1. West Florence High School
Senior Group Guidance
Mrs. Raniszewsk = A—F
Mr. Littlefield = G – L
Ms. Smith = M - R
Ms. Booker = S—Z

2. Career Counselors
Aundres Perkins (A-F) Linda Williams (G-L) Janice Howard (M-R) Kimberlyn Jackson (S-Z)

3. Topics Discussed Review Senior Information Packet
Graduation Senior Check Form
Transcript/Work in Progress/Grade Point Average (GPA)
Graduation Requirements/ SC Four Year College Admission Requirements
ACT/SAT (Dates and Cost)
Steps for Applying to College/Scholarships
College Application Process… Apply Online
Request transcript…. $1.00 for EACH transcript requested
NCAA Application….Apply online
State Colleges/Private Colleges/Technical Colleges
Financial Aid: Scholarships, Grants, Loans…..FAFSA
Other factors and reminders: Social Media: addresses, phone greetings, phone messages; Discipline, attendance
SC College & University Directory
Websites to explore

4. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Subject Units Required
English/Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
US History & Constitution 1.0
Economics
US Government .5
Other Social Studies
Physical Education or JROTC 1.0
Computer Science
Foreign Language* OR 1.0
Career and Technical Education**
Electives
TOTAL
NOTE: All students must complete a health requirement prior to high school graduation.

5. Florence District One Honor Graduates
DEMOGRAPHICS
Your diploma will be ordered based off of this spelling.
Florence District One Honor Graduates
Honor graduates are determined using a weighted grading scale. The valedictorian and salutatorian of each senior class will be recognized during the graduation ceremony. Honor graduates will be recognized at graduation ceremonies, in alphabetical order by the category, as follows:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARS OR HIGHER
DOUBLE CORD GRADUATES TO
SINGLE CORD GRADUATES TO
High School COMPLETED Courses
Courses you are taking this year
The SC UGP & Rank is the one used.
Credits Earned
GPA & Rank

6. College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Requirements Effective Date: Academic Year Entering College Freshmen  
4 units of English
4 units of Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and a math higher than Algebra 2. If you took Algebra 1 part A and B, then you must take Geometry, Algebra 2, and a math higher than Algebra 2.
3 units of lab sciences: TWO units MUST be taken in different fields in biology, chemistry, or physics. Physical Science is NOT a lab science, but it DOES count for high school.
3 units of Social Studies: MUST include 1 unit of US History, ½ unit of Economics, and ½ unit of American Government. The third social study can be: World Geography, World History, European History AP, Psychology, & Sociology.
2 units of the SAME foreign language: Check with the college of your choice to find out if they require three units.
1 unit of PE or ROTC
1 unit of Fine Arts
1 unit of academic elective: a computer class beyond basic keyboarding is STRONGLY recommended, but an additional unit in any of the above courses (except PE or ROTC) will count. Check with your college of choice for the final determination for this requirement!!! Colleges will vary in what they will accept.

7. General Eligibility Requirements SC HOPE, LIFE & Palmetto Fellows Scholarship SC Need-based Grant Lottery Tuition Assistance
US Citizen/Legal Permanent Resident*
SC Resident*
No felony convictions
No second or subsequent alcohol/drug misdemeanors
Not in default of any state or federal loans
Enroll in a degree-seeking program at an eligible SC institution
*this must be determined at the time of high school graduation.

8. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
Eligibility:
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on the SC UGP
Earn a score of 1200 SAT (Critical Reading and Math) OR 27 ACT (Composite)
Ranked in the top 6% of class at the end of the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade OR
Cumulative GPA of 4.0 on the SC UGP
Earn a score of 1400 SAT (Critical Reading and Math) OR 32 ACT (Composite)
Award Amount: up to $6,700 toward the cost of attendance at an eligible 4 year college
Renewal Criteria: Minimum of 3.0 GPA and 30 credit hours for each academic year
Term Limit: scholarship is good for 8 consecutive terms (4 years) towards first bachelor’s degree
APPLICATIONS ARE REQUIRED DURING YOUR SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR IF YOU MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS.

12. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
Life Scholarship
Eligibility: You must meet 2 of the 3 following areas if attending a 4 year college
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the SC UGP
Minimum of 1100 SAT (Critical Reading and Math) OR 24 ACT (Composite)
Ranked in the top 30% of graduating class
Eligibility: If you are planning to attend a 2 year college
Award Amount:
Up to $5,000 per academic year at an eligible 4 year college
Not to exceed the cost of tuition at a 2 year college
Renewal Criteria:
3.0 LIFE GPA and 30 credit hours for each academic year
Term Limit: scholarship is good for 8 consecutive terms (4 years) towards first bachelor’s degree at a 4 year college OR 2 consecutive terms (1 year) for a certificate or diploma program at a 2 year college OR 4 consecutive terms (2 years) for an associate’s degree at a 2 year college
THERE IS NO APPLICATION PROCESS. THE COLLEGE WILL NOTIFY YOU IF YOU RECEIVE THE LIFE SCHOLARSHIP.

16. Scholarship Enhancements
Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarships ONLY
Eligible the Sophomore Year of college
You MUST declare a major in the FRESHMAN YEAR
Majors eligible for enhancements are: Math and Science fields
You MUST complete 14 credit hours within the math and science fields during your FRESHMAN year of college. Hours can be combined within the fields.
Enhancement monies may be awarded up to 6 consecutive terms
LIFE Scholarship maximum award is $7500, which cannot exceed cost of attendance
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship maximum is $10,000, which cannot exceed cost of attendance
For further information, please go to the South Carolina Commission of High Education

19. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
SC Hope Scholarship
Eligibility:
Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP
Award Amount:
Up to $2,800 toward the cost of attendance at an eligible 4 year college
Renewal Criteria:
Is only good for the FRESHMAN year!!
In order to receive the LIFE scholarship in the sophomore year, you must earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 30 credit hours
Term Limit:
2 consecutive terms (1 year)
THERE IS NO APPLICATION PROCESS.
THE COLLEGE WILL REVIEW THE FINAL TRANSCRIPT.

20. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
Eligibility: SC HOPE to LIFE
After 1st year at an eligible SC 4-year college or university:
Earn 30 credit hours PLUS 3.0 LIFE GPA
EQUALS LIFE Scholarship
SC HOPE
LIFE

21. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
SC Needs-Based Grant
Eligibility:
No minimum GPA
Must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year and be determined as “needy” based on Title IV.
Award Amount:
Up to $2,500 for a full time student toward the cost of attendance at an eligible 2 or 4 year college
Up to $1,250 for a part time student toward the cost of attendance at an eligible 2 or 4 year college
Renewal Criteria:
Complete the FAFSA every year.
Term Limit:
8 full time terms or its equivalent

22. South Carolina Scholarship and Grants Program
Lottery Tuition Assistance Program (LTAP)
Eligibility:
No minimum GPA
Must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Award Amount:
$100/Credit hour up to $1,200 for full time
Renewal Criteria:
Complete the FAFSA every year.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Enrolled as a degree seeking student at on of the: 16 technical schools, 2-year USC satellite campuses, or Spartanburg Methodist College.

23. SC Tuition Grants Program NEED-BASED GRANTS AWARDED TO QUALIFIED SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS WHO ATTEND ELIGIBLE SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES
Must apply annually by submitting the “free application for federal student aid” (FAFSA), available on the internet at The FAFSA will determine your eligibility
ANNUAL APPLICATION RECEIPT DEADLINE OF JUNE 30 This is a FIRM deadline!!!
Notification of awards by to all applicants listing valid addresses on their FAFSA. 
Grants available for full-time, undergraduate students only who are working on first 4 year degree
Freshmen must graduate in top 75% of high school class or score at least 900 on sat or at least 19 on act or graduate from high school with at least a 2.0 GPA on the SC UGP
Upperclassmen must pass a minimum of 24 credit hours annually and meet the college’s federal satisfactory academic progress requirements. AP/Dual enrollment credits from high school are allowed to count towards this requirement during the freshman year only.
NAMES & LOCATIONS OF ELIGIBLE COLLEGES
Allen University, Columbia Furman University, Greenville
 Anderson University, Anderson Limestone College, Gaffney
  Benedict College, Columbia Morris College, Sumter
 Bob Jones University, Greenville Newberry College, Newberry
 Charleston Southern University, Charleston North Greenville University, Tigerville
  Claflin University, Orangeburg Presbyterian College, Clinton
  Coker College, Hartsville Southern Wesleyan University, Central
  Columbia College, Columbia Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg
Columbia International University, Columbia Voorhees College, Denmark
Converse College, Spartanburg Wofford College, Spartanburg
Erskine College, Due West

24. Teaching Fellowship by CERRA
Do you want to become a teacher?
Criteria
A desire to teach in South Carolina
A high school senior
Exhibit high academic achievement
Only 200 seniors will qualify for the scholarship. Students will receive up to $24,000 in yearly scholarships (up to $6,000 a year for four years) while they complete a degree leading to teaching licensure.
A Teaching Fellows recipient agrees to teach in SC public school one year for every year they receive the Fellowship.
Teaching Fellowship Schools
*Anderson University * Charleston Southern University
*College Of Charleston *Lander University
*University of South Carolina *Columbia College
* Coastal Carolina University *Winthrop University
*Francis Marion University * University of South Carolina Aiken
* University of South Carolina Upstate
APPLY ONLINE AT:

25. Call Me MISTER Program
The Call Me MISTER program combines the special strengths and resources of Clemson University with the individualized instructional programs offered by several colleges and universities in SC.
Students have the option of first attending one of the 2 year partner colleges before transferring to one of the 4 year institutions.
Call Me MISTER Participating Colleges
Anderson University Benedict College Claflin University Clemson University
College of Charleston Coastal Carolina University Greenville Technical College
Lander University Horry Georgetown Technical College Limestone College
Midlands Technical College Morris College Piedmont Technical College
Newbery College SC State University Southern Wesleyan University
Tri-County Technical College Trident Technical College USC Beaufort
Winthrop University
For more information, contact: Toll-free or at

26. NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
NCAA Eligibility Center will need your transcripts and SAT/ACT Scores
The high school will send your transcript ONCE you bring $1.00 to the school counselor
You must send your test scores DIRECTLY from the testing agency to the Eligibility Center

28. High School Dual Credit Procedures
Students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA
Students must have an SAT/ACT or ACCU PLACER test score
Students must obtain permission from guidance
For FDTC Dual Credit: Apply online at as a General Studies Certificate program student.
For FMU Patriot College: Complete the paper dual credit application
Schedule classes
Bring receipt of class schedule to your counselor
All grades earned in Dual Credit courses will be entered in the student’s high school grade history and will be reflected in the student’s overall GPA.
Dual Enrollment Questions
FDTC: Please see Ms. Prosser on Mondays or Wednesdays or
FMU Patriot College: Contact Anna Todd at or
You must send your official transcript reflecting all dual enrolled course credits to the college you will be attending.

29. Salute and Save with the Military
Contact these websites or your local recruiter’s office for further information.
ASVAB will be administered on November 7th. Sign up with Mrs. Williams on the Vocational Hall.

30. SAT vs. ACT ACT: SAT: $46.00 No Writing $60.00 With Writing
ACT:
$42.50 with No Writing
$58.50 for Plus Writing

32. SAT & ACT TESTING GUIDELINES
You will be required to upload a valid, acceptable photo when you register.
Example of Acceptable photo Example of Unacceptable photo
Must be clear, properly focused and correctly exposed
Must be taken in full-face view, directly facing the camera
Must match how you will look on the day of the test and in your photo ID
YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY IF YOUR PHOTO DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS!!!

33. Senior Reminders
Make sure your applications are complete. Admission decisions can be delayed for incomplete applications.
SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies to your colleges of choice as well as the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Look for scholarship and grant opportunities. Check out the internet for options. Do you have a FASTWEB, SCHOLARSHIP, or a HIGHFIVE account? ( , & )
FAFSA opens in October 2017 and you must use your most recent filed taxes. Taxes must be completed before the FAFSA can be filed. Parents & students must create an FSA ID in order to electronically sign the student FAFSA.
Visit the colleges. Call the admissions office to schedule a visit. Attend the Open House dates that are offered. If you miss school for a college visit, it is still counted as an UNEXCUSED absence.
Do well in your class and stay out of trouble so that you can EXEMPT your exams.
PLEASE keep a list of ALL scholarships that you are OFFERED!! The amounts will be included in the final 2018 graduating class report.

34. Upcoming events
College Application Day is October 13th. Representatives will be here to help you complete college applications online. You can make your appointment with Mrs. Raniszewski. Appointment deadline is October 11th. If you have used an SAT/ACT
testing fee waiver, your college application fees can also be waived. Some college application fees will be waived ONLY on this day by the college. See your School Counselor for further details.

35. College Application Day 2017 October 13, 2017 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

36. Seniors will receive College Application Worksheets
Seniors will receive College Application Worksheets. Seniors are suggested to complete the college application worksheets before making an appointment. Bring this with you at your appointment time.

37. Bring any required essays with you on College Application Day.
College of Charleston
Applicants are required to submit one of the following short essays. There is a space for you to submit your essay on the online application (please do not send your essay to us separately from the online application) words.
Option 1: Choose your own topic. Use an academic writing sample that highlights creativity and innovation, or provide a response to a universal essay topic.
Option 2: The College of Charleston community is a family. We foster a culture of inclusion and celebrate diversity. Explain a situation in which you helped an outsider feel welcome.  
Option 3: “To Know Thyself” is what the College of Charleston experience is all about. At the College, you'll receive a powerful education in a modern, complex city. In this ever evolving environment, every opportunity will be available to you. How will you evolve? What will you discover about yourself that you'll inevitably impart and share with the world? 

38. Final Exit IGP Conference All seniors must have a final IGP conference
Final Exit IGP Conference All seniors must have a final IGP conference. This will be conducted by your counselor. During this exit IGP conference, students and parents can review the college application process, scholarship opportunities, and questions and concerns. An invitation letter will be mailed out once senior group guidance sessions are complete.

39. Please check the West Florence High School Counseling website, for this Senior Group Guidance Presentation as well as other VERY informative information.