Deadlines: what you need to do (updated 11/6/2008)

• Download latest information on scholarships!
   
• We know that the Senior year is buzzing by, but if you want your college application(s) - or transcript(s) if you completed your application(s) online - to be postmarked by December 1, 2008, then you must have your completed application(s) or transcript request(s) in to your counselor by Friday, November 21. If you have applied online, make sure you give your counselor the high school reference portion. Please stop by see your counselor if you have any questions.
   
• Anderson University will host its All Access overnight on Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24. The $40 fee includes room, board, and participation in campus life at a small liberal arts university. To register: Anderson Admissions Office (864)231-2030 or admissionsevents@andersonuniversity.edu
   
• Allen University's fall open house will take place on Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., in the John Hurst Adams Gymnasium. To register to attend: Admissions Office, 763-6023 or admissions@allenuniversity.edu
   
• The Limestone College (Gaffney) open house is on November 8. To register to attend: Admissions Office, (1-800) 795-7151 ext. 4552
   
• Clemson is recruiting the brightest and best for their engineering programs:
  
  
  • Senior girls: Interested in Clemson University or in math, science, or engineering? Check out Clemson's free one-day Wise Choice event. On Friday, November 7, female Seniors from around the state can experience life as a Clemson University engineering major. The program, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m., is design to reach promising college-bound students. Eligibility, which includes a GPA of 3.0 or better, will be on a first-come first-served basis determined by the date and time the applications arrive at Clemson. See Jan Post in guidance for applications and parental consent forms. Information: wserita@clemson.edu or (864) 656-1397.
    
    
  • Academically talented minority Seniors (males and females): Would you like to see what the engineering department is like at Clemson University and spend two days and two nights on campus for free? Only five students per high school will be accepted to Clemson University's Sneak Preview, November 6—8. Students must have a 3.0 in a college prep program and provide their own transportation; the rest is free. See Jan Post for application and parent consent forms. Information: PEER Office, (864) 656-0976 or sue.lasser@ces.clemson.edu
     
• Washington University in St. Louis is hosting an admissions reception on Tuesday, October 28, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Hotel. They will acquaint you with academic programs, life on campus, and how to apply for admission and financial assistance. No reservations needed. Information: (800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000 or admissions.wustl.edu
   
• RNE will nominate one Senior who best exemplifies excellence in the Jeffersonian ideals of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship for the University of Virginia at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Scholarship. In the past successful candidates have demonstrated uncommon academic abilities, exceptional leadership talents, and an understanding of the broader community around them. Students interested in being considered by the nominating committee must submit their name to their counselor or Jan Post by October 1.
   
• If your college application deadline is November 1, your request to mail an official transcript should be in to your counselor by October 23, but must be in to your counselor at least two days in advance. Because November 1 is a Saturday, all applications that must be postmarked by November 1 must be in Guidance by Wednesday, October 29. Remember: we have hundreds of transcripts to mail out in October, and the more time we have the better. It costs $2 plus postage to mail a transcript. You may put the fee on your debt sheet, if necessary.
   
• Mark September 11 on your calendars. The Guidance Department is hosting Key Components of Senior Moments, its annual Senior Information Night for Seniors and their parents. This event, from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Chorus Room, will review graduation requirements, college admissions policies, financial aid information, and college entrance exams. We encourage all Seniors to bring their parents. Information: Jan Post, jpost@rnh.richland2.org, or ext. 2825
   
• If you are interested in college scholarships, be sure to investigate:
  • $1000 monthly giveaway at www.scstudentloan.org (not based on GPA or need)
  • $1000 giveaway at www.offtocollege.info or www.suntrusteducation.com
  • Essay Contest for high school students for $750 to $3000 www.firstfreedom.org.html
  • Essay contest at www.journalism.scvrd.net for Juniors and Seniors for full tuition to a South Carolina state institution. Deadline: January 20, 2009
   
• Senior Athletes: Is Davidson on your list? The deadline for outstanding scholar athletes to submit their name for the Bryan Scholar and Davidson Scholar Programs is September 5. Information: counselor asap and www.davidson.edu/gotgame
   
• Interested in Emory University in Atlanta? Two scholarship programs are available for top students: the Emory Scholars and the Goizueta Business School Scholars. Your counselor has to nominate you, so if you are interested in Emory, see your counselor by September 15 to have your name submitted.
   
• Georgia Tech has scholarship information about the President's Scholarship Program at www.psp.gatech.edu.
   
• Attention minority students with strong academic records and financial need: Guidance has information about the 2009 Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Students nominees should have significant financial need, leadership skills, an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or better, and community service. Information: www.gmsp.org or your counselor
   
• The AES Engineers $500 scholarship deadline is September 21. Applicants must submit an essay on one of the two topics that appear on http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm
   
•  The U.S. Senate Youth Program, sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, is for students interested in history, political science, or public service. To be eligible for the program, which provides talented young leaders a $5000 scholarship and a week-long educational trip to Washington, DC, in March 2009, students must be serving in an elected or appointed capacity in high school or state student government or be a class officer. Eligible students will take a qualifying exam covering America's current and historic political process. Information: Jan Post, Guidance, by October 25

General information: what you need to know

• Deducting tuition from taxes: http://www.nasfaa.org/annualpubs/taxbenefitsguide.html#tuitiondeduction
   
• GPA/class rank; update your four-year plan in terms of career focus or goal; make sure Guidance has your e-mail address
   
• Official transcripts (those that accompany college applications) must be mailed by Guidance directly to the college. The fee is $2.
  
  
• Career Information Specialist: Kim Sanders, E109
  Work-Based Learning Facilitator: Michael Sumter, E109
  Career Development Facilitators: Emily Curry, Linda Thompson, E109
  
  
• You need 24 credits to graduate:
  • College Prep: check for academic electives, three lab sciences, and world language. Narrow choices to three–five colleges (including one sure thing and one stretch).
  • Tech Prep: 1 CATE credit for graduation—four credits in one area to be a completer
   
• Testing
  • SAT and subject tests: October 4, November 1, December 6, January 24, March 14, May 2, June 6. Check registration deadlines, test areas, and fees: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html.
  • SAT II: competitive schools recommend three; good to take after AP testing
  • SAT/ACT scores must be sent from the College Board or ACT regional office for admission to most colleges and universities
  • ACT: September 13, October 25, December 13, February 7, April 4, June 13 (equal to SAT, but four sections—English, Math, Reading, Science—writing optional). Check registration deadlines and fees: www.actstudent.org/regist/currentdates.html.
  • ASVAB (military)
  • Midlands Tech ASSET: November 6. Also need to take SAT for nursing, engineering
     

• Test preparation:
• Larry Mills Workshop: September 15, 8:30–3:30, Auditorium
  Mills Test Preparation: 447-6330
• Kaplan: 256-0673
• Princeton Review: (704) 367-0393
• Carolina College Prep: 957-0459
   
• SCOIS Talent Search, Scholarship Board: do you want e-mail sent to you? Get SCOIS log-on information in Media Center.
  Life Scholarship, $5000 for in-state four-year institution (must have two of these three): 3.0 GPA, 1100 SAT, top 30% of class.
  Palmetto Fellows, $6700 for in-state four-year institution, $7500–$10,000 for math/science majors from sophomore year on): 3.5 GPA, top 6% of class, 1200 SAT / 27 ACT or 4.0 GPA and 1400 SAT / 32 ACT (regardless of rank).
   
• Free tutoring:
  
  • Afterschool (Monday–Thursday) 3:40–4:40 p.m.; see teacher or counselor for schedule
  • During school hours in the Tutoring and Testing Center: see Debbie Brett or Elaine Suddeth
   
• Importance of extracurricular activities and community service, appropriate conduct, respect
   
• Let Guidance know about all scholarship offers that you receive (even those that you do not plan to accept)—ditto college acceptances
   
• Educational Opportunities Day: October 28, 8:30–9:30, Gym
  Financial Aid Night: November (date TBA), 7 p.m., Chorus Room
  Sports Clinic: October (date TBA), 6:30 p.m., Chorus Room
   
• Helpful Web sites:
  
  • www.fastweb.com
  • www.collegeboard.com
  • Careers
  • Richland School District Two
  • www.che400.state.sc.us
  • College / career
    
    
• College planning for Senior year:
  • Write resumé
  • Get applications from guidance, CIC, or college, or apply online—download counselor portion
  • Line up recommendations from teachers, employers, and others
  • Provide stamped, addressed envelope for each college application, scholarship, and teacher's recommendation
  • Type or print application in black ink; make a copy and keep it. If applying online, give counselor recommendation form
  • Complete college application before giving to counselor with application fee and $2 transcript fee plus cost of stamps
  • Allow at least one week for teacher/counselor completions before deadline
  • Absolute deadline is October 31 or ASAP to Guidance.
    
    
• Note: All college applications and scholarships must go through Guidance!