Guidance March 2021
ACT TEST DATES
You will need to register for the ACT at www.act.org. Be sure to pick up an ACT practice packet in the Guidance Office. Testing dates are as follows:
TEST Deadline to Register Late Fee Required
April 17, 2021 March 12, 2021 March 13-26, 2021
June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 May 8-21, 2021
July 17, 2021 June 18, 2020 June 19-25, 2021
Do NOT wait until the last minute to register as it takes about two hours to complete the first time! It is recommended that juniors who are planning to go to college take the test for the first time no later than the December administration. Seniors who are taking it for the first time should take it as soon as possible! The ACT is the test score that colleges in this area want to see.
When you are completing the ACT Registration Form, you will need to list the colleges that you want your score sent to. Make sure you are including your most likely choices in this list. Larger colleges like Ohio State, Univ. of Miami, and Univ. of Cincinnati require that they receive your scores directly from the ACT company as well as from your high school.
You should take the Writing portion of the ACT at least one time. Most colleges in Ohio prefer to see that you have taken this portion at least one time. If you have questions about a specific college, see Mrs. Meyer.
ACT PREP WORKSHOP
GP Educational Services is offering an ACT Prep workshop in preparation for the April 17, 2021 test date. Classes will be held on Sunday, March 21, and Sunday, March 28. Registration deadline is March 15, 2021. The cost for the workshops will be $30 per session or $100 for all four sessions. If interested, sign up early as seating is limited. Registration forms and information are available in the Guidance office.
ACT PREP WEBSITES AVAILABLE!
www.March2Success.com (free)
This site is sponsored by the U.S. Army (if you do not want to be contacted by a recruiter, just check “no” when registering—no obligations for just using the site). Several students who needed to raise their scores for scholarships purposes have found it helpful in the past.
www.kaptest.com/act/free/act-free-practice-test Free Kaplan Live ACT Test Prep
www.actstudent.org/academy (free)
Visit the official ACT student website and view video lessons, interactive practice questions, full-length practice tests, educational games, and other materials targeted to a student’s academic/testing needs. ACT Academy provides learners with a personalized study plan based on pervious scores from the ACT test, Pre-ACT, and official ACT practice tests.
www.infohio.org (free)
Go to the Learning Express Library. Register as a student, and here you will find free on-line prep courses and free down-loadable prep books to help study for the ACT!
There are also various resources available at a cost. Copies of some of these preparation books can also be found at local libraries or can be found on-line.
*** The Guidance Office has 2 ACT Prep Guide Books and 2 CDs to loan out for your preparation! See Mrs. Meyer or Mrs. Kreitzer if you are interested!
SAT TEST DATES
If you wish to take the SAT, register at www.collegeboard.org.
College/Scholarship Searches and Financial Aid Help
For good info about college searches and scholarship notification, you will definitely want to check out the following websites:
www.EducationPlanner.com www.CollegeAnswer.com
www.admissions.com www.studentedge.com
www.CollegeBoard.com www.nitrocollege.com
www.salliemae.com (free Education Investment Calculator)
www.bgsu.edu/offices/sfa (BG website offers short videos on financial aid topics)
www.christianconnector.com (request information & automatically be entered in $2,500.00 scholarship drawing)
Free Scholarship Searches! Register at www.Scholarships.com and www.fastweb.com.
Take On-line Campus Tours! Go to www.eCampusTours.com
Careers in Public Health
The current pandemic has highlighted the importance of having qualified public health professionals. Whether it's becoming a health educator to ensure the public is receiving accurate information about a recent outbreak, researching a vaccine as an epidemiologist, working in government oversight to ensure communities have safe drinking water, or one of many other career paths, there are so many ways public health professionals can create positive change in the world. Check out the following websites to learn more about careers in public health and opportunities for online degrees:
What Can You Do with a Public Health Degree? - https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/what-can-you-do/public-health-degree/
Guide to Online Degrees in Public Health - https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/online-degrees/public-health-programs/
Playing Athletics in College?
Juniors and Seniors: If you are interested in playing athletics in college, you must register with the governing body of the athletic league to which the college you are playing in belongs. It is preferable to do this at the end of your Junior year in high school. If you are looking into playing at a Division I or II school, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter).
When taking your ACT or SAT, designate the NCAA as one of your “College Choices” by entering the code “9999”. The NCAA must receive your score directly from the company; they will not take it off of your transcript from the high school.
If you are looking into playing at an NAIA school, you must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center (www.playnaia.org). If you register with either one of these centers, please let Mrs. Meyer know so that she can forward more information to the sites when asked for it. Complete lists of schools and their affiliations can be found at each website. You are urged to keep in close contact with college coaches you may be working with to ensure a smooth transition from the high school to college arena.
Apprenticeships, Internships and Other Job Opportunities
GROB Systems is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2021 apprenticeship class! We are actively searching for high school seniors who are interested in joining our team as an apprentice next June. We are seeking your help in finding students who may be a great fit for GROB. Interested students can learn more about the program and apply online at www.grobsystems.com/apprentice.
College Open House Days
Colleges set aside days to feature or “spotlight” certain majors—kind of like an “open house”. To schedule college visits, go to the college’s website for information and registration.
University of Findlay - Upcoming Campus Visit Days
March 13 - Scholarship Competition Day
March 27 - Oiler Preview Day
April 16 - Animal Science, Pre-Vet, Equestrian Discovery Day
College Application Essays
Need help writing college application essays? Check out:
(lots of writing resources! Follow links for 7-12 Students)
Additional College Information
*There are over 300 colleges who will accept “The Common Application” to apply to their university. See the map in the Guidance Office to find out which colleges accept this.
For descriptions of Private Colleges in Ohio, go to www.OhioPrivateColleges.com to download info
*Visit www.CIAmerica.org for information on the Court Reporting Institute of America.
Bowling Green State University – BGSU has begun the Falcon Tuition Guarantee program. This is a program that will lock in the same price for tuition for four years and will give students the opportunity to know just how much a 4-year education will cost. BGSU also has joined the Common Application. Students may complete the BGSU application or the Common Application. Students may apply for admission online at http://choose.bgsu.edu/apply/online.
Wright State University- Seniors who are interested in applying to Wright State may do so at wright.edu/apply Browse their scholarship page at https://www.wright.edu/raiderconnect/financial-aid/scholarship-search. For more information about Wright State housing, go to: http://www.wright.edu/residence-life-and-housing
RAEBURN E. BARNES TRUST LOAN PROGRAM
The Barnes Trust is a low-interest college loan program open to any student living in a Shelby County school district. Students are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible, as their funds do run out.
The last possible date to apply is March 31, 2021. Please stop in the Guidance Office for an information packet.
HAUSS- HELMS FOUNDATION
The Hauss-Helms Foundation was established to aid worthy students that live in the Auglaize/Allen Counties of Ohio area to continue their education past high school. The application and rules are now available on the website at www.hauss-helmsfoundation.org. Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2021.
BUCKEYE BOYS AND GIRLS STATE
Buckeye Boys State is an 8- day "hands on" experience in the operation of the democratic form of Government and the organization of political parties sponsored by the American Legion. A boy who has just completed his Junior year can attend all expenses paid. This year's event will take place at Miami University from June 13-20, 2021. See the Guidance Office for more information.
Buckeye Girls State is a program designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of good citizenship. Delegates learn about city, county, and state government by actively taking roles in mock situations. A girl who has just completed her Junior year can attend all expenses paid. This year's event will take place at University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio from June 13-19, 2021. See the Guidance Office for more information.
STEIN SERVICES SOPHOMORE TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
The Stein Services Sophomore Trade School Scholarship is for purchasing tools/supplies for sophomores that will be attending Upper Valley Career Center. Preference will be given to students who were enrolled in the FFA chapter during their Freshman and Sophomore years, but anyone needing assistance is encouraged to apply. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office and must be returned to the Guidance Office. Application deadline is 2:30 pm March 30, 2021.
2021 RIGHT TO LIFE ORATORY CONTEST
All high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Shelby County or attend a Shelby County high school are eligible to participate in the Shelby County Right to Life Oratory Contest. The pro-life speech contest is remote this year (with video entries) and prize amounts are $500 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd and $100 for 3rd. The winner will also be asked to participate, virtually, in the state contest, in May, with a chance to advance to the National Contest (TBD).
Pre-register by March 8 at 11:59pm, for the Shelby County Contest.
Deadline for video submissions: March 15 by 11:59pm. Submit videos to HelpingHands@woh.rr.com (by sending a small video file or a link to a video platform such as vimeo, youtube, etc.) FAQs about video submissions and contest rules can be found at the oratory contest tab on the Shelby County RTL (Ohio) website: http://shelbycountyrtl.org/oratorycontest/oratorycontestmain.html Contact Anne Schmiesing at 937-658-3535 or director@shelbycountyrtl.org to register; for more information; or if a student needs assistance recording the speech. Entries will not be judged on video quality, only on speech quality and content.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Community Foundation of Shelby County Skills Scholarship is open to students obtaining an Associates Degree or attending a Trade School. A Botkins student is guaranteed to receive one of the Skills Scholarships!
Application Deadline is March 11, 2021; go to www.commfoun.com to apply.
Greater Ohio Valley Women in Defense scholarship- This scholarship is for a woman seeking a STEM- related career in the defense industry (military, federal government or civilian company). Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. The application can be completed at: https://forms.gle/MikLJZoSuiNo9sDx9 The Greater Ohio Valley Chapter of WID Scholarship will be in the amount up to $2,000 each. Applications are due March 31, 2021.
Emerson Climate Technologies- Rudolf G. Berg Scholarship- Students applying for this one-time $2,500 scholarship must attend a school in Shelby County or the Upper Valley Career Center and have been accepted at a two or four-year accredited college or university. This scholarship is open to all seniors, and applications are available in the Guidance office. Applicants are encouraged to complete the application electronically and then print the completed form for signatures. Deadline to apply is Friday, March 26, 2021.
Shelby County Retired Teachers Association- Kent Smith Scholarship- This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a college student that is majoring in education, and who graduated from a Shelby County school district. For questions, please call Karen Gariety at 937-492-3569. Applications are available in the Guidance office and the deadline is April 27, 2021.
Rising Sun Express Scholarship- Rising Sun Express LLC, a trucking company located in Jackson Center is offering a $500 scholarship to one senior from Botkins High School. Applications are available in the guidance office and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
Altrusa Club Grant- This scholarship is available to those students graduating in 2021, and be enrolled in a program leading to a degree or an associate degree. Applications are available in the Guidance office, and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
Fraternal Order of Police Gateway Lodge #138 Scholarship- The application for the Fraternal Order of Police Gateway Scholarship application is now available in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is April 23, 2021.
HRAWO Scholarship- Human Resources Association of Western Ohio will be giving one scholarship to be used towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to a student pursuing a degree in Human Resources or a related field. At the end of the freshman year, the recipient will be considered for a second scholarship, providing they have carried a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester and has maintained a 3.00 GPA. High school students applying for this scholarship must have a GPA of 3.00 and be a graduate of a high school in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, Miami, or Shelby County. Applications, requirements, and rules are available in the Guidance office. The deadline to submit an application is April 9, 2021, and it must be emailed to hrwesternohio@gmail.com
Stein Services Scholarship- This scholarship is available for students going into the workforce/tech school who need to buy tools/money to offset schooling at school with degrees in trade industries, like welding, mechanics, HVAC, etc.… Preference will be given to FFA members, but anyone needing assistance is encouraged to apply. Applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office and must be returned to the Guidance Office. Application deadline is 2:30 pm March 30, 2021.
Elaine Noffsinger Nursing Scholarship- This $1,000 scholarship is for any student pursuing a nursing degree and who has shown strong participation in school activities. Applications are available in the Guidance Office and must be returned to the Guidance Office. Application deadline is April 9, 2021.
Ohio Gas Association Scholarship- This $1,000 scholarship is available to students with a career goal in the natural gas or related energy field. Students must be attending an OHIO college, university, technical, or trade school and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications can be found online at www.ohiogasassoc.org . Application deadline is March 31, 2021.
Shelby County Farm Bureau Scholarship- This $500 scholarship is available to students entering college in any major, and whose parents are members of the Shelby County Farm Bureau. Applications are available in the Guidance office and all applications must be returned to the Shelby County Farm Bureau office by the deadline of March 15, 2021.
Rotary Club of Sidney Scholarship- This year the Sidney Rotary Club will be awarding four scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. One scholarship will be awarded to a student that will be attending a trade school, and the other three will go to students attending four-year college/university programs. Applications and scholarship directions are available in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is March 5, 2021.
Sidney Shelby County YMCA Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is for any college bound seniors with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, Shelby County resident, has participated in sports and/or fitness activities, and is a $12,000 scholarship paid over a 4-year period. A list of criteria and applications can be found on the YMCA website at www.sidney-ymca.org or in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is April 2, 2021.
Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Jim Lantz Scholarship – This is a one-year nonrenewable $1,000 scholarship available to any college bound senior that is a Shelby County resident with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. A list of criteria and applications can be found on the YMCA website at www.sidney-ymca.org or in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is April 2, 2021.
Megawatt Scholarship Program- This $5,000 scholarship is open to those seniors that plan on pursuing a STEM- focused major. Students may apply online at www.megawattscholarships.org or pick- up an application in the Guidance office. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2021.
Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation Scholarships- The WACF scholarship application opens January 1, 2021. Students may go to www.wapakacf.org and click on scholarship applications to register and complete the initial application. Once completed, the site will direct student to any scholarships they may be eligible to receive. Botkins seniors may be eligible for the following scholarships: Alvin Egbert, Larry Sanders, AmVets Post #333 Scholarship, Niki Schaub 4-H Scholarship and the Wapakoneta FOE Aerie 691 Scholarship. ** If the initial on-line application indicates students are eligible for the Niki Schaub 4-H Scholarship or Wapakoneta FOE Aerie 691 Scholarship, they will need to pick up hard copy applications at the sites indicated and return the hard copy back to those sites. Applications must be received by March 29, 2021.
Ray Ford Nurses Scholarship- This scholarship is awarded to those graduating seniors who have a minimum of a 3.00 GPA or better and are pursuing a degree in the field of Nursing. This scholarship is renewable, but not guaranteed. The application needs to be submitted prior to the March 15, 2021 deadline. Applications are available in the Guidance office.
Shelby County Community Foundation Scholarship Application – Approximately 170 scholarships totaling more than $289,000 will be awarded by the Foundation for 2021. The application will become available on December 11, 2020 and is to be completed online at www.commfoun.com. The deadline to apply for most scholarships is February 11, 2021. Some scholarships are available for Botkins Local high school seniors only, while some are county-wide or multiple school scholarships. Directions are available online.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Big Buddies Program- The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelby County is again looking for teen volunteers for their Big Buddies program this year! Teens are needed to meet with an assigned little brother or sister in a supervised after school program two days a month to help with homework, play games, and be a mentor. Pick up an application in the Guidance Office.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
Bowling Green State University- BGSU academic summer camps are open and accepting applications for several virtual opportunities this summer. BGSU has several offerings for this summer, including audio production, forensic science, pre-law, nutrition and fitness and several music offerings. Summer is a great time for students to explore majors and career interests. Each camp is designed to expand a student’s world view, but also to give him or her experience with college professors. More information and applications can be found at https://www.bgsu.edu/pre-college-programs/summer-academic-and-youth-programs/academic-summer-programs.html If you have any questions you can reach out to Kari Jo Wilson, Summer Academic & Youth Programs at 419-372-0424 or stormkj@bgsu.edu