Get your PIN number FREE!

Seniors and parents of seniors, if you haven't done so, now is the time to get your PIN number. This PIN number will be your electronic signature when filling out the FAFSA. Both student and parent need their own PIN number. The application is quick, but have your social security number and a valid email address because both are required.

The FAFSA can be filled out as early as this weekend, so don't wait another minute to get your information and your PIN. And like filling out the FAFSA, your PIN number is FREE!

FAFSA Time

The FAFSA is on it's way! The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, will soon be available online. This is the form of all forms for receiving any federal aid, and often other aid as well. Any senior who is planning on attending any college should take the time to gather up the needed items to fill this out. Come January 2, you can fill it out online using your 2009 tax information. If you need assistance, there is plenty available. See your guidance counselor or Mrs. Sanders in E 109 for assistance opportunities.

For any Richland Northeast High School seniors and parents, on February 8 at 6:00 PM there will be a FAFSA workshop put on by Rob Mendenhall of the College Funding Center of South Carolina. Gather up your tax forms and other necessary data and head over to Richland Northeast High School. If you are planning on attending, please register.

College Board's My College Quick Start

sIf you took the PSAT in October, then you have probably received or will shortly receive your score report. Other than your score, one of the most important areas of the report is "Your Code." This "Your Code" is your access to College Board's My College Quick Start which has tools that can help you determine a college major, find a school that meets your requirements, and will help you as you try to improve your scores on the Official SAT. So, don't throw away that report. Write down your access code and keep up with it. You can use the tool anytime, and better yet, you can use it for FREE!

Expert College Advice

If you want some great college admissions advice from top experts, then you won't want to miss Wednesday, December 2 webcast put on by the Wall Street Journal and Unigo partnership. If you have a question, you can email it to WSJoncampus@unigo.com



Participating schools are: Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, Williams College in Massachusetts, Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, Grinnell College in Iowa, Marquette University in Wisconsin and the University of Vermont.

Thankful (For College and Career Opportunities)

This season reminds us to be thankful. We can all be thankful for our family, friends, and for opportunities. Success, they say, comes when opportunity meets preparedness. So, are you prepared and ready for the opportunity when it presents itself? You can be. Start looking for your opportunity by examining your skills, your interests, and your work values. Then take a look at the job growth outlook. Search for colleges with majors that may lead you to the career you are interested in. Try out a job for size by job shadowing. At Richland Northeast, check in with our Work-based learning coordinator, Mr. Sumter. You will find him and the rest of the career center in E109. Now you know, don't wait for the opportunity to come knocking, go find it for yourself!

Good guessing (SAT/ACT)

There is guessing and then there is good guessing. On the SAT test, good guessing may help you. Random guessing probably won't. The Collegeboard states in their Official SAT Study Guide that if you can eliminate one answer you should guess. The more choices you can eliminate, the greater the chance you will answer correctly. The SAT does penalize slightly for an incorrect answer, so take a stab at it only if you can eliminate at least one answer choice.

The ACT does not penalize your score for an incorrect answer. So guess away.

Artists and College

If you are an artist who wants to pursue art in college, then you probably know that you need a portfolio. Did you know that there are times when many colleges and art schools come together to review portfolios? Check out the dates and locations for a Portfolio Day near you.

The (Increasing) Cost of College

The price of college has increased at both private and public schools again this year. The average cost of attendance at a 4 year in-state college or university is $15,213 , an increase of 5.9%. Private colleges and universities charge an average of $35,636, an increase of 4.3% over the past year. There are now over fifty colleges with a price of over $50,000 per year. The ever-rising price tag is leading many students and families to look for alternative ways to reduce their expenses. This Washington Post article shares some interesting insights into how some families are adjusting to the budget buster called college.

College Admissions Questions

Want to hear what an admissions officer looks for in an application? Take a look at this video posted on youtube by Vanderbilt University on the admissions process. It takes a little while to view, but it is very informative.

Top Ten Reasons to Finish Your College Applications

10) Your mother will stop asking you "have you finished your applications?"
9) You will be able to eat turkey in peace without extended family asking "have you finished applying yet?"
8) You may get an admissions decision prior to the winter holidays.
7) You can go back to watching your favorite TV shows without nagging guilt hanging over your head.
6) You can sleep in peace...especially if you have included an application to a college where acceptance is highly likely.
5) You can concentrate on other things-like senior prom and graduation.
4) If you have forgotten some part of your application, you will still have time to send it in.
3) Many colleges and universities give housing assignments based on the college application receipt date.
2) Many scholarships are offered to students who apply prior to or by a stated priority deadline.
1) Did I mention that your mother will stop asking you "have you finished your applications?"

Go ahead. Get them done. You'll be glad you did!

College Highlight: Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina is a public university located in Conway, South Carolina. It is located close to South Carolina's beautiful beaches, and this fact attracts many in and out of state students.

Coastal offers 41 undergraduate majors and 37 minors. The largest major is Business Management. Coastal is also known for its marine science major which features its own coastal lab. Check out all their majors here.

Getting in:
GPA: Average is a 3.3 for entering freshmen
SAT: 1040 for the critical reading and math only
ACT: 22 for the composite score

Living:
All freshmen are required to live on campus. All residence halls have internet access. All residence halls are co-ed either by apartment or wing.
Residence halls are first come, first served.
Cars allowed? Yes

Coastal Carolina is offering the ability to have your application fee waived at their "Carolina Comes First" Application Reveiw Day on November 13 at Coastal. All South Carolina and North Carolina students will receive a $45 application fee waiver for attending the program and submitting a completed application! You must sign-up for the program by calling the Office of Admissions at 843-349-2027.

Explanation Needed: When to explain a deficiency in a transcript

Your test scores are stellar. You took rigorous courses. Your grades are superb....except for that one semester. So you ask yourself, "do I tell the admissions office why?" When should you explain the low grade or the semester of low grades? Let's take a look at when you should explain and when you should not.

The following may be included in reasons you should explain.
You suffered from an extended illness or injury that kept you out of school.
Your home life was significantly changed, either through divorce or the death of a parent or sibling.
You moved and changed schools in the middle of a semester.


Just as important as knowing when to account for a deficiency, is knowing when to avoid clarification. Never use excuses. Never try to blame others. Justifications that include "the teacher was unfair, " "I broke up with my boyfriend/girlfriend," or "the class was boring" are best left unspoken.

Use these guidelines to help you decide whether to expound on your transcript! Happy searching!

Choose the right test for you!

Taking the SAT or the ACT this month? Knowing what to expect may help you choose the test that is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the two tests:
SAT
10 sections: 3 Critical reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing(includes essay),1 Experimental (unscored)
Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Scoring: Total score possible 2400
3 scores: 200-800 each section
Score: Each correct answer=1 point
Incorrect answer subtract 1/4 point (except math grid-in answers)
Leave blank=0 points
Guess: Collegeboard publications recommend guessing if you can rule out one answer

ACT
Sections: 4 sections (5 if you choose to take writing)
1 Reading, 1 Math, 1 English, 1 Science (optional writing section at end of test)
Length: 3 hours, 25 minutes if taking optional writing
Scoring: 1-36 possible on each section, Composite score with average of all sections 1-36
Score: No wrong answer penalty, always guess

College Resource

US News and World Report has published their newest edition of America's Best Colleges 2010. As with any ranking, please use this in conjunction with a variety of resources to find the best college fit for you.

College Application Mistakes

Many of us make mistakes everyday. But none of us want a mistake that can keep us from attaining our dreams. St. Andrews Presbyterian College has posted a list of the 10 Most Common College Application Mistakes. So, take a look and hopefully avoid a costly mistake!

PSAT-Take it!

Did you know that the PSAT really does count! The Preliminary SAT(PSAT), if taken during a student's junior year, counts plenty toward college and scholarship opportunities. It is the qualifying test for several scholarships and programs. Although the National Merit Scholarship is the most widely known, there are others including the National Achievement Scholarship Program (for African American students) and the National Hispanic Recognition Program for students who identify themselves as at least 1/4 Latino orHispanic. For more information on each of these, click on the links.

So juniors, take the PSAT! Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 23 at lunch. It will cost you a fee, but if you are on free lunch, see Mrs. Schilit for a fee waiver. Take your fee to Mr. Eberlin and sign up with Mrs. Todd in guidance.

One last advantage of taking the PSAT, it allows you to use the College Board's My College QuickStart Program. That program can help you set up a personalized SAT prep program, search for colleges, look at timelines, etc.

Sign up today for the PSAT!

Update on SAT registration

The date for regular registration for the SAT in October has been extended until Sept. 23. That means you can still register without paying a late fee. And if you need a little more practice, check out this page on the college board website.

SAT registration

Tomorrow, September 9, is the regular deadline for registering for the October 10 SAT. Don't wait any longer. If you are a senior, planning on attending four-year college, and haven't taken either the SAT or ACT yet...register now. The October 24 ACT deadline is September 18. Although you can register for either test after the regular deadline, you shouldn't....unless you just enjoy spending extra money.

Early?

Trying to decide what option to use when applying to a college or university? Schools have a variety of choices. Here are the most common:



Early Decision

• apply early (often prior to Nov. 15)
• notified of admission early (usually prior to winter break)
• Binding: if accepted, requires student to remove all other college applications
• if accepted, requires student to attend this college or university
• May not have financial award package information

Early Action

• apply early
• notified of admission early
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait to see financial aid awards to help make final decision

Regular Decision

• apply prior to priority deadline (varies)
• notified on set date or on rolling admissions (notified when decision is made)
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait for financial aid award to make a decision

Frugal SAT and ACT practice

In these difficult economic times we are always excited when we find cheap, or better yet free, ways to help you in the college process. One of the premier providers of college entrance test preparation is Kaplan. They often offer free events for students. In the Columbia area, there will be a free full length practice SAT given on Saturday, October 3 at the Kaplan Center located downtown. Sign up online at the Kaplan website. Check their website for other free events! If you don't live in Columbia, just put in your zip code under free events and find a session close to you.

*Kaplan also offers fee serviced test preparation that you may want to take advantage of.

ACT and SAT Test Dates

Have you registered? Don't end up paying late fees! Check the dates for both at the following links and register today! Remember, for each test you can send your scores to up to four colleges for free. Make sure you register the schools you want your test scores sent to at registration. If not, you will have to pay a send fee later. Schools are looking at your best scores. That means if you aren't happy with the first set of scores, take the test again and send them to the colleges again.

SAT TEST DATES

Fees for the SAT, if you register on time, are $45 and up to four colleges get your reports free. Additional reports sent to colleges cost $9.50

ACT Test Dates
The ACT costs $32 without the writing portion. The ACT including the writing portion costs $47. Most schools want the writing portion, but check your college or university to be sure. Four colleges may receive scores free with your test. Each additional college you want it sent to costs $9.

Best Recommendations

When you are applying to a college, especially to a highly selective college, recommendations can be very important. Just think, if everyone has terrific grades, outstanding test scores, and is ranked in the top percentages, recommendations can be one way to differentiate a student from the rest of the pack. So start smart. Follow these guidelines to get the best recommendations and recommenders.

Stick to the basics. Most colleges and universities want recommendations from academic teachers, not Aunt Sally. If a school wants a recommendation from someone other than a teacher or guidance counselor, they will specify that.

Early is good. Your best bet is to ask a teacher early in the year, or better yet, line them up at the end of the junior year. Good teachers may be asked to write dozens of recommendations, so ask early.

Details, details. Give your teacher a reminder about how you contributed in the class. Did he/she tell you that your project was one of the best she has seen in all her teaching years? Then remind her of that comment and perhaps bring in that old paper. Details are important in teacher recommendations. Don't hesitate to jog his or her memory with them.

Tick-Tock. Give your prospective recommender a proper amount of time to write the recommendation. A good estimate is to give at least two weeks for the letter. Strong recommendations are like strong papers. They take time. Do not ask one day prior to the deadline.

Ask politely and don't forget to thank your recommender. It is the best payment for extra work.

Dont' forget to include the stamped and addressed envelope. Include specific instructions and a due date.

For your eyes only...not. Remember, recommendations are usually considered invalid if the student reads them. However, it is alright to follow up with the writer to see if the recommendation has been sent. Universities and colleges also may have mechanisms in their application process to check the status.

OK, it is time to go. If you haven't already, line up those recommendations and get those applications completed.

A "Major" Advantage to Saving on College Expenses

Want an unexpected way to save money in college? Decide ahead of time what you want to major in. Take time to explore career choices. Head into college or university with a purpose in mind. So many students take over four years to complete college, which can increase the cost by thousands of dollars. All because they go in with no idea of what they want to study.

There are some colleges that even require that you indicate your intended major on the application. This can be quite tough if you haven't thought this through. Take advantage of this free website to help you explore college majors. This tool requires you to spend about 20-40 minutes answering questions. The end result is a list of three to five majors that may be potential matches for you. Just one more piece of the puzzle to help you save time and money!

College Application Check Up

Last week I visited my physician for my annual physical. An interview of sorts. This was a chance to see how my body was holding up. Two hours of various blood tests, measurements, and a full head to toe exam. It was also an opportunity for the dear doctor to see if I had heeded her advice. Advice to make the changes that could help me live a longer healthier life.

So how about completing your own college application readiness check-up? Take a look at where you stand. Here are some of the things you may want to assess:

What are you reading this summer?
What are you curious about?
Have you spent time improving on your own best skills and talents?
Have you used those skills or talents to better your own community?
Have you gathered up all your stats? GPA, Rank, test scores, etc
Have you looked over college application essay topics?
Have you checked to see when your favorite college applications are available?

There are a lot of other areas that you could include in your own check up. But start somewhere so you don't turn up empty at one of the most important interviews of your life.

Prospective College Athlete Information

Think you may possibly grace the front of a Wheaties cereal box? For most the answer is probably "no" but, for many of you out there, college athletics IS in your future. Here is information that may help you as you pursue your dream of playing at the next level.

Whether you are a freshman or nearing the completion of your high school years, one of the most important resources for information in college athletics is the NCAA. This site can give you information on initial eligibility and how to make sure you are taking appropriate classes in high school.

For a free guide to the NCAA Publication 2009/2010 Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete, call 1 800 638-3731 or download from the NCAA student site.

All potential athletes should be familiar with and follow recruiting regulations.

Freshmen and Sophomores:

• Check out the ncaaclearinghouse.net website to make sure you are taking approved courses that keep you on track for participating in NCAA college athletics.
• Keep in mind, you must graduate from high school in 8 semesters.
• Keep records of all athletic awards, newspaper clippings, video throughout high school athletic participation.

Juniors:

• Register at the beginning of your junior year with ncaaclearinghouse and fill out the amateurism questionnaire.
• Take SAT or ACT or both and have official scores sent by the testing agency to the NCAA. The code on the SAT or ACT registration is 9999.
• Ask guidance counselor to send transcript after completing junior year to the clearinghouse. This can't be faxed.
• Review core courses with counselor.
• Make a list of schools that you are interested in and talk with high school coach about potential to play in Div. I, II, or III college level.

Seniors:

• Take SAT or ACT again if necessary-send to NCAA Clearinghouse.
• Review all coursework and pass all classes.
• After April 1, ask for final amateurism certification.
• Ask guidance counselor to send final transcript with proof of graduation to NCAA clearinghouse.
• Fill out recruiting forms or have your high school coach contact college coaches for you.

There is a wealth of information at from the NCAA. Don't wait too long to explore this site!

Organize your College Application Process

Earlier this week you read a post about the importance of preparing. Let's take this preparation to the next step. Getting organized with your college process will help you save time and perhaps your sanity! So here is one way to help you organize.

Get a notebook and a small box of sheet protectors.
Allow at least one sheet protector for every school to which you will apply.
Organize them alphabetically.
In each sheet protector, put a cover sheet. Behind each cover sheet, place all correspondence and information to or from that college/university
.
Here is what the cover sheet for our center includes:

College Name:______________________________________

Address/Website:___________________________________

Info. Requested:_(Date)_______________________________

Info. Received:_(Date)________________________________

College Application Deadlines:________Use Common App? Yes No

Application Fee Cost______________ Waiver used? Yes No

Need academic recommendations?:Yes ___No___How many?______
(include addressed and stamped envelope for each recommendation or give web access information to teacher)

Teacher Recommendation given:_____________________________
Name Date

Teacher Recommendation__________________________________
Name Date

Guidance Portion?:_Yes No

SAT/ACT (mid-50%) SAT CR _______M______W______ ACT_______

Need essay? __________

Cost of Attendance__________________________________________________

Sports:_________________Div I Div II Div III (money only available at I and II)

Sororities/Fraternities_______________

On Campus Housing _______________

Car for freshmen? ___________

Scholarships:_____________


ADDITIONAL NOTES:


Hope this helps get you begin to get organized. Let me know if you have any tips that have helped you through this process! If you go to Richland Northeast, stop by our Career and College Center for free copies of the cover sheet OR send me an email and I'll send you the attachment and you may print as many copies as you like. Email me at ksanders@richland2.org .

Graduation

To all the seniors out there that have graduated or are preparing to graduate, CONGRATULATIONS! You have made it. You have persevered through the ups and downs of high school! Give yourself a big round of applause! I'm cheering too!

I know that you are now a high school graduate and you have learned so much, but..... May I offer one more piece of advice? Decide today who you will be. Today. Before you walk onto any college campus. If you don't decide for yourself who you will be, someone else will decide for you.

OK. That's it. Now go enjoy your future!

The clock is ticking.

Abraham Lincoln once said "If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." What a reminder that what we want to do, and what we want to do well, we need to spend time preparing for. Are you planning on attending college? Then begin preparing today. The clock is ticking.


Rising Freshmen:
Begin by knowing that your GPA (Grade Point Average) in your freshman year is very important. It is not impossible to overcome bad grades from your first semester, but good grades from the get-go sets the tone for the remainder of your high school years. Did you know that when you apply to college, your application is based on your grades through the end of your junior year. That means that the one-third of all the grades they have to base admission on comes from your first year in high school. Make it count. Begin, and end, strong!


Rising Sophomores:
You now have one year of high school under your belt. Look over the past year. What did you do well? What do you still need to work on? Take time to plan out the remainder of your high school plan. What activities are you involved in? Have you taken on any leadership roles? What about community service? What are you reading? Will you work this summer? Use your answers to help you as you prepare for the future.

Rising Juniors:
This is the year you will be busy formulating a list of colleges that you can narrow down as the year goes by. Most students apply to between 5 to 7 colleges in the senior year. Begin with a large list and use visits to campuses, web materials, recommendations from your counselor, books, and your personal preferences to narrow the list. You can also fill out the Fafsa4Caster to get an idea of how much federal aid you and your family will be eligible for.

Rising Seniors:
Well, this is it. This the last summer you will use to narrow down that long list of colleges. The list you will use to determine where you will send your applications. Make sure you use your summer well, practicing essays, filling out practice applications, requesting information from colleges, visiting. September will be here before you know it.

Plan well. Prepare well. The clock is ticking.

College Application Fees

If you are one of the students getting ready to apply to several colleges in the fall, be prepared. College application fees can reach up to $75 per application. Though most fees are less, when you are applying to several schools, your out of pocket expenses can go up. The average cost of an application fee is approximately $35 according to College Board and it is usually non-refundable. But...there are ways to help decrease your costs!

• Are you on free lunch? If you are eligible for free lunch at school, you may be eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver. AND...if you qualify for an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you may also be eligible for college application fee waivers. This will help decrease the amount of money you will have to pay in the fall.

• Additionally, there are some web sites to explore to help you save time and money:
• Common Application
• Universal Application
• Black College Application : One $35 fee to apply to 33 HBCU's

• Some colleges offer free or reduced applications if you apply online and early in the fall. This doesn't mean early decision, but applying early in the application season. Take a look at your favorite college or university web site early in September to see if they offer a free application.

• Students may also want to prepare for the fall application fees by earning a little extra spending money. Mow a lawn, babysit, or save some money from your summer job.

If the average fee is $35 and the average student applies to 5-7 schools, you can see why saving money is important. Don't ever let money be a reason to skip out on applying. Talk to your guidance counselor or your college center early about your concerns. He or she can help identify resources that may help you.

Change of Address

Are you getting ready to write an admissions office requesting information? Apply to college? Write a note to a teacher requesting a recommendation? Then take a look at your email address. Email addresses like "Iwearshortshorts" just may tell an admissions counselor more than they want to know. Applying for college or for a job requires that you put forth your best and most professional impression. Take a look at your email address today and make a change if necessary. It will also help keep you organized if you use one address specifically for your college search and application process. Google Gmail is one source of free email addresses.

College Application Essay Brainstorm Exercise

Many college admissions representatives have shared that in a college application essay they are trying to learn something about the applicant that they haven't seen in the rest of the application. It may mean they learn more about what interests you, what your passion is, your writing skill and style, how you spend your time, or how you see yourself. Ultimately, all questions lead back to "tell me more about yourself." Keeping this in mind, here is an exercise that may help stimulate the gray matter and get you ready for getting YOU down on paper.

REMEMBER: THIS IS A BRAINSTORM SESSION! Write down the first answers that come to your mind for each exercise. There are no right or wrong answers!

1. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down at least 10 things that you love spending time doing.
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down 3-5 political/international issues that intrigue you. Review your list. Rate those issues in order of importance to you 1-5, 1 being most important.
3. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down the names of five people you would like to talk with. Choose one of those people and put a star by their name.
4. Set a timer for 3 minutes: Write down 3 questions you would ask the person you marked with a star. (Pretend you will have only 15 minutes with that person and write the three most burning questions that you would want to know.)
5. Set a timer for 5 minutes: Write 10 two- word descriptions of how you would like to be known when you are 75 ( jazz musician, brilliant scientist, phenomenal teacher...)

OK, now look over your lists. What do you see about yourself? Did you discover any new insights? These lists may help jump-start your essays. Use them! The admissions application essays are waiting!

SAT Test registration

College Board has extended the late registration deadline for the SAT until this Friday, May 22. If you are a junior, who is planning on attending a four-year college, the SAT or the ACT may be required as part of your application. Most colleges and universities use either one of the tests as part of the admissions criteria. See the links on the side column for their websites.

Expectations

So you have a student in high school and you want an idea of how much the federal government calculates you should pay for college? The federal government uses a formula based on tax information from student and parent to develop an expected family contribution(EFC). This is the number that college and university financial aid offices use to begin to put together a financial aid package. To find out what your EFC is use one of many tools on the web.

If you have a senior and it is after January 1 then you should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). But let's say that your student is younger and you really want to know what to expect, then try this relatively new tool that the federal government makes available to forecast your financial aid future. To go a little further in planning use the Student Aid on the Web Wizards. There are a host of tools on this site that will help you as you plan to pay for college.

Go ahead! Take a peek at what you can expect to pay!

Think College

Did you know that, over a lifetime, a college graduate makes almost $1 million dollars MORE than someone without a college education?

According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life:

• high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million
• associate's degree holders earn about $1.6 million
• bachelor's degree holders earn about $2.1 million

Porter, K.(2002) “The Value of a College Degree”. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from ERIC Digest Web site: http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-3/value.htm

Picture Perfect

Want an up close and personal look at someone? Take a look at their portrait. Want an up close and personal look at a college or university? Try CollegePortraits.org! College websites, though full of information, are often a great marketing tool. The College Portrait site was designed by the Voluntary System of AccountabilityTM, (VSA) - "a program designed to provide greater accountability through accessible, transparent, and comparable information." I know that I plan on adding this link as part of the resources we go to in our College and Career Center here at Richland Northeast High School.

Packing Up? Moving Out?

Whether you are moving into a dorm for a semester or moving into your own first home, here is a list of possible items needed:

Mom or Dad bring a hammer/screwdriver/approved room nails.
You may need these items to put together lofts and hang items in rooms.
Mattress pad and/or mattress topper
Sheets 2 sets ( check if need extra long)
Comforter or bedspread
Pillow or pillows
Towels( at least 2)
Washcloths (at least 2)
Dish towel(2)
Room decorations/Pictures from home
May want a rug for room
Microwave(check with your school and roommate)
Refrigerator( check with your school and roommate)
Coffee pot/coffee/tea/hot chocolate(check with your school)
Hand can opener/bottle opener
Small collapsable cooler
Paper or plastic eating utensils/cups/bowl/plate/water bottle
Personal Care Items:
Shower caddy
Shampoo comb
Conditioner brush
Lotion hair dryer
Deodorant Qtips/cotton balls
Shaving cream toothbrush
Razor toothpaste
Hairspray
Hair styling gel
Soap or shower gel
Shower shoes
Medical needs( optional)
Insurance cards
Bandaids
Tylenol, ibuprofen, and or aspirin
Vitamins
Cold medicine
Clothing
Robe/PJ’s/jeans/one black dress or coat and tie
Shoe tree or door shoe caddy
Shelf unit or drawer unit as needed
Computer/Printer/paper/ink
Television/DVD or VCR
Cords as per school
Multi outlet surge protector
Phone for room unless using cell phone only
Check your cell phone plan to see if more minutes needed
Alarm clock
Dry erase bulletin board/dry erase markers
Double stick foam for putting pictures on walls(check with your school for approval)
Room freshener/surface cleaner/dish soap
Laundry bag and/or basket
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener(optional) I use the Downy ball/or dryer sheets.
Many schools now have laundry cards or laundry included. Check with your school.
Iron and table top ironing board
Spray starch
Hangers
Futon(optional)
Lap desk
Lamp and/or desk light
Vacuum
Book bag/satchel/backpack
School supplies
Paper: notebook and computer
Notebooks
Scissors
Tape
Stapler/staples
Pens/pencils/printer ink

How do you stack up?

Looking to see how your SAT/ACT scores stack up at some of the most popular colleges and universities? Check out this state by state listing. The site has links to college profiles, costs, as well as admission data for many colleges and universities from each state.

Keep in mind that when profile books like Fiske Guide to the Colleges, Peterson's Four Year Colleges or other resources list the SAT or ACT scores, they often give the mid-50% range. This means that 25% of the admitted students have lower scores and 25% of the admitted students have higher scores. The mid 50% gives a more realistic look than an average score as to how you may stack up.

Likewise, keep in mind that most colleges are looking for your best score, that may be from an ACT or from the SAT. SAT sub-scores include critical reading, math, and writing. A college or university usually mixes sub-scores, meaning they may take your best critical reading and best math scores from separate test sittings. The ACT is divided into 4 sub-tests including english, reading, math, and science. Most schools do NOT mix and match ACT sub-scores and look only at the composite from one test sitting. For more information on scoring on the ACT , click here.

Talk to your guidance counselor about which test may be best for you to take. The counselor may have access to your PLAN (the pre-ACT) and your PSAT and can advise based on which test you fared better. Because the SAT and ACT score their tests in differently, you may not know how they compare to one another. Look at SAT/ACTconversion chart to compare the two test scores.

SAT tips

Getting ready to take the SAT this weekend? Check out this checklist and tip sheet provided by College Board.

Be an Insider!

20 Insider Strategies to Save Money on College Now available through MeritAid.com. Take a look and see if there is a strategy that would be helpful to you!

Tips for Visiting Colleges

Many of you are taking time to visit college campuses. That is a great idea! More than any other college exploration tool, this can be one of the most valuable! When you tour a campus, keep the following tips in mind:

• Call or email ahead to see when tours are offered. Be sure to sign up for the admissions office information session often offered with tours. These will fill up fast


• Try and schedule your visit when classes are in session. If you want a true feel for campus life then being there with current students is the only option. It allows you to ask questions of students on campus, to see bulletin boards loaded with advertisements for clubs and activities, and it affords you the opportunity for reading a college newspaper over a meal in the dining hall. If you are going to spend four or more years living somewhere, you want to make sure it is a good fit.


• If you want to schedule a class visit or want to talk with a department head, arrange this ahead of time.


• Arrive early. Sometimes parking on or near a college campus can be scarce.


• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Cute heels or sandals may not cut it on a 90 minute walking tour.


• Ask questions. Ask them of your tour guide. Ask them of students you meet. Ask them of faculty and staff. You are there to decide if this is worth $50,000-200,000 of your money, so don't be afraid to ask a question.Some questions to think about may be:


• What is campus life like on the weekend?


• Is Greek life present on campus and what percentage of students participate?


• Ask your tour guide about walking on campus. Does he/she feel safe? Are there campus police available to walk you home from the library at night?


• Do professors meet with you outside of class?


• Are there services or centers for tutoring or help in writing a paper? Do they cost money?


• Do most students live on campus all four years?


• You may want an overnight visit. There are some things you learn spending the night in a dorm that you will never see otherwise. What are the bathrooms like? Are there enough showers available? Do hallmates spend time with each other?

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when you tour. Go ahead. Schedule a tour now! If you can't do a physical tour because of distance, money, or time try a virtual tour.

Summertime's Calling Me

"Tell us how you spent your summer?" A question on many college applications that some students don't put much thought into. But you should. So how will you spend your summers during high school? Tanning by the pool or getting experiences that will help your future?

Here are a few links to help you find great ways to spend some of your summer!

Summer math programs

State by State listings

Summer at Harvard

Career Internships

Lifeguard Jobs in Columbia

Don't forget the opportunities in your own neighborhood! How about volunteering at a local library? Or a park? Ask your parents for opportunities to complete an internship at their place of employment! Go on...summertime's calling!

Frugal SAT/ACT Preparation

Can't make it to an SAT or ACT prep class? Check out this economical way to prepare for either test at Number2.com . This site is an excellent resource, but only if you actually use it! Take advantage of this free website to help you increase your test scores!

State's financial aid information

Looking for financial aid information for states other than South Carolina? Take a look at this website with links to each state.

Great Resource

The newest edition of Funding Your Education is now available online. This resource explains the ins and outs of funding a college education. Need a paper copy? Paper copies will be available in the Career and College Information Center in late April.

College Search

Beginning your college search? Check out this free college profile at Cappex.com.

How much should we borrow?

Wondering what is a reasonable amount to borrow in student loans? Check out this calculator that allows you to estimate what your salary should be to handle a certain debt load.

Financial Aid Award Letters

By mid April most colleges will have sent out their financial aid award packages. Now is the time to compare awards. Looking at the bottom line may help you decide where to go, especially in these harsh economic times. Here are a couple of tools to help you compare:

College Board Finacial Aid Comparison Calculator

FinAid Comparison Calculator

Virtual College Fair

Visit CollegeWeek LIVE March 25 and 26 8am until 11pm for a virtual college fair.

Loves music, Loves to Dance

So you like music? Or how about dance? Here are a few interesting programs with out of the ordinary music or dance programs:
Hazard Community and TEchnical College's School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music. HCTC bills it as "the only two-year program of its kind in the nation." They have built a curriculum around performance, song writing, recording and the music business.

Perhaps you get more jazzed up about jazz? Check out East Carolina's music programs or McDaniel's that both include the option of concentrating in jazz.

How about music technology? UNC-Asheville may have the right program for you!
If you are serious about studying music in college, you may want to look into The Student's Guide to College Music Programs.

Dance Programs to check out:
Indiana University -Bloomington with their dance program offerings including ethnic dance. Temple University has a wide variety of both dance and music offerings.
You may want opportunities to study at several institutions at one time. Take a look at the FIVE College Dance Program.

There are choices to fit every need in music and dance. Get exploring!

Student Loan Worries

The budget proposal from the White House eliminates the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). This program has been administered by local non-profit student loan company, South Carolina Student Loan. The potential of losing SC Student Loan hurts not only local access to student loans, but also the provider of a host of benefits to South Carolina residents including:

• sponsor of the South Carolina Career and College Planning System , essential to students in exploring careers and colleges, completing inventories to help match student to potential careers, and finding financial aid and scholarships



• Administering the SC Teacher Loan program



• Providing scholarships to students in South Carolina



• Providing loan entrance and exit counseling at no expense to families



• Providing speakers to schools around the state about various career, college, and financial topics



• Local loans and servicing of those loans for students and families in South Carolina

If you would like to continue local access to student loans, please contact your representative and send a note of concern. SC Student Loan has put together a template that you may use.

TUITION FREE COLLEGES?

It may be hard to believe, but there are colleges out there that award full tuition to every admitted student! Check out this article in Business Week on tuition free colleges!

Free SAT/ACT practice test opportunity

Kaplan has a great opportunity to help you get ready for the SAT or ACT. Check out this website to sign up for a free practice SAT or free practice ACT.

Kaplan SAT ora ACT practice test

Fair Test

Did you know that not every school requires an SAT or ACT? Check out this list of 815 colleges and universities who now list the SAT or ACT as optional. Be sure and read the key at the bottom of the list as some of these schools have caveats to the option.

Highest Paid Bachelor Degrees

Still trying to decide what to study in college? Wonder what a degree might be worth? Check out this article on CNBC to find out what bachelor's degrees are the most valuable this year.

EYE on COLLEGE: Allen University

This week we begin our series "Eye on College." This series of posts will highlight one college or university.

Allen University, located in Columbia, South Carolina is an historically black college serving over 700 undergraduate students. The university was founded in 1870, making it one of the first historically black colleges in South Carolina. With a long history of educating African American students, Allen continues to fulfill it's mission and live up to its motto: “We teach the mind to think, the hand to work and the heart to love”.


Name: Allen University

Private university affiliated with African Methodist Episcopal Church

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

SAT/ACT: No SAT or ACT required unless applying for scholarship or participating in athletics

Did you know?

• Allen University has more legislators in the S.C. General Assembly than any other private university in South Carolina: former Senator Kay Patterson (retired); 1956; Senator Ralph Anderson, Senator Clemente Pinckney; 1995; Representative William Clyburn; 1964; and Representative Floyd Breland; 1955, to name a few.
• Allen University has also produced 9 college presidents
  

Parents: Maybe you have thought about returning to college? Check out Allen's programs for adult learners at the following link: College For Professional Adults

A Major Major!

Many students and parents are concerned about jobs and their future. There is an interesting article on the Encarta MSN about the 5 Most Marketable Degrees in 2009 and the 5 Least Marketable Degrees in 2009. Food for thought.

Maybe you are having difficulty deciding what to study in college. Take a look at some of the websites on the sidebar. Or better yet, if you are a student at Richland Northeast, make an appointment in the Career Information Center.

To See or Not to See

To see or not to see? This is the question. The question facing many a rodent on February 2 that is. Hoards of followers await the woodchuck, commonly known as the groundhog on this day, to come out of his burrow and predict the time left in winter. What a tradition!

There are also many students waiting "to see" if they got into the college of their choice AND "to see" if they received the money they need to attend. So where are you in this process? Have you filled out your FAFSA? This is the form of all forms when it comes to finding money for college.

Perhaps you are one of the many students or parents asking..."what is the FAFSA anyway?" If so, here is a quick tutorial on the FAFSA process

FAFSA is the acronym standing for Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Filling out the form is FREE so make sure you use the government's website fafsa.ed.gov (other fafsa sites may have fees associated with them)
• Both two and four year colleges require the results of this form for any financial aid
• The FAFSA is filled out after Jan. 1 of a high school student's senior year and every year they are in college.
• It is important to know your college financial aid priority deadline because the maximum amount of aid may decrease if the form is late
• The FAFSA uses the previous year's tax information to make a determination of an "Expected Family Contribution"-how much you and your family will pay toward your cost of college attendance
• The money may come in one of three forms:

1. Scholarships/Grants : FREE MONEY

2. Work Study: basically a job on or near campus that pays the student a real paycheck. The money is expected to be used towards the cost of attendance

3. Student Loans: Low interest federal loans that must be paid back, usually beginning 6 months after student leaves college (either through graduation or through dropping out). Loans may be:

A. Subsidized: interest is paid by federal government while student is attending college

B. Unsubsidized: interest accrues while student is in school and will be added to cost of loan

• Both student and parent will fill out their information on the form, therefore, both student and parent will need a PIN number (the electronic signature required to fill out the form online.
• You will also want to have all the documents ready and the worksheet completed prior to filling out the FAFSA. See the tab on the FAFSA site labeled "Before Beginning a FAFSA"
• The FAFSA site has step by step directions...use them.
• If you do need assistance filling out the form, contact your guidance office, college financial aid office, or attend CollegeGoal Sunday in your area. I have linked the South Carolina information site.

OK, there you go! Now you go and "see" all the possibilities filling out the FAFSA will bring you!