INTRODUCTION



Nation Ford High School

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2017-2018

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail “

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Table of Contents

Guidance Staff……………………………...........................................................................................2

South Carolina Graduation Requirement……………...................................................................3

Grade Point Average/Class Rank Computation...........................................................................4

College Planning Calendar For Seniors..........................................................................................5

Beginning the Search.........................................................................................................................7

Entrance Requirements for 4-Year SC Public Colleges and Universities................................8

How to Submit College Applications...........................................................................................10

Admissions Policies/Options........................................................................................................11

College Visits……............................................................................................................................11

Questions to Ask College Representatives………………………………………………………..12

Out of State College for In-State Tuition....................................................................................13

College Testing Information…......................................................................................................14

2017-2018 SAT and ACT Testing Dates…..................................................................................15

SAT/ACT Score Comparison Chart..............................................................................................16

National Center for Fair & Open Testing....................................................................................17

College Information for Students with Special Needs.............................................................17

NCAA and Athletic Eligibility........................................................................................................18

Financial Aid Information..............................................................................................................19

Scholarships……………...................................................................................................................19

Federal Student Aid………………..................................................................................................20

FAFSA.................................................................................................................................................20

Financial Aid Tips and Websites...................................................................................................22

Financial Aid Program Chart………..............................................................................................23

Choosing a Career...........................................................................................................................25

Resume Example..............................................................................................................................27

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Counseling Office Receptionist - Mrs. Anita Benfield (803) 835-0034

Registrar - Mrs. Barbara Boyd (803) 835-0015

PowerSchool Clerk- Mrs. Jane Carroll (803) 835-0016

Counseling Office Fax – (803) 835-0017

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| | |

|Subject Area |SC Diploma Requirements |

| |4 units |

|English/ | |

|Language Arts | |

| |4 units |

|Mathematics | |

| |3 units (one unit must be Biology) |

|Science | |

| |1 unit |

|US History | |

| |.5 unit |

|Government | |

| |.5 unit |

|Economics | |

| |1 unit |

|Other Social Studies | |

| |1 unit |

|Physical Education/ROTC | |

| |1 unit |

|Computer Science | |

| |1 unit |

|CATE class or | |

|Foreign Language | |

| |6 units |

|Electives | |

| |1 unit |

|HS 101 | |

|Unite Total |24 units |

| |Not required for graduation/only required for 4-year college |

|SAT/ACT |admission |

*Requirements are subject to change pursuant to State Department of Education directives.

The South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale dictates how a student’s GPA and class rank will be determined. GPAs and class rank will be computed at the end of each semester. All diploma candidates are included in the class ranking.

100 – 90 = A; 89 – 80 = B; 79 – 70 = C; 69 – 60 = D; 59 – 0 = F

September

← Narrow your list of colleges to 5 to 10. Visit each school’s website and search for application deadlines, scholarship deadlines and financial aid opportunities they may offer. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible.

← Create a master list or calendar that includes:

✓ Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates and registration deadlines, and

college application due dates

✓ Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines (note: Aid applications may be due before college applications.)

✓ Other materials you’ll need (recommendations, transcript, etc.)

✓ Your high school’s own application processing deadlines.

← If you can’t afford application or test fees, a counselor may be able to help you request a fee waiver.

October

← Try to finalize your college choices.

← Prepare Early Decision, Early Action, or rolling admissions applications as soon as possible.

← Ask for counselor or teacher recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities

← If you’re submitting essays, write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them. If you’re applying for Early Decision, finish the essays for that application now.

← Go online to fafsa. to request an ID for your FAFSA application. Both you and your parent/guardian will each need a FAFSA ID. Begin your FAFSA application.

November

← November 1-15: for Early Decision admission; colleges may require test scores and applications between these dates.

← Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.

← Request your transcripts via Family Connections. Allow at least TWO WEEKS for processing by your counselor.

December

← As you finish and send your applications and essays, be sure to keep copies

← If your college wants to see seventh-semester grades, be sure you give the form to your counselor.

January

← If you apply to colleges online, be sure to have your high school send a transcript (via Family Connections) – it goes to colleges separately

February

← No senioritis, please! Accepting colleges do look at second semester senior grades.

← Colleges may begin to send acceptance letters

March

← Keep active in school. If you are wait-listed, the college will want to know what you have accomplished between the time you applied and learned of its decision.

← Wait-listed by a college? If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admissions director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.

April

← You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. If you’ve not done so yet, visit your final choice college before accepting. As soon as you decide, notify your counselor of your choice.

← If you have questions about housing offers, call the college.

May

← May 1: Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May 1. By that postmarked date, you must inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid (Questions? Talk to your counselor).

← Send your deposit to one college only.

← Work with your counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.

← Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college. You will be asked to complete a form designated by the Guidance Office. This question will be included, so make sure you turn your form in. It must be returned to participate in graduation!

Choosing a college is a learning process - learning about yourself, learning about your options, learning about specific colleges, and then putting it all together to make the best possible choice. It is an important decision, but you have many people to assist you. The first person to consult is yourself.

The Student

Who am I? What are my educational goals?

How do I plan to reach them?

What are my strengths and weaknesses?

What type of college atmosphere is best for me?

These are some of the questions you should ask yourself. Not all of them may have immediate answers, but the answers will provide you with some outline for your thinking and planning.

Since you are the central figure, you must bear the greatest responsibility for your decision. Try to remember some of the ingredients that were discussed in earlier grades regarding the components of a decision.

Your Parents

Parents can be helpful in many ways. They certainly must be consulted about tuition costs and the college you will attend. They can assist you in clarifying your own ideas. No one has known you longer or better than your parents. They are a major resource in this important decision.

Teachers

Your teachers are also able to help you clarify your goals, explain fields of study, explore career opportunities in their areas of specialization.

College Students

Students attending college will be able to give you current information about their colleges and may be willing to have you spend time with them on campus.

Books

Books can give you accurate information, but use several, as each emphasizes different aspects of college selection and college life. Always remember there is a lapse of time between the compilation of the material and its publication. The most accurate information can be found in the catalogues of the specific colleges in which you are interested or via their websites.

The Internet

Almost all colleges can be accessed through the Internet. This information is constantly being updated. If you have a computer at home or use one in the library, you have a tremendous amount of material that can help you in your search for the college that is the right college of you.

College Representatives

Admissions officers from nearby colleges sometimes visit high schools. These visitations will be held during lunch periods in the cafeteria.

1) FOUR UNITS OF ENGLISH: All four units must have strong reading (including works of fiction and non-fiction), writing, communicating and researching components. It is strongly recommended that students take two units that are literature based, including American, British, and World Literature.

2) FOUR UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These units must include Algebra 1, Algebra 11, and

Geometry. A fourth higher-level mathematics unit should be taken before or during the senior year.

3) THREE UNITS OF LABORATORY SCIENCE: Two units must be taken in two different fields of the physical, earth, or life sciences and selected from among biology, chemistry, physics or earth science. The third unit may be from the same field as one of the first two units (biology, chemistry, physics or earth science) or from any laboratory science for which biology, chemistry, physics and/or earth science is a prerequisite. Courses in general or introductory science for which one of these four units is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement. It is strongly recommended that students desiring to pursue careers in science, mathematics, engineering or technology take one course in all four fields (biology, chemistry, physics or earth science.)

4) TWO UNITS OF THE SAME WORLD LANGUAGE: Two units with a heavy emphasis on language acquisition.

5) THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History, a half unit of Economics, and a half unit of Government are required. World History or Geography is strongly recommended

6) ONE UNIT OF FINE ARTS: One unit in appreciation of, history of, or performance in one of the fine arts. The unit should be selected from among media/digital arts, dance, music, theater, or visual and spatial arts.

7) ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR JROTC: One unit of physical education to

include one semester of personal fitness and another semester in lifetime fitness. Exemption applies to student enrolled in Junior ROTC and for students exempted because of physical disability or for religious reasons.

8) TWO UNITS OF ELECTIVES: Two units must be taken as an electives. A college preparatory course in Computer Science (i.e., one involving significant programming content, not simply keyboarding or using applications) is strongly recommended for this elective. Other acceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English; fine arts; foreign languages; social science; humanities; mathematics; physical education; and laboratory science (courses for which biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science is a prerequisite).

NOTES:

1. Foundations in Algebra and Intermediate Algebra may count together as a substitute for Algebra I if a student successfully completes Algebra II. No other courses may be substituted for the three required mathematics courses (Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry).

2. Each institution may make exceptions in admitting students who do not meet all of the prerequisites, limited to those individual cases in which the failure to meet one or more prerequisites is due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the students.

3. The College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements are minimal requirements for four-year public college admission. Therefore, students should check early with colleges of their choice to plan to meet additional high school prerequisites that might be required for admission and to prepare for college entrance examinations.

4. Students should prepare themselves for college-level work by enrolling in challenging high school courses, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment courses. 5. It is the responsibility of each school district to disseminate this set of requirements to entering freshmen students interested in pursuing a four-year college degree in South Carolina upon graduation from high school and to provide the web address for their viewing:



Please note the _ (underscore) character between the words “New” and “Web” in the URL.

6. This revision of the College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements shall be fully implemented for students entering high schools beginning Fall 2015 and colleges and universities as freshmen beginning in Fall 2019. In the interim period, the 2011-12 version of the Prerequisites (approved by the commission on Higher Education on October 5, 2006) remains acceptable.

7. The next revision cycle should begin in Fall 2020.

Use the AT&T Method:

Application

• Apply through the college website or Commission on Higher Education website: che.

• Have your counselor’s email address handy. Download the Counselor Recommendation Form (if required.)

Transcript

• Send your transcript to the colleges (request via Family Connections)

• Login to your Family Connections account to request your transcript. Be sure give your counselor any recommendation forms that are to be submitted. Allow at least ONE WEEK for processing!

Test Score

• Ensure your scores have been submitted to the college.

Four-Year Colleges

For SAT scores, visit

For ACT scores, visit

Two-Year Colleges

Take the COMPASS or SAT/ACT

assess/asset.php

Use the table below to keep organized as you apply to colleges:

We recommend that you apply to at least 3 colleges.

|Name of College |Application Deadline |Application Complete |Transcript Sent |Test Scores Sent |

|ex. Best College |12-1-2018 |10-3-2018 |10-5-2018 |10-5-2018 |

|  | |  |  |  |

|  | |  |  |  |

|  | |  |  |  |

|  | |  |  |  |

| | | | | |

Colleges have various admissions options or policies. It is your responsibility to study these practices and determine which policy utilized by a particular school is the best option for you.

Early Admission refers to the admission of a student prior to graduation from high school (usually after the junior year).

Early Decision is the term used to describe the application process in which a commitment is made by the student to the institution that if admitted, the student will enroll. This decision may be binding!

Early Action is the term used to describe the process which permits a student to apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision during the senior year, well in advance of the normal response dates in the spring. Many Ivy League schools use this policy. This decision may be binding.

Regular Decision describes the process in which an institution reviews most of its applications prior to notifying the majority of its candidates.

Rolling Admission is the process in which an institution reviews applications as they are received and offers decisions to students as applications are reviewed.

Wait List is the policy in which the college does not initially offer or deny admission, but extends to an applicant the possibility of admission.

Deferred Admission is the practice used by colleges that guarantees admission a semester or year after graduation - usually the student will take courses at a two year college and then transfer to the college.

Open Admissions permit all applicants to enroll in the institution.

A valuable aspect of the college selection process is the campus visit. By actually visiting a college’s campus, you will be provided a first-hand impression of the faculty,

staff, students, facilities, and programs, but before your visit, you should take the following steps:

1. Request by phone or letter an appointment with the Admissions Office several weeks

in advance. If unable to keep the appointment, inform the college representative

immediately.

2. Make a list of questions to ask during the visit.

3. Arrive on time.

4. Students must turn in a letter from the college stating they were present at the college

to the Nation Ford Attendance Office within 5 days of their visit date.

5. Seniors are allowed 2 college visit days and juniors are allowed 1 day. Students

may only be excused a half day for local colleges (Rock Hill, Charlotte, etc.)

Social life and campus activities

▪ What do students do for fun?

▪ What is the role of fraternities and sororities on campus? If I didn’t want to join, could I have a satisfactory social life?

▪ Is there a good balance of academics, social life, and extracurricular activities?

▪ What were the social or cultural highlights last year?

▪ What is the role of the campus newspaper?

Campus facilities

▪ Is there something about housing I should know that would help me in my choice?

▪ What are the types of food plans?

▪ What kinds of facilities does the student center have?

▪ How would you rate the fitness center?

▪ Is there a doctor, nurse, psychologist or career counselor on campus?

▪ How good is security on campus?

▪ Is the library equipped with computers and copy machines?

▪ What is there to do in town? How would I get there?

Academics and faculty

▪ What is distinctive about education here? What is the educational philosophy of the college

▪ What is the most popular major on campus?

▪ How would you characterize the academic pressure and workload?

▪ Are there research possibilities with the faculty?

▪ What are the strengths and weaknesses of the advising system?

▪ Is the faculty accessible to students after class?

▪ Are any new programs scheduled for the next four years?

The Academic Common Market, which is administered by the Southern Regional Education Board, allows for South Carolina residents who are enrolled in specific programs at public out-of-state institutions to be charged only the applicable in-state tuition by the institution in which the student is enrolled. Eligible programs are those programs, which are at least 50% different in curricular content than programs offered in South Carolina.

Participating states are:

Alabama Louisiana Tennessee

Arkansas Maryland Texas

Delaware Mississippi Virginia

Florida Oklahoma West Virginia

Georgia South Carolina

Kentucky

For a list of approved programs/majors, visit

SAT vs. ACT: How do the Tests Compare?

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? They are both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. To learn about the differences between the two tests and how they compare, take a look at the chart below.

| |SAT |ACT |

|When is it administered? |Seven times per year |Six times per year |

|What is the test |Two-Section Exam: There are two sections with one optional |Four-section exam: English, Math, Reading,|

|structure? |essay. |and Science Reasoning. An Experimental |

| | |section is added to tests on certain dates|

| | |only and is clearly experimental. |

|What is the test content?|Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry and |Math: up to trigonometry |

| |Algebra II. |Science: charts, experiments |

| |Science: none |Reading: four passages, one each Prose |

| |Reading: sentence completions short and long critical reading |Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and |

| |passages, reading comprehension |Natural Science |

| |Writing: the essay is optional |English: stresses grammar |

|Is there a penalty for |No |No |

|wrong answers? | | |

|How is the test scored? |200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A |1-36 for each subject, averaged for a |

| |1600 is the highest possible combined score. |composite score. A 36 is the highest |

| | |possible composite score. |

|Are all scores sent to |Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific|No. There is a “Score Choice” option. |

|schools? |colleges, the report will include the scores the student |Students can choose which schools will |

| |received on every SAT taken |receive their scores AND which scores the |

| | |schools will see |

|Are there other uses for |Scholarship purposes |Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide |

|the exams? | |testing programs. |

|Best time to register? |At least six weeks before the test date; students will need to|At least four weeks before the test date; |

| |upload a personal photo that meets testing guidelines |students will need to upload a personal |

| | |photo that meets testing guidelines |

|Need more information? |Educational Testing Service (ETS) |ACT, Inc.: |

| |(609) 771-7600 |(319) 337-1000 |

| | | |

| |The College Board | |

| | | |

SAT Subject Tests – Some colleges that require the SAT may also require an SAT Subject Test for admission or placement. These tests are one-hour in length and are comprised of multiple-choice questions designed to measure your level of achievement in a particular subject area. Test areas include English, mathematics, history, science, and foreign language. These tests are offered 6 times per year and students can take 1, 2, or 3 Subject Tests on a single test date. The colleges that do require the SAT Subject Tests tend to be selective schools; therefore, it is to your advantage to inquire as far in advance as possible whether or not you will need to take these tests.

COMPASS Testing – COMPASS is computer-adaptive placement test, measures skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. COMPASS helps determine student placement in some 2-year Technical Colleges. There is no time limit for the tests. The computer selects questions for you based on your answers to previous questions. NO experience with computers is needed. Students schedule testing through the admissions office of the college requiring the exam.

***FEE WAIVERS : Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch may qualify for a testing fee waiver; use the link on our website to request or if unable to locate this link email your counselor.

SAT

DATE REGULAR DEADLINE LATE DEADLINE**

November 4* October 5 October 25

December 2* November 2 November 21

March 10 February 9 February 28

May 5* April 6 April 25

June 2* May 3 May 23

* Denotes SAT II Subtests also administered

**Denotes late registration date processed online or by phone

Cost of SAT: $46 with essay $60

Late registration/Change fee: + $29

Waitlist fee: $49

REGISTER ONLINE AT: sat.

Nation Ford High School’s Code Number = 410796

ACT

TEST DATE REGULAR DEADLINE LATE DEADLINE

December 9 November 3 November 17

February 10 January 12 January 19

April 14 March 9 March 23

June 9 May 4 May 18

July 14 June 15 June 22

Cost of ACT: $46.00 ACT plus writing: $62.50 Late registration cost: $29.50

Standby: +$53.00

REGISTER ONLINE AT:

Nation Ford High School’s Code Number = 410796

|ACT |SAT |

|If you scored: |(Critical Reading and Math only) |

|36 |1600 |

|35 |1540-1590 |

|34 |1490-1530 |

|33 |1440-1480 |

|32 |1400-1430 |

|31 |1360-1390 |

|30 |1330-1350 |

|29 |1290-1320 |

|28 |1050-1280 |

|27 |1210-1240 |

|26 |1170-1200 |

|25 |1130-1160 |

|24 |1090-1120 |

|23 |1050-1080 |

|22 |1020-1040 |

|21 |980-1010 |

|20 |940-970 |

|19 |900-930 |

|18 |860-890 |

|17 |820-850 |

|16 |770-810 |

|15 |720-760 |

|14 |670-710 |

|13 |620-660 |

|12 |560-610 |

|11 |510-550 |

Some schools do not use SAT or ACT scores for admitting students into Bachelor Degree Programs. These colleges either do not use or deemphasize the use of standardized tests by making admissions decisions about applicants without SAT/ACT testing scores. Some schools may use them only for placement purposes or to conduct research studies, but not for admission purposes. For a complete listing of participating colleges and universities, please visit university/optional

Admissions:

← Are admissions criteria for students with special needs the same as for other students?

← Are any special assessments required?

← Is diagnostic testing available?

← Is there a dedicated summer orientation for students with special needs?

← Is documentation required for demonstrating special needs?

Academic Supports:

← Is the process for accessing special needs clear and easy to follow?

← Is there a fee for supports?

← Is tutoring available?

← Is remediation in basic skills available?

← Are study-skills courses available?

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NCAA FRESHMAN – ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

QUICK REFERENCE SHEET

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Financial aid is money that is provided to help students pay for their education. This money may come from various sources such as the Federal Government or State Government, the college/university you plan to attend, your high school, corporations/businesses, or local organizations. Annual college costs can range from $10,000 per year to over $40,000 per year, and college costs continue to rise each year. Tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses must all be considered when determining the total annual cost. Financial aid can often make it possible for you to attend a college/university that you and your parents may otherwise think is too expensive. You and your parents should explore all types of financial aid.

There are basically four categories of financial aid:

1. Scholarships - money that is awarded because of exceptional academic achievement, outstanding talent or skill, and/or financial need

2. Grants - money that is awarded usually based on financial need

3. Loans - borrowed money that must be repaid

4. College Work-Study - money you earn toward paying college expenses by working on campus

Generally, all financial aid is awarded in the form of a financial aid package from the college/university listing the amount and types of financial aid you are eligible to receive. Most financial aid award letters arrive either by mail or email in late March or early April. Your financial aid package may vary from college to college. It is important to note that the college that offers you the most financial aid, may not be the college you can attend for the lowest cost. You should always compare the amount of aid with the cost of attendance to identify the college that is most affordable for you. Be sure to keep all records you receive from each college.

Scholarships

You may have heard people say that there are millions of scholarship dollars that go unclaimed each year. There are, in fact, many scholarships, but many of these scholarships have specific requirements such as a certain GPA, class rank, and/or SAT/ACT score, a specific ethnic or religious affiliation, a particular college major, outstanding leadership skills, talent, athletic ability, etc. Scholarship applications may require essays, recommendations, and strong extracurricular activities and/or community service.

You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. Be careful to make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out information on how to avoid scams at studentaid.types/scams.

Nation Ford Scholarship Blog: nafoscholarshipscoop.

Free Sources for finding Financial Aid/Scholarships

✓ FAMILY CONNECTIONS – All scholarships that are presented to our office are posted on Family Connections; students can search by category or use the “Scholarship Match” feature in Family Connections to see what scholarships they qualify for. Students can also search the national scholarship database. All of these options are found under the “College” section of their Family Connections site (at the bottom of the page)

✓ The financial aid office at your college/university of choice

✓ U.S. Department of Education – studentaid

✓ SC Department of Education – visit ed.

✓ Free scholarship search services (i.e. )

✓ Foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, businesses, sororities/fraternities, civic groups, grocery store bulletins, church bulletins, etc.

✓ Organizations related to your field of interest (including professional associations/organizations)

✓ Ethnicity-based organizations (i.e. NAACP, Hispanic College Fund)

✓ Your employer or your parents’/guardians’ employers

✓ Large corporations (i.e. WalMart, Target, etc.)

✓ The internet – search using key words such as scholarships, student aid, financial aid, etc. (remember that some scholarship scams operate online; you shouldn’t pay for any scholarship searches unless you are sure it is legit)

Federal Student Aid

To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

Even if you and your parents feel that you will not qualify for any need-based aid because of income, you should still complete the FAFSA. Many colleges and organizations often want to verify that students are not eligible for federal or state aid before they will award institutional and/or private funds. Some loan programs also require completion of the FAFSA.

If you do not complete the FAFSA, you could be missing out on financial aid!

Completing the FAFSA

1. Apply for a FAFSA ID at (both student and a parent will need an ID).

2. Complete the FAFSA application online at fafsa. starting October 1st of your senior year. Paper and PDF applications are available but applying online will allow your application to be processed faster. Parents’ tax returns need to be completed, not necessarily filed, before completing the FAFSA. If the student worked his/her tax returns may be needed as well.

a. FAFSA is free to complete so be careful not to enter the wrong web address where fees are charged to complete the FAFSA.

b. Carefully review your responses on the FAFSA before submitting the completed form. If there are any errors, your FAFSA will be returned to you and this may delay the processing of the application. Remember to make a copy of your completed FAFSA for your records.

3. Some private colleges/universities may require you to complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. The CSS/Profile is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA). Complete the CSS/PROFILE online at ... Click on CSS/PROFILE under “Pay for College.”

4. After you have completed your FAFSA application you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). A copy of your SAR is also sent to the colleges you designated on your FAFSA. Your SAR will report your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) amount. The EFC is the amount of money you and your parents are expected to be able to contribute toward your college expenses based on the earnings you reported. If the cost of the college is more than your EFC, you have a financial need and will be eligible for financial aid. This aid may come in the form of grants, loans, or college work study.

Some federal aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis so it is important that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Also, be sure to check your college/university’s deadlines for completing the FAFSA… college/university deadlines may vary from the state deadline.

For more information about FAFSA -

Financial Aid Tips/Websites

✓ The best sources of financial aid information and programs are usually free. Be mindful of buying expensive books that promise to lead you to financial aid, especially scholarships, and paying fees to scholarship programs or scholarship search services.

✓ Investigate all federal and state government programs. Never assume that your income and your parents’ income will make you ineligible for aid.

✓ Federal Student Aid (US Department of Education) - studentaid.

✓ SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid -

✓ South Carolina Commission on Higher Education - che.

✓ FAFSA - fafsa.

✓ FastWeb -

✓ Free publications and resources - studentaid.resources

There are several print, video, and online resources on this website that can be very helpful in the college admission and financial aid/scholarship search process.

Financial Aid Programs

|Program |Amount |Grantor |Who Is Eligible |When/How to Apply |

|Federal Parent Loan for |Up to cost of education |US Department of Education |Parents of full-time dependent |Complete FAFSA as soon |

|Undergraduate Students |minus other aid | |students. Financial need is not a |after October 1st, 2018 as |

|(PLUS) | | |requirement. Fixed interest rate of |possible. Must also |

| | | |6.31%. Payment can begin |complete a PLUS application|

| | | |immediately or when student | |

| | | |graduates. | |

|Federal Pell Grant |Up to $5,815 per year |Federal Government |Aid is given to full or part-time |Complete FAFSA as soon |

| |(dependent on federal | |students with proven financial need |after October 1st, 2018 as |

| |appropriations) | | |possible |

|Federal Perkins Loans |Up to $5500 per year |Federal Government |Loans to students with exceptional |Complete FAFSA as soon |

| | | |financial need. No interest is paid |after January 1, 2015 as |

| | | |nor accumulated while in college; |possible |

| | | |payment begins 9 months after | |

| | | |graduation. After college, students| |

| | | |repay the loan with 5% interest. | |

| | | |Possibility of loan forgiveness with| |

| | | |teaching. | |

|Federal Direct Loans |Amount varies: |US Department of Education |1.01% loan fee; Repayment begins six|Complete FAFSA as soon |

| |$5,500 for freshmen (no | |months after graduating from or |after October 1, 2018 as |

| |more than $3500 can be | |leaving college. “Unsubsidized means|possible |

| |subsidized) | |the interest accumulates from the | |

| |Up to $12,500 for upper | |first day of the loan and is added | |

| |classmen | |to the loan amount. (4.66%) | |

| | | |“Subsidized” means the government | |

| | | |pays the interest while the student | |

| | | |is enrolled full-time (4.66%). | |

|Federal Supplemental |$100 to $4000 per year |Federal Government through |Full time students with proven |Complete FAFSA as soon |

|Educational Opportunity |(dependent on federal |college/university attending |financial need |after October 1, 2018 as |

|Grants (FSEOG) |appropriations) | | |possible |

|Federal College Work-study |Varies depending on need. |Federal government and |Provides part-time employment for |Complete FAFSA as soon |

|Programs |Paid by the hour and |college/university |students who have financial need. |after October 1, 2018 as |

| |tuition reduction. | | |possible |

|South Carolina Lottery |Up to $ 1200 per term for |South Carolina Commission of Higher |Students must be enrolled in at |Complete FAFSA as soon |

|Tuition Assistance |full time (12+ hours) $100 |Education |least six credit hours a semester |after October 1, 2018 as |

| |per credit hour part time | |and advancing toward a degree at one|possible. Awards are |

| |(6-11 hours) Dependent on | |of the state’s two-year |handled by the |

| |SC Lottery revenue | |institutions. Assistance is provided|college/university |

| | | |on an as-needed basis for a portion |financial aid office. |

| | | |of tuition. | |

|South Carolina HOPE |Up to $2800 (including a |South Carolina Commission on Higher |One-time freshmen award to high |No application necessary. |

|Scholarship Program |$300 book allowance) |Education |school seniors with a 3.0 GPA who do|Awards are handled by the |

| |(dependent on SC Lottery | |not qualify for the LIFE |college/university |

| |revenue) | |Scholarship; must be full-time |financial |

| | | |degree seeking student | |

|South Carolina LIFE |$5000 ($4700 plus 300 book |South Carolina Commission on Higher |Must meet two of the flowing: |No application necessary. |

|Scholarship Program |allowance) per year at 4 |Education |1100 on SAT/24 ACT, top 30% of |Awards are handled by the |

| |year institution (dependent| |graduating class, 3.0 cumulative SC |college/university |

| |on SC Lottery revenue) SC | |Uniform GPA |financial aid office |

| |Public or Private | | | |

| |institution. At 2 year | | | |

| |institution pays up to cost| | | |

| |of tuition and $300 for | | | |

| |books (not to exceed $5000)| | | |

|South Carolina Palmetto |$6700 per year (dependent |South Carolina Commission on Higher |Students may be eligible to apply if|See Counselor |

|Fellows Scholarship |on SC Lottery revenue) SC |Education |they meet the following three | |

| |Public or Private | |criteria: 1200SAT/27ACT, 3.5 GPA, | |

| |institution; | |top 6% of the class at the end of | |

| |sophomores, junior and | |the sophomore, junior or senior | |

| |senior years $7500 | |year; or meet the following two | |

| | | |criteria: 1400 SAT/32ACT and 4.0 GPA| |

| | | |at the end of the junior or senior | |

| | | |year | |

|LIFE and Palmetto Fellows |Additional $2500 provided |South Carolina Commission on Higher |Students who major in a mathematics |See the Financial Aid |

|Enhancements |on top of LIFE and Palmetto|Education |or science related field; students |Office at your |

| |Fellow award amount; to | |must take at least 14 credit hours |college/university |

| |begin in the sophomore year| |of math or science related courses |institution |

| |of college | |their Freshman year to be eligible; | |

| | | |AP courses taken during the senior | |

| | | |year of high school may be counted | |

| | | |towards this requirement | |

|South Carolina Teacher Loan |Freshman and sophomores can|South Carolina Student Loan Corp. |To qualify a student must rank in |Students must complete |

| |receive up to $2500 per | |the top 40% of their graduating |application; Priority |

| |year, but juniors and | |class; have a SAT/ACT score equal to|deadline April 30th. |

| |seniors can receive up to | |or greater than the SC average for | |

| |$5000 per year | |the year of graduation from high | |

| | | |school. Loan is forgiven if graduate| |

| | | |teaches in specified subjects or | |

| | | |areas of the state. | |

|South Carolina Teaching |$6000 per year (dependent |South Carolina Commission on Higher |Full-time South Carolina residents |Applications taken |

|Fellows |on SC Lottery revenue) |Education |interested in the teaching |September- December 1st at |

| | | |profession. Monies can only be | |

| | | |applied at 10 specific in-state | |

| | | |institutions; Candidates will have | |

| | | |to participate in a mandatory | |

| | | |interview session if chosen past | |

| | | |first round. Up to 200 students will| |

| | | |be awarded from across the state. | |

|South Carolina Tuition Grant|Up to $2600 max per year |SC Higher Education Tuition and Grants|SC residents who attend SC |Complete FAFSA as soon |

|Program |(dependent on SC | |independent, non-profit (private) |after October 1, 2018 as |

| |appropriations) | |college on a full-time basis. SC |possible |

| | | |Tuition Grants are based on | |

| | | |financial need and merit. Entering | |

| | | |freshman must graduate in the top | |

| | | |75% of their high school class or | |

| | | |score at least 900 SAT/19 ACT and | |

| | | |2.0 GPA | |

|Tuition Waivers for children|Tuition |South Carolina Division of Veteran |The qualifying parent of the student|Assistance in the form of |

|of Veterans | |Affairs |must have been a South Carolina |waivers is provided to |

| | |oepp.va/benefits.html |resident at the time of entry into |institutions. |

| | | |the military during military service| |

| | | |or one year prior to their child’s | |

| | | |entry into college. | |

Family Connections Is Your # 1 Career Planning Resource

Family Connections is a program purchased by the district to assist you in College/Career planning. Family Connections has a wealth of information that can help you find the career that is right for you.

-Career Interest Inventories – Family Connections offers various inventories that can help you identify careers that may interest you. The Career Interest Profiler is just one of the tests in Family Connections that can help you along with your search

-ROADTRIP NATION videos – this program features over 3,500 video interviews with individuals about the obstacles they faced, hardships, and successes in their career path. Watching these videos can help students gain exposure to career pathways and educate you about colleges, majors and career goals that are related to your unique talents.

-Resume Builder – In the “About Me” section of Family Connections, students can begin working on building a resume. This will be helpful as they begin their career research and learn what is important in the workforce. View a sample resume for a high school senior on page 27.

These are just a few of the helpful career planning tools in Family Connections. See your counselor today to set up your Family Connections account if you do not already have one!

: Family Connection Page

Making the choices that are right for you

A first step in deciding what career to go into is to talk with your school counselor or another mentor for advice. Ask your mentor about taking an aptitude test or interest inventory to find your strengths, weaknesses, and interests to discover potential career choices that are right for you. You can access a free self-assessment called the Career Finder at studentaid.myfafsa. You also might want to ask your mentor to help you investigate internships in your chosen career field.

SAMUEL JONES

1515 Stanley Drive

Hometown, SC 29715

sam.jones@

(803) 555-1938

RESUME PROFILE

Outstanding student with experience in print and online journalism seeks opportunity to learn by doing while working with a communications, public relations, or publishing firm through a part-time job or summer internship.

EDUCATION

Completed four years at Hometown High School.

Graduation date: May 2019.

G.P.A. 3.85. Top 5% of class.

EXPERIENCE

Newspaper Staff Member, Hometown High School

• Aug 2015 - present. Features editor of campus newspaper, responsible for award-winning design.

• Aug 2016 - Aug 2017. Researched information for news articles using library and Web sources. Composed and edited informational articles, columns, editorials, and advertising copy.

Yearbook Committee Member, Hometown High School

• Aug 2015 - present. Editor-in-chief of yearbook staff. Leader of design and publication teams from initial layout through finished product.

• Aug 2015 - Aug 2018. Yearbook staff member. Experience taking photographs, designing layout, and writing captions and sidebars.

RELEVANT HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES

Technical writing; advanced composition; debate; video production; computer classes providing knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, and Web software.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND MEMBERSHIPS

• U.S. Media Association Scholarship recipient

Scholarship based on academic achievement, community service, and campus participation and leadership in high school communications projects and studies.

• 2017 Best High School Newspaper Design winner

Central State Regional Communications Contest, sponsored by the Communications Department, State University.

• President of high school chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), 2017 - present

Member, 2015 - present.

• Treasurer of National Honor Society, 2015 - present[pic]

-----------------------

College

Planning

Guide

Counseling Office Staff

Grades 10-12

Ms. Market A-E (803) 835-0004 marketa@

Dr. Russell F-Li (803) 835-0184 russellk@

Ms. Bednarz Lo-Sa (803) 835-0004 bednarzc@

Mrs. Dreher Sc-Z (803) 835-0014 drehers@

Grade 9

Mrs. McKenzie L-Z (803) 835-0027 mckenziem@

Mrs. Duncan A-K (803) 835-0445 duncana@

South Carolina Graduation Requirements

Grade Point Average/Class Rank Computation

COLLEGE PLANNING FOR SENIORS

BEGINNING THE SEARCH

Entrance Requirements for South Carolina

4-Year Public Colleges and Universities

For entering College Freshman Beginning 2019-2020

How to Submit College Applications

ADMISSIONS POLICIES/OPTIONS

COLLEGE VISITS

Questions to Ask College Representatives:

OUT OF STATE COLLEGE FOR IN-STATE TUITION!!!

COLLEGE TESTING INFORMATION

SAT and ACT Testing Dates 2017-2018

SAT/ACT Score Comparison Chart

National Center for Fair and Open Testing

College Information Checklist for Students With Special Needs...

NCAA REQUIREMENTS

Checklist for College-Bound Student Athletes

✓ Register at the beginning of your sophomore year at

✓ Ask your high school counselor to send your transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of your junior year

✓ Take the ACT or SAT and use the code “9999” to have your official scores sent directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center

✓ Check with your high school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate on time with your class and are taking the required amount of NCAA–approved core courses

✓ Request final amateurism certification during your senior year

✓ Ask your high school counselor to submit your final transcript with proof of graduation

Core Courses

NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 core courses. For students enrolling on or after August 1, 2016, NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the courses must be a combination of English, math, or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements below. These 10 courses become “locked in” at the start of the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement.

Test Scores and Grade Point Average

Division 1 uses a Sliding Scale to match test scores and core GPA. For students enrolling on or after 9/1/2016, the Division I GPA required to be eligible for competition is 2.30; to receive athletics aid and practice, a 2.0-2.299 core GPA is required. Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68 and a minimum 2.0 core GPA. The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The ACT sum score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the following four sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.

DIVISION II

16 Core Courses:

3 years of English

2 years of mathematics (Algebra 1 or higher)

2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of

lab if offered by high school).

3 years of additional English, mathematics, or

natural/physical science

2 years of social science

4 years of additional courses (from any area

above, foreign language or nondoctrinal

religion/philosophy).

*Also earn a 2.0 or higher in core courses and a combined SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68.

DIVISION 1

16 Core Course Rule:

4 years of English

3 years of mathematics (Algebra 1 or higher)

2 years of natural/physical science (1

year of lab if offered by high school)

1 year of additional English, mathematics,

or natural/physical science.

2 years of social science

4 years of additional courses (from any

area above, foreign language, or

nondoctorinal religion/philosophy

*Must also meet GPA and SAT/ACT score requirements as determined by the sliding scale

FINANCIAL AID

Choosing a Career

1

Learn about yourself

• Values – What is important to you?

• Interests – What appeals to you?

• Aptitude – What are you good at?

Learn about the career

Once you’ve narrowed your career choices, talk to people who are working in that field or, if possible, find a part-time or volunteer job in that field

It’s helpful to ask questions such as, “What’s good and bad about this job?” and “How did you learn your trade?”

There are many sources of career and job outlook information available – check the Internet or go to a library

2

Consider how much training you will need for the career you’re interested in

• High school diploma:

Cashier, receptionist, retail salesperson, security guard, waiter, etc.

• Special career training (e.g., career school, apprenticeship:

Auto service technician or mechanic, cosmetologist, police officer, truck driver

• College degree:

Accountant, engineer, forensic science technician, registered nurse, pilot teacher, public relations specialist, video game designer

• Graduate or professional degree:

College professor, doctor, dentist, lawyer, veterinarian, research scientist

3

Sample Resume

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