1. Senior Night 2019 Lisa Gastaldi – Director of Counseling, Seniors A-K
Carly Passante – School Counselor, Seniors L-Z

2. Last year’s acceptances by the numbers…
Clemson
USC
28,845 total applications
86 students applied
47 accepted (54%) – 28 attending
4.30 SCUGP GPA average
1300 average SAT, 29.5 average ACT
Clemson Bridge
SAT: 1180, ACT: 24
3.8 – 4.25 SCUGP
31,277 total applications
106 of our students applied
69 accepted (65%) – 30 attending
4.1 SCUGP GPA
1273 average SAT, 28 average ACT
USC Game Cock Gateway
SAT:
ACT: 23-26
Average GPA: 3.8 SCUGP

3. Last year’s #’s continued…
College of Charleston
(around) 12,000 total applications
66 of our students applied
39 accepted (59%) – 15 attending
4.38 SCUGP GPA
1223 average SAT, 26 average ACT
C of C Bridge
SAT: 1017, ACT: 19
Average GPA: SCUGP

4. College applications – up to 3 different ways to apply
One way to apply is directly through the institution using the college’s website
Will need to create an account with a username and password
Keep up with all college info / log-ins in a college folder or binder!
Common Application Schools – mostly private schools (
Coalition Application Schools – Clemson & USC (
Be prepared for the cost (around $50 - $100 per application)

5. Student’s Responsibilities
Step 1: Add Colleges to Naviance (“Colleges I’m applying to”)
Step 2: Apply to the colleges
Step 3: Ensure that Test Scores have been sent to colleges directly.
Step 4: Secure letters of recommendation (if needed)
Step 5: Hand in the Green Sheet!
Step 6: Prior to deadline – Students should call admissions to ensure all materials are received.

6. Teacher recommendations
State Schools – not required but can be submitted
Private Schools – required, number determined by college
Teachers are supposed to cover the characteristics of the student within the classroom environment
Students must ask teachers first
Some teachers ask for students to provide a form or resume
Students must then invite teachers via Naviance
Should allow teachers two to three weeks to complete before the deadline

7. Counselor recommendations
State Schools – not required but can be submitted
Private Schools – Common Application required
Counselors cover the student as a social being within the context of the class
Counselors meet with students approximately 40 minutes for interview
Parent questionnaire is sent home
Counselors may consult teachers, coaches or club advisors for more information
Should allow counselors two to three weeks to complete before the deadline
All letters of recommendation should remain confidential!

8. Application Deadlines
Early
Regular
USC – Oct. 15th
CofC – ED Nov. 1 / EA Dec. 1
Furman – ED Nov. 15 / EA Dec. 1
Wofford – ED Nov. 1 / EA Nov. 15
Clemson – Dec. 1 (Priority)
Decisions must be made by May 1
USC – Dec. 1st
CofC – Feb. 15th (formerly Feb. 1st)
Furman – Jan. 15th
Wofford – Jan. 15th (formerly Feb. 1st)
Clemson – N/A (Priority 12/1)
Decisions must be made by May 1

9. South Carolina Lottery Scholarships
Palmetto Fellows: $6,700
Criteria: must meet all
1400 SAT / 32 ACT
4.0 on SCUGP
- OR -
1200 SAT / 27 ACT
3.5 on SCUGP through Junior year
Top 6% from SCUGP
Dec. 15th deadline to submit paperwork
Life Scholarship: $5,000
Criteria: must meet 2 out of 3
1100 SAT / 24 ACT
3.0 on SCUGP
Top 30% from SCUGP
Hope Scholarship: $2,800
Criteria: for one year only (then gets bumped up to the Life if criteria met)
3.0 on SCUGP alone
*Enhancement for Math & Science Majors – Life recipients possible $2500 extra, Palmetto recipients possible $3300 extra. Must complete 14 hours in Math/Science during first year, eligible for next year.

10. Scholarships
We have many scholarships listed on the Counseling webpage! Announcements are made but it is up to the student to seek them out and apply before the deadlines.
There are also hundreds of search engines that students can use to find scholarships through. Examples include:

11. Senioritis/Free Period Privileges
Senioritis is a real thing! Please keep encouraging your students to do their best this year.
Seniors failing a class: Any senior who fails a class for the first semester will lose his/her free period privileges and be placed in a study hall. These privileges MAY be reinstated at the school counselor’s discretion upon demonstration of significant academic progress (as noted on the third quarter report card). It is the responsibility of the student to request the academic review at the end of the third quarter.

12. Thank you for coming! Questions?
Lisa Gastaldi (Seniors A – K)
Carly Passante (Seniors L – Z)
Ext. 123
Ext. 124