College Guidance

Welcome

Welcome to the College Guidance page of SCS.  This page is a directory for contacts as well as a quick overview of college preparation.  Our goal at SCS is to prepare each student for what God may be equipping them to do.  We also desire that the process to pursue further education is simplified through how we prepare students.  Please utilize the following resources to help navigate the next stage of education.  We look forward to helping you in this process.  


If you have questions about Guidance, please contact our Guidance Team:


Academic Scheduling Kelly Taylor
College Applications Brian P.
College Athletics Kelly Taylor
College Planning Kelly Taylor
CFNC Liaison Brian P.
Graduation Academic Requirement Kelly Taylor
Graduation Ceremony Marsha Robbins
Scholarship Information Brian P.
Student Records Marsha Robbins
Testing:  
    Includes: PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, Special Needs Janine Bowman
Transcripts Marsha Robbins

Click on these links for grade-level guidelines for your student:

Freshman College Track
Sophomore College Track
Junior College Track
Senior College Track
College Application Planning Calendar

News

The next available test date for the ACT is October 27, 2012.  You may still register until October 5, 2012, but a late registration fee is required at this point. You may register online at www.act.org  or pick up a registration form from Mrs. Hansen in the Elementary Building.

The next available SAT is November 3, 2012, with a registration deadline of October 4, 2012. (You may register by October 19, 2012, but will be required to pay a late fee.)  The last SAT test in 2012 will be held on December 1, 2012, with a registration deadline of November 1, 2012. (You may register by November 16, 2012, but will be required to pay a late fee.)  You may register online at the College Board website or pick up a hard copy of the form from Mrs. Hansen in the Elementary Building.

2012/2013 Test Dates are as follows:

ACT:
  • December 8, 2012, with a registration deadline of November 2, 2012. (Late registration for a fee is from November 3, 2012 through November 16, 2012.)
  • February 9, 2013, with a registration deadline of January 11, 2013. (Late registration for a fee is from January 12 through January 18, 2013.)
  • April 13, 2013, with a registration deadline of March 8, 2012. (Late registration for a fee is from March 9 through March 22, 2012.)
  • June 8, 2013, with a registration deadline of May 3, 2013. (Late registration for a fee is May 5 through May 18, 2012.)
SAT:
  • November 3, 2012, with a registration deadline of October 4, 2012. (Late registration for a fee is October 19, 2012.)
  • December 1, 2012, with a registration deadline of November 1, 2012. (Late registration for a fee is November 16, 2012.)
  • January 26, 2013, with a registration deadline of December 28, 2012. (Late registration for a fee is January 11, 2013.)
  • March 9, 2013 - this is the SAT only test. The registration deadline is February 8, 2013. (Late registration for a fee is February 22, 2013.)
  • May 4, 2013, with a registration deadline of April 5, 2013. (Late registration for a fee is April 19, 2013.)
  • June 1, 2013, with a registration deadline of May 2, 2013. (Late registration for a fee is May 17, 2013.)


Freshman

What can I do to be sure my FRESHMAN is on track for college?
  • Encourage participation in extra-curricular and service oriented activities - colleges want to see involvement.
    • Participate in sports, music, drama, scouts, work – demonstrate long-term commitment.
    • Demonstrate leadership – class offices, clubs, mentoring/tutoring, scouting, other church/community opportunities.
    • Provide service to others (school, church, community)
    • If possible, gain foreign experience – mission trips, travel, Winterim opportunities.
  • Maintain a file of documentation of all extra-curricular activities for later reference.
  • It is important for students to challenge themselves academically and otherwise – colleges like to see this.
  • Encourage academic excellence and good study skills.

Sophomore

What can I do to be sure my SOPHOMORE is on track for college?
  • Continue participation in and documentation of extra-curricular and service-oriented activities.
  • Continue to encourage academic excellence and good study skills.
  • Check the College Board  or ACT website for information on administration/registration dates and preparation opportunities. The College Board website has many helpful tools for gathering information about colleges and preparing for college.
  • Discuss career interests with your student, and investigate which colleges/universities offer the necessary programs for entry into those areas.
  • Compile a list of colleges/universities to visit in the upcoming year.
  • Learn how to register with the NCAA clearinghouse if your student may wish to play sports at an NCAA school.  Investigate eligibility requirements for playing sports at an NCAA school. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY MIDDLE OF JUNIOR YEAR.

Junior

What can I do to be sure my JUNIOR is on track for college?
  • Continue participation in and documentation of extra-curricular and service oriented activities.
  • Continue to encourage academic excellence and good study skills.
  • Be sure your student’s academic scheduling is geared toward graduation and college entrance requirements. Colleges like to see honors and AP classes.
  • Check the College Board  or ACT website for information on administration/registration dates and preparation opportunities. The College Board website has many helpful tools for gathering information about colleges and preparing for college.
  • Discuss career interests with your student, and investigate which colleges/universities offer the necessary programs for entry into those areas.
  • Visit colleges and universities of interest and begin selection of places to apply.
  • Register with the NCAA clearinghouse and learn eligibility requirements for playing sports at an NCAA school. REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY MID-YEAR.
  • Investigate information about scholarships and application deadlines.

Senior

What can I do to be sure my SENIOR is ready for college?
  • Continue participation in and documentation of extra-curricular and service oriented activities.
  • Continue to encourage academic excellence and good study skills.
  • Be sure your student’s academic scheduling is geared toward graduation and college entrance requirements. Colleges like to see honors and AP classes.
  • Check the College Board or ACT website for information on administration/registration dates and preparation opportunities. The College Board website has many helpful tools for gathering information about colleges and preparing for college.
  • Discuss career interests with your student, and investigate which colleges/universities offer the necessary programs for entry into those areas.
  • Select colleges/universities to which you wish to apply. Check college websites for application deadlines and apply in a timely manner.
  • Investigate information about scholarships and application deadlines.

College Application Planning Calendar

  • Spring/Summer Before Senior Year:
    • Visit colleges of interest – meet with an admissions representative and perhaps a professor in the department you are interested in as a major.
    • Put together a rough draft of your activities resume (activities, accomplishments, awards, honors, work experience, community service, etc.).
    • Determine application deadlines for colleges and scholarships for which you may wish to apply.
    • Register to take the SAT/ACT if you need to.
  • September:
    • Meet with a guidance officer to discuss college plans and review your transcript.
    • Determine which colleges to which you will apply and get started on applications. Early decision deadlines are usually in November.
    • Be working on college essays.  Think of something that will make you “stand out” from other applicants.
    • Ask teachers, pastors, mentors, employers, etc. for letters of recommendation.  Allow plenty of time for the individual to meet your deadlines. Provide addressed and stamped envelopes along with any required forms.  A follow up written thank-you is always nice.
    • Double check to be sure colleges have received all SAT and AP scores.
  • November:
    • Submit early decision/early action applications on time. Make copies of applications before sending (print online applications before submitting).
    • Finalize essays/resumes.  Proofread carefully and get input from an appropriate individual (i.e. teacher, parent).
    • Check to be sure letters of recommendation are sent.
    • If a college has “rolling admission” (decisions are made as applications are received) apply as early as possible.
    • If you take the SAT or ACT, be sure scores are sent to the appropriate schools.
  • December:
    • Complete all college applications.  Print or copy prior to submitting. Contact the financial aid office at the colleges on your list to see what financial aid forms they require.
  • January:
    • Have SCS send first semester grades to colleges that require a mid-year grade report.
    • As soon as parents’ tax returns are completed, file the FAFSA (Federal Financial Aid Form).
    • If you receive any college acceptance letters read them carefully – some may require a response on your part.
  • February:
    • Check with colleges to confirm that all necessary application materials have been received (many times this can be done online).
    • Continue to perform well academically and behaviorally.  Colleges want you to finish strong, and many will withdraw their acceptance if you fail senior courses or get into trouble.
    • Prepare for any AP tests you may be planning to take in May.
  • March:
    • Read college acceptance letters carefully and follow up with any responses required.
  • April:
    • Choose the college you will attend and respond according to the directions in their acceptance letter.  Most schools have a May 1 enrollment deadline.
    • Notify schools you choose not to attend of your decision to open a spot for another student.

Helpful College Preparatory Links

Contact Us

we would love to hear from you... anytime!
1210 Museum Road • Statesville, NC 28625 • Phone: 704.873.9511