FAFSA Opens this Weekend - October 1st

 

The College Tour - Exploring Colleges

Here is a fun way to investigate colleges. The College Tour has video classes that walk you through the search process. And they take less than an hour!! The first College Tour class focuses on location, campus culture, college type, and intended major.

It is presented in a fun, interesting manner. Strongly recommended. And it's all free!

Click here to reach the free classes.

Completing the FAFSA

This article can be found on ISAC.org along with a ton of other useful information.

Financial Aid Planning
Completing the FAFSA®

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This application, which is available to complete online via desktop and laptop computers or mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, or in paper/PDF format, will use income, assets and other factors to determine the amount you and your family are expected to contribute to your college expenses. You must submit the FAFSA in order to be considered for all federal financial aid programs (including student loans), most programs through your college and most state programs, including the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. Most of the questions are demographic-related and the rest of the answers come from your tax forms and/or those of your parents (if you’re a dependent student) or your spouse (if you are married).

Coca Cola Scholarship Is Open

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the country, is now accepting applications from high school seniors to become part of the 35th class of Coca-Cola Scholars and receive one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000.

Students with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply at Cokeurl.com/Apply2022 through October 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. Eastern. Full eligibility requirements can be found at Cokeurl.com/Scholarships. Coke Scholars not only demonstrate excellence in academics, but also serve as leaders in their community and are dedicated to creating positive change.

Homecoming Activities Begin Friday!!

Theme: BIG Cities

Float Building/Hall Decs: Start Friday, Sept 23rd
Skit Night: Thursday, Oct 6th
Football Game: Friday, Oct 7th
Dance: Saturday, Oct 8th

Here is a float building schedule for each class...

Freshman Class
Sophomore Class
Junior Class
Senior Class 

A Guide to the ISAC Programs

This handy guide explains many of the available programs and grants available through ISAC (IL Student Assistance Commission). Explanation of the following programs includes:

• MAP Grant
• IL Veteran Grant
• IL National Guard Grant
• Minority Teacher Scholarship
• Special Ed. Tuition Waiver
• IL Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
• Nurse Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
• ...and more.

Click here for more info

JUNIORS - PSAT Test Coming Soon - Sign up Now

What: PSAT/NMSQT Test
Who: Open to any junior
When: October 13th

The PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to preview and practice for the SAT. It will test the same skills and knowledge as the SAT. When you get your test results, connect your College Board and Khan Academy® accounts to get free personalized SAT study recommendations.

In addition, when you take the PSAT/NMSQT, you’re automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.

There are only 35 spots available. You can sign up with Mrs. Placher in the counseling office. The test will cost $17.00. Checks can be made out to IVC. Payment must be received before test day. We will test on October 13th, 2020 at 8:00 am.

State Universities - Do they have your major?

Does the school you are considering have the major in which you interested? At-A-Glance breaks down every major at every state university in Illinois.  You can see which university has the major or minor for you.   

12 Reasons To Stay in Illinois

The 12 Reasons PDF booklet is SUPER helpful if considering state schools in IL.  There is a breakdown of all necessary information for each state school.

-- Location

-- Size

-- Tuition

-- Admissions Info

-- Housing Info

-- Open House Dates

-- Scholarship Info

-- Contact Numbers and Addresses 

ISAC Financial Aid Presentation

If you were unable to attend Wednesday night's Financial Aid night, ISAC representative Jacob Harlan covered the differences between scholarships, loans, grants, and more. Though the 2022-23 presentation is unavailable to the public, here is the link to the 2021-22 presentation. The information is largely the same, though some of the dollar amounts have changed.

How to negotiate your financial aid package!

Great video from IVC graduate Micah Schultz '20 about how to get the most out of your financial aid package. Well done Micah!

$500 Up for Grabs to an IVC Student

One IVC student will walk away with $500 in this year's Voice of Democracy Contest sponsored by our local VFW. Students need to create a 3-5 minute oral essay. The competition is open to all IVC students. The winning submission from IVC will move on to the state competition. Last year's winner Reese Hankins finished 10th in State.

Topic: Why is the Veteran Important?
Grades: 9-12
Top Prize: $500
Second Prize: $200
Due Date: October 31st
For more details: Entry forms may be picked up from any counselor, English teacher or social studies teacher.

Basically students will need to write an essay and then turn it to an audio file. It is actually quite simple. The teachers at the high school use many different programs to save audio. Students should ask their English teacher if they are unsure what program to use. The counselors have thumb drives available if needed.

Link to Application 

UIUC Releases Application Deadlines

Fall 2023 Application Deadlines

UIUC will be offering two application periods, with early action and regular decision dates. Applying early does give students an advantage. For Fall 2022, students who applied by our priority deadline were 22% more likely to be admitted.

Early Action Deadline
• Deadline: November 1
• Notification: January 27

Regular Decision Deadline
• Deadline: January 5
• Notification: March 3

Planning of Becoming a Teacher - Check this out

The Golden Apple Scholars teacher preparation and tuition assistance program is now accepting applications for the Class of 2023!

Golden Apple Scholars Receive:

• Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college
• Extensive classroom teaching experience
• Academic and social-emotional support
• Job placement assistance
• Mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty

Golden Apple Application and Info

Manufacturing Career Expo 2022

Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training (P.E.R.F.E.C.T.) is hosting this year's Manufacturing Career Expo on Tuesday, October 25th at Caterpillar/Komatsu followed by lunch and a tour of the Agricultural and Industrial Technologies facility at ICC. Space is limited to 14 students - stop by the counseling office to sign up.

Upcoming Visits for Shape Your Future Week

This is the current list of schools or military that will be visiting IVC. The list will be updated periodically. Check the Guidance calendar in the upper left of this page for the latest visit dates. New schools are added daily. 

Students will receive a form enabling them to sign up for the visits that interest them.

The College Tour App

The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers. The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.​

Each episode of The College Tour will focus on a single college or university.
​
From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.

Download the app for a truly one-of-a-kind series featuring colleges and universities in a way they have never been seen before!

Area schools featured so far include:

-- University of Illinois-Champaign

-- Iowa State

-- Illinois State University

-- Illinois Wesleyan (Coming Soon)

NCAA Eligibility Center Information

Interested in playing collegiate athletics? Make sure you know what steps to take to qualify! Click below to access the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete for 2022-23. 

This document is full of timelines, resources, differences between the different divisions, course requirements, and so much more. If you are interested in playing DI, DII, or DIII athletics, this is DEFINITELY worth a read.

NCAA Eligibility Center Guide

Princess Closet Hours Posted

Homecoming is almost here - don't let the lack of funds stop you from missing the fun this year! Come borrow the complete outfit: Dress, shoes and jewelry.

Bring your student ID - a $25 deposit is required: Refunded at the time of return.

Tuesdays: 9/20, 9/27 & 10/4 - 5:00pm-8:00pm
Thursdays: 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29- 5:00pm- 8:00pm

Princess Closet is located in the lower level of Shore Acres Clubhouse. Entrance is on the back side of the building. Email Cari Horack at chorack@ivcschools.com for more information.