[BHS etree] COLLEGE|CAREER: Advisor's Bulletin for Dec. 19, 2008

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Do not reply to this e-mail, please contact Ilene Abrams at iabrams at berkeley.k12.ca.us.

College Advisor's Bulletin
Friday, December 19, 2008

SAT WORD OF THE DAY:  MEDIATOR -- one who helps to resolve a dispute.  In certain critical industries, such as transportation, the government has the power to require that labor disputes be settled quickly by a mediator.  

TO ALL -- Ms. Price, Ms. Breiter and I wish you a safe, happy and relaxing holiday and new year.  We look forward to seeing you in January.  

JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Teen Center Task Force of the YMCA is a leadership group responsible for creating the new Teen Center in downtown Berkeley.  The Task Force is looking for teens who want to make a difference and help design and oversee the construction of the new Teen Center.  Applicants must be at least 15 years old by February 1, 2009.  Applications available in D221 and at the YMCA Teen Department, 2070 Allston Way. For more information, call Tracy Hanna at 510-486-8413.  

FOR ALL STUDENTS
*There is an excellent article in the online US News & World Report on “The 4 Rules of Paying for College in a Recession.”  Embedded in the article are helpful links with financial aid advice, college websites, “affordable” colleges, colleges that meet the full demonstrated financial need of each student, and schools that offer significant amounts of merit aid.  The link is:  http://www.usnews.com/blogs/college-cash-101/2008/12/15/the-4-rules-of-paying-for-college-in-a-recession.html 

Have questions about college admissions?  Read the answers from college admissions deans to questions on the New York Times website at http://questions.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/qa-college-admissions/?hp.  

FOR JUNIORS
SCHOLARSHIP FOR SAT/ACT PREP -- East Bay Community Scholarship Fund is offering a scholarship to pay for an SAT/ACT Prep Course for low income students living in Alameda or Contra Costa counties.  Applications are available in D221.  Deadline:  January 31, 2009.

JUNIORS -- YOUR PSAT SCORES ARE NOW AVAILABLE. You may pick them up any day in the College/Career Center between 8:00 and 8:30, at lunch or from 3:15 to 4:00 pm ONLY.  Scores will not be given out at any other time. ID IS REQUIRED!  Sophomores will receive their PSAT scores from their sophomore English teachers on Tuesday.  

FOR SENIORS
*Ms. Price and I will be checking our e-mails occasionally throughout winter break if you are having difficulties with your applications.

The financial aid booklet "Fund Your Future" is now available.  Stop by the College/Career Center to pick up your copy and get important information on the ins and outs of financial aid, Cal Grant, and other state and federal aid programs.  

The DVD of the financial aid event on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) held on December 2nd is now available.  Parents/guardians may borrow the DVD for up to two evenings.  Contact Firecat Breiter at 644-4576 or firecat_breiter at berkeley.k12.ca.us to arrange to borrow it.

ESSAY READERS -- Get feedback on your draft of your college essay/personal statement from experienced essay readers.  Readers will be available every day at the beginning of lunchtime.  First come, first served.

SAT/ACT TEST DATES -- December 26 is the regular registration deadline for the January 24 SAT test. January 6 is the regular registration deadline for the February 7 ACT.  Fee waivers for low income students are available in D221.  For seniors, some colleges will accept test scores from these tests as part of the application process.  Don’t forget to list the colleges you want to receive these scores on your registration form.  

SCHOLARSHIPS 
For a complete list of scholarship applications available in the College/Career Center, go to http://bhs.berkeley.net/index.php?page=scholarships.  

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) Alzheimer's Awareness Scholarship -- Open to seniors who are US citizens or permanent residents who write an essay on the impact Alzheimer's disease has on their own lives and others in their family and community.  Deadline:  February 15.  One scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded.  

Elena Castañeda Scholarship -- Open to Berkeley High seniors who speak Spanish as their first language and plan to attend a four year college in the fall.  Application available in D221.  US citizenship/permanent residency is NOT required. Scholarship is for $3,000. Deadline: March 15.  

Mahatma Rice Scholarship - Write an essay on “How will your college education help you to achieve your lifetime goals?” Open to US citizens or permanent residents who are residents of the San Francisco/San Jose area.  Brochures available in D221. Start your application online at www.mahatmarice.com/scholarship.  After registering, you can print out the application. Five $2,000 cash awards will be made. Deadline: February 16. 

Murry Jacobs Scholarship, sponsored by Chevron’s Black History Awareness Committee -- open to seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are planning to attend a two or four year college or university, demonstrate leadership ability, are involved in community or extracurricular activities and are US citizens or legal residents.  Scholarships range from $2,000 to $3,500.  Deadline:  January 9. Applications available in D221.  

Elks National Foundation -- 500 four-year scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who are US citizens, based on scholarship, leadership and financial need.  Scholarships range from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year.  Applications are available at www.elks.org/enf/scholars .  Received deadline:  January 9, 5:00 pm.  Mail to: BPO Elks, Lodge 1816, 1475 Creekside Dr., Walnut Creek, CA  94596.  

*New to the bulletin today