**Please note that deadlines are very rapidly approaching on several scholarships listed in this edition of the newsletter. It is imperative that you submit forms to your counselor this week on many of the scholarships. For those scholarships with later due dates, plan to submit transcript requests and any additional forms, if required, to your counselor preferably ten (10) but a minimum of five (5) school days prior to listed deadlines.**

All newsletters are issued bi-monthly and available on the Middletown City Schools website, in senior English classrooms, the Visitors Center, the Media Center, the Student Services Office, the Band Room, and the Music Room, and Mr. Bailey's Office.

Thank you.

The Counseling Team

KEEP THIS IN MIND&

The often cited Five College Myths are important to remember as families weigh upcoming college decisions and seek ways to fund college costs in today's economy:

Myth #1:   I can make a good living without a college education.
        Reality: There is no doubt that some people have done well without a college degree. However, a college graduate will earn on average about a million dollars more than a high school graduate over a lifetime. For most people, college pays.

Myth #2:   I can't afford to take out loans to pay for college.
        Reality:   Education loans are typically available at very low rates and don't have to be repaid until a student is out of school. The average loan debt at graduation is $20,000  less than most new cars cost. A car lasts a few years. A college education lasts a lifetime.
Myth#3:   I need a 4 year degree to make it in today's world.
        Reality: Those who have a four-year degree may have more career options, but there are MANY good-paying jobs possible with certain technical or two-year degrees.

Myth#4:   The college with the lowest price is the most affordable.
        Reality:   Not always. Some expensive or private colleges offer the most money for scholarships. Take scholarships and financial aid money into consideration, and expensive colleges may be within reach.

Myth#5:   It doesn't really matter if I wait a year or two to go to college.
        Reality:   Many students who don't go to college right after high school never get around to it. Most regret that decision ever after. Apply to colleges your senior year anyway and after you're accepted, ask them to defer enrollment. Most colleges will accommodate.

Scholarship Corner
                                                                                                         
As general scholarship information becomes available it will appear in each newsletter. Almost every college/university sponsors college/university scholarships for those students who make application to that specific higher education institution.

REMEMBER, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SAVE EACH COPY OF THE NEWSLETTER AS EACH IS DISTRIBUTED. THIS WILL HELP YOU KEEP TRACK OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

University of Dayton  "What Does Servant Leadership Mean to You?" video contest. Varying monetary amounts of $4,000 - $40,000 awarded. Details available at: www.admission.udayton.edu/yourquestion. Deadline Jan. 31.

AXA Achievement Community Scholarship  $2,000; requirements and application online at: www.axa-achievement.com. Deadline Feb. 1.

Elks Legacy Award Scholarship  $1000 - $4000 annually renewable; must be child or grandchild of living Elk member and take ACT or SAT prior to 12/31/2010. Applicants judged on the values of knowledge, charity, community, and integrity. Deadline Feb. 1. Apply online at www.elks.org/enf/scholars

ESA Foundation Scholarship  must be in top 25% of class with 3.0 cgpa and ACT of 22 or higher. Applicants judged on character, leadership, service, financial need, and scholastic ability. Application fee of $5.00. Apply online at: www.esaintl.com/esaf. Deadline Feb. 1.
Franklin B. Walters All-Scholastic Award - $1,000; based on academics, test scores, attendance, cgpa, activities/awards and goal statement by students. Applications in scholarship drawer are due to your guidance counselor by Feb. 1.

Kent State Poetry Competition - $1,000 - $3,000 for student attending this university; 3 poems and 1 essay plus specific information and application available in scholarship drawer. Deadline Feb. 1.

KFC Colonel's Scholars Program - $5000 annually renewable; min. 2.75 cgpa; U.S. citizen. Apply online at www.kfcscholars.org from Dec. 1 - Feb. 8 deadline.

Ohio Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship  two- $1,000 awards; cgpa 3.0 or above; essay detailing clear goals required. Applications in Student Services drawer. Deadline Feb. 8.

Cargill Community Scholarship - $1,000; guidelines online at www.cargill.com, keyword scholarship. Applications require signature of a Cargill employee. Deadline Feb. 15.

Cleveland State University  awards of varying amounts up to full tuition for visual art students. Based on artistic merit. Very specific guidelines/submission requirements detailed on website: www.csu.edu/class/students/student/scholarship. Priority deadline: must be received by the University by 12 Noon, Feb. 15.

National CO-OP Scholarship Program - $6000 available for any student who plans to participate in college cooperative education at one of the NCCE Partner Colleges. The University of Cincinnati and Toledo are members. Must have a cgpa of 3.5 or above. Apply and get more information at www.co-op.edu. Deadline Feb. 15.

Best Buy  $1,000 awarded to 1,200 students with solid grades and community service or work experience. Apply at: www.at15.com or www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com by Feb. 15 deadline.

Butler County Farm Bureau Federation  multiple $1,000 scholarships for current members of Butler County Farm Bureau or their dependents pursuing agricultural/business studies. Application/details specific to each scholarship available online at: www.ofbf.org. Deadlines vary from Feb. 15  Apr. 1.

Creative Writing Contest 2010 - $100-$500 savings bond; essay on specific topic written under direction of a teacher. For more information visit www.clevelandfed.or/learningcenter or contact April McClellan-Copeland at 216.774.2756. Deadline Feb. 27.

Big 33  offers scholarships to Ohio and Pennsylvania students who exhibit excellence in a well-rounded educational and extracurricular program and are planning to continue their education at a college or technical school. Deadline Feb. 24. For details and application visit: www.big33.org/scholarship.

Delta Kappa Gamma Education Sorority  two $500 scholarships for seniors majoring in education. Applications available in scholarship drawer. Deadline: must be received by Feb. 28.

Middletown Community Foundation  each senior English teacher will have 1 copy of all available scholarships. Media Center will also have copies. Application forms available online at www.mcfoundation.org/Scholarships.htm. Deadline Feb. 28.

Buick Achievers - $2,000 - $25,000; students majoring in engineering, technology, design or business with an interest in the automotive industry. Apply online at www.buickachievers.com by Feb. 28 deadline.

University of Akron  deadline for consideration for university-wide scholarships is Mar. 1.

Sinclair Community College  has many scholarships for varying amounts available at: www.sinclair.edu/stservices/fas/scholarships/index.cfm. Deadline Mar. 1.

Art Institute of Pittsburgh - $10,000-$15,000 tuition prizes for two design competitions to attend this school. Information and applications at: www.aischolarship.com/pittsburgh. Deadline Mar. 2.

James Kura Memorial Scholarship/Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers  3 - $1,000 awards for best essay. Essay topic and application online at www.oacdl.org/scholarship. Deadline Mar. 2.

SAMMY - $7500 for student-athletes; min. cgpa 3.2 with no disciplinary record. Rules and application available at: www.bodybymilk.com. Deadline Mar. 9.

Miami University Middletown - $1,000 annually renewable to first 100 full-time students enrolling at MUM with 3.2 cgpa, 22 ACT, passed all parts OGT, and with strong high school curriculum. Contact mumfinaid@muohio.edu with questions. Deadline Mar. 15.

Middletown Teachers Association Education Award - $1,000 for son/daughter of Middletown teacher planning to attend college next fall with any chosen major. Applications in scholarship drawer. Deadline Mar. 16.
Butler County Retired Teachers  2-$1,000 scholarships for students majoring in education. Winners will be asked to give a short talk about their interest in teaching at a luncheon. Download application under "Contact Us" section www.bcrta-ohio.org. Deadline Mar. 23.

Essay Contest on Ayn Rand's Books - $50 - $10,000 prizes; 1,600 word essay judged on style, content, articulation, and logical order. Specific prompt is available at www.aynrand.org/contests. Deadlines ranging Mar. 20  May 5.

Ohio Blue Shield Scholarship Fund - $1,000 to one student. Specifics and application at: www.ohioblueshieldfund.org. Deadline Mar. 31.

Ohio Newspaper Association Minority Journalism Scholarship - $1,500 for student pursuing journalism career at an Ohio college or university. Min. cgpa 2.5, clear writing ability in an essay plus 2 letters of recommendation required. Application available at:   www.ohionews.org and clicking on Scholarships. Deadline Mar. 31.

U.S. Bank Internet Scholarship Program  apply at www.usbank.com/studentloans for $1000 scholarship awarded in random drawing. Deadline Mar. 31.

Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools  over 275 scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $12,995 to students attending specific career colleges and schools. For list of schools and application visit: www.ohiocareercolleges.org.   Deadline Apr. 1.

William D. Squires Education Foundation Scholarship  12-$3,000 renewable scholarships based on financial need, student motivation, character, and academic promise. Min. cgpa 3.2 or higher and a specific career goal. Application online at www.wmdsquiresfoundation.org. Postmark deadline Apr. 5.

Warren County Arts Council Scholarships - $500-$1,000; multiple awards available for students pursuing art-related/musical careers/studies. Forms available on www.warrencountyarts.org. Applications must be received in hard copy by Apr. 13.

AAA School Safety Patrol  $1000 grant to former safety patrols; essay required. Applications in scholarship drawer or by email at: mgallimore@aaaohio.com. Deadline April 16.

Student-View Scholarship Program  1-$4,000, 1-$1,000 and 4-$500 scholarships awarded in random drawing. Log on to www.student-view.com and complete a 15-20 minute survey about colleges in our area. Deadline Apr. 22.

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation  MANY scholarships available, renewable, most are "need-based" and help cover the cost of education after all other federal, state, and campus-based aid have been awarded. Apply online at www.cincinnatischolarshipfoundation.org by Apr. 30 deadline.

Aspiring Animation Profession Scholarship - $1,000 to student pursuing animation-related career at accredited post-secondary school or college. Essay and application available at www.animationcareerreview.com. Search for scholarship in website search window. Deadline May 1.

180 Medical Scholarship  3-$1,000 awards to students under a physician's care for spina bifida, a spinal cord injury, or transverse myelitis. Visit www.180medical.com/scholarships for application and information. Deadline June 1.

Big Sun Organization - $500 scholarships available to student athletes continuing their sport while attending a post-secondary institution; essay required. Visit www.bigsunathletics.com for details and to apply by June 22 deadline.

Ohio Wesleyan University Merit Awards  half to full tuition awards ranging from $16,000-$33,000 are available to students enrolling this fall. Visit www.owu.edu for further information.

Otterbein College-Otterbein offers scholarships ranging from $500-$11,000 to make their private college affordable. For more information visit www.otterbein.edu.

Fastweb.com - Visit this website to be matched to scholarships by individual talents, abilities and interests.

Scholarships.com - Visit this website to be matched to scholarships by individual talents, abilities and interests.

Soroptimist International of Middletown  Honoring Young Women Award for young women who volunteer in our community. Visit www.soroptimist.org for details.

College Open Houses

Cincinnati State  Parent/Student Night, Thurs., Jan. 26, 6:30-8:30. Register at: www.cincinnatistate.edu/futurestudent.

Bridgewater College  located in Bridgewater, Virginia: Open Houses Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Register online at www.bridgewater.edu/Admissions.

Morehead State University  Open House Feb. 4, 8:30  12:30. Contact: g.schadle@moreheadstate.edu for information and to register.

University of Akron  Discovering Diversity Day, Feb. 17. For students with a cgpa of 2.5 and up. Contact: www.admissionsuakron.edu to register.

Ball State University - Open House and Art Portfolio Review  Sat., Feb. 18, 2012. Contact 765.285.5838 or art@bsu.edu for further details.

University of Akron  Senior Days Feb. 20 and Mar. 23. Register online at www.uakron.edu/visitUA.

Bowling Green State University - Open House Feb. 20. Register online at www.bgsu.edu.

Delaware College of Art & Design  Preview Day Feb. 20. For more information visit www.dcad.edu.

Youngstown State  Open Houses Feb. 20 and May 12. Call 1-877-GO-TO-YSU for details.

Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, KY  Open Houses on Feb. 25 and Mar. 31. Register at www.kwc.edu/openhouses.

Wright State University  Raider Open House Feb. 25. To learn more, visit: www.wright.edu/visit

University of St. Francis, Indianapolis, IN  Talent Day for Music and the Arts Mar. 2. Visit sf.edu/art for details and to register.

Art Institute of Pittsburgh  Open Houses Mar. 10 and 17. Find out more at www.aischolarshp.com/pittsburgh

University of Evansville  Open House Dates Mar. 17, Apr. 21. Register at www.evansville.edu/visit.
FYI

Zion Global Ministries Career Fair  Sat., Jan. 28, 9 a.m.  2 p.m., 9180 Cincinnati-Columbus Rd., West Chester, OH. Call 513.531.1888 for information. Transportation can be provided.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers an adult scholarship for non-traditional, adult women students returning to college. Details and an application can be found within the Middletown Community Foundation website: www.mcfoundation.org/Scholarships.htm. Deadline Feb. 28.

Call Me MISTER  Clemson and four historically black colleges in South Carolina will pay four years of tuition for Black Males willing to teach in South Carolina's lowest performing public schools upon graduation. Call 800-640-2657 for details.

Cappex.com tells you which colleges want you before you apply. Log on to www. Cappex/scholarships and apply today.

Central State University Marauder ROTC  for enrolling Central State University students; this is the first and oldest Army ROTC established at a Historically Black College/University and pays 100% tuition and fees, room and board, and monthly and annual stipends. Try it with no obligation your freshman and sophomore year, or email for information: lthompson@centralstate.edu

Certified Pharmacy Technicians  online information regarding training is available at www.passassured.com

Colorado State prefers students apply online using the Common Application- www.commonapp.org by Feb. 1, 2011.

College Goal Sunday 2012  Sun., Feb. 12, 2:00, Miami University Hamilton. Free help filing for FAFSA. Register at: www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org.

Common Black College Application  You can apply to all 34-member institutions online at www.eduinconline.com

Denison University will waive its $40 application fee for students registering online. Apply using the Common Application-www.commonapp.org

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) National Scholarship competition  for students planning on attending this California school, six scholarships will be awarded for tuition, fees, books, and most supplies. Call 800-262-3436 for more information.
Great Lakes Boat Building School offers students a full time, career oriented program in woodworking, traditional and composite wooden boat building, yacht joinery and repair and restoration. Scholarships available. Visit www.greatlakesboatbuilding.org for more information.

Harvard University  offers free tuition for honors graduates from families earning less than $60,000 annually. Visit www.fao.fas.harvard.edu for details.

Lincoln College of Technology  in Indianapolis offers training for those interested in motor sports or auto technology. Visit www.lincolncollegeoftechnology.com for more information.

Kenyon College has Trustee Opportunity Travel Grants that provide financial assistance to first-generation and underrepresented students to make it easier for them to visit Kenyon and decide whether the College is a good match for them. To learn more about the program, go to www.kenyon.edu/x1697.sml

www.march2Success.org is a free website available for ACT, SAT, and OGT preparation. Utilize this free resource to help you prepare for these important tests!

National College offers up to 40 scholarships of $2,500 or $1,500 to students attending their campuses in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and Indiana. Must have record of academic and extracurricular achievement, desire to succeed, and commitment to helping others. Apply online at: www.national-college.edu and click "Financial Assistance," then "National College-Funded Financial Assistance Programs."

From: NCAA Membership Services 2011-2012 NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete: Students interested in continuing to play their high school sports at the college level should register as a prospective student-athlete by visiting the new clearinghouse website at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. From the home page, the prospect should click on "Prospective Student-Athletes," which will link the student-athlete to the necessary information.

Ohio University Multicultural Scholarships  must be member of a disproportionately represented group, with minimum 28 ACT or 1240 SAT as well as demonstrate academic merit and personal achievement. Apply and be accepted to OU to be considered for these full tuition scholarships.

Ohio Wesleyan University Merit Awards  half to full tuition awards ranging from $16,000-$33,000 are available to students enrolling in the fall. Visit www.owu.edu for further information.

Oral Roberts University  Scholarship Day Competition Day is March 3 for full tuition; nomination based on leadership, academics, service, and faith. See Mrs. Barber if interested. Deadline to apply is Feb 1.

Otterbein College-Otterbein offers scholarships ranging from $500-$11,000 to make their private college affordable. For more information visit www.otterbein.edu.

TEACH Grants  provide $4000 annually for undergraduate students with minimum 3.25 cgpa who agree to serve as a full time teacher for at least four years at a high-need school within eight years of completing your degree. Otherwise you will end up paying back the loan at Unsubsidized Stafford loan rates.   Google online for more information.

Thomas More College  has an innovative program allowing motivated students to complete a four year degree in three years. Learn more at www.thomasmore.edu/tmc3

Visions for Success  annual college tour of 11 Historically Black Colleges takes place twice this spring. Visit: www.v-f-s.net for cost information, dates, and details. $100 deposit due before Feb. 28.
Wright State  School of Music Audition and Scholarship Date: Feb. 21 and Mar. 5. Contact Dr. Herbert Dregalla, Jr. at www.wright.edu/music for more details.

Youngstown University  admission application deadline for admission to the university for 2010/2011 year is Feb. 15, 2011.

REMEMBER-If you want to make a college visit during the school day and have the absence excused, you must:
        Bring a note from home one week in advance,
        Fill out a college visit form available in Student Services,
Upon returning to school, return the above form to Mrs. Downing in Attendance. The form must be signed by the College Representative.