Counselor’s Corner
Counselors: Donna Robertson and Karen Norris
2/22/2013
All Students:
· ACT testing dates:
o October 27, 2012 Reg. Deadline: Passed Late: Passed
o December 8, 2012 Reg. Deadline: Passed Late: Passed
o February 9, 2013 Reg. Deadline: Passed Late: Passed
o April 13, 2013 Reg. Deadline: Mar 8, 2013 Late: March 22
o June 8, 2013 Reg. Deadline: May 3, 2013 Late: May 17
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.
Why should I take it? ACT scores are used for scholarship applications, admission requirements and placement. Even community colleges (Jeff State, Gadsden State, etc) use the scores to place students in the correct levels of English and Math. It is important that all students take the ACT test at least once.
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 by calling St. Clair County Community Education at 629-6222 ext. 243.
o Free for 45 days: www.march2success.com Provides help in all subjects. This website is sponsored by the US Army.
Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors:
· Reminder: If you are interested in earning college credit while in high school, you may apply for the University of Alabama’s Early College Program. Courses are offered online. Earn from 2 to 30 hours of college credit. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to apply. For more information, see the counselor or log onto http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu. Application deadline for summer term is February 8, 2013!!
· Curious about Marion Military Institute? Check out the Knight-Fox Challenge, a three day/two night campus visit. Knight-Fox minimum requirements to attend: must be high school junior with a 17 ACT and 2.0 GPA or a senior with an 18 ACT and 2.25 GPA. Additional information on Knight-Fox Challenge is available on the MMI website at www.marionmilitary.edu/admissions.
* McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University is offering a Bulldog Pharmacy Camp this summer for high school students interested in persuing a career in pharmacy.
Apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s2013McWhorterSchoolofThe dates for the camp are July 22-26 and the cost is $300.
* Jacksonville State University will host their annual Spring Preview Days for interested high school students on April 6. Interested students should register at www.jsu.edu/previewday.
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.
o What is a senior resume’? Seniors should compile a list of accomplishments, club/organization/sport involvement, volunteer work, and paid work experience. This information is used in applying for scholarships. You can use the “Career Cruising” program shown to you last year.
o Who should complete a “letter of recommendation”? It is appropriate to ask faculty members to complete letters of recommendation that may be needed for admission or scholarship applications. However, make sure to give the person a copy of your senior resume’ and to write down what the letter of recommendation is for (the name of the scholarship or school, etc.). Give the person plenty of notice. Do not expect someone to write a good recommendation letter with only a few hours’ notice.
· Scholarship search engines:
o www.christiancollegesguide.net
* Helpful Websites for Application Essays:
* http://www.essaymasters.net/help/college-application-essay-format
* http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/a/college-essay-length-limit.htm
· Reminder!!! Looking for financial aid for college? Check out www.fafsa.ed.gov to find out information for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA forms cannot be completed by current students until January, 2013.
· Birmingham Southern College will have their Preview day for seniors on Saturday, October 6. Early Action deadline for applications is Dec. 1 and regular decision deadline is Feb. 1.
· Brown-Mackie College of Birmingham is accepting application for the 2013 President’s Scholarship for high school graduates. Applications are available in the counselor’s office and are due by March 31, 2013.
· Jeremiah’s Hope Academy is a ministry of the St. Vincent’s Health System. It training young adults in the following certification programs: Patient Care Assistant, Phlebotomist, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Sterile Processing Technician, Mental Health Technician, Electronic Health Records Specialists, and Billing/Coding Specialist. These are certificate programs, preparing students for entry level positions. More information can be found at www.JHAcademy.org.
* Check out www.studentscholarships.org!!! Various scholarships listed ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
* Gadsden State is currently accepting applications for scholarships. The applications are in the counselor’s office and have a postmark deadline of March 1.
* Jefferson State Community College is accepting applications for the Ambassador Scholarship. They are also accepting Academic Scholarship applications, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and minimum ACT score of a 22. Applications are available in the counselor’s office and have a postmark deadline of March 1.
* CollegeCounts Scholarship is helping Alabama students pay for college. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and an ACT score of 26 or below. They must also demonstrate financial need and be planning to enroll in an Alabama eligible educational institution. Applications are available at www.collegecountsalabama.com and have a deadline of March 7th.
* The Birmingham Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers is accepting applications for seniors interesting in attending a civil engineering program at a university or college in Alabama that is accredited by the ABET-EAC. Applications are in the counselor’s office and have a deadline of April 2.
* Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is accepting scholarship applications. Students must be planning to enroll in a 4-year college or university next year and plan to major in a field of study that focuses on engineering, technology, design or business, with an interest in the automotive industry. Applications are available online at buickachievers.com and the deadline is February 28.
* NEW: Alabama Conservation District Employees Association is now accepting applications for six $500 scholarships, one in each district. Applications are available in the counselor’s office and are due to the district office no later than 4:00 PM on March 8, 2013.
* NEW: The Alabama Association of School Office Personnel is accepting applications from seniors who are planning to major in business or education. Applications are in the counselor’s office and must by received by March 29, 2013.
* NEW: The Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund (JMSMSF) is accepting applications for their scholarship competition. Each scholarship will be a one-time amount of $2500. Mrs. Scott was one of the 125 individuals who perished in the Pentagon on 9.11.01. There are applications available in the counselors’ office. The deadline is March 31, 2013.
* NEW: Advanced Disposal (formerly known as Veolia Waste Management) is accepting applications for $500 scholarships. Applications are in the counselors’ office and are due back to Mrs. Robertson by March 8, 2013.
* NEW: Jefferson State Community College will have auditions for the Jefferson State Singers on March 26, 28, 29, 30 and April2 and 5. Members receive full-tuition scholarships. Contact Jessica Kaufhold to set an audition appointment: 856-900 or jkaufhold@jeffstateonline.com or www.jeffstateonline.com/choir.
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.
* NEW: Juniors interested in attending the Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University on June16-28 should see Mrs. Robertson.
* NEW: For juniors interested in pursuing a degree in the health science, the Rural Health Scholars Program through the University of Alabama may be for you. The program runs May 26-June 28. Live on campus, earn up to 7 hours of college credit, and all for free. Applications are being accepted until March 15. You must have a ACT score (with writing) of at least a 21 and a 3.0 GPA. Applications are in the counselor’s office.