
Educational Talent Search

WKU ETS is a program that identifies and assists qualified youth who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants, and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary institution of their choice. ETS is one of eight Federal TRiO Programs funded by the US Department of Education. Some ETS Programs serve high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the education system and complete their education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education institutions.
Students must be enrolled in a middle or high school in one of the target schools served by ETS. WKU ETS serves approximately 1,850 students in 13 Counties including: Allen, Barren, Butler, Caverna, Cumberland , Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Russellville, Simpson, and Warren School Districts along with Bowling Green City and Glasgow Independent Schools.
Members of ETS meet in a group, or individually, with their Academic Coordinator once a month during the school year. Some of the topics that students in ETS learn about include:
- Pre-college Curriculum (classes to take in high school that prepare you for college)
- Career Exploration
- College Selection & Admissions
- ACT Preparation
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Workshops
- College Tours
- Summer Camps
- Cultural Events
- Study Skills
- Time Management
- Budgeting
- Character Development
- Special Events & Activities
No. Many of our students decide to attend WKU, but we do not recruit for the University. We encourage students to attend the college that best suits their needs and future plans.
There is no cost to the student or the family for being in the Educational Talent Search program or participating in any ETS events.
Visit the following websites to explore career options:
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Visit the following websites to learn more about different study skills and tips:
-
- Contains a variety of study skills topics with printable versions to take on the go.
-
- Information from note taking and test taking tips for parents.
-
- From motivation to reading to remember, this site offers detailed articles for improving your academics.
-
- Strategies on study habits, test taking, note taking, time management and stress management.
Visit the following websites to learn more about tutoring:
-
- Volumes of video tutorials from linear algebra to ancient history.
-
- Provides access to sample questions.
-
- Offers free student resources that bring learning to life both inside and outside the classroom. Check out their interactive games, videos, contests, virtual labs and activities designed to help you dive deeper into a topic —and have fun too!
Carnegie Library Homework Help
-
- Get online with real tutors and browse through databases of information specifically for students.
-
- 100,000 professionally written problems and thousands of distinct practice tests across 150 subjects. This includes subjects like foreign languages, history, math, and science at all levels of sophistication. They also have practice tests and problems for common standardized tests like the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, ISEE, and SSAT.
There are several types of scholarships you can apply for, below are a list of types of scholarships that are available.
Academic (Merit) scholarships
Most academic scholarships are awarded by individual colleges to students with high GPA typically above a 3.5 and/or high ACT/ SAT scores.
Athletic scholarships
To receive an athletic scholarship, athletes must meet NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements. For more information, go to ncaa.org or playmynaia.org.
Talent scholarships
Scholarships in music, art, theater, and dance are commonly awarded by individual colleges. Portfolios or auditions are often required. Examples include band, choirs, dance team, forensic, etc.
Local scholarships
Local groups and organizations offer scholarships for students in their communities. These scholarships are usually small, but easier to get. Your guidance counselor should have a list of the scholarships available, be on the lookout!
Minority scholarships
Colleges offer these scholarships to encourage outstanding minority students to attend their college. Visit the college website you are interested in to learn more about these opportunities.
Tips for getting scholarship:
- Start early
- It takes a lot of time and effort to apply for scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time.
- Look for renewable scholarships
- A one-year scholarship is for one year only. A renewable scholarship can become a four-year scholarship.
- Be aware of deadlines
- Give guidance counselors and teachers plenty of time to prepare materials and write letters of recommendation.
- Be a stand out
- When awarding scholarships, colleges and organizations often look for students with a “hook” (something that makes them stand out). This could be special talent, noteworthy achievement, adversities you have faced, or unique characteristics. Write about the things that set you apart from the crowd.
- Tell everyone, including your counselor, family, and friends that you're looking for scholarships and use your connections to learn about these opportunities.
Avoid Scholarship Scams! You should NEVER have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Visit the following websites to learn more about scholarships and financial aid:
KHEAA (Kentucky Scholarships)
Financial aid is money that is given, earned, or lent to help students pay for their education. Financial aid makes it possible for millions of students to go to college.
There are four types of financial aid:
Grants
Grants are funds given, usually because of financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid. The Pell Grant provides billions of dollars each year to income-eligible families. When students and parents submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they automatically apply for a Pell Grant.
Scholarships
Scholarships are generally awarded for exceptional academic achievement or outstanding talent. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Loans
Loans are funds borrowed from a lender, such as the government or a bank. Loans must be paid back. Over half of the financial aid awarded is in the form of a loan.
Work study
Work study programs provide students who have financial need with part time jobs to help fund their education.
It's important to know that financial aid is awarded in form of packages that will vary from college to college. When choosing your college, compare your financial aid packages carefully.
Lets talk about loans!
Families who need additional funds to cover college cost often take out a loan. Student loans have varying requirements, interest rates, and repayment schedules. It is therefore important to learn all you can about your college loan options.
Direct loans
College students are eligible for federal direct loans. First year students can borrow up to $5,500 a year. Second year students can borrow up to $6,500 a year. Repayment doesn't begin until six months after the student has left college. Direct loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized.
Direct subsidized loans are available for students with financial need. Direct unsubsidized loans are available to students without financial need. A direct subsidized loan is preferable because the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in college.
Plus loans
Plus loans are available to parents with good credit. Students can apply for a plus loan for the total amount of attendance, minus any financial aid the students have received. A college financial aid office can provide instructions on applying for a plus loan.
Private loans
Private loans are available through banks and other lending services. Private loans typically have a higher interest rate than loans from the federal government. Families should exhaust their federal loans options before ever considering a private loan.
When a student graduates or withdraws from college, that student must repay any loans they have taken out. Depending on the type of loan that you took out, there are certain limits and criteria that you must go through for repayment options.
Below are links to financial literacy websites for students and families:
360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
-
- Personal finance through every stage of life.
National Financial Educators Council
-
- Three prime topics for college financial literacy programs
-
- NPR programs on financing for young adults.
Visit the following websites to learn more about budgeting:
-
- Money management information and tools.
-
- Finance Fitness Program offers information on how to manage income, handle a budget and achieve financial goals.
-
- Tools to keep you on track and focused for managing your money and getting out of debt.
-
- Free online classes and tools to help you set a budget and stick to it.
-
- A financial tool that pulls all your financial information into one place to help you save, invest, and budget wisely.
If you're thinking about going to college, that's great! There's no better way to prepare for a bright future than to continue your education.
Here are some things you can do this year to plan and prepare for college. Do the following and you will be on your way to achieve your college goals!
Work hard in your classes.
-
Now that you're a freshman, everything counts. Your freshman grades will be used to calculate your grade point average (GPA) and all your freshmen courses, grades and credits will be on your transcript (official copy of your high school record).
Make a four-year high school plan.
-
Meet with your guidance counselor to make a four-year high school plan, list the courses you intend to take each year of high school and know what courses are needed for an academic high school diploma. If you want to go to college, it is recommended to try to include advance classes that would make you stand out from your peers.
Be involved and develop your interest.
- Participate in school activities or clubs. If you have a specific interest, talent, or passion, take time this year to develop it.
Think about what's important to you.
- Do you want to go to a two-year or a four-year college? A college close to home? A specific college major?
Think about what you might want to study.
- In college you will choose one subject to study-this will be your major. Start thinking about your interest, talent, and abilities in terms of possible majors.
Start thinking about making informal college visits.
- Visiting different colleges is a great start to know where you might want to go to college and what being in college looks like.
Talk to your family and your counselor and let them know that you want to go to college. Ask for their help and support.
Now that you're a sophomore, it's time to get more serious about planning and preparing for college.
To help you stay focused and on track, here's a list of things you need to do this year.
Work hard to get good grades.
- The stronger your high school academic records, the more college options, and scholarship opportunities you will have. Grades are one of the first things colleges look at when determining whether to accept an applicant, particularly grades in college prep classes.
Take college prep courses.
- In order to be prepared for colleges level work most college recommend that students take advanced courses.
Develop your interest and be involved.
- Colleges are looking for students who are active and involved in their school and community. Participate in school activities, do some volunteer work, and take time to develop your interest and talents.
Consider taking a practice test.
- Many high schools offer tests to help sophomores prepare for the ACT and SAT. This is a great time to get ACT/SAT prep books. Your counselors will have information on the tests offered at your school.
Think about what's important to you.
- Are you looking for a college close to home or one with a specific major? Is size or cost important to you?
Make informal college visits.
- Visit different colleges and imagine yourself as a student there; walk around the campus, go to sporting events or eat at the student union.
Think about a major.
- Your major is a subject you'll study. Start thinking about your interests, talents and abilities in terms of possible majors.
Meet with your counselor.
- Talk to your counselor about your college plans, ask questions, and make sure you're taking the courses you need to graduate high school and be college ready.
As a college bound junior, there's a lot you need to do this year to plan and prepare for college. To achieve your college goals, do the following and stay focused. The future is yours!
Strengthen your academic record.
- Take college prep courses and get the best grades possible. The stronger your high school academic record, the more college and scholarship options you'll have. Ask yourself this question: What can you do this year to strengthen your academic record? Are you taking any duel credit courses or is that something you plan to do?
Be involved in meaningful activities.
- Colleges are looking for students who are active and involved in their school and
community. What clubs, sports, or organizations are you a part of?
- For example: Beta Club, National Honors Society, Student Government Associations, Student Council, International Club, Student Ambassadors, Science Club, Art Club, FBLA, etc.
Make a testing plan.
- Many juniors take the PSAT, NMSQT in October and the ACT/SAT in the spring. You can visit act.org and collegeboard.org for more information. If you have any questions see your counselor.
- If you plan on taking the ACT/SAT, you may qualify for a fee waiver, see your guidance counselor.
Determine your criteria.
- Knowing what's important to you in college will help you find a college that's a good fit for you. Ask yourself, what are you looking for in a college?
Think about a major.
- Start asking yourself what majors you are considering.
- Think about your interests, talents, and abilities.
Schedule college visit.
- This is the best time to visit colleges to find out if it is a good fit for you. Think of the college you would like to visit and check their website for visitation options. Start making a list of colleges that you want to visit and schedule tours.
The following are things seniors need to plan and prepare for college. Use this checklist to help you stay focused and on track.
Get organized! This is the most crucial time for you to be able to apply to colleges. Here are some things that you should be doing as a senior.
Take the ACT/SAT.
- Unless you know you don't need to submit test scores, take the ACT or SAT if you haven't already. For more information and to register, go to act.org or collegeboard.org.
- If you plan on taking the ACT/SAT, you may qualify for a fee waiver. See your guidance counselor.
Set up a calendar or know your dealines for colleges.
- Use a calendar to keep track of test dates, college visits, application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, and college events at your school.
- Make a note of the priority financial aid deadline.
- Make a note of the regular financial aid deadline.
- Make a note of the honors college deadline.
- Make a note of housing deadline or exemption from housing requirement.
- Knowing your deadlines and turning things in by those dates is very important!
Have a folder for college information.
- In this folder, keep copies of test scores, applications, notes on college visits, and anything else that's important.
College visits.
- If you haven't visited a college you are seriously considering, schedule a visit as soon as possible.
- Schedule your tour now!
Meet with your guidance counselor.
- If needed, talk to your counselor about your college choices, possible majors, and financial aid opportunities.
Discuss college cost.
- Talk to your parent, academic advisor, or guidance counselor about the cost of colleges you're considering and discuss how your education will be paid for.
Decide where to apply and complete application.
- Determine what is needed for each application such as essay, transcript, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
- To order transcripts, visit Parchment or whichever method your high school uses.
- Make sure you give your counselor and anyone who's writing a recommendation plenty of time.
- If you plan on attending in state college/university, you may qualify for application fee waivers, see your guidance counselor.
- Be aware of deadlines!
You're on your way!
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is important!
- For more information, go to fafsa.gov.
Senior Spring cheklist: Make Your Selections.
- Apply for housing and meal plans, if applicable.
- Apply for housing exemption, if applicable.
- Receive financial aid award letter.
- Accept financial aid offer.
- Notify whichever colleges you’re not planning to attend.
To learn more about being a first generation college student and resources for you in college, visit the following links for specific schools.
TRIO-SSS is a federal program that helps students in postsecondary education graduate and stay enrolled. Click on the school name to learn more about SSS and how you can apply.
Ashland Community & Technical College
Bluegrass Community & Technical College (Danville location available as well)
Elizabethtown Community & Technical College
Gateway Community & Technical College
Hopkinsville Community College/ KCTCS
Madisonville Community College
Maysville Community & Technical College
Owensboro Community & Technical College
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
* SOME SCHOOLS HAVE A STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES DISABILITY (SSS-D) PROGRAM THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE STUDENT NEEDS*
Below are links to several helpful websites:
-
FAFSA
- If you are a dependent, the following are needed for both you and your contributors
(parents or guardians).
- Social security number
- Driver's license
- Federal income tax return (W-2s), or other source of income
- Current balances of cash, checking, and saving accounts (if applicable)
- Information on untaxed income (if applicable)
- If you are a dependent, the following are needed for both you and your contributors
(parents or guardians).
- The Common App
-
If you’re applying to more than one college, you may want to complete the Common Application (Common App). More than 1,000 colleges accept the Common App, so completing this one application can save you a lot of time
-
-
KHEAA
-
ACT Registration
-
SAT Registration
Search colleges and universities via the federal government scorecard to see graduation rates, average cost, average graduate salary, and more.
To visit or learn more please visit the College Score Card.
Dr. Brian Brausch
Executive Director of WKU TRIO Programs, Director - ETS 2
Jones Jaggers Hall 100 H
(270) 745-6884
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.