RB '18
Senior Newsletter, March 2018
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
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.
People are asking...
People are asking …
Is it true that graduates won’t be allowed to wear honor cords?
No. Graduating students will recognize their academic accomplishments at this year’s graduation just as they have every year by earning the right to wear a variety of stoles, cords or medallions.
For instance:
- Students who complete a “major” receive a cord to wear around their neck and over their gown.
- Centers for Advanced Study completers wear a white stole with the center’s logo on it.
- Graduates of the district’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme receive a stole.
- Graduates of the S.C. Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics and S.C. college partners’ Accelerate program wear a medallion.
- The district’s high schools recognize honor graduates in a variety of ways. River Bluff gives medallions.
- Schools also recognize National Honor Society and/or Beta Club members with seals on diplomas.
- Students who have enlisted and will go directly into a branch of the military receive a military cord.
Midlands Technical College Health Sciences HOSA Day
Students will be able to tour and participate in activities in Health Sciences Programs. MTC College Application fee will be waived for those apply that day. Seniors who bring their transcripts – reviewed for possible acceptance that day.
Limited to the first 300 that register.
Friday, Apr 20, 2018, 08:30 AM
Midlands Technical College - Airport Campus, Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC, United States
Senior Crew Games
Friday, Apr 13, 2018, 08:15 AM
River Bluff High School., Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC, USA
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 Practice-Mandatory
Friday, Jun 1, 2018, 08:00 AM
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
SAT TEST DATE
Late Registration Deadline is April 25, 2018.
Register at www.collegeboard.org
Saturday, May 5, 2018, 08:00 AM
See Website for locations. www.Collegeboard.org
ACT TEST DATE
Register at www.actstudent.org
Saturday, Apr 14, 2018, 08:00 AM
SEE Website for Locations
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.
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
- Watch your email for information on taking AccuPlacer in the Spring, a placement tests for 2-year technical colleges (You can also use ACT/SAT scores)
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
https://www.andersonuniversity.edu/
Clemson University
http://www.clemson.edu/visit/events.html
College of Charleston
http://admissions.cofc.edu/explorethecollege/events/index.php
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
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/Abbott & Fenner Scholarship
Deadline and Eligibility
RENEWED DEADLINE: June 14, 2018
AWARD VALUE: $1,000
The A&F Scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution.
Application Procedure for 2018
To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on the topic below. The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent to us by email at: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com
Topic:
Describe your educational career and life goals. Explain your plan for achieving these goals. Include your degree/major, why you selected it, and how this degree/major will help you achieve your goals.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Upsilon Omega Omega Chapter- $1,000
Please submit an essay on the following topic: Considering that our society is not equal for all persons because of different advantages extended to some and not others (such as public assistance, school choice, gun control, etc.)
Deadline is April 10, 2018. Click here for an application.
Anne and Ed Pitts Memorial Scholarship Application
Did you attend Anne Pitts Child Development Center for a least two years? If so, this is the scholarship for you!
This Scholarship is available for graduating seniors pursuing a post secondary education who attended Anne Pitts Child Development Center for at least two years. Applicants will be judged on character, sincerity of purpose, achievement, and academics. This is a "one time only" scholarship. The number of applicants will determine the amount of the scholarship.
Deadline is April 1, 2018. Applications should be mailed to P O Box 2021, Lexington, SC 29071. Click here for an application.
B. Davis Scholarship
DEADLINE: May 22, 2018
AWARD VALUE: $1,000
This Scholarship is available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any post secondary institution.
- There is no age restriction
- Be sure to include your name and the school you are attending this year and next
- This is not an academic scholarship but we would like to know where you are going to school now and what your future academic plans are.
- Please do not send transcripts or letters of recommendation at this time.
Application Procedure
To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay of less than 1000 words on the topic below:
Describe the three characteristics of leadership you value most. Discuss why you believe that these traits are so important and how you feel that they are developed in an individual.
Your submissions must be sent to us by email at awards@studentawardsearch.com
Big Sun Scholarship
BlueCross BlueShield- Columbia Urban League Scholarship Program - $5,000
Deadline is April 6, 2018. Click here for an application.
WWDM Brenda Jones Memorial Scholarship-$5000
Applicants must:
✓ Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 to be eligible.
✓ Be accepted by an accredited college or university at the time of the scholarship award.
✓ Meet financial need requirement.
Applicants must submit the following:
✓ An official high school transcript
✓ An copy of SAT and/or ACT scores
✓ Documentation of involvement in community activities and service projects
✓ Copy of household’s 2017 income tax return or FAFSA
✓ Recent photograph
✓ Copy of college or university acceptance letter
✓ Two letters of recommendation
✓ 375 word essay
Click here for an application. Please do not mail any applications without 2017 tax return paperwork or FAFSA, official transcript, SAT/ACT scores, color photos and college acceptance letter.
Applications missing this information will not be reviewed. Applications must be postmark by April 6, 2018
Lexington County Clemson Club Scholarship
South Carolina Council for the Social Studies-$500
Want to teach Social Studies? Here's a scholarship for you! Application deadline is May 1, 2018.
Clio Scholarship Application - ($500 Scholarship): Application and all materials are due no later than May 1 of each year. This scholarship recognizes a high school senior OR undergraduate student who plans to pursue a career as a K-12 social studies educator. A scholarship in the amount of $500.00 is awarded along with a 1 year complimentary membership to the SCCSS.
Clio Scholarship Reference Form
Requirements:
Complete Clio Scholarship online application
Submit official transcript
2 Clio Scholarship online references (one must be a recommendation from a SCCSS member)
The College Plan -$250
Denise Bedenbaugh Scholarship/Friends of the Lexington Main Library
To Apply Fill out the application and return it to the Counseling and Advisement Department by Thursday, March 22, 2018.
Include: • The completed application • An official transcript that has been signed; your application will not be considered without the transcript. • Essay • Current references (dated 2018) Click here for an Application.
Doris Burkett Scholarship-$3,000
Click here for an application or pick one up from Mrs. Farrar in Counseling and Advisement. Deadline is March 30, 2018.
Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Scholarships $1,250
Click here for an application and more details, or see Mrs. Farrar in Counseling and Advisement for a paper copy.
Ernestine and Walter P. Rawl Scholarship- $500
Must be an active member of the GHS, PHS or LTC FFA Chapter.
Deadline is March 15, 2018. Click here for an application.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund-Military
George Rogers Foundation First in Family Scholarship
The George Rogers Foundation was founded in 1992 with a mission to provide financial assistance to first generations college students. George Rogers was a first generation college graduate and as a result he wanted to provide that same opportunity to others in the community that provided to him in South Carolina.
The following are requirements to be considered for student aid:
Must be a resident of South or North Carolina
Must be a high school senior accepted to a post-secondary institution (at least part-time) for the fall school year
Must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5
Must provide a copy of official high school transcript with application
Must provide college registration and admission documentations
Must submit at least one (1) letter of recommendation from your high school/college faculty or counselor, employer or church leader.
Deadine is March 16, 2018. Click here for an application.
Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship-$2,500
This scholarship fund is named in honor of Janice Marie Scott. This scholarship fund was established to recognize her involvement with various youth programs and community service activities within the Greater Metropolitan Area of Washington, DC. Janice was one of 125 individuals that perished in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 when terrorists hijacked and crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building of the Pentagon.
Requirements include:
a. US Citizen or permanent resident of US
b. GPA of 3.0/equivalent or higher (out of a 4.0 scale)
c. High School Senior who will matriculate full-time at a US accredited four-year college or university within the fifty states or District of Columbia.
d. Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participating in community services or other extra curricular activities.
e. Combined adjusted income of the parent(s) cannot exceed $50,000.
Deadline is March 31, 2018. Click here for the application, checklist and criteria sheet.
Lexington County Rotary Club Scholarship-$4,000
Lexington District One Office Professionals Scholarship - $600
-Is a graduating senior who plans to attend an accredited two or four year institution in the fall term following the awarding of the scholarship
-Is pursuing a degree in a Business program (Computer Science, Advertising, Marketing, Accounting, etc.).
-Has maintained a 3.0 GPA in high school -Is a United States citizen and a resident of South Carolina
-Demonstrates through grades, character, and commitment a potential success as a business professional.
Deadline is March 20, 2018. Apply here.
Lexington Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship-$3,000- $2,000-$1,000
Medhurst, Norton and Telfer Scholarships $2,000 Each
Awarded to high school seniors living in Lexington County and plan to earn a Bachelors Degree in Nursing.
Requirements
- Completed application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Official high school transcript (with GPA, class rank and SAT or ACT scores)
- Letter of acceptance into nursing school required
Ann Wingate Scholarships $1,000 Each
Awarded to high school seniors living in Lexington County and plan to earn an Associates Degree in Nursing.
Requirements
- Completed application
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Official high school transcript (with GPA, class rank and SAT or ACT scores)
- Letter of acceptance into nursing school required
Auxiliary Volunteers Memorial Scholarship $3,000
One scholarship will be awarded each year. No separate application is needed. The scholarship committee will select the recipient from the applications to the different scholarships.
Requirements
- Application for any nursing scholarship
Click here for an application. Deadline is March 15, 2018.
Lexington Woman's Club Anne Pitts Memorial Scholarship
Complete the application and write a 200 to 300 word essay stating your career goals and the reasons for choosing your medical field. Secure two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher/counselor and one from a member of the community. Deadline is March 27. Click here for an application or stop by Counseling and Advisement for an application.
Lexington Woman's Club-Education Scholarship
The criteria for selection include:
Financial need
Academic achievement
Service to community
Leadership ability
You will need to turn in the following to Counseling and Advisement:
1. Completed application form
2. A brief essay explaining why you feel you deserve this scholarship, what it means to you, and any other information you would like to have considered in awarding this scholarship
3. One recommendation from a teacher
4. One recommendation from a member of the community
5. Transcript
Applicants must return the completed information to the Counseling and Advisement office by Tuesday, April 10, 2018. The scholarship recipient will be invited to the May 7th meeting of the Lexington Woman’s Club and will be recognized at the school’s awards ceremony.
William M. Long Scholarship- $500
Deadline to return applications to Counseling and Advisement is April 13, 2018. Application Packet is available here.
SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports Scholarship for Education Majors
The South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports (SCCAWS) annually offers a scholarship to an incoming female college freshman from South Carolina. The scholarship is a one-time monetary award presented to a student who plans to major in education. The purpose of the SCCAWS Scholarship is to encourage student athletes to enter the field of education.
APPLICATION
Application forms for the SCCAWS Education Scholarship are available here. Application packets should be completed and returned to Mrs. Farrar in the Counseling and Advisement office with a current copy of the high school transcript and current report card on or before March 22nd. Only one application from each school is accepted.
SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports and Trophies by "M" Medical Scholarship
THE SCCAWS SCHOLARSHIP
The South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports (SCCAWS) and Trophies by “M” annually offer a scholarship to an incoming female college freshman from South Carolina. The scholarship is a one-time monetary award in the amount of $1000 presented to a student who plans to major in a medical field.
APPLICATION
Application forms for the SCCAWS and Trophies by "M" Scholarship are available here. Application packets should be completed and returned to Mrs. Farrar in the Counseling and Advisement office with a current copy of the high school transcript and current report card on or before March 22nd. Only one application from each school is accepted.
SC State Fair -$6,000 Opens February 1st
For over 20 years, the South Carolina State Fair has awarded scholarships to students across the state of South Carolina. On Thursday, February 1st, our 2018 scholarship application and eligibility requirements will be available on our website at www.scstatefair.org.
This scholarship is available to any student in South Carolina who is a senior in a public or private high school or home school. This student must be planning to attend a public or private college, university, or technical college in the state of South Carolina.
The South Carolina State Fair will award fifty (50) $6000 scholarships to students across the state to be paid at the rate of $1500 per year over a four year period. The fifty 2018 scholars will be required to meet eligibility requirements deemed necessary by the South Carolina State Fair.
Universal Retirement-$1,000
Step #2: Like our Facebook page and post a link to your video
Step #3: Fill out the scholarship application here.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to high school seniors and college undergraduate or graduate students who live in the United States
- Student must enroll in college or graduate school beginning no later than Fall 2018
- Winner is not based on financial need, but will be selected by Universal Retirement's selection committee based on creativity, humor, and overall quality
- Universal Retirement's advisors, agents, staff and relatives of advisors, agents, and staff may not enter
- Applicants are required to upload a video to YouTube and Facebook
Deadline is July 31, 2018.
Scholarship Search Engines
Additional College Funding Opportunities
Alpha Academy Mentoring and Scholarship Program
OIΛ established the Alpha Academy in 2004 to mentor young African American high school males (juniors and seniors) in the Columbia metropolitan area. In supporting the fraternity’s national program, “Go to High School–Go to College,” the Alpha Academy serves as a venue to stimulate the educational, cultural, and personal growth of young men beyond the scope of the normal high school curriculum.
The objective of the Alpha Academy is to offer enriching experiences for young men to expand his network with like achievers and mentors, and to further develop skills through a variety of civic, educational, and cultural activities.Click here for more information.
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
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
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
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
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
This scholarship database is completely devoted to those of Hispanic descent. www.hsf.net, www.collegescholarships.org/minority2.htm
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
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