RB '20
Senior Newsletter, Back to School 2019
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 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-Gar Mandy Wilson aswilson2@lexington1.net
Last names Gas-O Crystal Wingate cwingate@lexington1.net
Last names P-Z Joe Ben Watson jbwatson@lexington1.net
Career Specialist A-M Susan Bennett sjbennett@lexington1.net
Career Specialist N-Z Julie Rojeck jrojek@lexington1.net
Transcript, College application and Scholarship help Carole Farrar cfarrar@lexington1.net
Stay connected
Sign up for text alerts through Remind - text @rb2020 to 81010
Facebook - River Bluff High School Counseling & Advisement
Twitter - @RBHSCounseling1
Instagram - @RBHSCounseling1
YouTube - River Bluff High School Counseling
Important Dates - Mark your Calendars!!
Sept 4th - Senior 101, 6pm in the PAC (arrive between 5:30-6 to pick up your transcript)
Sept 10th - Ed-Op College Fair at LHS, 6:30-8:30pm
Sept 16th - Senior IGPs begin
Sept 19th Senior Class Graduation Supply Meeting in the PAC 11:15
Sept 24th-Senior Class Graduation Supply Order Day Rotunda 10-2
Oct 22nd - College Application Day, 9-3:30 in the Library
Oct 28th- Senior Class picture makeup date in the Auxiliary gym
Oct TBD - FAFSA Completion Night, 6-8:30pm
Jan TBD - Financial Aid Night, 6pm Mike Fox presenting (Junior and Senior parents/students)
Mar 26th - Graduation Supply order delivery 10-3 in Rotunda
April 25th - Prom, 8pm-Midnight USC Alumni Center
May 1st - Senior Decision Day
May 20th- Student Awards Night 7:00-9:00 in the PAC
Taking the ACT and SAT
RBHS AI/CEEB Code 411292
SAT TEST DATE
Late Registration Deadline is September 24, 2019.
Register at www.collegeboard.org
Fee waivers for the SAT are available to eligible 11th and 12th graders. If you are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), bring proof of your Free/Reduced lunch status to Mrs. Farrar in Counseling and Advisement for a waiver.
Saturday, Oct 5, 2019, 08:00 AM
See Website for locations. www.Collegeboard.org
ACT TEST DATE
Register at www.actstudent.org
Fee waivers for the ACT are available to eligible 11th and 12th graders. If you are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), bring proof of your Free/Reduced lunch status to Mrs. Farrar in Counseling and Advisement for a waiver.
Saturday, Oct 26, 2019, 08:00 AM
See www.ACT.org 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
Belmont Abbey College
Monday, Sep 9, 2019, 11:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
Auburn University
Tuesday, Sep 10, 2019, 11:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
College of Charleston
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2019, 11:15 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
Savannah College of Art and Design
Thursday, Sep 19, 2019, 11:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
University of South Carolina
Friday, Sep 20, 2019, 11:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
Cedarville University
Friday, Aug 30, 2019, 11:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
Winthrop University
Thursday, Oct 3, 2019, 10:00 AM
Main Street in front of Counseling and Advisement
College Application Day
Will we be having a College Application Day again this year? YES!!! We're excited to host College Application Day again this year! Mark October 22nd on your calendar and plan to submit all of your college applications with the help of your school counselors and college admissions representatives. You will be getting more information about CAD and will be able to reserve your spot soon.
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2019, 09:00 AM
Library
2yr College Bound Students
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 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.
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
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
The 45th annual Boston University Trustee Scholarship Competition is now open. For more than four decades, the Boston University Trustee Scholars Program has attracted students with outstanding academic ability from around the world.
Trustee Scholars rank at the top of their classes and demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools and communities. Scholarship recipients are selected by a faculty committee from a competitive pool of applicants after rigorous review. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus orientation and mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years.
To be considered, students must submit their application for admission with one Trustee Scholarship essay by December 1, 2019. More information about the Trustee Scholarship can be found on our website.
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. The Foundation has provided over 6,000 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $66 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. The application is open now. Click here for an application. Deadline is October 31, 2019.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships (CBOS)
Scholarships for students in the Class of 2020 are awarded monthly through February 2020 (see attachment). Learn more about how you can help connect your students to these scholarship opportunities - https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/parents-educators and take advantage of these implementation resources.
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, 2019. Winners will be announced by January 31, 2020.
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, 2019.
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 2020 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 5
- 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 5.
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 5, 2019.
Interested in Teaching? Apply to become a Teaching Fellow - Up to a $24,000 scholarship
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, have additional professional development opportunities, and are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state. They receive up to $24,000 in fellowship funds (up to $6000 a year for four years) while they complete a degree leading to initial teacher certification. The fellowship provides up to $5700 for tuition and board and $300 for specific enrichment programs administered by CERRA. All Teaching Fellows awards are contingent upon funding from the SC General Assembly. A Fellow agrees to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year he or she receives the Fellowship.
Read a comprehensive research report about the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program.
Administered by CERRA-South Carolina, the Program provides fellowships for up to 200 students each year (actual number determined by funding from the General Assembly). These students participate in enrichment programs at a Teaching Fellows Institution, engage in professional development and leadership opportunities, partner with communities and businesses, and receive up to a $6,000 fellowship annually for four years as long as they are in the process of completing a degree leading to teacher certification and meet the criteria to continue in the program. A Fellow must agree to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for each year he/she receives funding.
Any student who is a legal resident of South Carolina (DACA students are not eligible for Teaching Fellows) and a current high school senior, or junior graduating early, and who will be attending college as a freshman in the fall of 2020, may apply. Fellowships are based on academic achievement, references, community and school involvement, an interview and a writing assessment. Students must attend one of the eleven Teaching Fellows Institutions. Currently, these include Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Lander University, USC Aiken, USC Columbia, USC Upstate, and Winthrop University.
The application will be available on the CERRA Web site at teachingfellowsc.com beginning on September 1st.
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. Pearson 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
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/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. For more details: https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards-learning/grants-and-awards/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, 2019. https://us.axa.com/axa-foundation/AXA-achievement-scholarship.html
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. 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. Application deadline is December 12, 2019.
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. 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/
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, 2019. 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. 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