Greetings from the Maine Educational Opportunity Center!!

Please visit us online at http://meoc.maine.edu/

In this issue:

*Services offered by MEOC
*Financial Aid update - where are you now in the process?
*List of upcoming workshops around the state (make sure to call and register as dates/times/locations are subject to change)
*Study Tip - Preparing for Finals
*Staff listing
*Reminder about address corrections

I. Services offered by MEOC

Call MEOC at 1-800-281-3703 if you need any of the following FREE services:
*Career Advising
*College Planning
*Referrals/Advocacy
*College Admissions Assistance
*Financial Aid Counseling
*Default Loan Counseling

II. Financial Aid update - where are you now in the process?

By now, you should have filed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2005-2006 school year. If you have not done so, get in touch with an advisor right away for assistance so that you don't miss out on aid for next year!!!

After filing your FAFSA, you should have received a Student Aid Report either through the mail or online, depending on how you filed initially. If you have not already done so, please review your Student Aid Report and make any corrections necessary, then resubmit it. You do not need to send the SAR back if all the information is correct. If you have questions, please contact your advisor.

Your college may inform you that you have been selected for a process known as "verification". This is very common, so do not be concerned. Generally, you will need only to submit a copy of your tax return and the verification form. If you have any questions on this process, please contact your advisor.

You may have already received your award letter for next year from your college. If you need any help reviewing your award letter or have any questions, please contact your advisor.

Message of the day: Keep in touch with your advisor throughout the financial aid process to be sure that you are taking all the steps necessary to receive financial aid!!!

III. Upcoming Workshops - call 1-800-281-3703 to ask questions or to register!

In order of date:

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: University College at Thomaston
Date: April 12, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Presque Isle Career Center
Date: April 12, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Caribou Adult Education
Date: April 13, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Augusta Career Center
Date: April 15, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: University College at Thomaston
Date: April 19, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Caribou Adult Education
Date: April 20, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: University College at the Houlton Center
Date: April 21, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location:Augusta Career Center
Date: April 22, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: University College at Thomaston
Date: April 26, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Presque Isle Career Center
Date: April 26, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Augusta Career Center
Date: April 29, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Advisor: Joanne Richards

Workshop: Financial Aid
Location: Caribou Learning Center
Date: May 4, 2005
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Advisor: Teri Morse

Other times, dates and locations may be available. As with all MEOC workshops, please call 1-800-281-3703 to inquire about workshops in your area, confirm dates, times and locations, and to register. If you do not register for a workshop that you are planning to attend, we have no way of informing you if the workshop is rescheduled, canceled, or relocated. The list above includes only workshops intended for those who have already attended the Essentials of College Planning workshop. However, if you feel like you would benefit from another session of this workshop, please call our office to find a workshop site and time that would be best for you. Also, all MEOC Advisors maintain drop-in times at most workshop locations around the state. Please contact your MEOC Advisor for assistance with your college-related questions and challenges, and for on-going college and career planning assistance.

IV. Study Tip - It's test time again! Five tips to final exam success!

It's that time of year again and many of you will be taking finals soon. Final exams, whether comprehensive or not, can be very stressful as they come at the end of the semester when you are weary and in need of a break. Just keep the following in mind as you approach your end of semester studies:

1. Now is not the time to put your physical health to the side. You need to sleep, exercise, and eat a balanced diet in order to be in your top mental condition as well as your top physical condition. Avoid skimping on food or sleep in the name of study time. It's unlikely to help and will probably make it harder for you to concentrate and do your best on exams. Take regular breaks while studying and get a bite to eat, do a few jumping jacks, or take a nap.

2. On essay tests, try to write yourself an outline to follow for each question so that you can be sure to touch on all major points. Some students find it useful to write an outline on the inside cover of your "Blue Book" if your professor uses one, or on a separate piece of paper as soon as the question has been assigned.

3. On multiple choice tests, read each question and possible response carefully before answering. Don't answer until you've considered each of the options. If one question is taking too long to answer, move on and come back to it at the end if you have time.

4. If you have time left over once you have completed the exam, review your answers for possible mistakes. Check essays for clarity and spelling/grammar mistakes.

5. Once the exam is over, don't dwell on how you did. Now is the time to prepare for your other exams. It won't do any good to worry about a test you have already taken and will likely make it difficult to concentrate on your other assignments.

Good luck on your finals!

V. Staff Listing

Please keep in touch with your advisor!

* Joanne Richards: joanne.richards@umit.maine.edu - serving Augusta, Rockland, Belfast, Bath, Brunswick, Thomaston, and Waldoboro areas.

* Christy Le: christy.le@umit.maine.edu - serving East Wilton, Norway, Lewiston, Auburn, Oxford, Lisbon Falls, and Rumford areas.

* Catie Leon: catie.leon@umit.maine.edu - serving Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, Old Town, and Millinocket areas, and Washington County.

* Diane Lambert: diane.lambert@umit.maine.edu - serving Bangor, Brewer, Waterville, and Skowhegan areas.

* Tina McDonald: tina.mcdonald@umit.maine.edu - serving the Portland area, Sanford, Windham, and Saco.

* Sally Daniels: sally.daniels@umit.maine.edu - serving Ellsworth

* Teri Morse: teri.morse@umit.maine.edu - serving Aroostook County.

* Sarah Paterson: sarah.paterson@umit.maine.edu - serving all clients who have entered into college.

Don't see your area listed? MEOC provides services statewide, just call to find out who services your town! Don't be afraid to call on our advisors if you need some help. You can leave a message for any advisor by calling 1-800-281-3703.

VI. Reminder about address corrections

Be sure to contact MEOC at 1-800-281-3703 or via email if you:
- have moved/have an alternate mailing address
- have a new address due to 911 coding
- have changed your phone number
- have married/changed your name
- are going to be changing your email address and would like this newsletter readdressed!

Remember that we can't be of service to you if we can't find you!

If you have any questions/comments/concerns or suggestions for this newsletter, or if you wish to unsubscribe, send an email to sarah.paterson@umit.maine.edu.

Maine Educational Opportunity Center
5713 Chadbourne Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5713
1-800-281-3703
(F)- (207) 581-2532
http://meoc.maine.edu/