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Providing College Knowledge 

Welcome to QuESTT

Back in the 1960s, the government wanted to help kids and teens who might have a harder time getting to college. They started with a program called "Upward Bound." Then they added two more programs, "Talent Search" and "Student Support Services." Since there were three main programs, people started calling them "TRiO" as a cool way to remember them.

Today, TRiO is like a big family of eight programs, all designed to help students, especially those who might be the first in their families to go to college or who might need some extra help along the way. 

TRiO logo
Upard Bound Logo
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Teamwork

Zech VanFleet

Talent Search Counselor

zvanfleet@questtinc.com

Megan Beckham

Talent Search Counselor

mbeckham@questtinc.com

Slade Cochrane

Administration

scochrane@questtinc.com

Sharon Blackfox

Upward Bound Counselor

sblackfox@questtinc.com

Pam Brittain

Upward Bound Counselor

pbrittain@questtinc.com

Ray Morris

Talent Search Counselor

rmorris@questtinc.com

Trey Freed

Upward Bound Counselor

tfreed@questtinc.com

tEAM QuESTT

College Prep

  1. Understanding College Admission Tests: Familiarize yourself with the major college admission tests like SAT and ACT. Utilize online resources for test preparation like the official ACT and SAT websites, Khan Academy, and Kaplan Test Prep.

  2. Choosing the Right College: Research various colleges and understand their offerings, campus culture, and the courses available.

  3. Application Process: Understand the application process for your target colleges. This includes application forms, essays, recommendation letters, and interviews.

  4. Financial Planning: Investigate scholarships, grants, and loans. Plan your finances early to ensure you can cover tuition, housing, and other expenses.

  5. Skills Development: Apart from academics, colleges look for students who are well-rounded. Engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships to showcase diverse skills.

  6. Academic Preparation: Maintain a strong GPA in high school. Seek out AP or honors courses if available. Use resources like PrepScholar and PowerScore for additional academic preparation.

  7. Campus Visits: Whenever possible, visit your target colleges. This helps in understanding the campus vibe and deciding if it's the right fit for you.

  8. Stay Updated: Ensure you are aware of the latest resources and updates related to college admissions. Websites such as BestColleges offer links to free SAT prep resources and other valuable information[6].

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Sources

  1. thrivecollegecounseling.com - Websites for SAT and ACT Test Prep

  2. collegeraptor.com - FREE Resources for ACT/SAT Test Prep

  3. prepscholar.com - The Best ACT Prep Websites You Should Be Using

  4. act.org - Free ACT Test Prep | The ACT Test

  5. prepscholar.com - The Best SAT Prep Websites You Should Be Using

  6. bestcolleges.com - Top 10 Resources for Free SAT Prep

  7. UcanGo2.org - Resources to help you plan, prepare, and pay for college.

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ACT/SAT PREP

  1. Official ACT and SAT Websites - Both the ACT and SAT organizations provide official resources and practice tests for students. These materials mirror the actual test format and provide accurate score predictions.

    • For ACT, visit The ACT's official test prep page which offers a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help students achieve their best scores[4].

    • For SAT, the official SAT website is a prime source for authentic practice tests and materials.

  2. Khan Academy - Renowned for its comprehensive and free educational resources, Khan Academy collaborates with the College Board to offer specific SAT prep materials, ensuring the content is in line with what students will encounter on the actual test[5].

  3. PrepScholar - It offers a collection of both old and new official SAT practice tests and resources specifically designed for ACT practice[3, 5].

  4. Varsity Tutors - This platform provides a multitude of practice questions and tests for both ACT and SAT[2, 3].

  5. Other Resources:

    • Kaplan Test Prep: Renowned for its test prep materials and courses[2].

    • SparkNotes: Offers test prep guides and materials[2].

    • PowerScore: Offers a range of materials for ACT prep[3].

    • CrackSAT.net: Provides a collection of SAT practice questions and tests[5].

 

Remember, while these resources are invaluable, consistent practice and review are the keys to achieving a top score!

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Sources

  1. thrivecollegecounseling.com - Websites for SAT and ACT Test Prep

  2. collegeraptor.com - FREE Resources for ACT/SAT Test Prep

  3. prepscholar.com - The Best ACT Prep Websites You Should Be Using

  4. act.org - Free ACT Test Prep | The ACT Test

  5. prepscholar.com - The Best SAT Prep Websites You Should Be Using

  6. bestcolleges.com - Top 10 Resources for Free SAT Prep

Financial Aid

Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. It can cover a range of educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and other related costs.

Types of Financial Aid

  1. Grants: Money that does not need to be repaid and is often based on financial need.

    • Federal Pell Grant: Awarded based on financial need and doesn't require repayment.

    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): For undergraduates with exceptional financial need.

  2. Scholarships: Free money awarded based on various criteria such as academic achievement, talents, or specific student attributes.

    • University Scholarships: Offered by the institution itself.

    • Private Scholarships: Offered by private organizations, companies, and nonprofits.

  3. Work-Study: Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.

  4. Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

    • Federal Stafford Loans: Low-interest loans for students.

    • Federal PLUS Loans: For parents of dependent undergraduate students.

    • Private Student Loans: Offered by private institutions, usually at higher interest rates.

Applying for Financial Aid

  1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The primary form used to apply for federal financial assistance.

    • Opens on October 1st every year.

    • Determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds.

  2. CSS Profile: Used by some colleges and universities to award their own institutional aid.

  3. State Financial Aid: Many states have their own financial aid applications for state-sponsored aid.

Financial Aid Tips

  1. Apply Early: Ensure you meet all deadlines for federal, state, and institutional aid.

  2. Search for Scholarships: Regularly look for private scholarships and apply to as many as possible.

  3. Understand Loan Terms: Before borrowing, understand interest rates, repayment terms, and any potential fees.

  4. Stay Informed: Financial aid policies can change. Keep yourself updated with recent developments and renew your FAFSA annually.

Resources and Tools

  1. FAFSA Official Website

  2. U.S. Department of Education - Financial Aid Office

  3. Scholarship search platforms like Fastweb and Scholarships.com

  4. College financial aid calculators and estimators.

Remember, securing financial aid can make a significant difference in a student's ability to attend and afford college. Encourage students to apply early, do thorough research, and maximize their aid opportunities!

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  1. FastWeb www.fastweb.com free registration personalized profile matching

  2. FinAid! www.finaid.org/scholarships lots of good advice

  3. Scholarships.com www.scholarships.com free registration personalized profile matching

  4. Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education www.studentaid.gov free registration financial aid & scholarship wizard FAFSA application

  5. Coca Cola Scholarships www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org

  6. Dell Scholars www.dellscholars.org

  7. National Merit Scholarship www.nationalmerit.org

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