Navigating College Scholarships and Applications
February 14, 2025 2025-11-17 22:51Navigating College Scholarships and Applications
by: Arianna Edwards
Are you feeling anxious about college applications and scholarships as a senior at IA? This article aims to provide the clarity you need. Even if you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior, you may find this information valuable.
I recently interviewed our college counselor, Ms. McKenzie, and gained insightful advice about our college and career department, Flight School, located on the first floor across from the teacher’s lounge.
College Preparation at IA
At Innovation Academy, students have access to numerous resources for college planning. We’ve established relationships with over 40 local and out-of-state colleges. Throughout the school year, Ms. McKenzie organizes college speaker events and fairs at IA to engage students. These events are open to all grade levels, giving you the opportunity to ask about application essays, extracurricular requirements, internships, scholarships, and more.
These events are incredibly informative and provide essential resources to help you explore your college options. Ms. McKenzie highly recommends the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships, which cover tuition for students attending Georgia public colleges. To qualify, you must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. To track your scholarship eligibility and GPA progress (which also considers course rigor), visit GA Futures.
The Importance of Extracurriculars
In addition to academics, colleges value well-rounded students involved in extracurricular activities such as: Girl and Boy Scouts, Internships & Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs, TAG programs, Volunteering at religious institutions, Part-time jobs, Active participation in clubs, etc. These activities provide real-world experience and showcase qualities that colleges find appealing.
Choosing and Applying to Colleges
By junior year, it’s wise to start narrowing down your college choices. While your plans may change, having a roadmap helps. It’s recommended to apply to 8 to 10 colleges, categorized into three groups:
Target Schools – Your dream colleges
Reach Schools – Challenging but possible options
Safety Schools – Where acceptance is highly likely
Using this approach increases your chances of being admitted to a school that fits your goals.
Resources and Support
For more guidance, schedule a meeting with Ms. McKenzie and stay updated through these pages:
College & Career Instagram: @ia.college.career
Senior Commitment Page Instagram: @IA_seniors
GPA Tracker: GAFutures.org
IA website – Section – College & Career Announcement
Final advice,
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about scholarships and college applications, trust yourself. It may sound cliché, but if you’re passionate about what you’ve learned at IA, pursue it. If not, don’t be afraid to take a different path. As long as you believe in yourself, put in the effort, and stay determined, you’re on the right track.
Not every application will result in an acceptance, and that’s okay! Keep a positive mindset, seek guidance from Ms. McKenzie, and stay informed on scholarship opportunities like HOPE and Zell Miller. Remember, we’re all on this journey together!
INSTAGRAM: IA_seniors
INSTAGRAM – ia.college.career
Fulton County GPA Tracker: https://www.gafutures.org/
Link to FCS Innovation Academy Website College and Career Announcements: https://fcsinnovationacademy.fultonschools.org/counseling-academics/college/college-career-announcements
I hope this article gave you with the clarity you needed,
Arianna Edwards
