Career and College Advisor Notes for December 2024

UPDATE, 12/10/2024:

Click here for the 2024 Financial Aid Zoom Recording!

It is hard to believe 2024 is already coming to a close! The first chunk of the school year has flown by, and the Class of 2025 has been working tirelessly on planning for post-high school.

First and most importantly, Financial Aid Night is happening next Monday, December 9, from 6:30-7:30pm in the LBHS Library (or you can join us on Zoom – the link will  be shared via email on Monday morning). We will have the opportunity to learn from David Aramaki, a financial advisor and paying-for-college guru, about the financial aid system and paying for post-secondary educational expenses. David has joined us on a number of occasions to share his expertise, and he’ll be with us virtually via Zoom. All families and students in grades 7-12 are welcome – there will be a lot of good information for parents of younger students  who are planning for the future. Bring all your burning questions about financial aid and saving for college!

FAFSA Help Night on January 9

When we return from winter break, I’ll be hosting a FAFSA Help Night in the LBHS Library on Thursday, January 9 from 6-7pm for families who would like additional  in-person support while  working on their FAFSA applications. (Other dates/times can be scheduled with Beth, if you prefer one-on-one support!)

A few important FAFSA tips:

  • Check out the “Understanding the FAFSA Form” page for an overview on the process.
  • Be sure to start the 2025-26 FAFSA application by logging in with the student’s FSA ID.
  • Dependent students will then invite one or more parents as “contributors” to the FAFSA, and each parent will need their own FSA ID. If you’re wondering which parent(s) will need to contribute information, use the “Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA form?” tool.
  • Use the FAFSA Help Center when needed!

Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool

For families of younger students, there is an online resource that helps estimate the amount you’ll be asked to contribute toward your student’s education. Try the Federal Student Aid Estimator, and let me know if you have questions!

Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities

Montana State University WUE Scholarships - Applications Due January 6

MSU will be offering a very limited number of Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarships to new freshmen enrolling in the fall of 2025. The WUE application is open, and instructions to apply can be found on MSU’s Nonresident Scholarships page. The deadline for WUE scholarship consideration is January 6, 2025. Due to the high value of WUE and the volume of applications, the scholarship is limited and extremely competitive. Students are encouraged to apply early and to complete the application carefully. Students will be notified in mid-February if they have been awarded WUE.

Washington State University General Scholarship - Applications Due January 31

Like many other institutions, WSU uses a general application to award dozens of different merit-based scholarships. Prospective students need to fill out the scholarship app no later than January 31, 2025, even if they have not yet committed to attending WSU.

Washington State Fair Blue Ribbon Scholarship Program - Applications Due January 31

The Blue Ribbon Scholarship program provides over $1,700,000 in awards to give students a "fair chance" at a college education. As support of the program has grown, so have the opportunities for students statewide.

Students only need to submit one application for all Blue Ribbon scholarships offered online. The application system will automatically apply students for the scholarships they qualify for. Apply directly at: https://thefairfoundation.awardspring.com. For any scholarship questions, please email scholarships@thefair.com.

Happy Holidays! Please let me know how I can help you this month!

With gratitude,

Beth/Ms. Anderson

College and Career Advisor

Methow Valley School District

banderson@methow.org, 509.996.2215, x4175

Office Hours: available at LBHS or ILC from 8am-3:30pm on M/Tu/Th/F, remote on Wednesdays

About the College and Career Counseling Program

The goal of our College and Career Counseling program is to provide students and their families with the information and resources necessary for them to make well-informed choices about their post-secondary education. Liberty Bell recognizes the diversity in our families and understands that what might be right for one student may not be a good fit for another.

Therefore, we work individually with students and their families to help them successfully develop and achieve their post-graduation goals – whether that is applying to a 4-year, 2-year or technical college, designing a productive Gap Year plan or entering the military or workforce. Some of the specific services that we offer include:

  • Educating students and parents about the post-secondary educational choices available to them.

  • Meeting individually with juniors, seniors and parents to help them with their college lists, the application process, college essays and financial aid needs, including the FAFSA, the Profile and College Bound Scholarship, as well as with SAT/ACT prep and registration.

  • Holding college information evenings for students and parents to make sure that they have all the resources and support they need to reach their goals.

  • Working with the guidance counselor to ensure that 9th and 10th graders take the necessary classes to be eligible for college admissions.

Applying to college should be a fun and exciting process; but at times it can be a bit overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling stuck, or if you have questions about any part of the application process, contact our office at (509) 996-2215.

We would like to thank the Public School Funding Alliance for their generous support of this program.