Scholarship information:

Senior scholarship newsletters are distributed monthly beginning in September and will continue throughout the school year.  This newsletter lists a variety of local, state and national scholarships available to students.  There is a great deal of scholarship money available to graduating seniors.  However, students must explore and do their "homework".  Many scholarships that we advertise have short application deadlines.

Important message:  For your awareness, in the past, families have been contacted by agencies claiming to give out free grant money for college.  The persons claiming to represent these agencies are looking for personal bank and account information.  Just a reminder that there are many scams out there that you should be aware of.

In general, you should remember the following:

• Never reveal any personal or banking information.

• You should never have to pay money to receive grants, scholarships or assistance in completing financial aid forms.  This information is generally available free of charge.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Counseling Office at any time.

New York State Scholarship For Academic Excellence:

Lowville Academy is allowed to submit four seniors to receive the New York State Academic Excellence Scholarship pending appropriation of State funds by the New York State legislature.  Lowville Academy selects our winners based on class rank in accordance with State selection policy.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

This form is free of charge and must be completed and submitted in order for an applicant to be considered for any federal financial aid programs.  Families can start the process any time after October 1st.  The federal student assistance programs can help pay for most kinds of education after high school.  The aid is available to those attending a college, a professional school, or a vocational or technical school.  PLEASE NOTE:  Students will not be eligible to apply for student loans unless they complete a FAFSA. 

To complete the FAFSA online, follow the seven steps below:

1.  Collect information such as:  Your social security number, your parents’ social security numbers and dates of birth, your parents’ marital status, tax returns for you and your parents, W2 forms for you and your parents, records of untaxed income for you and your parents (such as social security benefits, public assistance, etc.), bank, stock, real estate, and business records for you and your parents, your driver’s license number

2.  Obtain your FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain US Dept. of Education websites.  Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.  You can access the website at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. 

3.  File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after, but not prior to, October 1.  The fastest way to file is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  You and one parent should use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.

4.  File TAP on the Web.  Use the link on the FAFSA confirmation page to go to TAP on the Web.  If you need more information go to www.hesc.org.

5.  Watch your e-mail for a notice from the U.S. Department of Education with a link to access your Student Aid Report (SAR).

6.  Keep records.

7.  Contact the college financial aid office for questions and advice. 

COLLEGE APPLICATION WEB SITES

Students applying to community colleges can stop by the Counseling Office for applications as many community colleges have their own application and do not charge a fee to apply (this includes JCC, MVCC, Herkimer Community College and North Country Community College).  Students applying to SUNY Colleges only should use the SUNY Application at www.suny.edu.  This site allows students to apply to multiple campuses at one time. 

Students applying to private colleges/SUNY campuses can access the Common Application at www.commonapp.org.  Students can verify if their college choices accept the Common Application and apply to multiple campuses at one time.  Students needing assistance should stop by the Counseling Office. 

SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM

If you are a male and have turned 18 and living in the U.S., then you must register with Selective Service. It’s the law. You can register at any U.S. Post Office.   For more information, go online at www.sss.gov  or speak to the Social Studies department.

VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE!  For your awareness, in the past, families have been contacted by agencies claiming to give out free grant money for college.  The persons claiming to represent these agencies are

looking for personal bank and account information.  Just a reminder, there are many scams out there, be aware.  You should never reveal any personal or banking information or pay to receive grants or scholarships.