Journey to College Monthly Reminder

Students 16 years and older, you are now eligible to sign up and receive your COVID-19 vaccine. Keep an eye out for possible vaccination and testing sites in your area. Get the facts about the vaccine at mostopscovid.com. Remember, if you get either the Pzifer or Moderna vaccines, you’ll have to go back for a second shot for it to be effective. Whether or not you decide to get vaccinated is your choice. With anything, be informed and make an educated decision!

High School Students

• Explore Colleges. Use the Missouri College and Degree Search to compare programs and schools.
• In place of in-person college fairs, the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling is hosting a free virtual college fair. Visit their website to watch recorded sessions to more than 100 colleges.
• Register for the ACT and/or SAT. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the test and improve your score. If money to pay for the test is an issue, talk to your high school counselor about getting your test fee waived.

High School Seniors

• Some colleges request accepted students to inform them of their intent to enroll by May 1. This is known as Decision Day across the country, and here in Missouri. Continue to do your research and consider your options to make the best decision for your future. Here is some helpful information as you work to finalize your plans.
• Share where you’re at in your journey by using the hashtags #IDecided, #StillDeciding and #MoDecisionDay. Remember that it’s important to make an informed decision, so you may need to wait for your financial aid offers before finalizing those plans!
• If you haven’t applied to colleges yet, it’s not too late! Some schools are open enrollment and may not have early admission deadlines, others are extending deadlines due to COVID-19. Keep exploring your options and find your best fit!
• Finals and end-of-the year tasks are still important to complete. Finish your high school career strong!
• Your scholarship search shouldn’t end when classes do. Keep applying for scholarships throughout the summer, and throughout your college career.
• Accommodations were made to Class of 2021 high school seniors for eligibility for the A+ Scholarship. Find out more about the Algebra I End of Course Exam waiver here.

College Students

• Have you registered for classes for next fall yet? Set a time with your advisor to walk through your degree map and set your schedule. Don’t forget that you need at least 15 credit hours a semester to graduate on time.
• MU Health Care is hosting an on-campus vaccination event Saturday, May 1. Students and Missouri residents older than 16 can sign up for an appointment here. Many colleges are hosting events on their campus – remember, the vaccine is free for everyone!
• Summer is just around the corner! Get some experience and perspective with an internship. Find opportunities at https://www.mointernconnect.com/.
• Don’t struggle alone – colleges offer mental health services, often for free! Find out what on-campus mental health services are available to you. Even if you aren’t sure you need them now, you may in the future.

Important Dates

May 1 – MO Decision Day

May 1 – MU Health Care Vaccination Event

May 7 – June ACT Registration Deadline

May 8 – Next SAT Test Day

June 12 – Next ACT Test Day

Connect with us

Follow Journey to College on social media for daily planning and paying for college tips and reminders.

 Twitter:

@journey2college

 Facebook:

@journeytocollege

 Instagram:

@journey2college

 Online:

journeytocollege.mo.gov

COVID-19 Resources

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, common myths, and how the vaccine was developed: mostopscovid.com

Register yourself and your family for the COVID-19 vaccine using the Missouri Vaccine Navigator or by calling Missouri’s COVID-19 hotline (877) 435-8411.

Changes and accommodations have been made for several of Missouri’s State Financial Aid programs. Learn more about those announcements at dhewd.mo.gov/covid-19.php

Other student resources about COVID-19 are available at journeytocollege.mo.gov/covid-19-resources/.

Parents

Considering going back to get your degree, or even going to college for the first time? Fast Track, Missouri’s grant program for adult students, is expanding this fall to include Public Health to the list of eligible program areas. Learn more about Fast Track today!

Because of COVID-19, several accommodations were made to Missouri state financial aid programs. Click the link to learn more about these changes.

If you are interested in saving money for your student’s future, consider learning about and investing in a MOST 529

If you are a parent or guardian of a student with special needs, consider opening a MOABLE account, which allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs.