$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 5th in State.

Topic: America: Where Do We Go From Here
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

FAFSA Opens Today!!

Today is the first day that families can fill out the FAFSA. For a list of steps to completing the FAFSA, check out this link.

Reminder that it is important to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. There is a limited amount of MAP grant money in Illinois. This is money that does NOT need to be repaid.

Filling out the FAFSA is also a graduation requirement, so be sure to get this done ASAP!

ICC Visit Days

Illinois Central College has released this year's Fall Campus Visit Days.

Reserve your spot online by clicking here.

The full list of visit days is as follows:
October 1st - General Studies/Undecided

October 11th - General Studies/Undecided

October 22nd - Agricultural & Industrial Technologies

November 5th - Health Careers

November 11th - General Studies/Undecided

November 18th - Culinary Arts Open House

December 3rd - General Studies/Undecided

College Reps Visiting IVC

            

Over the next three weeks, several colleges and universities are sending representatives to IVC to answer student questions, give students a feel for the schools, and highlight the key aspects of their respect schools. Seniors are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to sign up for these visits. Stop down in the Guidance office or click this link to sign up for one or more of these visits!

Seniors: FAFSA Opens Up Next Week

 

PSAT/NMSQT

Listen up Juniors! The PSAT/NMSQT will be offered on Wednesday, October 13th at 8:00 AM at IVC. There are only 35 spots available, so sign up today! The cost of the test is $17. Sign up with Mrs. Placher in the Guidance office.

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 receive your test results, connect your College Board and Khan Academy® accounts to obtain free personalized SAT study recommendations. More information can be found here.

ISAC Guide to Programs and Services

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

Army ROTC Tuition Waiver Scholarships

If you are interested in pursuing a future as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army through the ROTC program while earning your degree at one of several Illinois public schools, you may be eligible for and receive the Illinois State Tuition Waiver Scholarship (ISTW) by participating in the ISTW Combine. Applications must be emailed to arotc@illinois.edu no later than October 16th. Click here for more information about qualifications. You can find the application here.

Illinois State Universities - At A Glance

State Universities - Summaries At A Glance

This document provides a summary of minimum high school course requirements for admission of freshman to Illinois public universities. That includes course requirements, foreign language requirements, admissions requirements, application filing dates, and tuition and fees.

State Universities - Majors At A Glance

This document provides a summary of majors at Illinois public universities.

Golden Apple Scholarship

The Golden Apple Scholarship is available for any senior who is hoping to study in the education field. Students can trade up to $23,000 of tuition support for beginning their career in a high-need school. More information on this scholarship program can be found at www.goldenapple.org with the application found here.

U of I - Program Explorer Tool

Before students apply to U of I, they are encouraged to check out the Program Explorer tool.

For each major at U of I, the Program Explorer tool provides a brief description, what graduates do with the degrees, how much the program costs, graduation and retention rates, related majors, and more.

Students can also take a self-assessment to discover which of the majors relate to their interests, explore majors by Holland type, and compare majors side by side.

Since students are admitted by major at UIUC, this tool is especially important to those applying. Hopefully this tool will help them make an informed decision on prospective major.

Questions About College Planning and Financial Aid??

Did you know you can get answers sent directly to your phone? With the ISAC College Q&A FREE text messaging service, you can get your questions answered and received important information about college planning events and deadlines - all via text.

It's easy to get started! Simply text your first and last name to 309-306-7066.

Virtual College Fair - COMING SOON

Midwest Virtual College Fair

The upcoming Midwest College Fair is right around the corner. This is a fantastic chance to meet some college reps and get some questions answered. Some of the area colleges at this virtual fair include:

Bradley University

DePaul University

Illinois College

Knox College

Millikin University

SIU-Carbondale

SIU-Edwardsville

Western IL University

Click on the image or link here to get more information about the fair

ISAC Financial Aid Presentation

If you were unable to attend Thursday night's Financial Aid night, you can find a copy of the presentation here. The presentation covered the differences between scholarships, loans, grants, and more.

Reminder that there is a parent Off to College breakfast on Friday, Sept. 17th at 8:30 at the Chillicothe Public Library as well as a parent Off to College night on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd at 6:00 at the IVC Library.

College For Free - It IS possible

SIU Carbondale is now offering the Saluki Commitment. The Saluki Commitment is their pledge that all students who meet certain criteria are guaranteed that tuition and mandatory fees will be fully covered for eight consecutive semesters at no cost to students or families.

Recipients must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a first-time incoming freshman enrolling full-time in the fall 2021 semester or later
• Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Have an annual family income less than $63,575 with assets less than $50,000 based on the FAFSA
• Be an Illinois resident who attended an Illinois high school
• Be a dependent student under age 24
• Be eligible for Federal financial aid

How to qualify (and stay qualified):

• Have a current FAFSA on file by December 1
• Apply for admission by March 1
• Enroll in a four-year degree program at SIU Carbondale
• Stay enrolled full-time for eight consecutive fall and spring semesters
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in order for the commitment to be renewed

The Saluki Commitment does not cover housing, course fees, student health insurance, parking permits and fines, summer courses, Study Abroad, books and indirect costs such as transportation and supplies.

College Board Opportunity Scholarships

All seniors are eligible to earn scholarship money - just by completing college planning steps that are beneficial to all students regardless of the financial incentive! No GPA, test score, application, or essay required. By creating a College Board account (www.collegeboard.org), students can build their college list, practice for the SAT, explore scholarships, and so much more - each of the steps will enter students into a drawing for $500. More information can be found here.

Illinois Colleges with NO Application Fee

Some colleges are offering no application fees for up to the whole year. That means it will cost you $0 to apply to these colleges. You can't beat that deal. We will update it as more colleges offer free  

Augustana College
Aurora University
Bradley University
Elmhurst College
Eureka College
Greenville College
Illinois College
Illinois Wesleyan University
Lake Forest College
Loyola University Chicago
McKendree University
Millikin University
Monmouth College
Rockford University

Senior Off to College Meeting

The counselors met with the senior class this morning to cover the ins and outs of the college application process and other options after graduation. Each counselor will also meet individually with the seniors to talk in detail post-secondary plans.

If you would like to see the topics covered, please click here for the presentation.

A copy of the Off to College Guide was distributed. Students will be able to find almost every topic discussed at the assembly in the Off to College Guide.

Homecoming Activities Coming Soon!!!

Homecoming week will be here soon (September 27th- October 2nd)!!!

This is a great way to meet new people, get involved with your class, and have FUN!! 

Float building and hall dec prep may begin on Friday, Sept 17th. 

 

If you want to help your class, reach out to the class sponsors for schedules (float, hall decorations, & skit).

The following faculty are class sponsors:

Senior:  Mrs. Aldrich & Mrs. Webb 

Junior:  Mr. Blankenship & Miss Ramseyer

Sophomore: Miss Danzer & Mrs. Hofer 

Freshmen:  Mrs. Bogner, Mr. Kosinski  & Mrs. Placher

Job Opportunity - Apply Now

LUTHERAN HILLSIDE VILLAGE is now hiring part time dining associates! We are looking for day shift and evening shift candidates! Benefits include a friendly, team-focused environment. No late nights, and flexible schedules.

Click here for more info

Combatting Test Anxiety

"I know the material but when the test arrives, I draw a blank." We hear that quite frequently in the Counseling Department. Test anxiety can most easily be described as the excessive worrying about performing well on a test. Test anxiety can be very tough to overcome at times. With a little bit of work, though, it can be reduced.

• Preparing for the test is the best way to counter test anxiety. The #1 reason for test anxiety is that the student is not confident that he or she truly knows the material. Confidence comes from preparation.
• Reducing negative thoughts is so important when taking a test and

Freshman Assembly

The counselors met with the freshmen today during homeroom to give them a brief overall of how the department works. 

 

Things that were covered include:

-- who the counselors are,

-- the different reasons a freshman may want to chat with us,

-- where our office are located,

-- how to go about requesting to see us,

-- confidentiality,

-- living up to their awesomeness,

-- getting involved,

-- and who their class advisors are.

ICC's Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase

Great Way to Use a College Visit Day!!
Friday, Sept 17th  

9:00-1:00 at ICC

 

Explore high-demand careers in the high-tech agriculture, diesel-powered equipment, and horticulture industries at the ICC Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase. This free event includes tours and live demonstrations by ICC students showcasing the latest technology in agriculture, construction, and heavy truck equipment. Browse equipment displays from industry partners and ask questions about career opportunities. For more info, call (309) 694-5200. Click below to register.

Do you know all that high school has to offer?

Getting Involved At IVC 

 

IVC has dozens of sports, clubs, groups, and activities for students of all ages and interests. Check out the list to see many of the great options IVC has to offer!

If you have questions about any sport, club or activity, contact a counselor. We can point you in the right direction. 

2021-22 Off to College Guide

All seniors will be receiving this year's Off to College Guide at the senior meeting next Wednesday (Sept 1st.) The guide is packed information such as: timelines, factors to consider, college open houses, keys to the process, important website links, and steps to writing a great essay.

The guide can be accessed by clicking this link.

Off to College Parent Breakfast

 

Important Dates for Seniors and Parents

Below is a list of important dates this year with a short description of each. We encourage seniors and parents to attend as many of these programs as possible. For more info on any of them, please call (309) 274-5481 x2.

Financial Aid/Scholarship Night
Thursday, Sept 9th
6:00 p.m. - IVC Library

A representative from the IL Student Assistance Commission will be at IVC to present a program on financial aid and scholarships. This program is very informative, especially for those parents who are new to the college application process. FAFSA will also be introduced.

Off to College/FAFSA Intro Breakfast
Friday, Sept 17th
8:30-9:30 a.m. - Chillicothe Library

This is our 12th year offering an Off to College Breakfast at the Chilli library. The breakfast will cover the application process, some of the ins and outs of college, tips for parents, and more. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be

SAT TEST - October Test Deadline Approaches

The deadline for the October 2nd SAT is coming up. Registration deadline is Spetember 3rd. Any senior who plans to retake the SAT should sign up ASAP.  To register, students should go to www.collegeboard.org. The test is not given at IVC but there are nearby testing centers.

Sidenote: All juniors will be taking the test in April. The school takes care of that registration.

SENIORS - What is Parchment?

Parchment is the electronic transcript site that makes sending transcripts simple. It is completely free for all students currently in high school. The best part...it takes about 2 minutes to go on the site and request a transcript. The counselors then click an approve button and the colleges have the transcript. It is the only way that transcripts will be sent to colleges, universities, NCAA, etc.

Reminder to seniors: You must register using the email that was sent to your school email from Parchment. Registration takes about 5-10 minutes but will only need to be done once. After you are registered, ordering transcripts couldn't be simpler.

Note to Parents: The student must sign up for Parchment using the link to his/her school email address. Any accounts using other email addresses will not work because the account will not be properly linked to our school. Please encourage the students to set up the account as soon as possible. It is the only way transcripts will be sent.

Welcome to the New School Year!!!

We are so glad to get back to school. With the exception of masks, this school year will hopefully look a lot more "normal" than last year did. There will definitely be a blend of in-person and virtual events hosted by the counseling department throughout the year. We look forward to staying in touch with all parents and students.

New to the Counseling Department:
Mrs. Rachel Williams - Mrs. Williams comes to us from Midland High School. She will be taking over the caseload that Ms. Lee had in past years.  We are super excited to have Mrs. Williams aboard. 

Please reach out to any of the counselors with any questions you may have:

Mr. Mark Kosinski (students last name A-K) - mkosinski@ivcschools.com

Mrs. Laura Davis (students last name L-Z) - ldavis@ivcschools.com

Mrs. Rachel Williams (students with IEPs and 504s) - rwilliams@ivcschools.com