College and Career Planning
The MHMS Counselors guide students through the college admissions process by providing information on the college search, testing, financial aid and scholarships.
College Admissions
At Merrol Hyde, we understand the importance of helping students to prepare for the college admission process. 100% of our students are college-bound. We work closely with our students to ensure they are aware of the many important steps one must take throughout their time at MHMS. The counselor department provides ALL students with the support, education, and time needed to work their way through this process.
ACT testing at MHMS
Remember that it takes anywhere from two-eight weeks from the test date before you receive your test results.
Students who wish to send their ACT scores to colleges and universities should make the request directly with ACT.
The ACT is designed so that by the end of your junior year, you’ve likely covered all the material that you will see on the test.
Testing Time - 2 hours and 55 minutes (optional 40 minute essay)
Score Range - Composite 1–36 (writing domain scores: 2–12)
Cost - $63.
PSAT testing at MHMS
All sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT in October each year. For sophomores this is a practice test. When students take this as juniors, they are taking this with the goal of qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program. In years past, we have had numerous students recognized as Commended Students, Semi-Finalists, and Finalists!
The PSAT/NMSQT is highly relevant to your future success because the focus is on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. They’ll measure:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
Students Interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy!
Do you have a student who wishes to attend? If so, interested students will need a nomination from their Congressman or U.S. Senator.
United States Air Force Academy
United States Coast Guard Academy
United States Military Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy
In order to attend one of the United State Military Service Academies (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Military Academy at West Point) you must receive a Congressional Nomination from one of your State’s U.S. Senators, a U.S. Congressman, or the Vice President. Please note that the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional Nomination.
Eligible applicants must be:
- unmarried citizens of the United States with no dependents and;
- at least 17 years old but not past their 23rd birthday on the first of July of the year they wish to be admitted and;
- a resident of Tennessee. You, or your parents, must claim Tennessee as your primary state of residence.
Paying for College
Scholarships are free money and don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships can come from a variety of places, from state and federal governments to colleges and private companies. Scholarships may be awarded based on your financial need, academic achievement, community service, athletic talent, and many other factors.
Additional Scholarships Sites/Tips:
- Always check the scholarship listings on colleges' websites
- Check the website of each college you applied to for scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
- Check with your parent(s) employer - often times employers will offer scholarship opportunities to dependents
- FastWeb
- College Board Opportunity Scholarships
- Coellge Board Scholarship Search
- College for TN
- College Green Light
- College Raptor
FAFSA Information
There are three types of federal student aid (grants, loans, and work-study). To determine eligibility, you must complete the FAFSA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Parents and students need to create their own FAFSA ID.
- Apply as close to October 1 as possible - award dollars are often given away on a first-come, first-served basis
- Remember - all students should complete the FAFSA regardless of whether you think you'll quality for aid - often this is used an eligibility tool for other scholarships and programs as well!
- Need help? Visit College for TN
UT Promise
UT Promise is an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying Tennessee residents attending UT’s campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin and Memphis. Students who qualify for HOPE and whose family household income is under $50,000 a year are eligible to appy.