college information night west ashley high school

COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT

West Ashley High School

Guidance Department

Wayne Stevens Director of Guidance Wayne_stevens@charleston.k12.sc.us

Susan Brown 10th- 11th - 12th Grade (A – E) Susan_brown@charleston.k12.sc.us

Nicole Johnson 10th -11th – 12th Grade ( F – L) Nicole_johnson@charleston.k12.sc.us

Jim Yates 10th - 11th – 12th Grade ( M- Smalls) James_yates@charleston.k12.sc.us

Karen Bentley 11th – 12th Grade ( Smith – Z) and 9th Grade ( R – Z ) karen_bentley@charleston.k12.sc.us

Les Turner 9th Grade ( A – Q) Carl_turner@charleston.k12.sc.us

Molly West Prevention Specialist Mary_west@charleston.k12.sc.us

Guidance Goals

IGP (Individual Graduation Plan)All Students and Parents will meet with

counselor for 30 min.We will implement the Three E’s for all seniors Enrollment Enlistment EmploymentIGP’s will be used to plan the 4 year high school

experience for a timely graduation and entrance into “EEE”.

AgendaState ScholarshipsScholarships in GeneralStandardized TestingTranscriptsCollege SearchCollege Application

Process

SC Merit Scholarships

HopeLifePalmetto Fellows

General Eligibility RequirementsEnrolled in an approved SC public or

private high schoolLegal resident of SCUS citizen or legal permanent resident

who meets the definition of an eligible non-citizen

And finally………………..

SC Merit Scholarships

SC HopeScholarshi

p

One year merit based

GPA = 3.0Up to $2,650

(including a $150 book allowance)

SC Merit Scholarships

Life Scholar

ship

Attending an eligible four year institute must meet two of the following criteria.

GPA = 3.0SAT = 1100 or ACT =

24Rank in top 1/3 of

class

SC Merit Scholarships

Life Scholarship

4 year public Up to the cost of attendance, not to exceed $4,700 plus a $300 book allowance.

4 year independent

Up to $4,700 plus a $300 book allowance

4 year independent

Up to the cost of tuition at USC Regional campuses plus a $300 book allowance

technical Up to the cost of tuition plus a $300 book allowance.

Palmetto FellowsPalmetto Fellows ScholarshipEarly Eligibility Requirements

Early Awards

December 15

1200 SAT or 27 ACT by the November test administrationGPA = 3.5Rank top 6% of class at end of either the sophomore or junior year; or

1400 SAT or 32 ACT by the November test administrationGPA = 4.0 at the end of the junior year.

Palmetto FellowsPalmetto Fellows ScholarshipInitial Eligibility Requirements

Late Award

June 15

1200 SAT or 27 ACT by the June test administrationGPA = 3.5Rank top 6% of class at end of the senior year; or

1400 SAT or 32 ACT by the June test administrationGPA = 4.0 at the end of the senior year.

Scholarship Enhancements for LIFE & Palmetto Fellow in Math and Science Programs

Incoming freshmen who want to qualify for the awards during their sophomore year must take 14 credit hours in math and science during their freshman year. The 14 hours must include at least 6 hours in math and 6 hours in life and physical sciences including one laboratory course.

SC Merit Scholarships

Scholarship Enhancements for LIFE & Palmetto Fellow in Math and Science Programs

LIFE increases from $5,000/year to $7,500/year their sophomore year.

Palmetto Fellows from $7,500/year to up to $10,000/year their sophomore year.

SC Merit Scholarships

Scholarships

PAYING FOR COLLEGETHE EASY WAY

The World of Work

Minimum Wage $5.65/hour X 20 hours/week $ 113.00 - 22% Taxes

= $88.14 / week= $ 4583 / year

4 hours of application processing and writing of essay

= up to $10,000If you put in 50 hours of work applying to 25

scholarships and you get 6 scholarships worth $9,000 that is $180/hour.

The World of Scholarships

Academic Scholarships GPA Leadership Test Scores Field of Study Other Miscellaneous Endeavors

Other Academic Scholarships

Essay Contests Sponsored by special interest groups who expect you

to write about their interest. i.e. JFK Profile in Courage Award

Science and math competitions Usually corporate sponsored.

Fine Arts Scholorships Usually require a portfolio or audition.

Other Academic Scholarships

Athletic Scholarships Usually GPA attached to eligibility

Pagents Miss America America’s Junior Miss

Wacky Scholarships

Frederic & Mary Beckley Scholarship Up to $1,000 to left handed students who attend

Juanita CollegeThe Duck Brand Duct Tape stuck at Prom

scholarship Up to $2,500 for prom clothes made and accessorized

of duct tape.

Who Gives Scholarships

CollegesCorporationsFoundationsEmployment basedUnionsService organizationsBusiness and professional organizationsReligious and social oranizationsIndividuals

Super Trick

Apply for as much as you possibly can because the more you apply for the more likely you are to receive something.

Be yourself on the application – that is what everyone wants to see.

Think of it this way….

You don’t have to pay back scholarshipsYou have to pay back loans …. With interest!

Finding Scholarships

Talk back to your objections Applying takes too long I’m not smart enough There is no real money in scholarships I don’t have time I hate writing essays

Getting into college and paying for it is a huge step to adulthood. With a clear plan and a little work, YOU CAN DO IT!

The Step by Step Approach

Organize your search You may be able to consolidate or adapt essays Make and use a well laid out resume` that will help

you with the information required Keep a copy of the entire scholarship before sending

anything off Make a list of scholarships and deadlines that you are

applying to.

The Step by Step Approach

Start your search as early as possible You don’t want to miss a sure thing scholarship

because the deadline passed It keeps the stress level way down Some scholarships limit the amount of applicants

(Emory Scholars) Tell your counselor if you are interested in one of these scholarships.

Get and stay organized with folders

Where to Find Scholarships

See your Guidance CounselorLook at the WAHS web site

Definitely look at other schools websites.Talk with college admissions people to see

what endowments and scholarships that they have available

On-line searches

Winning Scholarships

What do scholarship winners have in common? They apply for scholarships Diligence and attention to detail on the application.

(signing where required, photo if required, transcript, etc.)

Determination. Winners are distinguished by their ability to overcome obstacles and disappointments.

Winning Scholarships

What do scholarship winners have in common? Self knowledge. Play to your strengths and know your

weaknesses. “What is special about me?” True Involvement. Do not become involved in 20

different things. Rather, become involved in a few that truly make a difference.

Be a leader.

The Winning Strategy

Start EarlyCheck the eligibility requirementsCustomize

Know the published criteria, but also know the sponsor of the scholarship. For instance, a submarine veterans group will want to hear your patriotic view point.

Do your research See if past winners are published and what they

did to win.

The Winning Strategy

Reuse ~ renew ~ recycle: Adapt essays from school or other applications

Apply for less competitive scholarships Local scholarships often have no applications or

very few.Ask to be nominated

Some scholarships require a nomination. Tell the correct person that you wish to be nominated

Application

Include all requested materialsProve that you meet eligibility requirementsGet every required signatureSubmit as many copies as required and

formatted exactly as requestedKeep the essay relevantProofread Proofread Proofread

The Award

Remember that many scholarships are given by individuals who have worked hard for the money they are awarding. Recognize this effort.

Always send a thank you note and follow up with a note telling them how the scholarship is helping you.

BE GRATEFUL AND HUMBLE.

"Everybody is eligible." Scholarships are usually based on merit and/or need and restrictions usually apply. Scholarship sponsors look for candidates that best match their criteria. 

"We have a high success rate." Less than 1% of users of fee-based scholarship matching services actually receive a scholarship. The "high success rate" refers to the percent of students for whom the organization finds college scholarship matches. 

"Our database is unique." If any organization claims that you can't get the scholarship information anywhere else, don't be fooled. Scholarship information is usually made available to the public, and some scholarship databases might overlap and have the same scholarship information available. 

General Scholarship Information

"Awards are given on a first come, first served basis. Act now." Even though most college scholarships have deadlines, scholarship sponsors do not give out scholarships on a first come, first served basis. 

"You've been selected by a national foundation to receive a college scholarship." Research the company before you send anything to them in order to make sure they are legitimate. Call directory assistance to see if the company has a listing. Find out how the company acquired your mailing address and other information. Be cautious about hidden fees.

General Scholarship Information

Standardized Testing

ACT&

SAT

English Test ~ 75 Questions 45 minutes that measures your understanding of the conventions of standard written English

Mathematics Test ~ 60 Questions 60 minutes designed to assess he mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12.

ACT

Reading Test ~ 40 question 35 minute test that measures reading comprehension.

Science Test ~ 40 question 35 minute test that measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving skills required in the natural sciences.

Writing Test ~ Optional 30 minute essay that measures writing skills.

ACT

Critical Reading• Sentence Completion 19 Questions• Passage Based Reading 48 Questions

• Mathematics Section• Standard Multiple Choice 44 Questions• Student Produced Responses 10 Questions

SAT TEST

SAT TEST• Writing Section

• Improving Sentences 25 questions• Improving Sentence Errors 18 questions• Improving paragraphs 6 Questions• Essay

SAT TEST

 Students that are taking the SAT test this year please note the new procedures for admittance to the test site.  It is CRITICAL that you adhere to the requirements for admission.

1. This year every student must have their admission ticket in hand when reporting to the test site.  The  admission  ticket  must  match  the  valid  form  of  I.D.  exactly  and  also  match  the information on the attendance roster.

Each student MUST have a valid picture I.D Valid Picture ID’s Include:  Driver license or government issued I.D.;      Military I.D.;   Current school. I.D.; 

or Passport.  No other forms of identification will be accepted.   These procedures are written in stone and test administrators do not have any authorization to make any 

exceptions.  In past years students who did not bring an I.D. could have a West Ashley teacher administering the test verify their identity and facilitate admission to the test site.  This is no longer an option and students will be sent home.  

1. There is no more standby registration the morning of the test. Only students on the waitlist can take the test if space is available.  Wait list students will be accepted in the order that they arrive at the site and are not guaranteed admission.  Test center office opens at 7:00 a.m. to sign in for the waitlist

2. There is also no more admission for: Date Changes; Center Changes, or Test Type changes.  Bring at least three (3) number two pencils; SAT does NOT supply pencils to students.

New SAT Information

TranscriptsYOUR TICKET TO SCHOLARSHIPS AND

COLLEGE ADMISSION .

Put Together Your College Team

ParentsCounselorsTeachersCollege Admissions

RepresentativesFinancial Aid Consultants

Searching for Colleges

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges

Compile information from several sources College reps and college fairs Counselors and teachers Parents, students, and alumni Prepare a college comparison checklist Weigh advantages and disadvantages Contact the office of admissions Schedule an appointment for your campus visits

Every Campus has a Personality

Searching for Colleges

Will you be eligible for an academic scholarship? How important is cost? Financial aid? Are you more interested in the development of technical or vocational

skills? Will you need support services (study skills, counseling, disability)? Will you be able to exempt college courses by taking Advanced Placement

Courses? Would you like to participate in a co-op program, alternating work with

classes? Is accreditation of the academic program or of the institution you would

like to attend important? Would attending a church-related institution be important to you? To find out whether or not a college fits your interests, contact the

college or university .

Searching for Colleges

Meet with an Admission Counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour Investigate your academic program Attend a class Talk with students and faculty Discuss your chances for success

Admission Graduation Placement

Searching for Colleges

Checklist for a Campus Visit

6 Of The Most Useful Websites

http://scois.nethttp:/meritaid.comhttp://cappex.comhttp://fastweb.comhttp://collegeboard.orghttp://westashleyhigh.ccsdschools.com/http://ctcl.orghttp://commonapp.org/

Nuts and Bolts at WAHS Please Check one ______Applied online ______Application Enclosed Please Check if Applicable _____ College Application Fee Waiver (only applicable if received SAT and or ACT Test waiver)

College & Scholarship Request for Transcripts Date ____________ Last Name _________________ First Name____________________ Middle Initial. _________ Counselor__________________________ Yr. of Grad. ________

Mailing Address : (Please Note that it is the student’s responsibility to pick up and mail college and/or scholarship packets after they have been processed) College/University/Scholarship Name : ___________________________________________ College/University/Scholarship Address: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ The following (when available) will be included in your college/ scholarship packets:

Official transcript (s) SAT /ACT Scores for scholarships. Colleges are requesting that SAT/ ACT scores be sent

directly from College Board and ACT. Report Card (if applicable) Class Schedule (if requested by college) Teacher recommendations (if on file in Guidance Office)

Please note that it is your responsibility to provide the Guidance Office with the

Guidance Counselor College and/or Scholarship Recommendation forms (secondary school reports) if they are required by the institution for which you are applying. (Please Check one)

_______ Form enclosed (Please print form to give to counselor) _______ College and or Scholarship does not have a form ________ Submitted Counselor’s email address for form to be sent

electronically Teacher Recommendations can be submitted to the School Counseling (Guidance)

Office and kept on file to go with each application.

There is a 5 School Day wait to pick up applications after they are submitted. Please plan accordingly and keep track of deadline dates.

The Final Transcript request is free. Additional requests are $3.00 each per request.

Fees are due at the end of the school year during senior check out.

_____________________________ Student Signature and Date

Nuts and Bolts at WAHS

College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements Entering College Freshmen

FOUR UNITS OF ENGLISH: At least two units must have strong grammar and composition components, at least one must be in English literature, and at least one must be in American literature. Completion of College Preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet this criterion. FOUR UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These include Algebra I (for which Applied Mathematics I and II may count together as a substitute, if a student successfully completes Algebra II), Algebra II, and Geometry. A fourth higher-level mathematics course should be selected from among Algebra III/trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics, discrete mathematics, or a capstone mathematics course and should be taken during the senior year. THREE UNITS OF LABORATORY SCIENCE: Two units must be taken in two different fields of the physical or life sciences and selected from among biology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field as one of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) or from any laboratory science for which biology and/or chemistry is a prerequisite. Courses in earth science, general physical science, or introductory or general environmental science for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite will not meet this requirement. It is strongly recommended that students take physical science (taught as a laboratory science) as a prerequisite to the three required units of laboratory science outlined in this section. It is also strongly recommended that students desiring to pursue careers in science, mathematics, engineering or technology take one course in all three fields. TWO UNITS OF THE SAME FOREIGN LANGUAGE (Please check the individual college to which you are applying - some colleges in SC are now requiring 3 units of the same foreign language – CHECK COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS.) THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History is required; a half unit of Economics and a half unit in Government are strongly recommended. ONE UNIT OF FINE ARTS: One unit in Appreciation of, History of, or Performance in one of the fine arts. ELECTIVE: One unit must be taken as an elective. A college preparatory course in Computer Science (i.e., one involving significant programming content, not simply keyboarding) is strongly recommended for this elective. Other acceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English; fine arts; foreign languages; social science; humanities; laboratory science (excluding earth science, general physical science, general environmental science, or other introductory science courses for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite); or mathematics above the level of Algebra II. ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR ROTC

6 Of The Most Useful Websites

http://scois.nethttp:/meritaid.comhttp://cappex.comhttp://fastweb.comhttp://collegeboard.orghttp://westashleyhigh.ccsdschools.com/http://ctcl.orghttp://commonapp.org/

Other Useful Websites

COLLEGE SEARCHES/COLLEGE PLANNING/MILITARYwww.collegeboard.org Common Applicationwww.collegeview.org www.commonapp.orgwww.petersons.comwww.princetonreview.com www.sctrac.orgwww.scicu.org www.scois.netwww.collegeanswer.comwww.gocollege.comwww.studentaid.ed.gov/collprep MILITARYwww.sciway.net/edu/colleges/alphalist.html www.military.comwww.sccango.orgwww.cappex.com*Start taking entrance exams during spring of your Junior Year!

TESTING WAHS School Code/CEEB Code - 410 420 Test Preparation/TutoringACT Registration www.kaptest.com/satquizbankwww.actstudent.org www.number2.com

SAT Registration www.satprepplan.comwww.sat.collegeboard.org www.powerscore.com

SAT Subject Tests (Check with the school to see if they require this) www.collegeedgeonline.comwww.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx www.testu.com

SAT vs. ACT http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfmwww.appelrouthtutoring.com/jedsaid.php?article=jul2006 www,march2success.com

COMPASS http://scvspconnect.ed.sc.gov/w w w .act.org/compass or w w w .testprepreview .com/compass

*Do both the Core Course GPA and NCAA Clearinghouse!

ATHLETIC INFORMATIONNCAA www.eligibilitycenter.org www.corecoursegpa.comNAIA http://www.playnaia.org/*Apply for FAFSA after January 1st of your senior year of high school!

FINANCIAL AIDwww.fafsa.ed.govwww.finaid.comwww.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTShttp://westashleyhigh.ccsdschools.com www.che.sc.gov/scholar/default.htmwww.sctuitiongrants.com www.che400.state.sc.uswww.fastweb.com www.scholarshipmentor.comwww.wiredscholar.com www.scois.netwww.meritaid.comwww.questbridge.org Minority Scholarships/Grants

http://www.echho.org/www.littleafrica.com/scholarships

CAREER

WAHS ONLINE RESOURCES*Make sure you look at the colleges admission requirements! (GPA, courses needed, etc)

www.scois.net (username : westashleyhs/password: wildcats)

Please see your counselor for your individual username/password

Common Application (Student Self Disclose)

A Couple More Things

College of Charleston Application (Counselor Portion)

Be Honest

Be Honest

One More Thing

Clean up your social media.

Use professional e-mail addresses.

Last Thing I Promise

YOU CAN ORGANIZE THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS IN 6 SIMPLE STEPS

Remember, decision making is a PROCESS,

not an event.

Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goal Increase your earning power Prepare for a career and expand learning Participate in extracurricular activities and social

life Consider the influence of family and friends

Take responsibility for your future.

English 4 YearsMathematics (Algebra 1 and above) 3 YearsSocial Studies 3 YearsScience (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) 3 YearsForeign Language (of the same language) 2 Years

Many colleges may also require additional courses in:

MathematicsFine and Performing ArtsComputer Science

HIGH SCHOOL COURSES ACT RECOMMENDS FOR ALL STUDENTS

Remember— Test scores are only ONE factor used for college

admission and scholarship decisions.

Every campus has a personality.

Majors & educational programs Type of school & degrees offered Admission policy Location & size Costs & financial aid College affiliation & accreditation Campus activities Support services

Compile information from several resources:– Internet/Websites – College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and

computer-based services (DISCOVER®)– College representatives and college fairs– Counselors and teachers– Parents, students, and alumni– Directories and ACT score report

Prepare a college comparison checklist

Weigh advantages & disadvantages

Contact the office of admission

Schedule appointments for your campus visits

Meet with an admission counselorVerify admission requirementsDetermine actual college costsAsk about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tourInvestigate your academic program(s)Attend a classTalk with students and faculty

CHECKLIST FOR A CAMPUS VISIT

Discuss your chances for success:

ADMISSION…GRADUATION…

PLACEMENT.

Narrow your choices Review college admission test requirements

(including the optional Writing Test) Know application fees and deadlines Submit application materials (paper/electronic)

– Application for admission– High school transcript– Recommendations– Admission test results

Know scholarship requirements

KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS!

Determine college costs Investigate ALL possible resources

– Parents– Savings– Summer earnings– Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans,

and work-study– Other sources

Secure necessary forms and note deadlines Apply for financial aid as early as possible

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information!

REMEMBER…CHECK WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS FOR ACCURATE COSTS.

Show initiative and be assertive

Talk with your parents and counselor

Select a college that meets your needs and preferences

Follow up with colleges to which you have applied

IMPORTANT!Keep your communication

lines open.

Keep Counselors and Parents in the Loop.

SAT/ACT Test Scores

High School Grades Extracurriculars

Test scores and high school grades ARE important. However, they measure ONLY PART of your POTENTIAL.

Study habits Motivation Course selection Placement Interests Commitment

Keep in mind…making sound DECISIONS will lead to satisfying and successful EXPERIENCES.

No One Gets Into College Without Help From Others.

Always follow up interviews, college visits, letter of recommendation requests, etc.

with a written Thank You Letter!

Thank You.