CHEWV

Tag: High School

  • The FAFSA Is Changing

    The FAFSA Is Changing

    Important Things For Parents to Know

    Normally the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) becomes available in early October, but due to a major overhaul in the form, the form will not be available for the current year until December 31st. The delay is due to a substantial overhaul required by the FAFSA Simplification Act (2022).

    Some of the major changes include requiring the direct transfer of IRS information to FAFSA; increased eligibility for need-based grants; elimination of the discount for having multiple students in college; the new designation of “contributor” which applies to anyone who provides financial or personal information for the student. In addition, the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) is now replaced by SAI (Student Aid Index).

    FAFSA is an almost universal part of the college application process for high school seniors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 85% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid for college. Among the many forms of student aid are Federal Pell Grants, state and local scholarships (Promise, Higher Education Grant, WV Stem Scholarship, WV Nursing Scholarship program), grants and scholarships provided by the college, and student loans. Most of these forms of aid require a FAFSA to determine a student’s eligibility for aid.

    How do we prepare to fill out the FAFSA?

    1. An FSA ID must be created for the student and all contributors.  All individuals involved must have their own email, phone number, and FSA ID. The FSA ID needs to be done at least 3 days before starting the FAFSA to allow time for the verification process. If you are married and file your federal taxes jointly, you will only need one FSA ID for both parents; but if you file your federal taxes separately, you will need to have an FSA ID for both parents.
    2. Gather your tax forms for the tax year 2022 for both the student and the parent.
    3. Compile banking information, including the total amount of all cash, savings, checking accounts, etc.  – again, for both the student and parents.
    4. Determine the net worth of any business, including farms. The new form is expected to eliminate the exemption for businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

    Hurry Up and Wait

    Completing the FAFSA as soon as possible is advisable. While some aid (like PROMISE and Pell Grants) just has to be submitted by a given date, other scholarships and aid are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the delay in the FAFSA rollout, colleges are saying that it will probably be late February or early March before award notifications will begin to be sent out this year.

    Common FAFSA errors that cause delay:

    1. Selecting the wrong aid year. Use 2024-2025 for fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025.
    2. Not consenting to transfer tax information; consent is required before the FAFSA will be processed.
    3. Submitting incorrect information when creating FSA ID.
    4. Sending FAFSA to the wrong school.  Double-check codes for colleges during application,  and if college choice changes, be sure to update and have the FAFSA information sent to the new choice(s).
    5. Incorrectly answering “yes” to dependent status questions.
    6. Not regularly checking email (student and all contributors) for additional information that would need to be corrected or submitted. It is common for applications to be selected for an audit, which then requires additional documentation.  Most communications will go to the student, so remind them to check their email regularly and not just their texts!

    In summary, create an FSA ID for the student as well as all contributors sometime in December.  Then be sure to complete the FAFSA application carefully and in a timely manner, once it becomes available at the end of December.  Be alert for communications that require any additional information.

    Additional resources:

    Federal Student Aid video playlist

    Try the FAFSA protype

    Create your FSA IDs

    Federal Student Aid

    Create your account on College for WV to learn more about WV state scholarships

    *** All the information in this article is subject to change. Final directives have not been confirmed by the Federal Department of Education.

  • The Coveted Golden Horseshoe

    The Coveted Golden Horseshoe

    and WV Homeschoolers

    West Virginia native Homer Hickam, author of “October Sky,” has one regret. He did not win a Golden Horseshoe as a student! 

    Every year 221 students are awarded the coveted Golden Horseshoe and knighted as Ladies and Knights of the Golden Horseshoe in a ceremony at the Capitol in Charleston, WV, in June. The Golden Horseshoe is a scholastic opportunity open to all 8th grade students in West Virginia. Each county has a minimum of two winners, but counties with larger populations have more winners. The test is a competition within a county, not within the state.

    The test measures a student’s understanding of West Virginia history, geography, civics, geology, culture, economy, and tourism. There are two parts to the test; one is a written essay and the second is an online multiple-choice test containing 50 questions. The essay portion is not required, but is used only if there is a tie within the county on the multiple-choice testing portion. Both parts are administered at the public school the student would normally attend.

    A registration form must be completed by a teacher, counselor, or school/county administrator where the student would have normally attended public school. Registration opens December 1, 2021. About a week after the student is registered, they will be e-mailed additional instructions and links for weekly practice tests to help familiarize the student with the testing format.

    Schedule:

    • December 1,2021 – registration opens
    • January 5,2022 – Deadline for requesting a braille test
    • Tuesday, February 8,2022 – Written Essay test administered state-wide
    • February 15-24 – Multiple choice test administered. Each county is assigned a specific date.
      • February 15, Tuesday: Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Wetzel, Putnam
      • February 16, Wednesday: Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Doddridge, Hardy, Harrison, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pendleton, Ritchie, Tucker
      • February 17, Thursday: Berkeley, Braxton, Gilmer, Grant, Marshall, Morgan, Taylor, Tyler, Wayne
      • February 18, Friday: Clay, Hampshire, McDowell, Mineral, WVSD/B, Wyoming
      • February 22, Tuesday: Greenbrier, Lewis, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Preston, Summers, Webster, Wirt, Wood
      • February 23, Wednesday: Jefferson, Kanawha, Monroe, Roane, Fayette, Lincoln
      • February 24, Thursday: Calhoun, Logan, Marion, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Randolph, Upshur, Jackson

    CHEWV no longer has Golden Horseshoe textbooks available. However, used books may be found online or purchased through the The James and Law Company in Clarksburg at this link. You may also request to borrow a copy from your local school. CHEWV has the answers to the text questions, quizzes, and tests available to members. 

    Additional resources:

     

  • About College Scholarships and Homeschoolers

    CFWV (College for West Virginia) scholarships are for homeschooled students too!  If your student plans to pursue scholarships, don’t wait until he or she is a senior.  Instead, begin planning in the early high school years, as requirements may be different for homeschooled students.

    Do you have a student who wants to earn a certificate or associate degree in a high-demand field? Perhaps you have a student who wants to major in education, nursing, or a STEM field? There are special scholarships in West Virginia for each of those majors. 

    CollegeForWV.com offers free webinars explaining these scholarships and programs – along with many other helpful resources. If you miss one of the webinars, you can view a replay on their YouTube page.

    Below is a sampling of scholarships available to homeschooled students:

    Promise Scholarship – an in-state scholarship available to any WV Senior who meets the requirements. (https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/promise-scholarship/requirements/)

    The West Virginia Higher Education Grant – a need-based financial aid program. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and generally may be used in conjunction with other forms of state, federal and institutional financial aid. A list of requirements can be found here: https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/wv-higher-education-grant/how-it-works/

    West Virginia Invests – a last-dollar-in-financial-aid program designed to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and academic program fees. The scholarship is available in specific high-demand fields in certificate or associate degree programs. More information can be found here: https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/invest-grant/how-it-works/

    The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program – helps recent high school graduates pursue careers as WV teachers in math, science, elementary education, or special education. More information can be found here: https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/underwood-smith-teaching-scholars/

    The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship (a.k.a. WV STEM Scholarship) Program is a student financial aid program designed to enable and encourage academically talented individuals to pursue careers in the fields of engineering, science, and technology in West Virginia. More information can be found here: https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/wv-ests-program/

    The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program is for LPN, RN, LPN teaching certificate, and master’s or doctoral nursing education students. In exchange for receiving the scholarship, participants agree to complete a service obligation in West Virginia. More information can be found here: https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/wv-nursing-program/ 

  • Is College (and Financial Aid) Ahead?

    The FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2022-2023 academic year opened October 1st. Completing the application, which is a requirement for most scholarships and other financial aid, is a complicated process. 

    A free, helpful seminar, sponsored by College for West Virginia (CFWV), is available to you at https://youtu.be/1ePcdKpJI4w. This workshop goes through the FAFSA application line by line, making the process simpler for you.

    Find more information about this and other financial aid questions at CFWV.com

  • PROMISE Eligibility

    PROMISE Eligibility

    5 Things to Know

    Changes in PROMISE scholarship eligibility requirements for homeschoolers, effective July 2018, are now being implemented.  Here are some key things homeschoolers should know about the changes.

    1. No more GED.  Homeschool graduates are no longer required to take the GED to qualify for the PROMISE scholarship.
    2. Same requirements as public and private school students. To qualify for the PROMISE, homeschoolers now have basically the same academic requirements as public school students:
      • Minimum ACT composite score of 22 or SAT combined of 1100,
      • Minimum ACT scores of 20 in English, Mathematics, Science, and Reading – or a minimum SAT of 520 in math and 530 in reading,
      • Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all high school course work, and
      • GPA of 3.0 in core classes required by the WV Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC). 
    3. Must include “core classes”. SB 319, which passed in the 2018 legislative session, requires a 3.0 in core classes to qualify for the PROMISE.  The core classes prescribed by HEPC include 4 English credits; 4 Social Studies credits; 4 Math credits; and 3 Science credits.  This list of core classes will now be an important document for homeschool families wishing to become PROMISE-eligible. 
    4. Documentation needed. The core classes taken must be listed on their prescribed Homeschooled Grade Report Form and submitted to HEPC along with a transcript of all high school classes and grades.  The names of the core classes listed on the form should reasonably match the course names of the core classes listed on HEPC’s website.  In addition to the Homeschooled Grade Report Form, applicants must fill out the PROMISE application.
    5. Other requirements remain. In addition to academic requirements outlined above, other requirements for PROMISE remain unchanged.  Among these include residency requirements, application deadlines, submission of FAFSA, and documentation from the county board office that the student was homeschooled during the 11th and 12th grades.  See the complete list of requirements at the CFWV website.

    The CFWV can help with both PROMISE eligibility and the entire FAFSA application process.  

    Note 11/13/2020: If you have a student who qualifies for a Promise Scholarship you will need to get a letter from your county board of education stating that your child was homeschooled in the 11th and 12th grades.  Unfortunately, some parents have recently had some difficulty obtaining this documentation.

     If you find yourself in a situation where county officials hesitate to verify your student’s homeschool status, you may need to remind them that a NOI, even one submitted four years ago, is valid until you notify the county that you have ended the home education of your student.

     It is also very important to make sure you are following the law by submitting assessments in the years required (3rd,5th, 8th, and 11th). These filings will support your case when you need documentation from a county. By filing your 11th grade assessment you have de facto proof that you homeschooled in the 11th grade, even when county officials say they cannot give you verification.

  • Driver’s License Change Takes Effect

    Driver’s License Change Takes Effect

    Editor’s Note: Additional legislative changes were made in 2022, as reflected in this newer article: https://new.chewv.org/drivers-license-clarifications

    Driver’s license requirements for homeschoolers have changed as of May 31, 2018. Prospective drivers no longer need to obtain a Driver’s Eligibility Certificate from their county’s Attendance Director. Parents or legal guardians may now verify school enrollment and satisfactory progress to the DMV when their homeschooled students take written or driving tests.

    To make the process of giving proof of enrollment and satisfactory progress simpler, CHEWV now offers an optional form. However, the DMV requires several additional documents for prospective drivers, so please check their requirements to assure everything is in hand.

    For more details, click here.

  • Perfect Opportunity for High School Students

    Perfect Opportunity for High School Students

    CHEWV’s College Fair and CFWV Financial Aid Workshop on May 19th is a great opportunity for your high school student!  Besides the CFWV focal point workshop, multiple college admissions counselors will be available in one room at one time.  It’s like making multiple college visits without the travel!

    With multiple college admissions counselors on hand, your students can practice making eye contact, shaking hands, and introducing themselves with both their first and last names – as well as ask a lot of questions:

    • When should I start my college prep?
    • How do I find a college or university that is best for me?
    • Should I take the ACT or SAT?
    • Do I need SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams? Which ones should I take?
    • Does your school accept CLEP credits?
    • How do admissions officers view extracurricular activities on an application?
    • What do admissions officers look for in an application essay?
    • Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
    • What should I expect in a college interview?
    • Will applying Early Decision or Early Action give me a leg up?
    • What should I do when I visit campuses?
    • How does the financial aid application process differ from the admission process?
    • Do you offer summer opportunities/camps for high school students?

    What if you’re not interested in any of the attending colleges/universities?  It’s still a great chance to practice – before it “counts.”  Besides, college admission counselors are some of the most important people to meet when choosing a college. Your application goes through their office first and they have a say in whether you get into their school. They can also help you understand the demands of your chosen major, outline high school course requirements for a particular area of study, help you find financial aid, and generally take some of the anxiety out of the admission process.  Don’t hesitate to tap into their knowledge and experience.

    And remember, simply speaking with an admission counselor does not mean you are obligated to apply to that school. Students often compare several schools before making a decision, so do your research to make sure your chosen school will be a good fit for you. It’s even okay to discuss the school you’re more interested in while talking with a counselor from a different school.  This helps them understand what you’re looking for and gives them a chance to argue that they can (or admit they can’t) offer something similar or even better. 

    Don’t close off opportunities. You never know whom God may put in your path, or what doors He might open!

    To sign your family up for the day’s events, click here.

  • Victory! Bills Signed!

    This week Governor Justice signed two important homeschool bills: Senate Bill 319 and Senate Bill 364.

    Promise Scholarship

    The passage of SB 319 means homeschooled students will no longer have to take the TASC in order to qualify for the Promise Scholarship!

    The effective date of this legislation is July 1, which means that students seeking Promise Scholarship funding for the fall of 2018 will have to take the TASC in order to qualify.

    The West Virginia Department of Education has told HSLDA that they are issuing waivers on a case-by-case basis for students who are under 17 to be able to take the TASC for Promise eligibility.  Next year, according to staff at the Higher Education Policy Commission, for those applying for spring eligibility only, the TASC will no longer be required.

    Driver’s License

    Thanks to the provisions of SB 364, effective May 31 parents may issue the statement for driver eligibility certificates for their homeschooled students. HSLDA will have driver eligibility forms available for our members at that time.

    You have diligently advocated for the Promise Scholarship change for several legislative sessions. Thank you for all your persistence! Together we will continue to make West Virginia a better place for homeschooling—join HSLDA today if you haven’t already!

    Montani Semper Liberi,

  • Having Difficulty Taking the TASC?

    Having Difficulty Taking the TASC?

    Some students are having difficulty scheduling the TASC test to meet the PROMISE Scholarship deadlines.  Betty Jo Jordan, Executive Assistant to State Superintendent Payne, assures CHEWV that this form is all that is necessary to schedule the TASC requirements. 

    The public form should be taken to the county Attendance Officer to complete and stamp.  The completed form is then used to make arrangements to take the TASC. 

    CHEWV is working diligently on legislation that would remove the GED/TASC requirement from the PROMISE requisites.  Stay tuned to our media – website, social media, and e-newsletter – for updates through the 2018 Legislative Session which begins in January.  This is an ideal time to email your senator and delegates about this issue – before the session begins and distracts them.  Find contact information here.

  • High School Records

    High School Records

    What I’ve Learned First-Hand

    by Becky Price

    When our oldest son applied to an out-of-state four-year college, we included his transcript along with a copy of his high school diploma, and he was accepted with no other records necessary. When our second son applied to an out-of-state technical school a couple years after he graduated from our homeschool, we sent his transcript and diploma as we had done before. Imagine our surprise when we received an email from them requesting a long list of additional evidence of his education – even requiring it to be notarized!

    Here is the list of what we were required to submit:

    -Home school requirements

    -Curriculum

    -Books listing

    -Dates of attendance

    -Attendance requirements

    -Instructor/teacher of curriculum

    -Assessment method that was used to determine if the student was ready to reach the next level or to be  considered complete with the subject knowledge

    -Transcript or records from high school (if attended)

    Fortunately, I had kept careful records of all of this. The only thing I did not have were attendance requirements, since we do not have homeschool attendance requirements in WV under 18-8-1(c)(2). I explained this to admissions, and that was acceptable.

    Maintaining an accurate and detailed record of your child’s high school studies is an important task for parents. Not only does it help greatly when preparing a transcript, but it can also become a necessity in a situation like ours, since West Virginia’s diploma-fairness law does not apply in other states.

    Keep the records on file even after your child has graduated, because plans often change as graduates grow through early adulthood. I also recommend keeping these records beginning in junior high, so that it becomes second-nature by high school.