Guidance Department Principal: Nichole B. Boseman Counselors: Tom Kupec (Last names, A-L) Billie Fry (Last names, M-Z) Lyn Ridlehoover– Guidance Secretary CEEB Code #

GENERAL OVERVIEW Students will apply to colleges in the fall (between 8/1 and 11/1) Students and parents will complete the FAFSA (after January 1, 2017)

WHAT SHOULD I DO AND WHEN SHOULD I DO IT? Take at least one SAT and ACT by June of 2016 (for four-year colleges only). Visit five college websites by July,2016. Visit at least two colleges by August, Begin NOW to strategize which 3-6 colleges you will apply to in the fall. Take your second SAT and/or ACT in October. Take a third, if necessary in either November or December (all testing should be done by January 1, 2017). Apply to your prospective colleges by November 1, You can never lose by applying early. Don’t wait for standardized testing to end to apply. Complete the FAFSA after January 1, 2017, but as close to it as possible.

Next Steps After the Application Two-Year Colleges: 1. Request Guidance to send transcript through Parchment. 2. Accuplacer/Compass Placement Test Bridge Programs-Apply to Four-Year College University Transfer-Apply to Two-Year College

Next Steps After the Application Four-Year Colleges 1. Request Guidance send transcript to college through Parchment. 2. Request testing agencies send ACT and/or SAT scores to colleges. 3. Complete essay if necessary. 4. Have teachers send letters of recommendation if necessary.

TESTING SAT DATES (Register at Test fee is $43 without writing Test fee is $54.50 with writing TEST DATE DEADLINE 03/05/1602/05/16 05/07/164/08/16 06/04/1605/05/16 ACT DATES (Register at Test fee is $39.50 without writing Test fee is $56.50 with writing TEST DATE DEADLINE 02/06/1601/08/16 04/09/1603/04/16 06/11/1605/06/16

Sources of FINANCIAL AID *The colleges in which you are interested: Most colleges have Merit and/or special talent scholarships. Typically, merit scholarships are based on a combination or SAT/ACT scores and rank in class. Each college has different programs. *The State Government: See reverse side for listing of SC scholarship programs. *The Federal Government: Based on income and assets of the student and custodial parent(s). Complete FAFSA after Jan. 1 st of the senior year, but as close to this date as possible. Register for free private scholarships searches: Fast Web is considered the best of many. Go to Visit the Guidance Department website every two weeks: We list all scholarships that are mailed to the high school. Research your affiliations: The best are typically employers of parents and student, organizations in which you belong or have membership (church denominations, unions, insurance companies, etc.). Think about creative possibilities: For example, if you are an RA at a college, will the college waive your room and board fees? Do any professors at your prospective colleges know of any available money? Does playing in the marching band, even if you are not music major, avail you to scholarship money? Think of some other possibilities. *These three sources are the most impacting in terms of helping reduce college costs considerably. Spend most of your time exhausting these possibilities

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Available for attendance at four year institutions in South Carolina Maximum Award $6,700 during Freshman year $7,500 per year for Sophomore through Senior years Must apply during Senior year of high school Deadline for early applications is December 15 Deadline for final applications is June 15 Guidance Counselors initiate the application process

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Initial Eligibility criteria: Top 6% of class, 1200 or higher SAT (math and critical reading), 27 or higher ACT, and 3.50 cumulative GPR on Uniform Grading Scale OR 1400 or higher SAT (math and critical reading), 32 or higher ACT, and 4.00 cumulative GPA on Uniform Grading Scale Continued Eligibility criteria: 3.0 GPA or greater and at least an average of 30 credit hours per academic year.

LIFE Scholarship Available for attendance at a two or four year institution in South Carolina. Maximum Award – at a Four Year institution: Up to $5,000 per year Maximum Award – at a Two Year or Technical School: Up to Cost of tuition + $300 book allowance

LIFE Scholarship Initial Eligibility requirements at a 4 year school: Any two of these three: 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA Top 30% of high school class SAT (math and critical reading), or 24+ ACT Initial Eligibility requirements at a 2 year school: 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA

Recommended Websites WREN HS: Go to the Guidance tab on the top and select from the dropdown menu. Information on testing, scholarships, colleges, a guidance calendar and more. TESTING: –Student and parent sections. Information on the SAT, AP and CLEP. Register online for the SAT. –ACT information and registration. –Click on ‘prospective students’, then ‘getting started’, then ‘placement testing’. Information on placement testing for technical colleges. COLLEGES: about SC colleges, college search, apply to SC colleges. –College search and links to all colleges. Register with the NCAA (to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports) - group of colleges that use a common application. CAREER: –Career testing and information. Students have lifetime membership with the SC Career and Planning System. - US Dept of Labor website. Detailed info on various careers.

Websites cont’d. FINANICAL AID: –To apply for a “FSA ID” and to complete the FAFSA. Also link to FAFSA4caster to find out how much aid student may qualify for. Free private scholarship search. -SC Higher Education Scholarship Brochure (Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, HOPE, etc.). MILITARY: - links to all branches of the military, information on scholarships for the military community, and information on education.

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