RB '18
Senior Newsletter, November 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
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.
Auburn University Visits River Bluff
Monday, Nov 27, 2017, 11:00 AM
Main Street outside of Counseling and Advisement
Midlands Tech College Visit
Thursday, Nov 16, 2017, 11:00 AM
Main Street outside of Counseling and Advisement
Concoria College waiving application fees
Concordia College Alabama is located in historical Selma, Alabama. Below is a list of our total cost and requirements for acceptance and scholarships:
- Total cost of our college is $17,020 a year (No out-of-state tuition fee)
- Minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 on the final high school transcript to be accepted
- Our institutional scholarships start at a 2.5 GPA. For example, if you have a 3.0 GPA and a 18 ACT or 860 SAT, you will qualify for $5000 in scholarships.
- Concordia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associates and bachelors degrees.
Students can apply online at www.ccal.edu by clicking on "Apply Now" and the application fee will be waived.
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
SAT TEST DATE
Late Registration Deadline is February 28, 2018.
Register at www.collegeboard.org
Saturday, Mar 10, 2018, 08:00 AM
See Website for locations. www.Collegeboard.org
ACT TEST DATE
Register at www.actstudent.org
Saturday, Feb 10, 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.
Important Dates
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 for placement)
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
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/The American Legion H.W. Dare Maness High School Oratorical Scholarship
The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program "A Constitutional Speech Contest" is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership skills, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights, and privileges of American citizenship.
The winner at the department (state) level who is certified into and participates in the first round of the national contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to and participates in the second round, but does not advance to the final round, will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship to pursue education ay any college or university in the United States.
National scholarship awards are presented to the three finalists in the final round of the national contest as follows: 1st place - $18,000; 2nd place - $16,000; 3rd place - $14,000.
Click Here for more information. Deadline is January 24, 2018.
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
Beauty School Scholarship-$2500
Big Sun Scholarship
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
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 College Plan -$250
David M. Cline Scholarship-$2000-Law enforcement/criminal justice/forensic science
Elks National Foundation Scholarship-Most Valuable Student
- Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
- Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.
- Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
- Male and female students compete separately.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
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.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund-Military
Harry Hampton Fund-Wildlife, Fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, or environmental science
James O Thomason Scholarship-$2,000 Journalism/Mass Communications
January 31, 2018.
National Beta Club Scholarship
12th grade Senior Beta members, registered with the national headquarters as of November 1, 2017, are eligible to apply for a National Beta Scholarship.
Selection of National Beta Scholarship winners is based on a number of factors, with an emphasis on academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, commendable character, school and community service, as well as participation in National Beta Club activities.
How to Apply:
- Beginning November 1, 2017, you may access the National Beta Scholarship application online.
- Enter your National Beta membership identification number and last name to gain access to the application—if you do not have this information, please ask your Beta Club Sponsor.
- Complete the application.
- You are required to submit your high school transcript and your ACT or SAT scores. Copies of these documents can be uploaded directly into your application. Your documentation will be verified for authenticity.
- Submit your completed application and pay the $15 processing fee (via credit card) by January 25, 2018.
North American Van Lines 2017 Logistics Scholarship Competition
North American Van Lines, one of the leading moving companies in the United States, is committed to supporting the community as well as the growth and development of the moving services and logistics industries. We believe education is the best way to ensure our industry has qualified professionals for years to come. Because of this belief, we are proud to announce our first annual Logistics Scholarship contest. Five lucky qualified entrants will each win a $1,000 scholarship towards their degree in logistics or supply chain management at the college or university of their choice.
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. Citizen (or permanent resident).
- Enrolled (or enrolling) as a full time student of an accredited college/university within the United States for completion of an undergraduate degree in Logistics or equivalent field.
- Limit of one (1) entry per contestant.
- Employees, professional affiliates, and agents of North American Van Lines (and their immediate families) are not eligible.
- Eligible educational institution.
Application Requirements:
- Complete all required sections of our application form below.
- Be sure to attach the following documents to your application form:
Copy of your most recent transcripts.
Some verification of enrollment at your college.
Your Essay.
Entry Requirements:
- Submit a brief essay of between 400 and 800 words, detailing why a career in logistics/supply chain management is your college major of choice. A personalized tone, referencing sincere firsthand experience and sentiment, is best—no need to be too formal. We want to know why you truly believe in logistics as the best career path for you!
Deadline is December 15, 2017. Click here to enter.
The Science Ambassador Scholarship
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.
UNIGO $10K SCHOLARSHIP
Surprise! You just got elected president. What’s your first tweet?
Applicants must:
- Be thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of application
- Be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia
- Be currently enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2023) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education
Submit an online written response to the question:
"Surprise! You just got elected president. What’s your first tweet?" (140 characters or less, including spaces)
Click here to apply. Deadline is December 31, 2017.
Wallace F. Pate Scholarship-$2,500
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
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
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
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