The Counseling Update
A publication for juniors and seniorsVol. 31 No. 7
Published by the RHS Counseling OfficeMarch 2015
This month’s focus is on financial aid now that many of you are beginning to receive aid package information from the schools where you have been accepted and others are wondering what to do now that they know their EFC (Expected Family Contribution). To help, we are including Fastweb.com’s Evaluating Financial Aid Award Letters Quick Reference Guide.This can help guide you in making the right decision about accepting or rejecting the aid packages offered to you by the colleges.
Be sure to know the financial aid deadlines at the colleges to which you have applied. The earlier you submit your paperwork to each college, the more likely you will be to receive the most money from each college. As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your counselor for more information.
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS
2015 NJ FAFSA Days! FREE professional assistance will be available at Camden County College on the following dates to help you complete the FAFSA. Visit click on Students/ Families, then “College Access Navigator” for details.
- March 7, 9:00am-12:00pm - at Cherry Hill Campus - 1889 Rt 70 East, Cherry
Hill, NJ 08003 - (856) 374-5073
- March 25, 5:00pm-8:00pm - at Camden Campus - 200 N Broadway, Camden,
NJ 08102
April 18, 9:00am-12:00pm - at Blackwood Campus - College Drive, Blackwood,
- NJ 08012
BCC will be hosting the following FREEFinancial Aid workshops to assist with the completion of the FAFSA. When you attend you should bring your 2014 income info (W2’s, 2014 tax return for student and parent, etc.), social security number, driver’s license, Alien Registration Card (eligible non-citizens).
- March 14, 10am-12pm & 12pm-2pm- Mt. Laurel Campus, Laurel Hall room 303
- March 19, 5:30pm-7pm & 7pm-8:30pm- Mt. Laurel Campus, Briggs Road Center room 123
- March 24, 5:30pm-7pm & 7pm-8:30pm- Willingboro Campus room 222.
- April 2, 5:30pm-7pm & 7pm-8:30pm- Mt. Laurel Campus, Laurel Hall room 303.
- March 31-April 30, BCC’s FAFSA Completion Tuesdays! To make an appointment for FREE FAFSA counseling email .
UPCOMING COLLEGE FAIR!!!!
- College fair at the Lakewood Blue Claws First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ on Thursday May 6th during the 6:35pm baseball game. High School students enter for free, tickets are available for family members at $11 per ticket. To reserve tickets contact Kyle Volp at or (732)901-7000 ext. 142
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Center for College Students with Learning Disabilities is hosting a conference for students with learning disabilities and their parents to discuss transitioning from high school to college with a learning disability. The conference will be held at the Florham campus in the Dreyfuss Theater on Saturday May 30th from 8:30am-3pm. This is FREE! To register, email Carmela Trusso at , visit for more info.
Rutgers Camden’s 15th Annual BizEd Program is here!
Open to rising Juniors and Seniors, this program is a week long summer program for students considering a business major. The Senior Program runs from July 7th-16th and the Junior Program runs from July 21st-29th. Eligible applicants must have at least a “B” average. Many Riverside students have excelled in this program in the past, so if you qualify we encourage you to apply to this great event! To apply go to Deadline: April 1
Check Out These Scholarships!!!
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program
$1000 regional scholarships will be awarded and $10,000 national scholarships will be awarded to students who have contributed to the community in a meaningful way by performing volunteer services that helped others. Interested students must bring a resume of volunteer work completed within the last 12 months to the guidance office in order to be nominated for these awards. Deadline: March 13
NJ Foster Care Scholars Program
Awards are available to foster/ adopted high school seniors who are or have been under the care of the Division of Youth and Family Service. A variety of scholarships are available to eligible applicants. To learn more visit Deadline: March 13
Tzu Chi Scholarship Program
Tzu Chi Scholars are selected on basis of financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. The nationwide program will be awarding each scholar $1000. To apply visit Deadline: March 14
NJ Electronic Security Association Scholarships
The NJESA will be awarding a $1500 scholarship and a $1000 scholarship. Winners will also be eligible for the National ESA Youth Scholarship program which will award 2 scholarships in the amount of $7500 and $2500. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors. Qualified applicants must have a parent/ guardian who hold a position as an active- duty police and/ or fire personnel. For more details and to apply, visit Deadline: March 15
Portuguese-American Scholarship Foundation
If you, your parent(s), or grandparents are Portuguese-born and you hold a B average or higher you may be eligible for a scholarship. Several scholarships totaling $50,000 will be available. Applicants must be full-time students applying to or accepted in a college or university curriculum leading to a Bachelor’s Degree. Come to the Guidance Office for an application. Deadline: March 15
Robert M. Oberholser Scholarship (Burlington Co. Retiree’s Ed. Association)
A $2000 scholarship will be awarded to a student entering the field of education in a NJ college or university. Qualified applicants must demonstrate a commitment to a career in education, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be accepted by an accredited NJ college or university. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: March 20
NJ Association for College Admission Counseling Scholarship
Four $1250 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors including one who has attended Camp College and/ or College Key. Eligible applicants must be enrolling full-time in a 2-year or 4-year college or university. To apply go to and click on “Annual Scholarship” at the top of the page. Then click on “High School Student Scholarship.” Deadline: March 27
VNA Health Group Nursing Scholarship
A $500 Scholarship will be awarded to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. To be eligible you must be accepted into an accredited educational institution, BSN program. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: March 27
Community Foundation of NJ Scholarship Opportunities
Various scholarships ranging from $1000 to $5000 will be awarded. Must be a graduating high school senior to apply. For details and to apply visit and click on “student Scholarships” in the left column. Deadline: March 31
Fred Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund
A winning student from each county will receive $500 per year for each of the four years that they remain in school and meet the following criteria. The student must be pursuing a career in either Law Enforcement or Fire/ Rescue Fields, maintain a GPA of a B or higher, provide proof every semester showing that he or she is still enrolled as a student and that their major is one that pursues a career toward Law Enforcement or Fire/ Rescue. Come to the Guidance Office for an application if interested. Deadline: March 31
Rolling Thunder Scholarship
Rolling Thunder NJ Chapter 2 will be awarding a $1000 scholarship for post high school education to 3 veteran dependent graduating seniors. Eligible applicants must be a child of a military member, veteran, or fallen soldier. Essay required. Come to the Guidance Office for an application. Deadline: March 31
VFW “Patriotic Art” Scholarship Contest
Open to all high school students. No digital art accepted; all artwork must be on paper or canvas. Art will be judged on Patriotism (how it’s expressed), Presentation (how the theme is developed), originality, clarity of ideas, design technique, uniqueness, and impact of the work. If interested, come to the guidance office. Deadline: March 31
UP Rising Stars Scholarship
The non-profit organization will be awarding $750 to be used in the Fall of 2015. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 2.7 GPA who have applied to 4-year colleges and be enrolling in the Fall 2015 semester. Come to the Guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 1
Myra Alcott Youth Citizenship Award (Sponsored by Soroptimist of Burlington County)
A $1000 award will be given to senior high school girls who volunteer to help make their communities a better place. Qualified applicants must demonstrate active service to others, dependability, leadership, and a clear pursuit of goals and commitments. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 1
Delta Kappa Gamma Society ETA Chapter Scholarship
A grant worth $1000 will be awarded to a young woman who has demonstrated commitment to an educational career and qualities of good citizenship. Eligible applicants must be female high school seniors pursuing a major in education. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 7
Burlington County Farm Bureau Scholarship
The committee is offering scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. In addition to this scholarship, Ev-Ry Farm of Mt. Laurel is offering a scholarship to a student majoring in Equine Science. Qualified applicants must reside in Burlington County and intend to further their education in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 10
Betty Albrecht Memorial Scholarship (Sponsored by Jersey Sound Chorus)
$500 will be awarded to a female high school senior who is planning to further their musical education at the college level. To apply visit Deadline: April 10
NJ Elks Association Special Needs Scholarship Awards
Two 4-year scholarships (one male, one female) worth up to $2500 per year will be awarded. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors who are physically and/ or mentally challenged and will be furthering their education after graduation from high school. Applicants will be judged based upon academic record and financial need. Come to the guidance office for more info and an application. Deadline: April 10
NJ Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Two$2500 Scholarships will be awarded for post-high school education (college, community college, trade school, etc.). Eligible candidates must be graduating high school seniors, visit the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and write an essay about your visit. Free guided tours of the memorial are available every Saturday at 11am & 1pm from Feb.7th - April 11th. Come to the guidance office for complete details and application. Deadline: April 11
NJ Utilities Association Awards
The NJUA Excellence in Diversity Scholarship will award a 4 year scholarship providing $1500 per academic year to a selected high school senior. The NJUA Trade & Vocational School Scholarship will award up to $1500 to a qualified high school senior who will be pursuing a trade or vocational degree at an accredited school. For more info and to apply for either of these scholarships visit Deadline: April 11.
Dunkin’ Donuts Philadelphia Regional Scholarship
Up to 25 $2000scholarships will be awarded to qualified high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, or vocational school. For more info and to apply visit Deadline: April 15
S.T.A.R.S Foundation Scholarship (sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
$1500 scholarships will be awarded to three femaleAfrican-American high school seniors. Eligible applicants must show proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university, financial need, leadership, and a minimum GPA of a 3.0. Essay required. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 18
Vietnam Veterans Alfred Colabells Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship committee will be offering one $1000 scholarship to a high school senior in Burlington County. Eligible applicants must be seniors with a grade point average of a C or better and be planning to attend an institution of higher learning either full or part time. Essay required. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 30
Conserve Wildlife Scholarship
Scholarship prizes of up to $1000 will be awarded. All high school students are eligible to enter the Species on the Edge 2.0 multimedia contest. Students show why NJ’s wildlife is important by creating a video, app, podcast, webpage, or other multimedia components. For more info and to apply go to Deadline: April 30
The Epilepsy Foundation of NJ
At least three $1000 scholarships will be offered to qualifying high school seniors with epilepsy who plan to attend a college or university. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: April 25
John Ramos Memorial Scholarship Program
The NJ School Buildings & Grounds Association will award one $1000 scholarship to a student who will be graduating this year from any high school in Burlington County who will be pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. Come to the guidance office for an application. Deadline: May 1
NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome Scholarship Award
Must be a high school senior diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who will be attending a college or trade school in the fall. For details and to apply visit Deadline: May 1
Marine Trades Association of NJ Scholarship
MTANJ is offering a scholarship opportunity to any student that is interested in pursuing a career in the recreational boating industry and meets the criteria outlined. The selected recipient will receive a scholarship worth $9562.50 covering half the tuition for the Marine Service Technology Program at the Automotive Training Center in Pennsylvania. For more info and to apply visit Deadline: May 1
Aspiring Fashion Professional Scholarship
Fashion-schools.org is offering a $1000 scholarshipto students that are interested in pursuing a fashion degree at an accredited post-secondary school or college. To apply visit scroll to the bottom of the page. Deadline: June 1
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
AnimationCareerReview.com is offering a $1000 scholarship to students that are interested in pursuing an animation career path at an accredited post-secondary school or college. To apply visit and click on the scholarship on the right side of the page. Deadline: June 1
***For more scholarship opportunities visit
Open House News!!!!
Becker College (Worcester, MA)
Spring Open House Saturday March 28th. Register at
Immaculata University (Immaculata, PA)
Open House April 18th. Info sessionJune 13th. Register at
Montclair University (Montclair, NJ)
The college of the arts will be having “Arts Days” to provide interactive opportunities for prospective students to learn about the programs and careers in the arts. Art & Design Day March 20th. Communication & Media Day March 27th. Dance Day April 10th. For more info visit
Richard Stockton College (Galloway, NJ)
Open House Sunday April 12th. Register at
Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ)
Open House April 26. For more info visit
The University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
Open House Saturday March 28th. For more info visit
University of Akron (Akron, OH)
Senior Day March 13th. Register at
Western New England University (Springfield, MA)
Open House Saturday April 11th. Register at
Widener University (Chester, PA)
Open House Saturday April 18th from 9am-1pm. For more info visit
Summer Academic Program Opportunities!
Rowan University (Gloucester, NJ)
Summer Science & Technology Program for Rising Seniors (current 11th graders) from July 5- July 31. The program is designed to help students gain access and exposure to college STEM education from a systemic and developmental approach. Come to the guidance office for an application. Cost: FREE, Deadline: April 2
Alice Paul Professional Leadership Institute (Mount Laurel, NJ)
Summer leadership programs for girls. July13-17 the institute is offering a one week program for teen girls to explore college programs, locations, and costs through campus visits and workshops. Apply at Cost: $150, scholarships available.
August 10-14 is a one week program designed to introduce teen girls to a variety of careers through workplace visits, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Apply at Cost: $250, scholarships available.
United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
Summer STEM Camp is designed to spark and cultivate interest in the many academic disciplines which make up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The camp is open to rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. The academy is also offering a fast-paced, 6 day seminar for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school. For more details and to apply to either camp visit Cost: $425 for STEM camp, $450 for 6 day Seminar. Deadline: March 31
New Jersey Institute of Technology(Newark, NJ)
NJIT is offering a summer architecture and design program. Available session dates are July 12th-17th or July 19th-24th. Cost includes registration fees, meals, overnight accommodations in residence halls, and off-campus field trips. Cost: $1625, Deadline: June 1
Et cetera…
Just another friendly reminder: if you plan to take the May 2nd SAT, you must register by April 6th to avoid a late fee, after that you have until April 21st with a late fee to register.If you have any questions, see your counselor before the deadline!
If you plan to take the April 18th ACT, you must register by March 13th to avoid a late fee. Registration with a late fee ends March 27th. If you have any questions, see your counselor before the deadline!
SAT/ACT Test Prep
If you would like to study for the SATs/ACTs, and offer EXCELLENT, FREE practice tests and sample questions on their websites! You may also visit the Riverside High School Guidance website to print a copy of an SAT practice test.
The following agencies also offer SAT/ACT test prep services, however, these services will cost you. Visit their websites for prices, locations, and more info.
- Sylvan Learning Center at
- Huntington Learning Center at
- Kaplan Test Prep at
- Princeton Review at
Juniors: If you are considering applying to competitive or Ivy League schools then you should take the SATs at least twice before June of this school year and take the SAT Subject Tests June 1st. You can take up to 3 subject tests so be sure to check with the schools you are interested in and see what they require. To register for SAT Subject Tests visit
Finally, we have reached the halfway point in the school year. Make sure that you are doing everything possible to finish out the year strongly. Juniors: you want to make sure that your end of the year transcript is the very best it can be. Seniors: you want to make sure your transcript is just as impressive as it was when you applied to colleges in the fall. Most colleges require us to send a mid-year report on grades and then a final transcript in June. If you have any questions, see your counselor!