scholly sponsored by Reach Higher Montana, go to www.MyScholly.com and use the access code “RHM2017.” Websites like the Montana Career Information System (http://mtcis.intocareers. org/), FastWeb.com, scholarships.com or

Collegeboard.com can also be helpful 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,” Heisler said. “Instead, scholarships are available to students for reasons ranging from academic success, to athletic prowess, to volunteer efforts — there’s something for everyone.” Be sure to identify scholarships for which you would like to apply early to allow time to ask coaches, teachers, and others for letters of recommendation. Plus, by being prepared, you won’t need to rush 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 ac-

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company 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. 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 thank-you note. Donors enjoy hearing from students and learning how their scholarship funds are making a difference. Reach Higher Montana is available to provide free assistance with scholarship searches and preparation, in addition to FAFSA completion. To find an advisor in your area, visit ReachHigherMontana.org, or call (877) COLG4ME (265-4463).

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Students: Learn and earn this fall with Montana Money Magic Courtesy of Reach Higher Montana ‌Students planning on entering postsecondary education next fall should be keeping their eyes open for opportunities to fund their academic efforts — Montana Money Magic is a program that helps them pay for education-related expenses and learn money management skills while they’re at it. To qualify, students must be between the ages of 16 and 18, in high school, and from a family with an income of less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. “This is a great time for students to get involved with this program,” said Melissa Huntington, Reach Higher Montana’s college access and financial literacy manager. “Many have been working throughout the summer, and they are continuing to work part time, so their wages help them earn the 3-to-1 match on their savings.” According to Huntington, students who complete the required financial literacy lessons and earn the maximum match receive $1,350 to help them gain access to

higher education. That means the funds can be used to pay for dual enrollment classes, tutoring, computers, class materials, and more. “I think the most important thing I learned in the class pertained to budgeting my money and trying to save as best I can,” said one student who completed the program earlier this year. “This fact alone will help me go far in life and I will use all the information I learned in my class in real life situations.” Amy Stops, an Action, Inc. case manager for individuals served through the Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act (WIOA) program in Butte, also touts the benefits of Montana Money Magic. “By saving money, a little bit at a time, the student witnesses their personal financial growth over a period of time,” she said. “Once an individual realizes how easy it is to save $450, he/she will continue to save based on this newly developed habit.” Counties that are included in the Montana Money Magic project include: Galla-

tin, Park, Meagher, Glacier, Toole, Pondera, Cascade, Choteau, Teton, Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Yellowstone, Broadwater, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Madison, Powell, and Granite. For more information about Montana

Money Magic, visit ReachHigherMontana. org or call (877) COLG4ME (265-4463) and select the advisor in your area. This project is funded under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.

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Take a Course in Dorm Safety Dorm room and campus safety should be a top priority for students.

Metro Services ‌ ollege students have a few different livC ing options at their disposal, but many opt for dormitory living, as it is one of the more convenient and popular boarding options, particularly for out-of-town students. Thousands of post-secondary students pack up their belongings and move away from home in the pursuit of an education, and parents want to do what they can to ensure their college-aged kids are safe. For many students, college represents the first time they will live anywhere other than the homes they grew up in. Dorm life can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be one that may open new college students up to inherently risky situations. While students should look forward to fun and excitement at school, it’s also important for them to be prepared for what lies ahead at college and in dorm life—and to take the proper safety precautions. Fall in with a trustworthy group of

dorm friends. Friends can be informed of your schedule for both classes and work, so they are aware of where you are supposed to be at certain times of the day. If something is amiss, these friends can alert authorities or investigate your whereabouts further. Lock your dorm room door. Always keep the dorm room door locked, and make sure your roommate is on the same page. Locking the door can deter people from entering without your permission and prevent theft. Keep belongings out of sight. When preparing to move into a dorm, leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Once you move in, store your more valuable belongings out of sight or in a locked box or safe. Consider getting insurance for dorm belongings, which will protect you in the event of theft. Travel in groups. When attending parties or other functions, always arrive and leave in a group. This offers extra protection, as assaults and other crimes are less likely to occur when criminals are outnumbered. Know the evacuation routes. Learn your dorm’s evacuation policies. Know where all exits are and how to get out of the building if exits may be blocked. Find out if fire drills or other safety procedures

are practiced, and participate in them. Use the elevator. If there’s an elevator, use it. Stairwells are secluded and dark and often provide the perfect opportunity for would-be criminals to take advantage of

unsuspecting students. Use common sense and trust your instincts with regard to dorm safety. Make college memories good ones by emphasizing caution.

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College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

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How Students Can Cut Living Expenses Metro Services ‌ he cost of college tuition is a concern T for many college-bound students and their families. The cost of a college education continues to rise, but it’s not just tuition and room and board that students and their families must account for. College students may underestimate cost-of-living expenses when planning their school-year budgets. But such expenses can be substantial, catching even the most wellprepared students off guard. Fortunately, there are several ways for college students to save money on living expenses and still make the most of their time on campus.

Venture Off Campus Towns that rely heavily on colleges or universities to support their economies typically offer great deals to students willing to venture off campus. Local businesses, including bars, restaurants and entertainment venues like mini golf facilities or bowling alleys, may offer student discounts to entice kids to leave campus. Students can take advantage of these offerings to save on food and entertainment, which tend to be among the more pricey cost-of-living expenses college students contend with.

Buy Secondhand Furnishings College students living in their own apartments or dorm rooms may not have the financial resources to purchase new furniture. Rather than purchasing brand new items they are likely to discard after moving out or graduating, college students can purchase secondhand items from local thrift stores or used furniture retailers that offer sturdy furnishings at low prices.

Become a Resident Advisor Resident advisors, often referred to as “R.A.’s,” typically receive free or reduced room and board in exchange for living in the dorms and monitoring the floors they live on. Competition to be an R.A. can be competitive, but students who become R.A.’s can save their own meals. Doing so can save stuthousands of dollars on room and board costs dents substantial amounts of money, and some students may even prefer the variety over the course of their time at school. available at the local grocery store over the more limited offerings available at dining Make Your Own Meals halls or other campus eateries. Meal plans may be ideal for college students during their freshmen years, when Move Off Campus students may still be adjusting to campus life. But older college students can Some schools do not permit freshmen skip the meal plan in favor of preparing and sophomores to live off-campus, but

l o o h c s High ents! Planning for stud

HEY

Students who save $450 through the program can earn the maximum match of $1,350.

older students may find that private housing is more affordable than on-campus apartments or dormitories. Students eligible to live in off-campus housing can contact local real estate agents to get a feel for the offcampus housing market before making a final decision. Cost-of-living expenses at colleges and universities can be considerable, but savvy students can find various ways to save money.

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College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016

Dual Credit Courses There is a new standard when it comes to high school students preparing for college, and it comes in the form of dual-credit coursework. Many high schools, universities and community colleges have formed partnerships that allow a high school junior or senior to simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit for a particular course. Green Shoot Media Dual Credit‌ ‌ his can give students a big leg up on T Dual credit classes have standards that their general coursework degree requirements — before ever leaving high school. must be met. These are not pre-college or preparatory courses but college-level courses, so not all students will up to the College Prep‌ task. Preparing for college can be an intimiMost dual credit programs are open only dating experience for high school students. to juniors and seniors in high school, and Dual credit courses help ease the transition, typically students must maintain a certain giving students a taste of college while still cumulative GPA. in their high school comfort zone. College courses offered for dual credit If you’re a high school student consid- aren’t all necessarily taught on college camering taking dual credit courses, assess puses; some may be offered in the comfort whether or not you have the time, energy, of your own high school by credentialed instamina and desire to take on college-level structors. The high school class must be identical work first. Check with your high school advisor and college to see if there are dual to the one offered at the college. In other credit opportunities available and what words, it will be challenging and take a student to a new level of learning. they entail.

What Kind of Courses‌

The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that 76 percent of all high schools reported students taking dual credit courses with an academic focus. About 50 percent of all high schools report that students take dual credit courses with a career and technical/vocational focus.

On the

GO?

Here are some of the courses that may be included in your school’s dual-credit curriculum: literature, engineering, history, math, music, automotive service technology, computer applications, early education and more. Reach out to your high school office today to find out which courses you’re eligible to take and get started on your college career today.

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College Prep Guide – Fall 2016

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Become a Student Worker Some students need additional financial aid, and a student worker position provides additional benefits. Working on campus can build relationships and teach you about responsibility. Green Shoot Media ‌ any departments within your college M offer student worker positions, so choose one that interests you. If you’re a fish and wildlife major, consider securing a parttime student worker role working in the fisheries department. If you’re a journalism major, there may be student worker positions on the campus newspaper or writing opportunities within the English department. The key is finding a role that not only helps pay the bills, but enhances your knowledge of your subject of interest. This can give you a leg up on the competition as you leave college for the workforce.

The Process‌ Some students are low-income and need financial assistance in order to afford college. The first step is to apply for federal student aid. Filling out a Federal Application for Student Aide (FAFSA) is easy and only requires some basic information. If the student qualifies, they can receive Pell grants and other state grants and can then be considered for a student work position. There is actually a federal allotment that goes towards a student work position. Your next step is to call or go to your college’s career services center. They are the job experts at the college and their staff will help you develop a resume,

interview for positions, fill out applications and get linked up with with the department that is in alignment with your career path.

Work Experience‌ The benefits of a student worker position are many. The student is only allowed to work a certain amount of hours, so that they can also go to class and fulfill their new job requirements. A lot of outside jobs interfere with a college schedule and overwork the student, so an internal student worker position is the preferred avenue for many students. A student work position will provide entry level skills and work experience, and can also help build a solid foundation of successful employment history on your resume. A student worker’s boss and co-workers can give positive employee recommendations, and can become solid work references for future opportunities. As you move along in college, other opportunities will appear. Graduate Assistant positions are available for master’s level and above. Internships come into play too and some of them pay solid rates for your work. Keep your eyes open to the various options on your campus and help prepare yourself for the competitive workforce.

Majors that Might Help You Get Hired ‌As the cost of college tuition continues to rise and the job market grows increasingly competitive, college students are giving greater consideration to their prospects of being hired before choosing a major. A 2015 study commissioned by the National Association of Colleges and Employers asked 201 employers, including companies like Aetna, Macy’s and Procter & Gamble, which degrees are most in demand, even distinguishing between the most in demand bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates. The following are the results of that study, courtesy of the NACE.

Most in demand bachelor’s degrees:‌ 1. Accounting 2. Computer Science

3. Finance 4. Business Administration/ Management 5. Mechanical Engineering

Most in demand master’s degrees:‌ 1. Computer Science 2. Electrical Engineering 3. Mechanical Engineering 4. Information Sciences & Systems 5. Business Administration

Most in demand doctorate degrees:‌ 1. Electrical Engineering 2. Computer Science 3. Software Engineering 4. Computer Engineering 5. Mechanical Engineering College Prep Guide – Fall 2016

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College Prep Guide -- Fall 2016