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    Greer High School

    Where Tradition Gives Rise to Excellence

    2013-2014

    SeniorPlanning

    Guide

    Do not go where the path may lead; goinstead where there is no path and leave a trail

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    Ralph Waldo Emerson

    EducationLet us think of education as

    the means of

    developing our greatestabilities, because

    in each of us there is a

    private hope and

    dream which, fulfilled, canbe translated

    into benefit for everyone andgreater

    strength for our nation.

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    John F. Kennedy

    To the Class of 2014:

    Each year millions of high school seniors make thedecision to continue their education. Obtaininginformation as early as possible concerning types ofcolleges, admissions requirements, academic andextracurricular offerings, and cost will be invaluable

    tools for each student in making the best career andcollege decisions. After careful consideration usingthe available information, each student should feelcomfortable in selecting the school that best meetshis/her needs. Ideally, seniors should select acollege after carefully considering his/her own needsand preferences and the opportunities offered bythat college.

    Students may choose from approximately 3000 twoand four-year post secondary institutions in theUnited States. Of these institutions, 83 private andpublic two and four-year post secondary institutionsare located in South Carolina. Some of these

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    colleges have more selective admissionsrequirements than others, and the cost of attendancevaries greatly.

    Hopefully, the information outlined within thisbooklet will be helpful to high school seniors andtheir parents with this challenging decision-makingprocess.

    Table of Contents2013-2014 Senior Dates To

    Remember........................................................................................4

    Graduation Requirement

    Guidelines.............................................................................................5

    Grade Point Ratio/Class Rank

    Computation................................................................................6

    Options After High

    School...............................................................................................................7

    College Planning Calendar For

    Seniors..........................................................................................8

    Who Am I And What Do I

    Want....................................................................................................10

    Beginning the

    Search.......................................................................................................................11

    Entrance Requirements for SC Public Colleges and

    Universities..........................................12

    College Application

    Process..........................................................................................................13

    College

    File.................................................................................................................................

    .......14

    4

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    Admissions

    Policies/Options........................................................................................................14

    College Application

    Information..................................................................................................15

    College

    Visitations......................................................................................................................

    .....16 Out of State College for In-State

    Tuition....................................................................................16

    South Carolina Colleges and Universities

    Listing.....................................................................17

    Test

    Information....................................................................................................................

    ..........19

    Test

    Dates.............................................................................................................................

    .............20

    Online Test

    Registration................................................................................................................2

    1

    SAT/ACT Score Comparison

    Chart..............................................................................................21

    SAT/ACT at a

    Glance......................................................................................................................22

    National Center for Fair & Open

    Testing....................................................................................23

    Test Taking

    Hints............................................................................................................................2

    3

    College Fair

    Information................................................................................................................24

    College Information for Students with Special

    Needs.............................................................25

    NCAA and Athletic

    Eligibility........................................................................................................26

    5

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    Financial Aid

    Information..............................................................................................................28

    Financial Aid Fact

    Chart.................................................................................................................29

    Additional Federal Aid

    Programs.................................................................................................31

    FAFSA.............................................................................................................................

    ....................32

    College Application Flow

    Chart....................................................................................................36

    The Career Decision Making Process .

    ..37

    Individual Graduation Plan

    .38

    September 18th - Counselors will begin to meet with seniors to review transcripts,graduation requirements, college information, and information pertinent to senior year.

    September 23rd- Senior Parent Night; 5:00 P.M. Greer High School Auditorium.

    September 23rd and 24th Greenville County College Fair; TD Convention Center;Monday September 23rd and Tuesday, September 24th from 9:00 A.M. -11:30 A.M. GreerHigh students will attend on Tuesday, September 24 th; 10:30 AM 11:30 A.M. (bustransportation will be provided on the assigned date for all juniors and seniors submittingthe approved permission form that can be obtained in Guidance). Deadline to submitpermission form is September 18th.

    November 6th College Application Day; College representatives and students will be onhand to help students with the online college application process. Students who wouldlike to participate should sign up in the Guidance Office by October 30th.

    December 2013 both students and parents need to submit the FAFSA PIN applicationwhich can be completed at http://www.pin.ed.gov/

    January 2014 Students should begin submitting their FAFSA applications. This must becompleted to receive any federal or state financial aid. Please visit www.fafsa.ed.govStudents and parents must have their tax returns to complete this application.

    February 2014 Greenville County Schools Financial Aid Nights February 7th at

    6

    2013-2014 Senior Dates to Remember

    http://www.pin.ed.gov/http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/http://www.pin.ed.gov/http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
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    Eastside HS, February 13th at Berea HS, February 20th at Woodmont HS and February27th at J. L. Mann.

    June 3, 2014 4:00 P.M. Graduation Rehearsal at the Bi-lo Center; all students MUSTattend rehearsal to participate in graduation.

    June 4, 2014 Graduation 7:00 P.M. at the Bi-lo Center

    Scholarship and Senior Information Newsletters - each month students will receive anewsletter from their first period teacher that will highlight important senior informationsuch as picture information, graduation dates, graduation supply order information,scholarships, etc. Each additional Monday of the month, teachers will receive a handoutthey should post in their rooms of senior information and scholarships. It is very importantthat students check these weekly postings and newsletters so that they may have everyopportunity to apply for scholarships and be aware of important senior deadlines andinformation. All publications of senior information will also be posted on the Greer HighSchool website under the Senior Information tab and then accessible by selectingScholarships, and links to the new Greer High School Facebook and Twitter accountscan be found at the bottom of the Greer High School website.

    Graduation Requirement Guidelines

    Subject Area SC Diploma Requirement College Admission Requirement

    English/Language Arts 4 units 4 units

    Mathematics 4 units 4 units

    Science3 units (one course must

    have an EOC administered)3 Laboratory Sciences (ex.

    Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

    US History 1 unit 1 unit

    Government .5 unit .5 unit

    Economics .5 unit .5 unit

    Other Social Studies 1 unit 1 unit

    Physical Education 1 unit 1 unit

    Computer Science 1 unit 1 unit

    Occupational Specialty orForeign Language

    1 unitAt least 2-3 units of the same

    foreign language see college forspecific unit requirements

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    Electives

    7 units7 units (one of which must be a

    Fine Arts unit, such as Art, Band,Chorus, Drama, etc.)

    Unit Total 24 units

    Exit Exam Exit Exam Exit Exam

    SAT/ACT

    Not requiredRequired to have at least one

    score from either testing agency

    * Physical Science and the 3 semesters needed for Bonds courses to count as a science for graduation donot count as a laboratory science for college.

    *Occupational Specialty courses include all courses offered at J. Harley Bonds Career Center and a selectoffering at Greer High School. See your counselor if you have questions.

    *Requirements are subject to change pursuant to State Department of Education directives.

    Grade Point Ratios/Class Rank Computation

    The South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale dictates how a students GPA and class rank will bedetermined. GPAs will be computed at the end of each semester. Computations will be rounded to ahigher number. All diploma candidates are included in the class ranking.Under the statewide grading scale:

    A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 77-84 D = 70-76 F = 69-0

    Average Grade CP Honors AP100 A 4.875 5.375 5.87599 A 4.750 5.250 5.75098 A 4.625 5.125 5.62597 A 4.500 5.000 5.50096 A 4.375 4.875 5.37595 A 4.250 4.750 5.25094 A 4.125 4.625 5.12593 A 4.000 4.500 5.00092 B 3.875 4.375 4.87591 B 3.750 4.250 4.75090 B 3.625 4.125 4.62589 B 3.500 4.000 4.500

    88 B 3.375 3.875 4.37587 B 3.25 3.750 4.25086 B 3.125 3.625 4.12585 B 3.00 3.500 4.00084 C 2.875 3.375 3.87583 C 2.750 3.250 3.75082 C 2.625 3.125 3.62581 C 2.500 3.000 3.50080 C 2.375 2.875 3.375

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    79 C 2.250 2.750 3.25078 C 2.125 2.625 3.12577 C 2.000 2.500 3.00076 D 1.875 2.375 2.87575 D 1.750 2.250 2.75074 D 1.625 2.125 2.625

    73 D 1.500 2.000 2.50072 D 1.375 1.875 2.37571 D 1.250 1.750 2.25070 D 1.125 1.625 2.12569 F 1.000 1.500 2.00068 F 0.875 1.375 1.87567 F 0.750 1.250 1.75066 F 0.625 1.125 1.62565 F 0.500 1.000 1.50064 F 0.375 0.875 1.37563 F 0.250 0.750 1.25062 F 0.125 0.625 1.125

    0-61 F 0.000 0.000 0.000

    61 FA 0.000 0.000 0.00061 WF 0.000 0.000 0.000--- WP 0.000 0.000 0.000

    Options After High School...................Entering the work force:For some students the desire to earn a

    paycheck is stronger than the desire to get

    more training. Once you leave high school,

    your access to people who can help you with

    your career journey does not end. For more

    help looking for job placement, interview

    training or resume building,visit www.job-hunt.org/jobs/southcarolina.shtml

    Military:If you want to serve, get an education

    and a paycheck then investigate the

    armed forces. They offer on-the-job

    training in many careers with technology

    playing a crucial role. The military has

    hundreds of career options to choosefrom, and they will help you

    find out where you fit. To enlist, you

    must be at least 17 and have a high

    school diploma or a GED with 15 hours of

    college credit.

    Four-Year College:If youre going to a four-year college, youll

    want to find a school thats a good match for

    you. Do not assume your search for a career

    path ends when you head to the university.

    Colleges and universities have excellent

    career centers and job placements offices,

    but they will not do you any good unless you

    walk through their doors. Utilize onlinecareer resources such as www.scois.net to

    narrow down your interests. You are not

    required to declare a major when you enter

    college but you should narrow down your list

    to ensure your college meets your needs.

    Apprenticeships:If students learn by doing, and you want a

    career where you will use your hands and

    mind, an apprenticeship might be your best

    option. According to the Department ofLabor, registered apprenticeships provide

    information for on-the-job training and

    related classroom instruction.

    On-line Classes:Going to school without leaving home is possible thanks to the Internet. With Internet

    access, students can take classes online. Virtual School gives students who may not live close

    to an educational institution one-stop access to courses that will help them with workforce

    preparation, undergraduate and graduate degrees and continuing education. Note: Virtual

    classes require a great amount of self discipline and motivation to be successful!

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    http://www.scois.net/http://www.scois.net/
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    COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR FOR SENIORS

    September

    Entering the work force:For some students the desire to earn a

    paycheck is stronger than the desire to get

    more training. Once you leave high school,

    your access to people who can help you with

    your career journey does not end. For morehelp looking for job placement, interview

    training or resume building,visit www.job-hunt.org/jobs/southcarolina.shtml

    Military:If you want to serve, get an education

    and a paycheck then investigate the

    armed forces. They offer on-the-job

    training in many careers with technology

    playing a crucial role. The military has

    hundreds of career options to choose

    from, and they will help you

    find out where you fit. To enlist, you

    must be at least 17 and have a high

    school diploma or a GED with 15 hours of

    college credit.

    Four-Year College:If youre going to a four-year college, youll

    want to find a school thats a good match for

    you. Do not assume your search for a career

    path ends when you head to the university.

    Colleges and universities have excellent

    career centers and job placements offices,

    but they will not do you any good unless youwalk through their doors. Utilize online

    career resources such as www.scois.net to

    narrow down your interests. You are not

    required to declare a major when you enter

    college but you should narrow down your list

    to ensure your college meets your needs.

    Apprenticeships:If students learn by doing, and you want a

    career where you will use your hands and

    mind, an apprenticeship might be your best

    option. According to the Department of

    Labor, registered apprenticeships provide

    information for on-the-job training and

    related classroom instruction.

    On-line Classes:Going to school without leaving home is possible thanks to the Internet. With Internet

    access, students can take classes online. Virtual School gives students who may not live close

    to an educational institution one-stop access to courses that will help them with workforcepreparation, undergraduate and graduate degrees and continuing education. Note: Virtual

    classes require a great amount of self discipline and motivation to be successful!

    Community College/Tech:Community colleges offer job entry

    degrees and degrees that can be

    used to transfer to a four year

    college. If you know the college you

    would like to transfer to after

    completing your prerequisites at

    tech, let your advisor know early so

    they can verify that those courseswill indeed transfer. All courses you

    take at a technical school may not

    transfer into your future major at

    the desired college.

    Volunteering:Volunteering is a way for

    students to gain useful

    skills for a career, such as

    leadership, public

    relations, and business

    skills.

    Career Schools:If you need some training,

    but taking more English

    and math classes is notappealing, then consider

    exploring trade and

    technicalschools.

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    Narrow your list of colleges to 5 to 10. You may visit the school website forcurrent information and application, or e-mail each school asking for anapplication and financial aid information. Plan to visit as many of these collegesas possible.

    Create a master list or calendar that includes:

    Tests youll take and their fees, dates and registration deadlinesCollege application due dates

    Financial aid application forms required and their deadlines (note: Aidapplications may be due before college applications.)

    Other materials youll need (recommendations, transcript, etc.)

    Your high schools own application processing deadlines. If you cant afford application or test fees, a counselor can help you request a

    fee waiver.

    October Try to finalize your college choices.

    Prepare Early Decision, Early Action, or rolling admissions applications as soonas possible.

    Ask for counselor or teacher recommendations if you need them. Give eachteacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and yourextracurricular activities. For each recommendation, provide a stamped,addressed envelope, and college forms required if the teacher is to mail therecommendation.

    If youre submitting essays, write first drafts and ask teachers and others toread them. If youre applying for Early Decision, finish the essays for thatapplication now.

    November November 1-15: for Early Decision admission, colleges may require test scores

    and applications between these dates. Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.

    Counselors send transcripts to colleges. Give counselors the proper forms atleast two weeks before colleges require them.

    December As you finish and send your applications and essays, be sure to keep copies,

    If your college wants to see seventh-semester grades, be sure you give the form

    to your counselor. Go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov to request a PIN # for your FAFSA application.

    Both you and your parent/guardian will each need a PIN #.

    January If you apply to colleges online, be sure to have your high school send a

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    transcript it goes to colleges separately, and by mail. Both you and your parent/guardian need to have tax returns completed as

    soon as possible so you can begin completing your FAFSA application.

    February

    No senioritis, please! Accepting colleges do look at second semester seniorgrades.

    March Keep active in school. If you are wait-listed, the college will want to know what

    you have accomplished between the time you applied and learned of itsdecision.

    April You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. If

    youve not done so yet, visit your final college before accepting. As soon as

    you decide, notify your counselor of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to you counselor or call the

    college.

    May May 1: Colleges cannot require a deposit or commitment to attend before May

    1. By that postmarked date, you must inform every college of your acceptanceor rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid (Questions? Talk toyour counselor).

    Send your deposit to one college only.

    Wait-listed by a college? If you will enroll if accepted, tell the admissionsdirector your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financialaid? Ask whether funds will be available if youre accepted.

    Work with your counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.

    June Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college.

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    WHO AM I AND WHAT DO I WANT?

    Each of you has abilities and interests which need to be analyzed during the college planningtime. Answers to the questions listed below can be helpful in deciding the type of school and

    major academic area that best suits personal needs.

    Career Options What skills do I have and enjoy using?

    Of the courses I have taken in high school, which have I enjoyed?

    What courses have given me difficulty?

    What type of career appears interesting and challenging to me?

    Do I like to work with people, data, or ideas?

    School Alternatives Do I want to stay close to home or go far away?

    Do I prefer a small (100-2000), medium (2100-7000), or large (7100-and above) school?

    Do I want a small town or large city environment?

    Do I want to attend a coeducational or single sex institution?

    Do I want to live on campus?

    Do I want to play intercollegiate sports?

    Will I be eligible for an academic scholarship?

    How important is cost?

    Am I interested in developing technical skills?

    Will I be able to exempt credit by taking Advanced Placement Examinations?

    Do I want to alternate work with classes?

    One of the main goals of this booklet is to offer helpful information on the college admissionsprocess and to walk the prospective college student through the process. The followingquestions will be covered:

    1. What should you look for in the process of selecting a college?2. What criteria are used by colleges in selecting their applicants?3. What are the various college tests - SAT 1, SAT 2, ACT?4. How much do various colleges cost? How much will your family be expected

    to contribute? How do you obtain financial aid?

    An additional factor to be considered as you and your parents read this guide is that collegeserves different purposes for each student. The sooner you can decide upon your goals, themore effectively you will be able to complete the college selection process. For some of you,college is viewed as the final educational experience; both you and your parents anticipate ameaningful and productive career immediately following graduation. For some of you who planon continuing to graduate school for a medical, dental, law, or engineering degree, undergraduate

    school is merely the first step in a long line of post high school learning experiences.

    Results show that the more time and energy you have put into the process of selecting a college,the more satisfied you will be with the choice and the more meaningful the experience will be.Furthermore, with such thought and deliberation comes a greater probability that the choice willadequately meet your goals and needs.

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    BEGINNING THE SEARCH

    Choosing a college is a learning process - learning about yourself, learning about your options,learning about specific colleges, and then putting it all together and making the best possiblechoice. It is an important decision, but you have many people to assist you. The first person toconsult is yourself.

    The StudentWho am I? What are my educational goals?How do I plan to reach them?What are my strengths and weaknesses?What type of college atmosphere is best for me?

    These are some of the questions you should ask yourself. Not all of them may have immediateanswers, but the answers will provide you with some outline for your thinking and planning.

    Since you are the central figure, you must bear the greatest responsibility for your decision. Tryto remember some of the ingredients that were discussed in earlier grades regarding thecomponents of a decision.

    Your ParentsParents can be helpful in many ways. They certainly must be consulted about tuition costs andthe college you will attend. They can assist you in clarifying your own ideas. No one has knownyou longer or better than your parents. They are the major resource in this important decision.

    TeachersYour teachers are also able to help you clarify your goals, explain fields of study, explore careeropportunities in their areas of specialization.

    College StudentsStudents attending college will be able to give you current information about their colleges andmay be willing to have you spend time with them on campus.

    BooksBooks can give you accurate information, but use several, for each emphasizes different aspectsof college selection and college life. Always remember there is a lapse of time between thecompilation of the material and its publication. The most accurate information can be found in thecatalogues of the specific colleges in which you are interested or via their websites.

    The InternetAlmost all colleges can be accessed through the Internet. This information is constantly beingupdated. If you have a computer at home or use one in the library, you have a tremendousamount of material that can help you in your search for the college that is the right college of you.(A list of college web sites can be found at the back of this booklet.)

    College RepresentativesAdmissions officers from nearby colleges sometimes visit high schools. These visitations will beheld during lunch periods in the cafeteria.

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    Entrance Requirements for South Carolina PublicColleges and Universities

    FOUR UNITS OF ENGLISH: At least two units must have strong grammar

    and composition components, at least one must be in English literature, andat least one must be in American literature, Completion of College PrepatoryEnglish I, II, III, and IV will meet this criterion.

    THREE UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These include Algebra 1 (for whichAlgebra 1 Pt A and Pt B may count together as a substitute if a studentsuccessfully completes Algebra II), Algebra II, Geometry. A fourth higher levelmathematics course should be selected from among Algebra III/Trigonometry,Precalculus, Calculus, Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, or a CapstoneMathematics course and should be taken during the senior year.

    THREE UNITS OF LABORATORY SCIENCE: Two units must be taken in two

    different fields of the physical or life sciences and selected from amongbiology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field asone of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) or from anylaboratory science for which biology and/or chemistry is a prerequisite.Courses in earth science, general physical science, or introductory or generalenvironmental science for which biology and/or chemistry is not aprerequisite will not meet this requirement.

    TWO UNITS OF THE SAME FOREIGN LANGUAGE: All major four-yearcolleges require at least two years of the same foreign language. Someschools such as Clemson University and College of Charleston now requirethree units. Please check with the university you are interested in attending

    to see their specific requirements for foreign language units.

    THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History is required; ahalf unit of both Government and Economics are also required.

    ONE UNIT OF FINE ARTS: One unit of Appreciation of History of, orPerformance in one of the Fine Arts is required. This can also be met throughcourses such as Chorus, Band, Drama, etc.

    ELECTIVES: One unit must be taken as an elective. A college preparatorycourse in Computer Science is strongly recommended for this elective. Otheracceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English, fine arts,

    foreign languages, social science, humanities, laboratory science (excludingearth science, general physical science, general environmental science, orother introductory science courses for which biology and/or chemistry is not aprerequisite; or mathematics above the level of Algebra II

    ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR ROTC

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    Hard Copy Applications (if necessary)

    Step 1: Carefully complete the entire application. Remember that the college will be makingimportant decisions about you with the information provided on the application. It isimportant to complete the application neatly in black ink, and if possible, a typedapplication is preferable if submitting by paper. Remember you are selling yourself, soyou want to include information that will help you in the admission process including clubparticipation, volunteer work, etc. when requested. If an essay is required, you may wantto have your English teacher proofread the rough draft. It is also important to be honestand complete each part of the application. Be sure that the application is signed.

    Step 2: Most if not all colleges and universities require application fees. If paying online, be sure

    to have a credit/debit card handy. If completing a paper application, be sure to attach acheck or money order for the specified amount made payable to the college.Step 3: If completing a paper application, turn in the completed application and check/money

    order to your counselor. If you submitted your application online, you must visitGuidance and turn in a transcript request form for your transcript to be sent! Thisis very important because we will have no way of knowing that you applied onlineif you do not submit this to your counselor. Some colleges have these forms that canbe downloaded from their website. Be sure to check to see if the college you are applyingto has their own specific form for the counselor to submit with your transcript. BE SURETO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR DEADLINES TO BE MET! Allow approximatelyone to two weeks for processing, mailing, etc. If letters of recommendation are needed,be sure to ask teachers, counselors, and/or principal at least TWO WEEKS in advance.It is to your advantage to give sufficient time for an outstanding recommendation letter tobe written about you.

    Step 4: The counselor will complete the school part of the application, attach an official transcript,pertinent test scores, and will mail the application package to the college. The mail dateof the application will then be documented.

    Step 5: Be sure to let the counselor know when you hear from the college.

    APPLICATION INFORMATION

    School InformationGreer High School3000 E. Gap Creek RoadGreer, SC 29651

    864-355-5704 Guidance864-355-5718 Ms. Powell (Special Projects) [email protected] Mrs. Gregory (A-G) [email protected] Mrs. Stringer (H-Pan) [email protected] Ms. Henry (Par-Z) [email protected] (Fax)864-355-5701 Mr. Marion Waters, Principal [email protected]

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    COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

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    You should start a COLLEGE FILE. In this file you should keep all information relating tocolleges, applications, scholarships, financial aid, etc. If you have sent any forms already, placea copy of them in your file. Also, be sure to include:

    a copy of the STUDENT INFORMATION FORM a copy of every college application you submit a copy of the COLLEGE FLOWCHART copies of each essay you have written for an application copies of any financial aid information you submitted

    If all of these items are kept together in one folder, you will find the process of completingapplications much easier than you think.

    ADMISSIONS POLICIES/OPTIONS

    Colleges have various admissions options or policies. It is your responsibility to study thesepractices and determine which policy utilized by a particular school is the best option for you.You will find this information in publications from the college. Most colleges fall into one of thefollowing categories.

    Early Admission refers to the admission of a student prior to graduation from high school(usually after the junior year).

    Early Decision is the term used to describe the application process in which a commitment ismade by the student to the institution that if admitted, the student will enroll. This decision is

    binding! Early Action is the term used to describe the process which permits a student to apply to an

    institution of preference and receive a decision during the senior year, well in advance of thenormal response dates in the spring. Many Ivy League schools use this policy.

    Regular Decision describes the process in which an institution reviews most of itsapplications prior to notifying the majority of its candidates.

    Rolling Admission is the process in which an institution reviews applications as they arereceived and offers decisions to students as applications are reviewed. Most of the collegesin South Carolina use this admissions policy.

    Wait List is the policy in which the college does not initially offer or deny admission, butextends to an applicant the possibility of admission in the future.

    Deferred Admission is the practice used by colleges that guarantees admission a semesteror year after graduation - usually the student will take courses at a two year college and then

    transfer to the college. Open Admissions permit all applicants to enroll in the institution.

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    COLLEGE FILE

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    HIGH SCHOOL RECORD/TRANSCRIPT - This is the single most important factor in thecollege application. Your high school record/transcript is comprised of your academicperformance in grades 9-12. Why is this the primary consideration? Past evidence hasshown that high school grades have generally been the best indicator of college success.

    Actual courses taken are often evaluated in terms of their varying difficulty. You need to takecollege preparatory courses - not easy courses! Colleges vary in the amount of math,science, foreign language, etc. that they require. The more competitive the college is foradmission, the greater the number of required courses. For example, if you plan to major inengineering, the college will expect you to have taken many mathematics courses as well asphysics and chemistry.

    TEST DATA - It is wise to be aware that colleges evaluate test scores. Most colleges requireeither the SAT I or the ACT. The higher you score, the better your chances are foracceptance; however, you should remember that this is neither the only, nor the primaryconsideration. First is your overall high school record/transcript.

    NOTE: Colleges see ALL the SAT I or ACT scores that you have taken, and utilize thescores in various ways. All scores are forwarded to the colleges and they use oneof the following methods:1. Most colleges accept the highest score - verbal and math - from various tests.2. Some colleges accept the score achieved on the latest test date, regardless of

    whether it is the highest or lowest, since they feel this most accurately reflectsyour actual ability immediately preceding admission to college.

    3. Some schools average all the SAT Is or ACTs you have taken.

    RANK IN CLASS - Many colleges describe their profile of incoming freshmen in terms ofwhere they ranked within their graduating class. Rank can be particularly important when youapply for scholarships because many scholarships stipulate that you must rank in the top10% (or 20%, 25%, etc.) of your class.

    EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - Some colleges, especially those that considerthemselves selective, regard extra-curricular activities with some importance. Theseactivities indicate your fields of interest and how actively you have pursued them. Also, theyindicate the offices you have held in various organizations and show your leadershipqualities. It is best to concentrate on activities in which you are interested and which areconsistent with your abilities. Colleges tend to accept students who have taken part inmeaningful outside activities.

    RECOMMENDATIONS - This area is constantly changing, as colleges vary significantly ontheir policies and the importance they place on recommendations; however, if a college doesask for them it means the college definitely wants them, reads them, and considers themsignificant when evaluating your application. It wants to know what your teachers,counselors, advisors, club sponsors, etc. have to say about you. Are you ambitious,industrious, inquiring, and honest, prompt with your work, athletic, self-motivated, well likedby your peers, respected, musical, etc.? Recommendations will address these traits and maybe the only place in the application to indicate any unusual circumstances. Since some of thepeople whom you ask for recommendations may not know your interests away from school, it

    18

    COLLEGE APPLICATION INFORMATION

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    is a good idea to give each one a copy of the Student Information Form.

    Have you considered how many applications you are planning to submit? You and your parentswill determine the number, for there is no right or wrong number. It varies, not only accordingto each student, but also by the difficulty of being admitted to the various schools to which thestudent is applying. Hopefully, you will be accepted by your first choice college. Admissionsofficers suggest that you apply to at least one safe school, which you will be willing to attend, ifthat is your only alternative.

    A valuable aspect of the college selection procedure is the campus visit. By actually visiting acolleges campus, you will be provided a first-hand impression of the faculty,staff, students, facilities, and programs, but before your visit, you should take the following steps:

    1. Request by phone or online an appointment with the Admissions Office several weeksin advance. If unable to keep the appointment, inform the college representativeimmediately.

    2. Make a list of questions to ask during the visit.3. Arrive on time.4. Students must obtain a visitation form from the guidance office 5 days prior to the visit.5. No approved visits will be allowed after March 15, 2014.

    OUT OF STATE COLLEGE FOR IN-STATE TUITION

    The Academic Common Market, which is administered by the SouthernRegional Education Board, allows for South Carolina residents who areenrolled in specific programs at public out-of-state institutions to becharged only the applicable in-state tuition by the institution in whichthe student is enrolled. Eligible programs are those programs, whichare at least 50% different in curricular content than programs offeredin South Carolina

    Participating states are:

    Alabama Louisiana South Carolina

    Arkansas Maryland Tennessee

    Delaware Mississippi Texas

    Florida North Carolina Virginia

    Georgia Okalahoma West Virginia

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    COLLEGE VISITATIONS

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    Kentucky

    For a list of approved programs/majors, visit http://home.sreb.org/acm/choosestate.aspx

    South Carolina Colleges and Universities

    Public Four Year CollegesThe Citadel www.citadel.edu Charleston

    Clemson University www.clemson.edu ClemsonCoastal Carolina University www.coastal.edu Conway

    College of Charleston www.cofc.edu CharlestonFrancis Marion University www.fmarion.edu Florence

    Lander University www.lander.edu GreenwoodLowcountry GraduateCenter

    www.lowcountrygradcenter.org

    North Charleston

    Medical University of SouthCarolina

    www.musc.edu Charleston

    South Carolina StateUniversity

    www.scsu.edu Orangeburg

    University of SouthCarolina

    www.sc.edu Columbia

    University of South Carolina-Aiken

    www.usca.edu Aiken

    University of South Carolina-Upstate

    www.uscupstate.edu Spartanburg

    Winthrop University www.winthrop.edu Rock Hill

    University Center ofGreenville

    www.ucgreenville.org Greenville

    Public Two Year Colleges

    Aiken Technical College www.aik.tec.sc.us AikenCentral Carolina Technical www.cctech.edu Sumter

    Denmark TechnicalCollege

    www.denmarktech.edu Denmark

    Florence-Darlington TechnicalCollege

    www.fdtc.edu Florence

    Greenville TechnicalCollege

    www.gvltec.edu Greenville

    Horry-Georgetown TechCollege

    www.hgtc.edu Conway

    Midlands Technical College www.midlandstech.edu ColumbiaNortheastern TechnicalCollege

    www.metc.edu Cheraw

    Orangeburg-Calhoun TechCollege www.octech.edu Orangeburg

    Piedmont TechnicalCollege

    www.ptc.edu Greenwood

    Spartanburg CommunityCollege

    www.sccsc.edu Spartanburg

    Tri-County TechnicalCollege

    www.tctc.edu Pendleton

    Trident Technical College www.tridenttech.edu Charleston

    USC-Florence Florence

    20

    http://home.sreb.org/acm/choosestate.aspxhttp://www.citadel.edu/http://www.clemson.edu/http://www.coastal.edu/http://www.cofc.edu/http://www.fmarion.edu/http://www.lander.edu/http://www.lowcountrygradcenter.org/http://www.lowcountrygradcenter.org/http://www.musc.edu/http://www.scsu.edu/http://www.sc.edu/http://www.usca.edu/http://www.uscupstate.edu/http://www.winthrop.edu/http://www.ucgreenville.org/http://www.aik.tec.sc.us/http://www.cctech.edu/http://www.denmarktech.edu/http://www.fdtc.edu/http://www.gvltec.edu/http://www.hgtc.edu/http://www.midlandstech.edu/http://www.metc.edu/http://www.octech.edu/http://www.ptc.edu/http://www.sccsc.edu/http://www.tctc.edu/http://www.tridenttech.edu/http://home.sreb.org/acm/choosestate.aspxhttp://www.citadel.edu/http://www.clemson.edu/http://www.coastal.edu/http://www.cofc.edu/http://www.fmarion.edu/http://www.lander.edu/http://www.lowcountrygradcenter.org/http://www.lowcountrygradcenter.org/http://www.musc.edu/http://www.scsu.edu/http://www.sc.edu/http://www.usca.edu/http://www.uscupstate.edu/http://www.winthrop.edu/http://www.ucgreenville.org/http://www.aik.tec.sc.us/http://www.cctech.edu/http://www.denmarktech.edu/http://www.fdtc.edu/http://www.gvltec.edu/http://www.hgtc.edu/http://www.midlandstech.edu/http://www.metc.edu/http://www.octech.edu/http://www.ptc.edu/http://www.sccsc.edu/http://www.tctc.edu/http://www.tridenttech.edu/
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    USC-Lancaster www.lancaster.sc.edu Lancaster

    USC-Salkehatchie www.uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu

    Allendale

    USC-Sumter www.uscsumter.edu SumterUSC-Union www.uscunion.sc.edu Union

    Williamsburg Technical

    College

    www.witech.edu Kingstree

    York Technical College www.yorktech.com Rock Hill

    Private Two Year CollegesCharleston School of Law www.charlestonlaw.org Charleston

    Clinton Junior College www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu

    Rock Hill

    Forest Junior College www.forrestcollege.edu AndersonFortis College www.fortis.edu/columbia.p

    hpColumbia

    Remington College www.remingtoncollege.edu/columbia

    Columbia

    Spartanburg MethodistCollege

    www.smcsc.edu Spartanburg

    Technical College of theLowcountry

    www.tcl.edu Beaufort

    Virginia College www.vc.edu Charleston, Columbia,Greenville

    South Carolina Colleges and Universities cont:

    Private Four Year Colleges

    Allen University www.allenuniversity.edu ColumbiaAnderson University www.andersonuniversity.edu

    Anderson

    Art Institute of Charleston www.artinstitutes.edu/charleston

    Charleston

    Benedict College www.benedict.edu Columbia

    Bob Jones University www.bju.edu GreenvilleBrown Mackie College www.brownmackie.edu/greenv

    illeGreenville

    Charleston SouthernUniversity

    www.scuniv.edu Charleston

    Claflin University www.claflin.edu Orangeburg

    Coker College www.coker.edu Hartsville

    Columbia College www.columbiacollegesc.edu Columbia

    Columbia InternationalUniversity

    www.ciu.edu Columbia

    Converse College www.converse.edu Spartanburg

    Culinary Institute ofCharleston

    www.culinary.charlestonartschool.com

    Charleston

    ECPI College ofTechnology

    www.ecpi.edu Columbia, Charleston,Greenville

    Erskine College www.erskine.edu Due West

    21

    http://www.lancaster.sc.edu/http://www.uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/http://www.uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/http://www.uscsumter.edu/http://www.uscunion.sc.edu/http://www.witech.edu/http://www.yorktech.com/http://www.charlestonlaw.org/http://www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu/http://www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu/http://www.forrestcollege.edu/http://www.fortis.edu/columbia.phphttp://www.fortis.edu/columbia.phphttp://www.smcsc.edu/http://www.tcl.edu/http://www.vc.edu/http://www.allenuniversity.edu/http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/http://www.artinstitutes.edu/charlestonhttp://www.artinstitutes.edu/charlestonhttp://www.benedict.edu/http://www.bju.edu/http://www.scuniv.edu/http://www.claflin.edu/http://www.coker.edu/http://www.columbiacollegesc.edu/http://www.columbiacollegesc.edu/http://www.ciu.edu/http://www.converse.edu/http://www.ecpi.edu/http://www.erskine.edu/http://www.lancaster.sc.edu/http://www.uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/http://www.uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu/http://www.uscsumter.edu/http://www.uscunion.sc.edu/http://www.witech.edu/http://www.yorktech.com/http://www.charlestonlaw.org/http://www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu/http://www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu/http://www.forrestcollege.edu/http://www.fortis.edu/columbia.phphttp://www.fortis.edu/columbia.phphttp://www.smcsc.edu/http://www.tcl.edu/http://www.vc.edu/http://www.allenuniversity.edu/http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/http://www.artinstitutes.edu/charlestonhttp://www.artinstitutes.edu/charlestonhttp://www.benedict.edu/http://www.bju.edu/http://www.scuniv.edu/http://www.claflin.edu/http://www.coker.edu/http://www.columbiacollegesc.edu/http://www.columbiacollegesc.edu/http://www.ciu.edu/http://www.converse.edu/http://www.ecpi.edu/http://www.erskine.edu/
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    Furman University www.furman.edu Greenville

    ITT Technical College www.itt-tech.edu Columbia, GreenvilleLimestone College www.limestone.edu Gaffney

    Morris College www.morris.edu SumterNewberry College www.newberry.edu Newberry

    North Greenville

    University

    www.ngu.edu Tigerville

    Presbyterian College www.presby.edu ClintonSouth University www.su4u.org Columbia

    Southern WesleyanUniversity

    www.swu.edu Central

    Southern MethodistCollege

    www.smcollege.edu Orangeburg

    Strayer University-Columbia

    www.strayer.edu/columbia Columbia

    Strayer University-Greenville

    www.strayer.edu/greenville Greenville

    Strayer University-NorthCharleston

    www.strayer.edu/charleston North Charleston

    Troy University www.troy.edu Charleston, Shaw AF BaseVoorhees College www.voorhees.edu Denmark

    Webster University www.websteruniv.edu/southcarolina

    Beaufort, Charleston AF Base,Columbia, Ft. Jackson, Greenville,Marine Corps Air Station, Myrtle

    Beach

    Wofford College www.wofford.edu SpartanburgUniversity Center ofGreenville

    www.ucgreenville.org Greenville

    Seminary CollegesCathedral Bible College www.cathedralministries.org/

    collegeMyrtle Beach

    Christ Central Institute www.ccins.org WagenerColumbia InternationalUniversity Seminary

    www.ciu.edu Columbia

    Erskine TheologicalSeminary

    www.erskineseminary.org Due West

    Greenville PresbyterianTheological Seminary

    www.gpts.edu Taylors

    Holmes Bible College www.holmes.edu GreenvilleLutheran TheologicalSouthern Seminary

    www.ltss.edu Spartanburg

    St. Anselm Seminary NA Spartanburg

    W. L. Bonner CollegeSeminary

    www.wlbonnercollege.org Columbia

    TEST INFORMATION

    SAT I - The SAT I is produced by the CEEB (College Entrance Examination

    Board). It is offered many times during each school year. You may applyonline at www.sat.org/register and pick up a student bulletin in the Guidance

    22

    http://www.furman.edu/http://www.itt-tech.edu/http://www.limestone.edu/http://www.morris.edu/http://www.newberry.edu/http://www.ngu.edu/http://www.presby.edu/http://www.su4u.org/http://www.swu.edu/http://www.smcollege.edu/http://www.strayer.edu/columbiahttp://www.strayer.edu/greenvillehttp://www.strayer.edu/charlestonhttp://www.troy.edu/http://www.voorhees.edu/http://www.websteruniv.edu/http://www.wofford.edu/http://www.ucgreenville.org/http://www.ccins.org/http://www.ciu.edu/http://www.gpts.edu/http://www.holmes.edu/http://www.ltss.edu/http://www.furman.edu/http://www.itt-tech.edu/http://www.limestone.edu/http://www.morris.edu/http://www.newberry.edu/http://www.ngu.edu/http://www.presby.edu/http://www.su4u.org/http://www.swu.edu/http://www.smcollege.edu/http://www.strayer.edu/columbiahttp://www.strayer.edu/greenvillehttp://www.strayer.edu/charlestonhttp://www.troy.edu/http://www.voorhees.edu/http://www.websteruniv.edu/http://www.wofford.edu/http://www.ucgreenville.org/http://www.ccins.org/http://www.ciu.edu/http://www.gpts.edu/http://www.holmes.edu/http://www.ltss.edu/
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    office. For those who can not apply online, you may pick up the application inGuidance. You will be given a copy of the SAT I Student Bulletin which liststhe test dates, locations, and costs. You should complete the registrationform, attach a check for the test fee, and mail it before the deadline. DO NOTbring your form to Greer High. You are registering with the College Board.

    The SAT I is a 3 hour 45 minute test administered in the morning of each testdate. It is required by many colleges and is used as one of the importantfactors in the admissions process. Scores for the critical reading and mathsections are reported on a 200-800 point scale for each part. It is important toremember that all SAT I scores are reported to your colleges upon yourrequest and, as stated earlier, colleges utilize these scores in various ways.

    ACT - The ACT is another test that is required by many colleges as a part of

    their admissions process. It is a 3 hour 35 minute multiple choice test with a30 minute optional writing section. It consists of sub-tests in English,mathematics, reading, and science. Each sub-test is scored on a scale of 1-36 as is the composite score which consists of the average of the sub-tests.

    You may register on-line at www.actstudent.org/start. You must take thewriting portion of the ACT once if you have not taken the SAT.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: To find out which of these tests is required by the collegesto which you are applying, check the admissions requirements of the specificcollege. Almost all of South Carolina colleges and universities will accept eithertest.

    It is recommended that you take the SAT I or the ACT in the spring of your junioryear and then again in the fall of your senior year. For more specific information,refer to the Student Bulletins of the SAT I and the ACT.

    SAT II Some colleges that require the SAT I may also require the SAT II

    (Achievement Tests). These tests are one-hour in length and comprised ofmultiple-choice questions designed to measure your level of achievement in aparticular subject area. The results of these tests are utilized primarily forcollege guidance and college placement in your freshman courses. Thecolleges that do require the SAT II tend to be selective schools; therefore, it isto your advantage to inquire as far in advance as possible whether or not youwill need to take these tests. Since you may not take the SAT II on the sameday as the SAT I, it is important that you plan your test schedule.

    TEST DATES 2013-2014

    SAT I

    23

    http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/http://www.actstudent.org/
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    DATE REGULAR DEADLINE LATE DEADLINE

    October 5* September 6 September 20November 2* October 3 October 18December 7* November 8 November 22January 25* December 27 January 10

    March 8 February 7 February 21May 3* April 4 April 18June 7 May 9 May 23

    * Denotes SAT II Subtests also administeredCost of SAT: $51.00 Late registration cost: $27.50

    REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.sat.org/register

    Greer High Schools Code Number = 410950Scores are generally available online approximately 5 weeks after the test is administered.

    ACT

    TEST DATE REGULAR DEADLINE LATE DEADLINE ONLINE SCORE AVAILABLE

    September 21 August 23 September 6 September 23October 26 September 27 October 11 October 18December 14 November 8 November 22 December 6February 8 January 10 January 24 January 31

    April 12 March 7 March 21 April 4June 14 May 9 May 23 June 6

    Cost of ACT: $36.50 ACT plus writing: $52.50 Late registration cost: $22.00Standby: $41.00

    REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.actstudent.org/start

    Greer High Schools Code Number = 410950Can send scores to up to 4 institutions for free; additional institutions are $10 each

    Online Test RegistrationTo Register for the SAT online:

    1. Log onto sat.org/register2. Click on Register Now

    (blue box on right hand sideof screen

    3. Sign in if already have

    To Register for the ACT online:1. Log onto

    www.actstudent.org/start2. Click on Sign up or Log In3. Create your new account or

    login if you already have an

    24

    http://www.sat.org/registerhttp://www.actstudent.org/http://www.sat.org/registerhttp://www.actstudent.org/
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    account or click Sign up itsfree if you do not have anaccount

    4. Once you are signed up as amember, select the test date

    that meets your needs5. Follow the steps throughregistration

    6. Sign up to take the test at aparticular location

    7. Be sure to list the collegesyou are interested in toreceive your scores. (If youplan to participate inathletics in college, you willneed to list the NCAA as one

    of your score recipients)8. Greer High Schools code is

    410950

    account4. Follow the steps for

    registration5. Sign up to take the test at a

    particular location

    6. Select the colleges youwould like to receive yourscores. (If you plan toparticipate in athletics incollege, you will need to listthe NCAA as one of yourscore recipients).

    7. Greer High Schools code is410950

    8. If you do not take the SATthat include writing, you

    must take the writing portionof the ACT at least once.

    SAT/ACT Score Comparison ChartACT

    If you scored:SAT

    (Critical Reading and Math only)

    36 160035 1560-1590

    34 1510-1550

    33 1460-150032 1410-1450

    31 1360-140030 1320-135029 1280-1310

    28 1240-127027 1210-1230

    26 1170-120025 1130-1160

    24 1090-112023 1060-1080

    22 1020-105021 980-1010

    20 940-970

    19 900-93018 860-89017 810-850

    16 760-80015 710-750

    14 660-70013 590-650

    ACT at A Glance

    25

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    Subject Area Length Content Tested Items ScoringEnglish 45

    minutesPunctuation, grammarand usage, sentencestructure, rhetoricalskills (strategy,organization, and style

    75 questions

    MultipleChoice

    Composite Score:1-36

    Sub scores:Usage/mechanics

    1-18Rhetorical skills

    1-18

    Mathematics 60minutes

    Pre-algebra,elementary algebra,intermediate algebra,coordinate geometry,plane geometry,trigonometry

    60 questions

    MultipleChoice

    Students canuse acalculator

    Composite Score:1-36

    Sub scoresPrealgebra/Elementary alg.

    1-18

    Intermediate

    1-18Algebra, coor.

    Geo.

    Plane geo./1-18trigonometry

    Reading 35minutes

    Reading selectionsfrom four areas: socialstudies, the naturalsciences, prose fiction,and the humanities

    40 questions

    MultipleChoice

    Composite Score:1-36

    Sub scoresSocialSt./Science

    1-18

    Arts/lit/reading1-18

    Science 35minutes

    Biology, chemistry,physics, earth/spacesciences (geology,astronomy, andmeteorology)

    40 questions

    MultipleChoice

    Students areNOTpermitted touse calculator

    Composite Score:1-36

    Sub scoresNo sub scores forscience section

    Writing Test

    (optional)

    30minutes

    Writing proficiency Essay Scaled score: 1-36(reflecting

    performance onwriting and Englishcombined)

    Sub score2-12 reflecting

    performance onWriting test only

    26

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    SAT At A GlanceSection Length Question TypesCritical Reading Two 25 minute sections

    One 20 minute section

    19 Sentence Completions

    48 Reading ComprehensionMath Two 25 minute sectionsOne 10 minute section

    44 Multiple Choice10 Grind-ins

    Writing One 25 minute sectionOne 10 minute sectionOne 25 minute essay

    18 Identified Sentence Errors25 Improving Sentences6 Improving Paragraphs

    National Center for Fair & Open Testing

    Some schools do not use SAT or ACT scores for admitting substantial

    numbers of students into Bachelor Degree Programs. These collegeseither do not use at all or deemphasize the use of standardized testsby making admissions decisions about applicants who recentlygraduated from US high schools without using the SAT or ACT. Someschools exempt students who meet grade-point average or class rankcriteria while others require SAT or ACT scores but use them only forplacement purposes or to conduct research studies. For a completelisting of participating colleges and universities, please visitwww.fairtest.org/university/optional

    Test Taking Hints

    Arrive early for the test

    Know your social security number and your high schoolcode number

    Greer High Schools code for both the SAT and the ACTis 410950

    List four colleges to receive your scores on yourregistration form (you are not charged a fee if these

    schools are listed on the initial registration form;

    27

    http://www.fairtest.org/http://www.fairtest.org/
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    however, you will be charged after the initial form issent).

    If you plan on playing sports in college, you will need to

    list the NCAA Clearinghouse as one of the institutions toreceive your score. The NCAAs college code is 9999.

    Take the SAT and ACT practice tests that you receivewith the registration materials.

    Enroll in an SAT Preparation class or one of the tutorialprograms conducted by Greenville Technical College or

    Furman University

    How to get the most out of a college fair:Tips for Students

    Reasons to Attend

    Gain exposure to a variety of postsecondary institutions throughout thecountry

    Ask questions about current admission and financial aid information

    Pick up free brochures on colleges that you might want to consider

    Receive answers to specific questions

    Learn from experts in special-interest sessions

    Bring with you

    A large plastic bag for college brochures

    A pen and notepad

    Questions to ask the college representatives

    Do my GPA and test scores make me eligible for admission to your college?Would I get into the major I want?

    How could I explore my interests (academic, major, extracurricular?)

    What percentage of students receives financial aid? What is the average aidpackage?

    Is your college need blind in the admissions process-do you determineadmission without regard to a students financial situation?

    Where do most students live? What is the focus of social life?

    What is unique about your campus?

    After the fair

    Dont put the college materials in the back of your closet. Keep them nearby

    28

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    for when youre ready to review them

    Look through the materials and your notes within the week

    Keep everything. Weed out colleges that arent a good fit

    Research colleges that interest you. Explore websites, request moreinformation from admissions offices, and plan to visit

    Questions to ask college representatives

    Social life and campus activities

    What do students do for fun?

    What is the role of fraternities and sororities on campus? If I didnt want tojoin, could I have a satisfactory social life?

    Is there a good balance of academics, social life, and extracurricularactivities?

    What were the social or cultural highlights last year?

    What is the role of the campus newspaper?

    Campus facilities

    Is there something about housing I should know that would help me in mychoice?

    What are the types of food plans?

    What kinds of facilities does the student center have?

    How would you rate the fitness center?

    Is there a doctor, nurse, psychologist or career counselor on campus?

    How good is security on campus?

    Is the library equipped with computers and copy machines?The community off campus

    What is there to do in town? How would I get there?

    Academics and faculty

    What is distinctive about education here? What is the educational philosophy

    of the college What is the most popular major on campus?

    How would you characterize the academic pressure and workload?

    Are there research possibilities with the faculty?

    What are the strengths and weaknesses of the advising system?

    Is the faculty accessible to students after class?

    Are any new programs scheduled for the next four years?

    College Information Checklist for StudentsWith Special Needs...

    Admissions:

    Are admissions criteria for students with special needs the same

    29

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    as for other students?

    Are any special assessments required?

    Is diagnostic testing available?

    Is there a dedicated summer orientation for students with specialneeds?

    Is documentation required for demonstrating special needs?

    Academic Supports:

    Is the process for accessing special needs clear and easy to

    follow?

    Is there a fee for supports?

    Is tutoring available?

    Is remediation in basic skills available?

    Are study-skills courses available?

    NCAA FRESHMAN ELIGIBILITY STANDARDSQUICK REFERENCE SHEETThe NCAA initial-eligibility rules have changed.If you plan to enroll in any Division I or Division II college or university, please read thisinformation carefully.

    All students wishing to play sports at the collegiate level at a Division 1 or Division 2college/university must meet core course requirements as well as SAT/ACT score requirements.See below for division qualification requirements.

    DivisionI Qualifier

    Being a qualifier enables you to:

    Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college, receive an

    athletics scholarship during your first year of college, and play four seasons in your sport if youmaintain your eligibility from year to year.

    DivisionII Qualifier

    Being a qualifier enables you to:

    Practice or compete for your college or university during your first year of college, receive an

    athletics scholarship during your first year of college, and play four seasons in your sport if you

    maintain your eligibility from year to year.

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    NCAA REQUIREMENTS

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    DivisionIII

    Division III athletics have shorter playing and practicing seasons, a lower number of contests, no

    red-shirting or out-of-season organized activities, and a focus on regional in-season and

    conference play. Division III college-bound student-

    athletes are not certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center

    because Division III colleges and universities each set

    their own admissions standards and there are no initial-eligibility requirements in the division. There are no

    athletic scholarships

    offered in Division III.

    OTHER IMPORTANTINFORMATION In Division II, there is no sliding

    scale. The minimum core grade-pointaverage is 2.000. The minimumSAT score is 820 (Verbal and Mathsections only) and the minimum ACTsum score is 68.

    The SAT combined score is based on theVerbal and Math sections only. The newwriting section will not be used.

    NCAA Eligibility Center:Certification ProcessingP.O. Box 7136Indianapolis, IN 46207-7136Package or overnight delivery:Certification Processing1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. DriveIndianapolis, IN 46202Web address:

    31

    DIVISION II

    14 Core Courses:

    3 years of English.2 years of mathematics

    (Algebra I or higher).2 years of

    natural/physicalscience (1 year of lab ifoffered by high school).

    2 years of additionalEnglish, mathematics,or natural/physicalscience.

    2 years of social science.3 years of additional

    courses (from any areaabove, foreign languageor non-doctrinalreligion/philosophy).

    *Also earn a 2.0 or higher incore courses and a combinedSAT score of 820 or ACT sum

    DIVISION II (enrollingAugust 1, 2013 and after)16 Core Courses:

    3 years of English2 years of mathematics

    (Algebra 1 or higher)2 years of natural/physical

    science (1 year of lab ifoffered by high school).

    3 years of additional English,

    mathematics, ornatural/physical science2 years of social science4 years of additional courses

    (from any area above,foreign language ornon-doctrinal, orreligion/philosophy).

    *Also earn a 2.0 or higher incore courses and a combinedSAT score of 820 or ACT sumscore of 68.

    DIVISION1

    16 Core CourseRule:

    4 years of English

    3 years of mathematics

    (Algebra 1 or higher)

    2 years of natural/physical science (1

    year of lab if offered by

    high school)

    1 year of additional

    English, mathematics,

    or natural/physical

    science.

    2 years of social science

    4 years of additional

    courses (from any

    area above, foreign

    language, or

    non-doctrinal

    religion/philosophy

    *Must also meet GPA and

    Core GPA SAT ACT3.550 & above 400 37

    3.525 410 383.500 420 393.475 430 403.450 440 413.425 450 413.400 460 423.375 470 423.350 480 433.325 490 443.300 500 443.275 510 453.250 520 463.225 530 463.200 540 473.175 550 47

    3.150 560 483.125 570 493.100 580 493.075 590 503.050 600 503.025 610 513.000 620 522.975 630 522.950 640 532.925 650 532.900 660 542.875 670 552.850 680 562.825 690 562.800 700 572.775 710 58

    2.750 720 592.725 730 592.700 730 602.675 740-750 612.650 760 622.625 770 632.600 780 642.575 790 652.550 800 662.525 810 672.500 820 682.475 830 692.450 840-850 702.425 860 702.400 860 71

    2.375 870 722.350 880 732.325 890 742.300 900 752.275 910 762.250 920 772.225 930 782.200 940 792.175 950 802.150 960 802.125 960 812.100 970 822.075 980 832.050 990 842.025 1000 852.000 1010 86

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    www.eligibilitycenter.orgNCAA Eligibility Center customer service:U.S. callers (toll free): 877/262-1492International callers: 317/223-0700Fax: 317/968-5100

    Right: Division I core grade-point average test-scoresliding scale

    In order to initiate the eligibility process, you need to complete the NCAA Clearinghouse StudentRelease Form. You need to submit this form at the end of your junior year or the beginning ofyour senior year. After you complete the form, you should mail the white form with a check forthe fee and then give the yellow and pink copies to your guidance counselor so that yourtranscript can be sent to the Clearinghouse. You may apply on-line atwww.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

    For the complete guide to NCAA eligibility visit www.eligibilitycenter.org; enter the site as astudent; click on the Resources tab, click US Student, and select Guide for the College-BoundStudent-Athlete.

    FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

    Financial aid is money that is given, paid, or lent to help students pay for their education.Financial aid can often make it possible for you to attend colleges that you and your parentsmight otherwise think are too expensive.

    There are basically four categories of financial aid:

    Grants - money that is given to you, usually because of financial need

    Scholarships - money that is awarded because of exceptional academic achievement, andoutstanding talent or skill, and/or financial need

    College Work-Study - money you earn by working at a campus job 10-15 hours a week Loans - borrowed money that must be repaid

    Grants and scholarships are basically free money; loans and college work-study are consideredself-help programs.

    Grants and scholarships are not paid back. Examples of federal and state programs are: RobertByrd Honors Scholarship, Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, SouthCarolina Tuition Grants, and Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits.

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    Loans must be paid back. There are various types of loans available to you and your parents.Some of them are secured in your name, some in the name of your parents. Stafford Loans,South Carolina Teachers Loans, South Carolina Plus Loans, and Perkins Student Loans aresome of the federal and state loans you might want to explore. Banks and insurance companiesalso offer various loans and payment plans. Research all the facts about loans before youborrow!

    Work-Study programs are based on financial need and are administered by each college financialaid office. The money you receive is applied toward tuition. Generally, work study programs offerboth a reduction in tuition and hourly pay for student hours worked. There is a question on theFAFSA application where the student is to indicate if they are interested in Work Study programsthat will notify the school of the students interest.

    Generally, all financial aid is awarded in the form of a financial package. Your package -consisting of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study - is put together by the collegesfinancial aid office and you are usually notified of this information through an Award Letter fromthe university. Your financial aid package will vary from college to college; therefore, keep allrecords you receive from each college. It is important to note that the college that offers youthe most money, may not end up being the college at the lowest cost. You should always

    compare the award monies with the cost of attendance to identify the college that is mostaffordable for you.

    Applying online reduces the amount of time to process your aid. You can apply online atwww.fafsa.ed.gov

    Financial Aid Fact Chart 2013-2014

    Program Amount Grantor Who Is Eligible When/How toApplyFederal ParentLoan forUndergraduateStudents(PLUS)

    Up to cost ofeducationminus other aid

    Loans made by banks andagencies in each state

    Parents of full-time dependent students. Financialneed is not a requirement. Variable interest rate8.5%. Repayment begins 60 days afterdisbursement.

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible. Mustalso complete aPLUS application

    Federal PellGrant

    $400-$4500per year(dependent onfederalappropriations)

    Federal Government Aid is given to full or part-time students with provenfinancial need

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible

    FederalPerkins Loans

    Up to $4000per year

    Federal Government Loans to students with exceptional financial need.No interest is paid nor accumulated while in college.After college, students repay the loan with 5%interest. Possibility of loan forgiveness with teaching.

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible

    FederalStafford Loan

    Amount varies:$2625 forfreshmen$3500 forsophomoresand juniors$5500 forseniors

    Loans made by banks, savingsand loans associations, creditunions and some colleges.Federal Government

    Interest is variable and there is an origination fee upto 4%. Repayment begins six months aftergraduating from or leaving college. Unsubsidizedmeans the interest accumulates from the first day ofthe loan and is added to the loan amount. (3.4%)Subsidized means the government pays theinterest while the student is enrolled full-time (6.8%)

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible

    FederalSupplementalEducational

    $400 to $4000per year(dependent on

    Federal Government throughcollege/university attending

    Full or part-time students with proven financial need Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014

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    OpportunityGrants(FSEOG)

    federalappropriations)

    as possible

    FederalCollege Work-studyPrograms

    Variesdepending onneed. Paid bythe hour andtuition

    reduction.

    Federal government andcollege/university

    Provides part-time employment for students whohave financial need.

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible

    South CarolinaLottery TuitionAssistance

    $900 per termfor full time(12+ hours)$75 per credithour part time(6-11 hours)Dependent onSC Lotteryrevenue

    South Carolina Commission ofHigher Education

    Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hoursa semester and advancing toward a degree at one ofthe states two-year institutions. Assistance isprovided on an as-needed basis for a portion oftuition.

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible.Awards arehandled by thecollege/universityfinancial aidoffice.

    South CarolinaHOPEScholarshipProgram

    $2800(dependent onSC Lotteryrevenue)

    South Carolina Commission onHigher Education

    One-time freshmen award to high school seniorswith a 3.0 GPA who do not qualify for the LIFEScholarship

    No applicationnecessary.Awards arehandled by thecollege/universityfinancial

    South CarolinaLIFEScholarshipProgram

    $5000 per yearat 4 yearinstitution(dependent onSC Lotteryrevenue) SCPublic orPrivateinstitution. At 2year institutionpays up to costof tuition and$300 for books

    South Carolina Commission onHigher Education

    Must meet one of the followng:1100 on SAT/24 ACT or top 30% of graduating class

    AND have a cumulative 3.0 GPA

    No applicationnecessary.Awards arehandled by thecollege/universityfinancial aidoffice

    South CarolinaPalmetto

    FellowsScholarship

    $6700 per year(dependent on

    SC Lotteryrevenue) SCPublic orPrivateinstitution

    South Carolina Commission onHigher Education

    Students may be eligible to apply if they meet thefollowing three criteria: 1200SAT/27ACT, 3.5 GPA,

    top 6% of the class at the end of the sophomore,junior or senior year; or meet the following twocriteria: 1400 SAT/32ACT and 4.0 GPA at the end ofthe junior or senior year

    See Counselor

    LIFE andPalmettoFellowsEnhancements

    Additional$2500 providedon top of LIFEand PalmettoFellow awardamount; tobegin in thesophomoreyear of college

    South Carolina Commission onHigher Education

    Students who major in a mathematics or sciencerelated field; students must take at least 14 credithours of math or science related courses theirFreshman year to be eligible; AP courses takenduring the senior year of high school may becounted towards this requirement

    See the FinancialAid Office at yourcollege/universityinstitution

    South CarolinaTeacher Loan

    Freshman andsophomorescan receive upto $2500 peryear, butjuniors andseniors canreceive up to$5000 per year

    South Carolina Student LoanCorp.

    To qualify a student must be a Teacher Cadet; rankin the top 40% of their graduating class; have aSAT/ACT score equal to or greater than the SCaverage for the year of graduation from high school.Loan is forgiven if graduate teaches in specifiedsubjects or areas of the state.

    Students mustcompleteapplication

    South CarolinaTeachingFellows

    $6000 per year(dependent onSC Lotteryrevenue)

    South Carolina Commission onHigher Educationwww.cerra.org

    Full-time South Carolina residents interested in theteaching profession. Monies can only be applied at11 specific in-state institutions; Applications taken

    9/1 through 12/1 athttp://www.cerra.org/teachingfellows/application.asp

    September 2013

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    xCandidates will have to participate in a mandatoryinterview session on 3/24 if chosen past first round.175 students will be awarded from across the state.

    South CarolinaTuition GrantProgram

    Up to $2600max per year(dependent onSC

    appropriations)

    South Carolina Division of VeteranAffairs(www.oepp.sc.gov/va/benefits.html

    SC residents who attend SC independent, non-profit(private) college on a full-time basis. SC TuitionGrants are based on financial need and merit.Entering freshman must graduate in the top 75% of

    their high school class or score at least 900 SAT/19ACT and 2.0 GPA

    Complete FAFSAas soon afterJanuary 1, 2014as possible

    Tuition Waiversfor children ofVeterans

    Tuition South Carolina Division of VeteranAffairswww.oepp.sc.gov/va/benefits.html

    The qualifying parent of the student must have beena South Carolina resident at the time of entry into themilitary during military service or one year prior totheir childs entry into college.

    Assistance in theform of waivers isprovided toinstitutions.

    ADDITIONAL FEDERAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AIDPROGRAMS

    The U.S. Department of Education student financial aid programs are authorized by the HigherEducation Act of 1965. The programs deliver billions of dollars each year to provide financialassistance for postsecondary education. These programs provided approximately $63 billion inaid to 9.5 million people.

    ROBERT C. BYRD HONORS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - Under the Byrd Program whichrecognizes and promotes student excellence and achievement, the Department of Education

    makes grants to states to provide scholarships to exceptionally able postsecondary students.If you are interested in this program, you must follow the application procedures establishedby the sponsoring state education agency. Byrd Scholars are awarded a determined amounteach year (not to exceed the cost of attendance) for each of the first four years of study atany college. In South Carolina the Byrd Program is administered by

    South Carolina Department of Education1100 Rutledge Building1429 Senate StreetColumbia, SC 29201TEL: (803) 734- 8116

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    VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM - This program provides student aid fordisabled persons through programs administered by state vocational rehabilitation agencies.You must meet state eligibility criteria for this program, and this aid must be coordinated withstudent aid from other sources to prevent duplication of benefits. You are most likely toreceive the maximum assistance by contacting, as early as possible, the state agency and

    financial aid offices at the schools you plan to attend.

    FEDERAL INCOME TAX CREDITS - Two federal income tax credits are now available forhigher education expenses.

    The HOPE Scholarship, a tax credit worth up to $1500 per student per year, isavailable to first-year and second-year students who are enrolled at least half time.The Lifetime Learning Credit is a tax credit up to $1000 (equal to 20 percent of afamilys annual tuition expenses up to $5000) for virtually any postsecondaryeducation and training, including subsequent undergraduate years, graduate andprofessional schools, and less than half-time study.

    You can learn more information about these income tax credits by accessing the InternalRevenue Services Web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov.

    FAFSAYou and your parents hold the primary responsibility for financing your college education;therefore, it is important that you agree on how much you can afford to spend on college. Theaverage annual college cost can range from $10,000 (public) per year to over $40,000 (private)per year and college costs continue to increase each year. Remember, the fees cited in many ofthe college catalogues and view books do not include the total cost - tuition, fees, books,supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. You and your parents need toexplore all types of financial aid and the first place to investigate is the financial aid office at thecollege you are planning to attend. It is well worth your time to visit or to call because eachcolleges financial aid office can administer funds from the federal and/or state governments andfrom scholarship and grant foundations.

    Here are some steps to follow:

    1. Apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov in the spring of your senior year. Students andparents/guardians must both apply for a PIN before the FAFSA application can becompleted. This can be obtained by visiting http://www.pin.ed.gov/ Your parents willneed to begin organizing their W2 forms and tax return information.

    NOTE: Completing a FAFSA is extremely important. You must submit a FAFSA in order to beconsidered for any federal financial aid and for most of the aid offered by individual states.Regardless of the number of colleges to which you apply, you need to complete only oneFAFSA. The FAFSA is a federal form that asks for information on income and assets from both

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    you and your parents. Approximately 1 week after you have completed your FAFSA application,you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). A copy of your SAR is also sent to the colleges youdesignated on your FAFSA. Your SAR will tell you your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).The EFC is the amount that you and your parents are expected to be able afford to pay for youreducation the next year based on the earnings you reported. If the cost of the college is morethan your EFC, you have a financial need and will be eligible for financial aid. This aid may comein the form of loans.

    2. Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Check all of yourresponses, for if there are any errors, your FAFSA will be returned to you. Aid isgenerally awarded on a first come, first serve basis; therefore, it is important thatyou complete this form quickly. (Federal tax returns need to be completed but notnecessarily filed before completing the FAFSA.) Even if you and your parents feel thatyou will not qualify for any need-based aid because of income, you should still completethe FAFSA. Many colleges and organizations often want it verified that students areineligible for federal or state aid before they will award institutional and/or private funds.Some loan programs also require the FAFSA. Always make a copy of your completedFAFSA.

    3. Complete the PROFILE if it is required by your college or scholarship program. The

    CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is not an application, but a supplemental need analysisdocument that is used to determine eligibility for private funds and institutional aid. Youwill receive a PROFILE acknowledgment once your application has been processed bythe College Scholarship Service (CSS). You can register for the PROFILE on-line or youcan get a PROFILE from the guidance office or from your colleges financial aid office.

    After all of the forms have been submitted, the colleges financial aid office will review theinformation from your FAFSA and will determine your eligibility for financial aid. It will then sendyou a financial award letter. If the college cost is still beyond your financial means, you may wantto investigate loans. Lending institutions provide Stafford loans to students and PLUS loans toparents. Work-Study programs are also available. As stated earlier, financial aid packages canconsist of a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, etc

    NONFEDERAL SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AIDThere are many nonfederal sources of financial aid information - state, private, and college. Youshould contact the South Carolina state agencies for information about state programs. Youmight also qualify for a private grant or scholarship for academic achievement, religious affiliation,ethnic or racial heritage, community activities, artistic talents, leadership potential, athletic ability,proposed field of study, or hobbies, and special interests.

    You can get free scholarship and search services information at www.finaid.org and college-scholarships.com/100college.htm.

    WWW.FASTWEB.COMis also another website students can utilize to find information aboutprivate and national scholarships. Students are usually asked to answer questions aboutthemselves and their interests and this information is used to determine what scholarships the

    student may qualify for. The website then emails the student about those scholarships and how toapply.

    OTHER FINANCIAL AID SOURCES

    The Greenville County Library and Greers media center have books with various scholarshipand grants listed.

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    Many businesses and industries offer scholarships to children of employees. Check outthese scholarships in their Human Resources office.

    If you have a part-time job, check with your employer. There may be scholarships available.

    Civic clubs, fraternities, sororities, foundations, and churches may offer scholarships. Checkwith your local newspaper, grocery store bulletin boards, church bulletins, etc.

    Uncle Sam may be another option. You may want him as much as he wants you! Checkwith your local recruitment offices.

    College financial aid officers. They are the authorities on financial aid at their particularinstitutions. Discuss your financial situation with them.

    SCOIS is a computer program located in the library which provides information aboutfinancial aid oppor