My name is Kelsey Stewart, and I am the College Adviser for Holton High School. My job is to help students and parents at Holton with everything related to college - from financial aid to what it's like to live in a dorm.
I am a member of the Michigan State University College Advising Corps. We help low-income, first generation and underrepresented students find their way to college. By placing recent MSU graduates as advisers in high schools across Michigan, The Corps helps students plan their college searches, complete admissions and financial aid applications and enroll at schools that will serve them well.
I graduated in May of 2011 with a Bachelors of Arts in Social Relations and Policy at Michigan State University. My personal goal is to make sure every one of my students finds the college experience that is right for them AND finds a way to pay for it.
My office is in the Media Center. I am at Holton on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday. If you have any questions or need help with anything related to college, stop in and see me!
231-821-1916
What's Going on Right Now?
Its Financial Aid Time!!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on January 1st 2013. This online application qualifies you for Federal Grants and Student Loans that will help you pay for college. ALL SENIORS should fill out the FAFSA, this is where most students get most of their financial aid for college. This application requires completed 2012 tax returns from parents and students (if student files taxes). You should get this done by MARCH 1st. Click here to get a copy of the FAFSA worksheet, if you can fill out the worksheet you can fill out the FAFSA. Go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the application!
There are lots of ways to get help with the FAFSA!
Parent Financial Aid Info Night
December 19th from 6-7:30pm in the High School Library
This event will go over the different types of Financial aid avaliable to students, who qualifies, how to apply and the benifits of different types of aid. Great for students and parents of all ages, especially those who will be the first in their family to go to college.
FAFSA NIGHT
January 23rd from 6-7:30pm in the High School Library
A financial aid officer from Muskegon Community College will come by Holton High School to go over the FAFSA in detail and answer any questions and concerns students and parents may have. This an extremely helpful event, if you have never filled out the FAFSA or just want to make sure you are doing it correctly, COME TO THIS EVENT!!
Michigan College Goal Sunday-
February 10th from 2-4pm at Baker College in Muskegon or at the Newaygo County RESA in Fremont
This event brings together college financial aid officers from around the area in one place to help parents and students submit the all important FAFSA. Bring your completed taxes with you and you can have expert help filling out the FAFSA
If individuals need help with the FAFSA you can always contact the Fianicial Aid Office of your chosen College or Ms. Stewart and Mr. Westerlund.
Friend us on Facebook- If you want an easy way to ask questions about college and get reminders about important deadlines, friend the Holton CollegeAdviser Facebook Page.
College Search!
The Michigan College Access Portal is a free site where students and parents can search for colleges in Michigan. You can search colleges by major, location, cost, ect. Also there is financial aid information, scholarship searches, and interest quizzes that will help you pick the college that is right for you.
ACT TESTS
This is widely considered the most important factor for getting into most 4-year colleges after your grades. And it isn't an easy test, but with practice and hard work you can do very well. A good score can not only lead to acceptance into a college, but also better scholarship money. So don't put it off, start studying TODAY!
Seniors- if you are unhappy with your ACT score or you want a better chance at scholarships, retake the ACT. Its $35 and it is given multiple times a year. Give it a chance, most students get a better score the second time around. The next test date is December 8th, and you must register by November 9th.
Juniors-It is never too early to start practicing, you will be taking the ACT with your class in March and it is pretty difficult and VERY important so check out these sites and start practicing right away!
http://www.actstudent.org/ - sign up here!
For more information on standardize testing in general and its affect on college admissions, click here
Want to study for the ACT?
Here are a few sites that are great for preparing for the ACT, and you should prepare, it's a very important test for your future.
ACT Online Prep is run by ACT itself and has full timed and scored practice tests for all 5 sections. Juniors, most of you have a log-in through Mrs. Wosinski's class but if you don't remember or need one go see Mr. Westerlund and he will set you up.
This site has free practice questions. If you get the answer wrong the first time, it explains the rules that relate to the question and allows you to try again. Its a great way to practice your skills.
This has 4 full ACT section tests for each section, including the writing section, that are timed and scored. It's a great way to make sure you have the timing figured out. When you register, use your student number as your username.
Scholarship Search!
It is never too early or too late to start searching for scholarships. Here are a few sites that can help.
This website is a free search engine for scholarships. Just fill out the profile with your interests and accomplishments and they will help you find scholarships you might qualify for.
http://www.cffmc.org/receive/scholarship
The local community foundation has a bunch of great scholarships and its only for Muskegon County. Check it out!
http://www.gerberfoundation.org/
The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship is a $2,300 scholarship available to graduating seniors from Muskegon and Newago counties. Students must have a 3.7 GPA or BELOW to qualify.
For a quick list of local scholarships, click here
If you want to check out grants available specifically for your major, click here
