The start of a new year is a great time to set new goals, and 2020 could be the year you gear your resolutions toward making strides in the classroom. From little things like turning off your cellphone during class and reading more books, to big things like getting all A’s or that big scholarship; it’s the daily commitment to excellence that produces results in the long run. Don't overlook the importance of homework assignments, attending and paying attention in class, and starting on those big projects ahead of time.
High School Students
It’s never too early to focus on personal development. Work on skills you’ll need long after high school. Find time for extracurricular activities as well as creative projects, such as drawing, graphic design, writing, photography, and web design.
It doesn't matter what grade you're in, there are plenty of things you can do now to be on the right track for college and a career.
Taking dual credit or Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school can help you get a head start on college and save time and money as you work toward a degree. It can also help you graduate with less student loan debt.
High School Seniors
Congratulations, you’ve reached the final semester of high school. It’s a great accomplishment. You should be proud, but your education shouldn’t end here.
It's not too late to research colleges and degree programs. Whether you're interested in a short-term training program with a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree, it all counts as college. Use our College and Degree Search to filter your search options and find your best fit.
College can be expensive. However, there are options available to make it more affordable. File your 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, before the Feb. 1 Access Missouri Grant priority deadline. This is free money for students with a financial need. You can file the FAFSA online or by using the myStudentAid app on your phone.
Speaking of money, keep applying for scholarships! A lot of scholarships are focused on high school seniors - take advantage of those scholarship opportunities now.
College Students
Scholarships aren't just for high school seniors - there are tons of scholarships for college students too. Don't forget to check if any previously earned scholarships are renewable, and see what you need to do to keep them.
Same goes for filing the FAFSA. Be sure to file your FAFSA before the Feb. 1 Access Missouri priority deadline, or your college's FAFSA deadline, whichever comes first. You can file the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov or by using the myStudentAid app.
We recently released a tool to help college students see how their credits will transfer from one public college to another. Check out the Course Transfer Tracker to see your transfer options and to track your progress toward meeting general education requirements. If you know you're going to transfer, this is a great way to make sure the classes you're taking will count toward your degree.
Journey to College Book Scholarship Deadline Reminder
Did you participate in a FAFSA Frenzy event? This year, students have a chance to win one of 20 $500 book scholarships. The scholarship application is available through Scholarship Central. To be eligible, create a login in the State Financial Aid Portal and follow the steps in the Scholarship Central application.
While the scholarships are designated as “book scholarships” the funds can be used for any educational expenses and will be disbursed to the institution the recipients plan to attend.
The scholarship application is due by Feb. 15, 2020.
|