RB '15
Senior Newsletter, December 15, 2014
January 1, 2015: Funding Your Education Begins with FAFSA
FAFSA
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
"15" Things to Remember...
1. FAFSA Online is available after January 1, 2015 at fafsa.ed.gov.
2. Transcripts are sent electronically to colleges through parchment.com.
3. ACT and SAT scores are sent to colleges through the testing agencies (ACT/SAT).
4. Hard copies of transcripts or test scores (for scholarships) may be requested in C&A.
5. Seniors are allowed 2 college visit days.
6. Attendance: 5 absences for semester classes; 10 absences for year-long classes
7. C&A would like a copy of all college acceptance letters.
8. C&A would like a copy of all scholarship award letters.
9. Scholarship deadlines are important. Pay close attention to all dates and deadlines.
10. Student Profile forms may be picked up in C&A, as needed, for requesting letters of recommendation.
11. Scholarship Search Engines are a tremendously powerful tool for finding
scholarships specific to the student. See the links below!
12. Graduation supplies and ring order questions should be directed to Jostens at
803-485-4503.
13. The Job Shadowing deadline is Friday, February 27, 2015.
14. Graduation Rehearsal (mandatory) is June 5, 2015 at 8:30 am.
15. Graduation Day is June 6, 2015 at 4:00 pm!
Scholarship Search Engines
Create a profile with your wants and needs.
Browse through your matching Scholarships.
Stay updated from high school to college to graduate school.
Scholarships, Internships, Colleges and More
Scholarships & Contests
NEW! South Carolina Career and Technology Education Administrators Association 2015 Scholarship
- Must be a SC high school senior
- Career and technology education completer as defined by CIP code designation
- Have earned 4 or more CATE credits
- Applications may be picked up in C&A
- Applications must be postmarked no later than January 30, 2015
NEW! James F. Byrnes Scholarship
- $3,250 per year for four years
- To qualify, the student must have lost one or both parents by death
- Application window is January 2 to February 6, 2015
- Visit http://www.byrnesscholars.org to download an application
December Deadline! Kittie Moss Fairey Educational Fund
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale through the latest fall term.
- Have minimum ACT score of 26 or minimum SAT score of 1800 (CR + Math + Writing).
- Must plan to attend an accredited S.C. college or university in fall of 2015 with intent of seeking a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Household Adjusted Gross Income may not exceed $40,000.
- You may apply on-line at www.csascholars.com.
- Application deadline (both online portion and supplemental mailing): December 17, 2014
December Deadline! South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation Scholarship Program
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale through the spring 2014 semester.
- Have a competitive or recreational interest in golf.
- Must attend an accredited public or private, 4-year college or university located in S.C. in fall 2015.
- You may apply on-line at www.scholarshipprograms.org or call (864) 268-3363 to request an application by mail.
- Application deadline (both online portion and supplemental mailing): December 17, 2014
December Deadline! Odenza Marketing Scholarship
- $500 scholarship
- Must be between the ages of 16 and 22 on December 30, 2014.
- Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
- Must submit answers to the essay questions, which can be found on the application page, prior to the December 30, 2014 deadline.
- Applications can be found by visiting www.studentscholarships.org/college.php
January Deadline! FIRE Student Essay Scholarship Contest
- Sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
- $20,000 in scholarship money up for grabs
- $10,000 scholarship for the best essay
- 800-1,000 word essay must be submitted
- You may apply on-line at www.thefire.org/contest.
- Application deadline: January 1, 2015
January Deadline! GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
- Four year scholarships worth up to $40,000 available
- Must demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship at school, home, work and/or community.
- Must be nominated by a community leader.
- Must have 3.0 GPA or better and demonstrate financial need.
- Visit http://www.reaganfoundation.org/ge-scholarship.aspx for more information.
- Deadline: January 8, 2015
January Deadline! American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest
- Topic for essay is based on Constitutional Amendments
- State winners may receive up to a $2,000 scholarship; National winners could receive a $18,000 scholarship.
- Post contests must be concluded by January 10, 2015.
- Please visit Ms. Bull in C&A if interested.
January Deadline! Gates Millennium Scholarship
- Offers full tuition to any US accredited college or university
- Must be a US Citizen or legal resident
- A 3.3 GPA (unweighted) is required, and a financial need must be demonstrated (must be eligible for a Pell Grant).
- Visit www.gmsp.org or come to C&A for more information.
- Deadline for all required forms: January 14, 2015
January Deadline! Vietnam Veterans of America Scholarship
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills
- GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Plans to pursue a career in the military, medical profession or public service
- Demonstrate strong moral ethics
- Be recommended by a school official/teacher
- Deadline for applications, January 15, 2015
- See Ms. Bull in C&A if you have questions.
January Deadline! Ronald McDonald House Charities – US Scholarship Program
- Scholarship totals vary
- Applicants must be a current high school senior who is eligible to attend a two or four year college, university or vocational/technical school, a legal U.S. resident, and have a minimum 2.7 GPA.
- Apply by visiting https://aim.applyISTS.net/RMHC.
- Application deadline: January 20, 2015
January Deadline! Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Scholarship
- $2,500 one-time scholarship
- You must plan to attend college in SC.
- The recipient must enroll in a major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science or law enforcement/criminal justice to qualify. (NOTE: General biology, pre-medical biology and veterinary science are NOT eligible for this scholarship.)
- Applications are available on-line at www.HamptonWildlifeFund.org, via e-mail at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org, or by phone at (803) 600-1570.
- The deadline to apply: January 31, 2015 (beware of holidays)
January Deadline! Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in Marine Science
- $5,000 one-time scholarship
- You must plan to attend college in SC.
- College major must be in fisheries, marine biology, marine science or environmental Science.
- Applications are available on-line at www.HamptonWildlifeFund.org, via e-mail at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org, or by phone at (803) 600-1570.
- The deadline to apply: January 31, 2015 (beware of holidays)
January Deadline! Harry Hampton Scholarship & Wallace F. Pate Scholarships
- Harry Hampton Scholarship is $2,500 per year for four years; Wallace Pate is $1,500 one time.
- Sponsored by the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund
- You must plan to attend college in SC.
- College major must be in the natural resources discipline such as wildlife biology, fisheries biology,
forestry, marine science, or environmental science. - One application covers BOTH of these scholarships, but only one can be awarded per applicant.
- Applications are available online at www.HamptonWildlifeFund.org, via e-mail at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org, or by phone at (803) 600-1570.
- The deadline to apply: January 31, 2015 (beware of holidays).
January Deadline! James O. Thomason Scholarship (sponsored by the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund)
- $1,500 per year for four years
- You must plan to attend college in SC.
- College major must be in electronic, print or photo journalism, advertising, public relations, or mass communications.
- Applications are available on-line at www.HamptonWildlifeFund.org, via e-mail at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org, or by phone at (803) 600-1570.
- The deadline to apply: January 31, 2015 (beware of holidays)
January Deadline! NHA Scholarship Fund
- To be eligible for consideration for a NHA 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.
- Deadline for application: January 31, 2015
- Visit http://www.nhascholarshipfund.org for more information.
SportQuest – Playing With Purpose Scholarship Program
- $14,000 in scholarships available to high school Christian student athletes.
- Must maintain a “C” average or higher.
- Must currently be a varsity level athlete in at least one sport and a committed Christian.
- Apply by visiting www.playingwithpurpose.org.
- Application deadline: is February 1, 2015
Zonta International Scholarship
- Opportunity for Young Women in Public Affairs
- $4,000 top award
- Applications are available online at www.zonta.org. Deadline: February 1, 2015
National Cooperative Education (NCCE) Scholarship Program
- Information & applications available online at http://www.waceinc.org/scholarship/index.html. Must be accepted at one of the NCCE Partner Colleges & Universities (Clarkson, Drexel, Johnson & Wales, Merrimack, State University of New York-Oswego and UMass-Lowell.)
- 160 Merit scholarships available totaling $4.1 million.
- Postmark deadline: February 15, 2015
Peter Pasula Study Habits Scholarship
- 500 award
- Must attend at least a two-year college in Fall, 2015.
- Must answer an essay on the online form. http://www.mortgagebrokerscoquitlam.com/mortgagebrokerscoquitlam.php
- Deadline: April 21, 2015
Fountainhead Essay Contest
- Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand.
- Awards range from $50 to $10,000.
- http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/TheFountainhead.aspx?theme=blue.
- Deadline: April 26, 2015
BigSun Scholarship
- All student athletes are eligible to apply, regardless of sport.
- $500 available to announced winners.
- Visit www.bigsunathletics.com to register.
- Requires a short essay to a prepared question.
- Deadline: June 29, 2015
Additional Funding Opportunities
Academic Common Market
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.
For more information, visit http://www.che.sc.gov/Students,FamiliesMilitary/LearningAboutCollege/AcademicCommonMarketInfor mation.aspx or call 803-737-2274.
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.
- Visit http://www.christianconnector.com for more information.
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.
Complete your PROFILE online by visiting https://profileonline.collegeboard.comm
A Spanish version of the Pre-Application Worksheet is available on the PROFILE Home Page.
Columbia College and Furman University are PROFILE users
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship database completely devoted to those of Hispanic descent.
Visit www.hsf.net to create an account and become immediately accessible to many scholarship opportunities.
Visit www.collegescholarships.org/minority2.htm for become informed of many more college funding resources.
National College Funding Services Scholarship
- $500 scholarship by random drawing
Must be a high school senior
Drawing to be held: April 1, 2015
Pick up an application from Ms. Bull in Counseling & Advisement office
South Carolina Undergraduate Scholarships & Grants
Your source for information regarding SC LIFE, HOPE, and PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIPS
There are criteria to meet for all three scholarships; however, there is no application process. Stay informed of constantly changing information by visiting http://www.che.sc gov/Students,FamiliesMilitary/PayingForCollege/WhatFinancialHelpIsAvailable/ ScholarshipsGrantsforSCResidents.aspx
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 October 31, 2014 until May 15, 2015.
Students can register after each completed drawing for the next scheduled drawing.
To enter the drawing, visit 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. Eligibility criteria include certain academic achievement requirements generally scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test.
- Visit online http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp.p.
University of Miami (Florida) – George W. Jenkins Scholarship
- Named in honor of George W. Jenkins – founder of Publix Super Markets
- Three available scholarships, with each one worth over $200,000 over 4 years.
- Must show academic excellence (at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale,) the ability to overcome significant adversity and an interest to attend school at the University of Miami.
- Interested students should visit http://www.miami.edu/admission/index.php/george_w_jenkins_scholarship/
Visiting Colleges ?
Seniors may take a maximum of 2 College Days to visit prospective colleges.
Upon return, students must turn in documentation as follows: The student's name and date of visit must be written on College letterhead and signed by an admissions representative. This documentation must then be turned in to Attendance.
Armstrong Atlantic State University
- February 21 & April 11, 2015
- Four-year university, located in Savannah, Georgia.
- Register by calling 800.633.2349 or visiting www.openhouse.armstrong.edu
Coker College
- Personalized Visits are Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Open House Day, January 19, 2015, Early Advising Day, April 18, 2015
- coker.edu/campus-visit
Columbia College
- Open House Dates are February 21, 2015, and March 21, 2015
- columbiasc.edu/openhouse
Lander University
- Open Houses: February 21 & March 21, 2015, Bearcat For A Day events: February 4, March 4, April 1 & April 15, 2015
- 4 year public university in Greenwood, SC
- http://www.lander.edu/admissions/visit
Midlands Technical College
- Tours are available on an almost daily basis at both Airport & Beltline campuses.
- Senior Days: February 13, 2015, March 6, 2015, April 10, 2015 all from 9 am. - noon at the Airport Campus. Application fee is waived for Senior Day participants.
- http://www.midlandstech.edu/askmtc/tour.htm
Piedmont Technical College
- Tours start in the Admissions Office, room 149-A promptly at 9:30 AM on Friday mornings at the Lex Walters Campus, Greenwood. According to information sent by them, collage day tours will be held every Friday (9:30 AM) but it may be wise for you to call and make sure!
Spartanburg Methodist College
- January 31, 2015
- Open house opportunity fall all interested high school seniors
- Visit http://www.smcsc.edu/guestfest/ to register.
University of South Carolina Aiken
- Open House January 30, 2015, February 27, 2015 & March 27, 2015
- usca.edu/visit
University of South Carolina Upstate
- March 21 & April 25, 2015
- Four year public university located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
- www.uscupstate.edu/admissions.
A Message Regarding Free ACT Test Prep
Hello,
The next ACT Exam is Saturday, February 7, 2015. If your students are planning on tackling the exam, guide them to Sophia.org. We offer free ACT Test Preparation for high school students. From full-length practice tests to smart test-taking strategies, we help students prepare to take the ACT with confidence.
— The Sophia Team
ACT Test Date
Late Registration Deadline is January 16th (additional fee)
Saturday, Feb 7, 2015, 07:45 AM
Test locations are listed on the ACT website
SAT Test Date
Late Registration Deadline is January 13th (additional fee)