Counselor’s Corner

 

All Students:

ACT testing dates:

o Sept. 11, 2010 Reg. Deadline: August 6, 2010

o October 23, 2010  Reg. Deadline: Sept. 17, 2010

Who should take it? Seniors should check the college website of their choice for deadlines for application to ensure ample time for ACT scores to arrive prior to the deadline. Juniors should take the ACT at least once during the junior year.

How to register: Paper packets are available in the counselor’s office or register online with a credit card at www.actstudent.org. The school code for SHS is 012-530.

ACT Prep Class:

o Act prep classes are offered through Jeff State, Gadsden State, and Sylvan Learning. Cost varies, and you should contact them directly to enroll.

o Mr. G’s Prep School is the class offered through the St. Clair Community Education. Cost is $250. Students can enroll at www.mrgsprepschool.net.

 

Seniors:

BIG QUESTIONS:

o How do I send my transcript? There is a “transcript request” clip board in the counselor’s outer office. AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR A SCHOOL, stop by and fill out the information. Transcripts are normally sent out on Fridays.

o How do I find scholarships? Keep your eye on this document!! Any information that comes into the counselor’s office is dispensed through this document. School names (if applicable) and deadlines are in bold print. New items are identified, also. You need to check out the scholarships offered through your school of choice. The best way is to visit their websites.

o I got my acceptance letter, but it says “conditional admittance”. What does that mean? Typically, you are admitted on the condition that you complete high school. That is verified through sending your final transcript AFTER graduation. If there are additional items that place you on conditional admittance, it should be stated in your letter.

 

SENIORS THINKING ABOUT PURSUING A COLLEGE DEGREE: Please come by the counselor’s suite and pick up a copy of “Getting In”. This book has specific college information, including entrance requirements, estimated costs, and deadlines for applications. *****NEW INFO****** You can download the new information at www.alstudentaid.com.

Please begin a student resume that you will keep on file for ALL scholarship offers and university applications. It is important that you put this information on paper.

Searching for scholarship information? Start with www.fastweb.com. This is a free scholarship search.

Websites to try: www.scholarships.com, www.meritaid.com, and www.ecampustours.com.

Additional Website: www.nelnet.com offers scholarship database, free FAFSA assistance, ACT prep tools, and monthly drawings for scholarships.

WEBSITE: www.christiancollegesguide.net. There is a link to scholarships.

Juniors  Only:

Question: When should I apply for schools? Answer: Be looking over schools this year. Make note of the school’s priority deadlines in anticipation for NEXT YEAR. Narrow your search to your top 2 or 3 and make plans to schedule a visit through their admissions offices. You should apply for schools after completing your junior year.

Question: What can I do about scholarships? Answer: Keep an eye on this document throughout the year and make note of scholarships that you may be eligible for next year. Begin searches through the websites listed and through Career Cruising. You may not be able to apply until you are a senior, but you would know what to look for next year.

Students interested in the Alabama Governor’s School being held at Samford University June 13th through June 25th should stop by the counselor’s office for more information. Nominations and paperwork must be submitted by March 12th. This program targets rising seniors interested in the natural sciences, humanities, the social sciences, and fine/performing arts.