RB '18
Senior Newsletter, October 2017
Counseling & Advisement
Website: http://rbhscounseling.weebly.com/
Location: 320 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC, United States
Phone: (803) 821-0729
Facebook: www.facebook.com/riverbluffcounseling
Twitter: @rbhscounseling1
Counseling & Advisement Department Listing
Last Name Counselor Email Address Telephone
Traveling students OCP, CC2, & CC3 students (including all students who attend LTC or other high schools)
Marci Newman mnewman2@lexington1.net
Students in their 3rd and 4th (or greater) year of high school (typically 11th & 12th graders)
Last names A-Ham Mandy Wilson aswilson2@lexington1.net
Last names Han-Pa Crystal Wingate cwingate@lexington1.net
Last names Pe-Z Joe Ben Watson jbwatson@lexington1.net
Career Specialist A-M Susan Bennett sjbennett@lexington1.net
Career Specialist N-Z Shenita Chapman schapman@lexingon1.net
Attendance and Visiting Prospective Colleges
Seniors are given TWO excused absences for College Days. In order to have the absences excused, it will be necessary to turn in a note on college letterhead with the student's name and date of the visit. This should be turned in to Mrs. Wood in Attendance.
SAT TEST DATE
Late Registration Deadline is October 25, 2017.
Register at www.collegeboard.org
Saturday, Nov 4, 2017, 08:00 AM
See Website for locations. www.Collegeboard.org
ACT TEST DATE
Register at www.actstudent.org
Saturday, Dec 9, 2017, 08:00 AM
SEE Website for Locations
Prom
Saturday, Apr 21, 2018, 08:00 PM
USC Alumni Center
Student Awards Night
Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 07:00 PM
River Bluff High School Performing Arts Center
Graduation Ceremony - Class of 2018
Saturday, Jun 2, 2018, 08:00 AM
Colonial Life Arena, Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC, United States
Taking the ACT and SAT
RBHS AI/CEEB Code 411292
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS: ACT and SAT
General Information
Please be reminded that it is the responsibility of the student/parent to register for the ACT and SAT tests. The C&A staff can answer questions at any time. Log on to sat.org/register or www.actstudent.org to register.
- The ACT / SAT are college admissions tests & aid institutions in determining a student’s potential for success in college. (Students planning on attending a 2-year or technical college generally do NOT need to take either test.) Colleges/universities in S.C. accept both ACT and/or SAT scores. Students should refer to the admission requirements for each institution they plan to attend.
- If you plan to take the ACT, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you take the writing component at least once. It is not so necessary on subsequent retakes.
- If you are a special needs student and would like to request testing accommodations for the ACT or SAT, it is your responsibility to initiate the process by discussing the procedure with your counselor. The process is very time-consuming (minimum 6 – 8 weeks). Each testing agency (College Board / ACT) has its own application for accommodations.
VERY IMPORTANT! Please make sure that you fill in the school code for River Bluff High School when registering for the ACT/SAT. If you fail to do this, our school will NOT receive your scores. The school testing code is 411292.
Important Dates
College Visit-Colby College
Thursday, Oct 12, 2017, 12:00 PM
Main Street in front of Counseling & Advisement
College Application Day
COLLEGE APPLICATION DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!
It is recommended you start your applications prior to College Application Day so you will be able to complete and submit them. If your application has an essay, you should have this written before you arrive. Admissions representatives and your counselors will be there to look over your applications and essays.
These will be important components of your applications so you should be prepared to complete these items on each application you complete:
• Personal Data (e.g., personal email, drivers license number (and date of issue), social security number (optional for some schools), citizenship and residency information, and parental information (such as their highest level of education earned and how long they have lived in SC. Some schools will require their drivers license number and date of issue for residency purposes).
• Educational Data (GPA, SAT/ACT scores, senior schedule, copy of your transcript - bring the copy you received at Senior 101 or in your IGP so you can enter courses you have taken in HS)
• Honors and Awards
• Extracurricular, Personal, and Volunteer Activities
• Employment, Internships, and Summer Activities (Some colleges allow you to submit a resume in addition to the activity section of their application.)
• Essays, both short answer and a longer personal essay
• Disciplinary information (typically out of school suspensions and expulsions, not minor offenses)
• Application Fee (Many colleges will accept fee waivers and/or waive their application day if you apply on your schools College Application Day event.)
Wednesday, Oct 18, 2017, 09:00 AM
Learning Commons
Financial Aid Workshop for Seniors and Parents
Thursday, Oct 26, 2017, 06:00 PM
River Bluff High School., Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC, United States
Michelin Technical Scholars Test
Sign up with your Career Specialist, Mrs. Bennett or Ms. Chapman, in the Counseling Office or use the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/7w2NiP6jFqzZOLcR2
Friday, Nov 3, 2017, 09:00 AM
Lexington Technology Center, Augusta Highway, Lexington, SC, United States
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Once again this year, we are excited to offer the ASVAB to any students who meet the eligibility criteria and who are interested. Space is limited to the first fifty(50) students who register and qualify.
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will be offered at RBHS on Monday, November 6th. To be eligible to test, you must be 16 years of age or older by November 6, 2017, and in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
-- The ASVAB is NOT just a "military test;" but provides tools to help you learn more about career exploration and planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work.
-- We have selected the option to NOT release scores, however, you will have the option to make your individual score available to recruiters if you choose.
-- You should arrive at Gator Commons (near the football stadium) no later than 8:20 and testing will begin at 8:30am. Testing should last approximately three hours. You are responsible for making up any work missed during the mods you are testing (Mods 1-11).
-- Testing is FREE.
To register to take the ASVAB at River Bluff High School on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 8:30am click the registration link here. You must use your Lexington One email address to access the registration form. If you are unable to access the registration link, check to make sure you are logged in to Goggle with your school email and not a personal email account and this will solve the problem.
2yr College Bound Students
Don’t forget to set up your personal profiles on the internet for scholarships.
www.scholarships.com, www.collegenet.com, www.collegescholarships.org, www.fastweb.com, www.petersons.com and www.salliemae.com/scholarships are great sites to use as resources, but are certainly not the only ones.
- Start submitting college applications
- Visit prospective schools
- Make an appointment to take the ASSET or COMPASS, the required placement tests for 2-year technical colleges
4-Year College Bound Students
Don’t forget to set up your personal profiles on the internet for scholarships.
www.scholarships.com, www.collegenet.com, www.collegescholarships.org, www.fastweb.com, www.petersons.com and www.salliemae.com/scholarships are great sites to use as resources, but are certainly not the only ones.
- Start submitting college applications
- Visit prospective schools
- Repeat the ACT / SAT as necessary
Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net if you plan on playing sports your first year of college.
Applying to Colleges
Attendance
WATCH your ATTENDANCE – remember that absences count for each class -- a maximum of 10 days for a full year class, 5 days for a ½ year class.
- You’ll receive “FA” (Failure due to Absences) for classes with excessive absences
- Please see Mrs. Wood in the attendance office for questions concerning absences
College Open House Days and Tour Dates
Seniors are given TWO excused absences for College Days. In order to have the absences excused, it will be necessary to turn in a note on college letterhead with the student's name and date of the visit. This should be turned in to Mrs. Gunter in Attendance.
Anderson University
http://www.anderson.edu/admissions/discover/visit
Clemson University
http://www.clemson.edu/visit/events.html
College of Charleston
http://admissions.cofc.edu/explorethecollege/events/index.php
New Application and Notification Deadlines:
Early Decision Deadline: November 1 Notification: December 1
Early Action Application Deadline: December 1 Notification: January 15
Honors College Priority Application Deadline: December 1 Notification: January 15
Regular Notification Application Deadline: February 15 Notification: April 1
Columbia College
http://www.columbiasc.edu/admissions/womens-college-admissions/open-house
Francis Marion University
http://www.fmarion.edu/fmuadmissions/campusvisit
Furman University
http://www.furman.edu/admission/EngageFurman/Visit/Pages/default.aspx
Lander University
http://www.lander.edu/admissions/Campus-Visit.aspx
November 18, 2017 Open House: Click Here to register
Midlands Technical College
http://www.midlandstech.edu/admissions/visit-campus
Newberry College
https://my.newberry.edu/ICS/Admissions/Events_and_Visits.jnz
Presbyterian College
http://www.presby.edu/admissions/home/visit/
Spartanburg Methodist College
http://www.smcsc.edu/campus-maptour/
Seton Hall University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
http://sc.edu/visit/schedule_a_visit/
University of South Carolina - Beaufort
http://www.uscb.edu/admissions/visit-uscb/visitation-events.html
University of Virginia
https://admission.virginia.edu/outreach
Winthrop University
http://www.winthrop.edu/admissions/visit/
Wofford College
https://www.wofford.edu/admission/visitWofford/CERRA Teaching Fellows
Following the rigorous selection process, applicants who are awarded a Fellowship receive up to $24,000 in yearly scholarships (up to $6000 a year for four years) to attend a Teaching Fellows Institution in South Carolina. Additionally, Fellows are offered numerous professional development opportunities and are involved with communities and businesses through various service projects and partnerships with local schools. While completing a degree leading to teacher certification, Teaching Fellows must successfully complete 120 credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 during their undergraduate careers. A Fellow agrees to teach in South Carolina one year for every year he or she receives the Fellowship. Should a Fellow decide not to repay the fund through service in the classroom, he or she is obligated to repay the state through financial means.
Click here for an application. Deadline is December 1, 2017.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 29th class in 2017, the Foundation has provided over 5,850 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $63 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. Apply now! The deadline is 5:00 P.M. October 31, 2017.
Delta Waterfowl Greater Columbia Chapter Scholarship-Up to $1,000
Applicants for the Greater Columbia Chapter of Delta Waterfowl must meet the follow prerequisites:
Applicant must attend a college level institution (2yr or 4yr) in the United States as a full-time student with enrollment commencing in the fall after graduating high school, and be a current high school senior.
Applicant must express an interest and desire to enter the field of natural resources, to include but not necessarily be limited to Wildlife Management, Forestry or Marine Sciences.
Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
Applicant must have an un-weighted cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Applicant must submit a completed application before the specified deadline
Evaluation criteria include academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular activities, community service, and notable experiences or skills.
Deadline is October 31, 2017. Click here for an application.
Free Speech Essay Contest-Up to $10,000
Eligibility Open to juniors and seniors in U.S. high schools, including home-schooled students, as well as U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Additional questions regarding eligibility may be emailed to essaycontest@thefire.org.
Word Length Students must submit an essay between 800 and 1,000 words on the provided topic below.
Deadline FIRE must receive all entries by December 31, 2017. Winners will be announced by January 31, 2018.
Scholarship Prizes One $10,000 first prize, one $5,000 second prize, and three $1,000 runner-up prizes will be awarded for the best essays. Four $500 winners will be chosen from the remaining entrants in a drawing.
Click here to enter. Deadline is December 31, 2017.
Horatio-Alger Scholarship
As one of the nation’s largest college financial aid programs in the country, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the major scholarship programs nationally that specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. The scholarships are funded by Horatio Alger Members who, like the Scholars, have experienced challenges but ultimately overcame them to become successful business and civic leaders.
The National Scholarship is awarded to eligible students in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. National Scholars receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., during the spring of their senior year to participate in the National Scholars Conference. Recipients must attend the National Scholars Conference to receive the award.
To be eligible to apply for the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer of 2018 with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
- Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
- Be a United States citizen
The application deadline is October 25. Click here for an application.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award
To be eligible, you must:
- be in grades 5-12 as of November 7
- be a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C.
- have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred during the 12 months prior to the date of the application
- submit a completed application to a school or the head of an official designated local organization by November 7.
Local Honorees receive a Certificate of Achievement from their schools or organization. Those Local Honorees who qualify (26 hours of service for ages 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15, and 100 hours for older students) also receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Distinguished Finalists receive an engraved bronze medallion, and other state-level runners-up receive Certificates of Excellence.
State Honorees receive an award of $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events.
National Honorees receive an additional award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their schools or nominating organizations, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.
Click here to be directed to the application. Deadline is November 7, 2017.
The Silver Pen Writing Competition
Silver Pen is a unique opportunity to bridge the communication gap between younger and older generations. The essays will be adjudicated by our members at the community with four ranked winners ultimately chosen. (Note: The number of finalists will be dependent on the total number of applicants.)
Rules for applying:
- Essay must be the contestant’s original work.
- Contestants may enter only one time.
- 600-1000 word essay, typed and double spaced. Cover page, title and footnotes do not contribute to the word count. (Note: Please only include your name on cover page of essay)
- Quotations may be used sparingly and sources must be clearly cited
Essay Topics
As a senior in high school, access to the internet, cellphones, and social media has always been available to you. Imagine yourself in your grandparent’s and great grandparent’s shoes. What did they use before these modern-day advances?
- Have they embraced technological advancements?
- How would your daily lives be different without these technologies that we rely so heavily on now? What are the positive and negative impacts of these technologies?
Click here to be directed to the online application. Deadline is December 9, 2017.
100 Black Men Scholarship
The 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia, Inc. is committed to the growth and development of America’s youth. Applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements and deadlines to qualify. Scholarship awards are $500 per academic year and are renewable for up to four years. Scholarships should be applied towards tuition,
room, board, and books.
All completed applications must be submitted via U.S. mail. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets must be submitted no later than November 15, 2017.
Eligibility Criteria
High school seniors transitioning to college
Minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Planning to attend an institution for an entire academic year, beginning in the fall of 2018 (verification of enrollment will be required before scholarship is received)
Scholarship Search Engines
Additional College Funding Opportunities
The Academic Common Market allows S.C. 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. http://www.che.sc.gov/Students,FamiliesMilitary/LearningAboutCollege/AcademicCommonMarketInfor mation.aspx or call 803-737-2274
AES Scholarship
Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. Students must submit an essay of between 500 and 1000 words in answer to the following question: When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey? The mount of award is $500.00. The deadline for entry: October 6. Submit essay to: scholarships@aesengineers.com . For more information, go to http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.
Anderson University – First Choice Scholarships
Get accepted to Anderson University and become eligible for one of several scholarships. http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/finaid.aspx?id=2417&ekmensel=c580fa7b_145_0_2417
Archibald Rutledge Scholarship
The South Carolina Department of Education is announcing the Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program. This annual program offers public school twelfth-grade students the opportunity to compete for a scholarship worth approximately $2,000 in creative writing, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The purpose of the competition is to encourage and recognize academic and artistic excellence. Applicants may participate in one of the following discipline areas: creative writing, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts. To compete, students should submit one original composition and a process folio for the visual arts area and an original and two copies of the original composition and process folio for the creative writing, dance, music, or theatre categories. Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. or postmarked on or before Monday, February 6, 2018. For more details: http://www.ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards-learning/visual-and-performing-arts/2014-15-archibald-rutledge-scholarship-program/
The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes specialize in hands-on, career-oriented education that prepares students for entry-level employment as creative professionals. They offer degree programs as well as certificate & diploma programs in the areas of design, fashion, media arts, and culinary arts. www.aiadvantage.com
AXA Achievement Scholarship
One South Carolina winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship, with a chance to win $15,000 more! To qualify, you must demonstrate ambition and drive; determination to set and reach goals; respect for self, family and community; ability to succeed in college. Application deadline is December 15, 2017. www.scholarshipamerica.org/axa-achievement
BigSun Scholarship
All student athletes are eligible to apply, regardless of sport. Requires a short essay to a prepared question. $500 available to announced winners. Application deadline is June 17, 2017. www.bigsunathletics.com
Christian Connector Scholarship
Simply log onto the website and request information, and you will be automatically entered in drawings. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500. http://www.christianconnector.com
CSS/Financial Aid Profile – Student Guide
Using PROFILE, college financial aid administrators can develop a more accurate, economically sound assessment of a family’s ability to contribute to college costs & thus award their private (nonfederal) student aid funds more equitably. A Spanish version of the Pre-Application Worksheet is available on the PROFILE Home Page. Columbia College and Furman University are PROFILE users. https://profileonline.collegeboard.com
The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program
The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program at The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the nation’s most generous and selective undergraduate merit awards. Valued at more than $250,000 (out of state) or $150,000 (in state), the scholarship includes tuition, stipend, study abroad and professional development funding. Deadlines: Oct. 25, 2017 (early) or Jan. 4, 2018. Qualifications and deadlines are online. Please contact mcdermott@utdallas.edu or visit our website for more information.
Gates Millennium Scholarship
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
This scholarship database is completely devoted to those of Hispanic descent. www.hsf.net, www.collegescholarships.org/minority2.htm
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Programs
This scholarship program provides financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have financial need and have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Criteria include commitment to pursue a bachelor’s degree and US citizenship. Application deadline is October 25, 2017 https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities. Selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, up to 40 students will become Jack Kent Cooke Scholars and have access to funding for up to four years for undergraduate studies. For more information and to apply: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/college-scholarship/how-to-apply/
National College Funding Services Scholarship
The amount of the Scholarship is $250 for participating high schools within Lexington Once School District for a 2017-2018 graduating senior. In order to qualify for the scholarship an individual must complete the official scholarship form. The winner from each school must attend an accredited college, university or technical school to validate the scholarship. The scholarship is a random drawing by April 1st or before Awards Night. Official scholarship forms are available in Counseling & Advisement.
NHA Scholarship Fund
This scholarship an individual must be a prospective or current high school graduate and the natural, step, or adopted son, daughter or grandchild, or a spouse, of a current or former Navy, USMC or Coast Guard rotary wing aviator or air crewman. Also eligible are individuals, their spouses, or children of individuals who are serving or have served in maintenance or support billets in rotary wing squadrons and Wings. http://www.nhascholarshipfund.org
S.C. Teaching Fellows Program
Up to $24,000 in scholarship money is available to students who are serious about entering the teaching profession in SC. There are no GPA or ACT/SAT score requirements for eligibility. Any high school senior who is a US citizen and SC resident can apply. Initial scoring is based on a combination of scholastic information, community and school activities, and references. Students must attend a Teaching Fellows Institution. The application deadline is December 1, 2017. https://www.cerra.org/teaching-fellows.html
Spartanburg Methodist College Scholars Program
A full tuition financial package is offered to seniors who graduate with a 3.0 grade point average. In addition, students can also qualify for "Open House Scholarships" of $500 when they visit campus on an Open House Day.
SunTrust Off To College Scholarship Sweepstakes
High school seniors can win a $1,000 scholarship for their first year of college or private career school. One winner will be chosen at random every two weeks from September 14, 2017 until May, 2018. www.offtocollege.info
TEACH Grants - new program for future teachers
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (TEACH) will be available at some colleges and universities beginning this academic year. Students considering a career in education should check with the financial aid office at the college or university they plan to attend to determine the program’s availability and if they qualify. http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp
U.S. Army
There are scholarship opportunities such as merit-based, full-tuition scholarships, an annual stipend of up to $5,000 to cover living expenses, plus additional allowances for books and fees. http://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html