From Your Guidance Office
Please know that we are continuing to work individually with seniors to help them through their college application process.
FAFSA
Part of that process is the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov
Virtual FAFSA completion assistance is available by calling the FAFSA HELPline at (844) 463-2372 or the mobile number of Ann Carmichael, FAFSA Completion Coordinator at (225) 931-7550.
Remember the FAFSA is the application for the TOPS Scholarship.
Questions about TOPS??
Here is a link with lots of great information about the TOPS Scholarship
https://mylosfa.la.gov/students-parents/scholarships-grants/tops
Summer Opportunities at LSU
The LSU Pre-College Virtual Academy offers online educational experiences for middle and high school students during the summer. The LSU Virtual Academy offers high-quality virtual courses that were developed with student engagement and learning as our primary goals. In order to ensure that students do not get lost in a virtual format, students are provided with daily structured learning time, including a daily live virtual class and office hours with our instructors and teaching assistants. In order to ensure that students remain engaged in learning the material, each course includes hands-on activities and projects that students can work on in small groups or individually.
FREE Virtual College Fair
Three days of live-stream presentations will help students and families understand:
- The impact of COVID-19 on the admission process
- Financial aid and financial award programs
- How to balance the application: test scores, essay, extracurriculars, etc.
- Multicultural, first generation, and accessibility/disability resources on college campuses
- How to find the best college fit/choose a major
- What to expect the first year on campus
- …and so much more.
Educational Resources During COVID-19
ACT is committed to serving community needs during this challenging time. That’s why we’re offering free digital learning resources to assist students, teachers, and schools impacted by COVID-19.
Check out act.org/covid19 to find resources.
ACT Information
According to the ACT website, its April 4 national test date has been rescheduled to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date.” Please see the following link to the website for more information: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html
Interested in a College Visit??
How about the next best thing? A virtual college fair. Here is a link for a virtual college fair with over 30 colleges from both in the state of Louisiana and outside the state. The fair will take place Monday, April 6th – Thursday, April 9th. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with colleges from Louisiana and beyond as they give a preview of their school and answer your questions.
https://franu.edu/louisiana-virtual-college-fair
Four Days of Virtual College Fairs
STRIVE VIRTUAL COLLEGE EXPLORATION WEEK is Monday, April 20 – Thursday, April 23, 2020
Four full days of virtual presentations for juniors to explore college opportunities, for free!
Interactive Career Pathway Data
Using data from the Condition of Career Pathway Readiness in the United States 2019, ACT has developed an interactive tool to help high school students and adults understand their career options based on their skills and determine the types of jobs available to them.
Tulane Goes Test Optional For Juniors
Submitting test scores for the SAT or ACT will be an optional — not required — part of the admission process for students applying this fall for a spot in Tulane University’s 2021 entering class. This is a one-year policy in response to the multiple test cancellations due to COVID-19 making it difficult for students to retake tests.
HELPFUL ARTICLES AND RESOURCES
Quarantine Tips
Here is an article from the Advocate that includes some great tips for parents to use in dealing with young people during this difficult time. The information is from Anna Long, asst. Professor of Psychology at LSU.
Counseling Services
The Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health (LDH-OBH) is providing free, 24/7 counseling support services for Louisiana citizens. These services can be accessed through http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5492.
The Art of Holding Steady in Turbulent Times
Tips for Practicing Self Care
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors/professional-development/learn-more/self-care-tips
Tips To Help Support Families During Covid-19
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/