TRANSCRIPTS - Check your transcripts. Be sure that summer school and any credits earned in the eighth grade are included. You are responsible for making sure that all courses are listed. Know the graduation requirements. Ask questions if you are not sure. 

APPLY EARLY - Students should apply to at least three colleges by December 1.  Many schools have financial aid and scholarship deadlines as early as November 1.  Students will have more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid if they begin early.  Watch the daily announcements for new information about additional scholarships. 

APPLICATION PROCESS - Students may apply on paper or on the Internet.  All colleges require an official high school transcript.  Students should bring the application, the application fee, an addressed legal sized envelope, and two stamps to Mrs. Smiley so that an official transcript can be mailed.  SAT/ACT scores will be mailed with the application if the scores were reported to the high school.  USC, Clemson, and many schools require that the SAT or ACT scores are reported directly from the testing agency.  Transcripts cannot be submitted electronically. 

Apply online if possible.  Most colleges prefer online applications and some even waive the application fee for online applications.  Response time is generally faster with online applications. Transcripts must be submitted directly from the high school even if online applications are completed.

DEADLINES - Application and scholarship deadlines are important.  Allow Mrs. Smiley at least five days for deadlines.  Give teachers two weeks notice for recommendations.   Express mail is not an option. 

FINANCIAL AID - Free Applications for Financial Aid  (FAFSA) will be available in December and may be filed after January 1.  Parents and students must have 2008 income information to file the form.   All college financial aid and scholarship programs require FAFSA forms.  See www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students for information.  File online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  

Selective Service - All males must register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. 

Contact the admissions office of your college to schedule campus tours.

College Days - Students are allowed one college day during their senior year.  Students should bring a note from home three days prior to the college visit and present it to each classroom teacher for a signature.  The note should be turned in to the attendance office at the end of the day. 

Schedules -  All students are required to take at least 5 courses each semester regardless of the number of credits needed for graduation.  Study hall, early dismissal, and teacher’s aide do not count as classes. 

SAT/ACT - All seniors planning to attend a four-year college should take the SAT or the ACT in the fall of their senior year.  Cost of the SAT and the ACT is $24.00 per test administration.    Writing is not optional on the SAT.  Students must apply for the SAT online at collegeboard.com or the ACT at actstudent.org.  Students attending a technical or two-year school should contact the school for admissions information.  Aiken Tech requires the ASSET.  The ASSET is free and can be taken at Aiken Tech. Results of the ASSET can be used at any of the technical schools in South Carolina. 

The ACT cost is $31.00 without writing.  Cost of the ACT is $46.00 with writing.

Most students need to take only the SAT I or the ACT.  The Westinghouse Scholarship requires the SAT II. Clemson University requires the SAT II in Math if the student is not in Calculus.  Check with your prospective college for requirements. 

Honor graduates are determined at the end of the 7th semester.  Current Aiken County policy requires a 3.5 GPA.

Life, Palmetto Fellows, Hope and all lottery funded scholarships are detailed on www.che.sc.gov.  Look under "Students & Parents".  Click on "Scholarships & Grants".  Select the lottery program you are interested in .  Lottery funded scholarships have increased the award amounts for Life and Palmetto for college sophomore students majoring in math and science disciplines.  Please note that information provided on lottery funded scholarships is subject to change during the South Carolina Legislative session which begins in January.  Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.

Congratulations to the class of 2009!

If you have any additional questions, contact Mrs. Smiley in the Guidance Office.