The ladies of the Houston Bayou City Alumni Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority will be hosting an Education/College Fair this Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 8am - 1 pm. It will be held at Sterling High School; located at 11625 Martindale Rd., Houston, TX 77048.
Come out and receive the help of completing your FAFSA applications, TAFSA applications (for the undocumented students), and know more about the FAFSA and its importance. You'll also learn about Student/Housing Life, preparing for the SAT/ACT/THEA, Admissions, and Choosing a major.
There will be door prizes and continental breakfast and lunch will be served.
Come out and get all the information you need!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
EW! Presents: Scholarship Hunt
In reference to the previous post, here is a listing of scholarships for undocumented students:
http://www.maldef.org/pdf/Scholarships.pdf
Thanks, "Get," for this one!
http://www.maldef.org/pdf/Scholarships.pdf
Thanks, "Get," for this one!
FAT #2
"But Miss, I don't got no papers!"
Erase this sentence from your lexicon, because it is no longer an excuse to not go to college. Did you know that even if you are undocumented you can still take the SAT, apply to schools, and receive financial aid? That's right!
The SAT and ACT don't require social security numbers or any proof of citizenship. You need to take a photo id with you to the test, but a school ID works just fine.
In Texas, you can still apply to schools using ApplyTexas. This one application can be used to apply to schools all across the state of Texas*. It works regardless of your or your parents' immigration statuses. As long as you, the student, have lived here for three years, you can go to college in Texas.
Now for the most important piece, paying for school. If you are here illegally, you will have a slightly different way of getting financial aid. In 2002, the Texas government realized it was better for the economy to have students in school and to make it affordable. According to House Bil 1403 and Senate Bill 1528, they are allowed to attend public Texas schools and to receive in-state tuition rates. You just need to fill out the TASFA instead of the FAFSA. This requires pretty much the same documents and numbers from your income taxes as the FAFSA would. You will fill it out on paper and send a copy to every school you applied as well as a notarized affidavit which states that you will become a citizen as soon as possible. This will be processed by the schools and sent back to you with your expected family contribution (EFC) and financial aid package. Find a few scholarships to cover your unmet need, and you are good to go!
Just remember: College is for ALL Texans (regardless of immigration status).
*Some schools, especially the private ones, are not using ApplyTexas, so you must use the Common Application for those. Those applications will be slightly more difficult for undocumented students to get. However, every year more and more schools are joining ApplyTexas.
Erase this sentence from your lexicon, because it is no longer an excuse to not go to college. Did you know that even if you are undocumented you can still take the SAT, apply to schools, and receive financial aid? That's right!
The SAT and ACT don't require social security numbers or any proof of citizenship. You need to take a photo id with you to the test, but a school ID works just fine.
In Texas, you can still apply to schools using ApplyTexas. This one application can be used to apply to schools all across the state of Texas*. It works regardless of your or your parents' immigration statuses. As long as you, the student, have lived here for three years, you can go to college in Texas.
Now for the most important piece, paying for school. If you are here illegally, you will have a slightly different way of getting financial aid. In 2002, the Texas government realized it was better for the economy to have students in school and to make it affordable. According to House Bil 1403 and Senate Bill 1528, they are allowed to attend public Texas schools and to receive in-state tuition rates. You just need to fill out the TASFA instead of the FAFSA. This requires pretty much the same documents and numbers from your income taxes as the FAFSA would. You will fill it out on paper and send a copy to every school you applied as well as a notarized affidavit which states that you will become a citizen as soon as possible. This will be processed by the schools and sent back to you with your expected family contribution (EFC) and financial aid package. Find a few scholarships to cover your unmet need, and you are good to go!
Just remember: College is for ALL Texans (regardless of immigration status).
*Some schools, especially the private ones, are not using ApplyTexas, so you must use the Common Application for those. Those applications will be slightly more difficult for undocumented students to get. However, every year more and more schools are joining ApplyTexas.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Financial Aid Tip # 0.5
It has come to my attention that before I spout out any more FAT (Financial Aid Tips)(too gross?) I should probably define Financial Aid. I guess not everyone read the FAFSA for entertainment as children? (Despite what people say about blogging making you feel more connected to the world, this one just continues to make me realize how very, very alone I am.)
Education: Go Get It!'s dictionary defines Financial Aid as follows:
1 - aid of the financial variety (we're working on editing this definition)
2 - any of multiple forms of monetary support to help students pay for college, usually comprised of one or more of the following components:
a. Grants: monies based on need (determined by family income) that do not need to be paid back
b. Scholarships: monies based on merit (grades, performance, sports, etc.) that do not need to be paid back
c. Loans: monies based on need that DO need to be paid back (eventually, over time, with varying amounts of interest (which means you end up paying back more than you originally borrowed))
d. Work Study: jobs given to students based on need that provide spending money
Still confused? Let's 'chew the FAT'--leave a comment, email us with a question, or check out the websites listed in the column on the right!
Education: Go Get It!'s dictionary defines Financial Aid as follows:
1 - aid of the financial variety (we're working on editing this definition)
2 - any of multiple forms of monetary support to help students pay for college, usually comprised of one or more of the following components:
a. Grants: monies based on need (determined by family income) that do not need to be paid back
b. Scholarships: monies based on merit (grades, performance, sports, etc.) that do not need to be paid back
c. Loans: monies based on need that DO need to be paid back (eventually, over time, with varying amounts of interest (which means you end up paying back more than you originally borrowed))
d. Work Study: jobs given to students based on need that provide spending money
Still confused? Let's 'chew the FAT'--leave a comment, email us with a question, or check out the websites listed in the column on the right!
Monday, January 26, 2009
What is college?
Much like a hot potato, the word 'college' has been, and will continue to be tossed around a lot in this blog.
I'd like to clarify what I mean when I say 'college' because some students might assume this means a four-year school and automatically stop reading. DON'T STOP! ('til you get enough--sorry, couldn't resist.)
Education: Go Get It!'s dictionary defines college as any institution that provides education and/or training beyond high school. This includes (but is not limited to) four-year colleges and universities, two-year community and technical colleges, military schools, apprenticeships, and other training programs.
I'd like to clarify what I mean when I say 'college' because some students might assume this means a four-year school and automatically stop reading. DON'T STOP! ('til you get enough--sorry, couldn't resist.)
Education: Go Get It!'s dictionary defines college as any institution that provides education and/or training beyond high school. This includes (but is not limited to) four-year colleges and universities, two-year community and technical colleges, military schools, apprenticeships, and other training programs.
Financial Aid Tip #1
Financial Aid can be a scary roadblock for many on the path to college. Lucky for you, the more you learn about financial aid, the less scary it becomes--just like potty training (right?).
So begins the first in a new series called, "Financial Aid Tip #..." Okay so the name needs some help--any suggestions?
To help fight your fear, here's tip #1:
Paying for financial aid advice is like taking drugs (stay with me for a second): Just Say No! There is no reason to ever pay someone to help you get financial aid. Countless resources are available that are completely free--check out the list of links on the right side of your screen (there's probably a name for that space, I just haven't figured it out yet).
So begins the first in a new series called, "Financial Aid Tip #..." Okay so the name needs some help--any suggestions?
To help fight your fear, here's tip #1:
Paying for financial aid advice is like taking drugs (stay with me for a second): Just Say No! There is no reason to ever pay someone to help you get financial aid. Countless resources are available that are completely free--check out the list of links on the right side of your screen (there's probably a name for that space, I just haven't figured it out yet).
EW! Presents: College Tours at the click of a mouse
It can be hard to tell if you'll like a college based on it's view book or website. Choosing the right college isn't like choosing a pair of socks; for one thing, if you don't like the pair you've chosen, it's pretty easy to choose a new pair (unless you only have one pair in which case you might want to consider investing in a second, third, fourth, and fifth because if you're wearing the same pair of socks every day they aren't going to last for very long) and for another thing, the socks you choose don't usually have a profound impact on the course of the rest of your life (I'm not saying never). Some students apply to a school, are accepted, and enroll without ever having stepped foot on campus (maybe they didn't have any socks?). While this may work out well for some, it can be risky, especially if you've chosen a school far from home. The point is, choosing the right college for you is a big decision and not one that should be made without seeing it first.
Unfortunately, time and money have often stood in the way of college visits. UNTIL TODAY. (Carmen Sandiego, anyone?)
Now you can explore college campuses across the country from the comfort of your couch! (If your couch happens to be in front of a computer.)
The college application process can become time-consuming and pricey--some students apply to a dozen or so schools (just think: that's at least one essay for each school AND an application fee*) sight unseen. With youniversitytv, save time and money by taking a virtual tour of a school before you decide to apply!
But you don't have to take my word for it! Check it out for yourself:
http://www.youniversitytv.com/
*Don't let that keep you from applying to college! With the Common Application, you can apply to several colleges with one form, thus saving time. With Fee Waivers, you may qualify to apply for free based on family income, thus saving money.
Unfortunately, time and money have often stood in the way of college visits. UNTIL TODAY. (Carmen Sandiego, anyone?)
Now you can explore college campuses across the country from the comfort of your couch! (If your couch happens to be in front of a computer.)
The college application process can become time-consuming and pricey--some students apply to a dozen or so schools (just think: that's at least one essay for each school AND an application fee*) sight unseen. With youniversitytv, save time and money by taking a virtual tour of a school before you decide to apply!
But you don't have to take my word for it! Check it out for yourself:
http://www.youniversitytv.com/
*Don't let that keep you from applying to college! With the Common Application, you can apply to several colleges with one form, thus saving time. With Fee Waivers, you may qualify to apply for free based on family income, thus saving money.
EW! Presents: What's the right school for me?
Here's a nifty tool on the College for All Texan's website that helps you find the perfect college for you:
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/CollegeMatchUp/
Simply mark your preferences for several categories (public vs. private, rural vs. urban, etc.) and the College Match-up-imacator lists all the schools that fit those criteria.
Once you've found a school matching your needs, you can access the address, phone numbers, and websites along with other pertinent information about your college of choice.
Another great tool on the College for All Texans website is the College Locator which, as the name implies, locates all institutions of higher education in Texas for you.
But you don't have to take my word for it! Check it out for yourself: http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/CollegeLocator/
.
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/CollegeMatchUp/
Simply mark your preferences for several categories (public vs. private, rural vs. urban, etc.) and the College Match-up-imacator lists all the schools that fit those criteria.
Once you've found a school matching your needs, you can access the address, phone numbers, and websites along with other pertinent information about your college of choice.
Another great tool on the College for All Texans website is the College Locator which, as the name implies, locates all institutions of higher education in Texas for you.
But you don't have to take my word for it! Check it out for yourself: http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/CollegeLocator/
.
Welcome!
You've probably heard the saying, "Knowledge is Power." You might also have heard the less popular but no less profound, "Girls go to college to get more knowledge." (Gentlemen--it's nothing personal, that's just the saying. You can also go to college; whether you get more knowledge is up to you.) If we then create a simple syllogism, we can say that "College is Power." (Whoa--did that totally just blow your mind?)
Unfortunately, there are many roadblocks on the path to college. Perhaps the biggest obstacle is lack of information--too many people have missed out on educational opportunities because they simply did not know what to do. In an attempt to thwart the monster of ignorance that dashes the hopes and dreams of far too many, this blog is here to give you the weapon of knowledge; with it, may you slay the beast guarding the path to your education!
In all seriousness, this blog is based on 2 fundamental truths:
1 - College is the single greatest investment you can make for your future.
2 - There is NO obstacle on the path to college that you cannot overcome.
It may not be easy, but we're here to help. We're all in this together!
If you have a question about something we've posted, leave a comment and we'll get back to you! Or email us at educationgogetit@gmail.com and we'll respond as soon as possible!
Unfortunately, there are many roadblocks on the path to college. Perhaps the biggest obstacle is lack of information--too many people have missed out on educational opportunities because they simply did not know what to do. In an attempt to thwart the monster of ignorance that dashes the hopes and dreams of far too many, this blog is here to give you the weapon of knowledge; with it, may you slay the beast guarding the path to your education!
In all seriousness, this blog is based on 2 fundamental truths:
1 - College is the single greatest investment you can make for your future.
2 - There is NO obstacle on the path to college that you cannot overcome.
It may not be easy, but we're here to help. We're all in this together!
If you have a question about something we've posted, leave a comment and we'll get back to you! Or email us at educationgogetit@gmail.com and we'll respond as soon as possible!
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