Brent Snipes (brentsnipes@pickens.k12.sc.us ) 10-12 A – G

Lauren Blackston (laurenblackston@pickens.k12.sc.us )10-12 H -

R

Amy Moore (amymoore@pickens.k12.sc.us ) 10-12 S – Z

Chris Martin (chrismartin@pickens.k12.sc.us ) Entire Grade 9

Table of Contents

South Carolina Graduation/ Diploma Requirements page 1

Public Four Year College Requirements page 2

NCAA Eligibility Requirements page 3

Transcript Release Procedures page 4-5

SC Merit-Based Scholarships & Grants page 6-7

Procedures & Suggestions for Applications page 8

Creating an “Educational Resume” page 9

Recommendation Request Form (to copy & use as needed) page 10

Current SAT & ACT Registration Information page 11

Graduation Requirement Worksheet page 12

Important Web Sites

www.pin.ed.gov Register for Personal Identification Number (PIN) used to sign FAFSA

www.fafsa.ed.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid website

www.studentaid.ed.gov A student’s guide to Federal Student Aid

www.sctuitiongrants.com The SC Tuition Grant for private schools

www.fastweb.com A very large search engine for scholarships

www.actstudent.org ACT registration website

www.collegeboard.org SAT registration website

www.Collegenet.com College search and information

www.scstudentloan.org SC Student Loan Corporation

www.cerra.org/fellows SC Teaching Fellows

www.che.sc.gov The SC Commission for Higher Education/ SC scholarship info

www.SCOIS.com South Carolina Occupational Information System

www.scpathways.org SC Personal Pathways/ Electronic Individual Graduation Plans

www.commonapp.org One application that can be customized for several schools

www.sctrac.org Shows where college courses (ex. dual credit) will transfer

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

REQUIREMENTS

For a public school student to receive a South Carolina High School Diploma, the

student must meet the following requirements: complete a minimum of twenty-four units of credit as prescribed; and,

meet the standard on all subtests of the Exit Examination- HSAP*** (High School Assessment Program), in addition to passing all required courses.

The prescribed unit requirements for a South Carolina High School Diploma

are as follows:

English/Language arts 4 units Mathematics 4 units

Science 3 units* U.S. History and Constitution 1 unit

Economics .5 unit U.S. Government .5 unit

Other social studies 1 unit Physical Education or (JROTC) 1 unit

Computer Science 1 unit

Foreign language or Career and Technology Education 1 unit** Electives 7 units

--------- 24 UNITS

STUDENTS LACKING ANY OF THE ABOVE REQUIRED COURSES MAY NOT

PARTICIPATE IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, BUT WILL BE GIVEN INFORMATION REGARDING SUMMER COMPLETION OPPORTUNITY.

* Beginning with the graduating class of 2010, the student must pass a high school

science course in which an end-of course examination is administered.

** For a student going directly to a University upon graduation and who is enrolled in a College Prep program to meet SC college requirements, a unit must be earned in foreign language (most four-year colleges/universities require at least two years of the

same foreign language). All other students may take any Career and Technology Education course. Technical Colleges do NOT require completion of a foreign language

course to be admitted. *** Students must pass an English (ELA) section and a mathematics section of the

HSAP test to receive a SC diploma. The test is given twice during the school year (once in October - once in April) and students take it for the first time in

the spring of their second year in high school. Students not passing one or both parts of the test, yet completing all of the above required credits, MAY participate in the graduation ceremonies, but will receive a certificate of

attendance until passage of the HSAP examination is successful.

SC PUBLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

EFFECTIVE DATE: ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012

Entering College Freshmen

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

components, at least one must be in English literature, and at least one must be in American literature.

Completion of College Preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet this criterion.

FOUR UNITS OF MATHEMATICS: These include Algebra I (for which Applied Mathematics I

and II may count together as a substitute if a student successfully completes Algebra II), Algebra II, and

Geometry. A fourth higher-level mathematics course should be selected from among Algebra

III/trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, statistics, discrete mathematics or a capstone mathematics

course and should be taken during the senior year.

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

and selected from among biology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field as one

of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) or from any laboratory science for which biology

and/or chemistry is a prerequisite. Courses in earth science, general physical science, or introductory or

general environmental science for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite will not meet this

requirement. It is strongly recommended that students take physical science (taught as a laboratory

science) as a prerequisite to the three required units of laboratory science outlined in the section.

It is also strongly recommended that students desiring to pursue careers in science, math,

engineering, or technology take one course in all three fields.

TWO (*sometimes three) UNITS OF THE SAME FOREIGN LANGUAGE

THREE UNITS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE: One unit of U.S. History is required; a half unit of

Economics and a half unit in Government are strongly recommended.

ONE UNIT OF FINE ARTS: One unit in appreciation of, History of, or Performance in one of the fine

arts.

ELECTIVES: One unit must be taken as an elective. A college preparatory course in Computer Science

(i.e., one involving significant programming content, not simply known as keyboarding) is strongly

recommended for this elective. Other acceptable electives include college preparatory courses in English,

Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, social science, humanities, laboratory Science (excluding earth science,

general physical science, general environmental science or other introductory science courses for which

biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite), or Mathematics above the level of Algebra II.

ONE UNIT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OR ROTC

*(Check individual schools for requirements in this area.)

THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE REQUIRED AT PRIVATE

COLLEGES AND/OR THOSE NECESSARY AT SCHOOLS OUTSIDE SC.

NCAA FRESHMAN-ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS

** It is the student’s responsibility to know and meet requirements for college eligibility! Check with coaches and go to NCAA website early and often! http://web1ncaa.org (Counselors will assist as notified and needed.) Core Courses NCAA Division I requires 16 core courses as of August 1, 2008. This rule applies to any student first entering any Division I

college or university on or after August 1, 2008. See the chart below for the breakdown of this 16 core-course requirement. NCAA Division II requires 14 core courses. See the breakdown of core-course requirements below. Please note, Division II will

require 16 core courses beginning August 1, 2013.

Test Scores Division I has a sliding scale for test score and grade-point average. The sliding scale for those requirements is shown on page

two of this sheet. Division II has a minimum SAT score requirement of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68.

The SAT score used for NCAA purposes includes only the critical reading and math sections. The writing section of the SAT is

not used. The ACT score used for NCAA purposes is a sum of the four sections on the ACT: English, mathematics, reading and science.

All SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency. Test scores that appear on transcripts will not be used. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center.

Grade-Point Average Only core courses are used in the calculation of the grade-point average. Be sure to look at your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses on the Eligibility Center's Web site to make certain that

courses being taken have been approved as core courses. The Web site is www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Division I grade-point-average requirements are listed on page two of this sheet.

The Division II grade-point-average requirement is a minimum of 2.000.

DIVISION I 16 Core-Course Rule 16 Core Courses:

4 years of English. 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I 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 nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).

DIVISION II 14 Core-Course Rule 14 Core Courses:

3 years of English. 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school). 2 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science. 2 years of social science. 3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy

PLEASE NOTE: Beginning August 1, 2013, students planning to attend an NCAA Division II institution will be required to complete 16 core

courses.

Easley High School

Permission to Release Transcript

Non-electronic Request

When requesting a mailed, official transcript from EHS, this form should be

completed with location information for each transcript requested. It should be

signed and given to the guidance office registrar along with a $3.00 fee per

transcript. (Scholarship transcripts are excluded from fee requirement.) The form

will then be filed and any further transcript requests can be added to this sheet

upon request and payment.

I/We, _______________________, give Easley High School permission

(print student’s full name)

to release transcript(s) to the following:

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

______________________________pd __ Rec’d ____ Mailed _____

_____________________ ____________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE PARENT SIGNATURE

(Required if student is less than 18years of age.)

RELEASE OF ELECTRONIC TRANSCRIPT

Procedures for District Approved Request of an E-TRANSCRIPT

I. Creating an Account: 1) Go to www.parchment.com 2) On the menu bar click on “Sign In”. 3) Complete e-mail information. 4) Create a password and answer secret questions. Click “Save & Continue”. 5) Enter your personal identifying information. You will see a notification saying an e-mail will arrive soon. Select “Continue”. 7) You will be directed to “Get Started”. 8) You will be asked to search for your school. Type in Easley High School. Click “Save & Continue”. 9) You will then need to enter your student ID and last 4 digits of your SS #. 10) You will have to electronically sign for the request to be complete.

There is also a link on the School District of Pickens County website under “students”,

OR students may follow the procedures above to have

transcripts sent electronically.

SOUTH CAROLINA MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

LIFE SCHOLARSHIP The General Assembly established the Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Program in 1998 to increase access to higher education, improve employability of South Carolina’s students, provide incentives for students to be better prepared for college, and to encourage students to graduate from college on time. Eligible full-time students may receive the following:

♦ Up to $5000. (including a $300 book allowance) each

academic year toward the cost of attendance at an eligible four year institution in S.C. Funding limited to eight (8) consecutive terms for the first bachelor’s degree or ten (10) consecutive terms for the first approved five-year bachelor’s degree OR

♦ Up to the cost of tuition plus a $300 book allowance each

academic year at an eligible technical college in S.C. At the eligible two-year public and independent institutions in the State, students may receive up to the cost of tuition at the USC’s Regional Campuses. Funding limited to two (2) consecutive terms for the first one-year program or four (4) consecutive terms for the first associate's degree program or a two-year program that is acceptable as full credit toward a bachelor’s degree. Initial Eligibility at Four-year Institutions: Students must meet two of the following three criteria: 1. Earn at a least a 3.0 cumulative GPA based on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) upon high school graduation 2. Rank in the top 30 percent of the graduating class 3. Score at least 1100 on the SAT (or 24 on the ACT) through June of the senior year. For the SAT, only the Math and Critical Reading subsection scores can be used. Initial Eligibility at Two-year Institutions:

♦ Graduate from high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative

GPA based on the SC UGP Additional Eligibility Requirements:

♦ Must be SC residents at the time of high school graduation

and college enrollment

♦ Must not be recipients of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship,

SC HOPE Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance within the same academic year

♦ Must meet all general eligibility criteria

There is no separate application required for the LIFE Scholarship. The eligible institution will notify students if they qualify for the Scholarship. This will be evident upon receipt of final transcript and testing information sent to the institution upon application.

PALMETTO FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP The General Assembly established the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program in 1988 to retain academically talented high school graduates in the State through awards based on merit. Full-time students awarded the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship who attend an eligible four-year institution in the State may be eligible for the following:

♦ Freshman may receive up to $6,700 during the first year of

college enrollment . Sophomores, juniors and seniors may receive up to $7,500 per year

♦ The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship must be applied directly

toward the cost of attendance, less any other gift aid received

♦ Assuming continued eligibility, the Palmetto Fellows

Scholarship is limited to eight (8) consecutive terms for the first bachelor’s degree program or ten (10) consecutive terms for the first approved five-year bachelor’s degree program. Initial Eligibility Requirements: Applications for early awards must be submitted to the Commission on Higher Education for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship by the date established in December each academic year. High school seniors may apply if they meet one of the two following sets of academic requirements:

♦ Score at least 1200 on the SAT (27 on the ACT)1 by the

November test administration, earn a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA2 on the SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) at the end of the junior year, and rank in the top six percent3 of the class at the end of either the sophomore or the junior year OR

♦ Score at least 1400 on the SAT (32 on the ACT)1 by the

November test administration and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA2 on the SC UGP at the end of the junior year Applications for final awards must be submitted to the Commission on Higher Education for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship by the date established in June each academic year. High school seniors may apply if they meet one of the following sets of academic requirements:

♦ Score at least 1200 on the SAT (27 on the ACT)1 by the June

national test administration of the senior year; earn a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA2 on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year, and rank in the top six percent3 of the class at the end of the sophomore, junior or senior year OR

♦ Score at least 1400 on the SAT (32 on the ACT)1 by the June

national test administration and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA2 on the SC UGP at the end of the senior year

For application information, please contact your high school guidance counselor if you meet the above criteria. 1 The score on the SAT must be calculated by using the highest Math score combined with the highest Critical Reading score (formerly known as the Verbal score). Students cannot use the Writing subsection score to meet the minimum SAT score. 2 GPAs must be reported with at least two decimal places and cannot be rounded. 3

Rank is calculated by multiplying the number in class by six percent. If the result is not a whole number, then round up to the next whole number of students.

LIFE & Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Enhancements Recipients of the Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarships attending eligible four-year institutions in S.C. may qualify for:

♦ Up to $2,500 in additional funds beginning with their

sophomore year

♦ Up to six (6) consecutive terms toward the first bachelor’s

degree or eight (8) consecutive terms toward the first approved five-year bachelor’s degree Eligibility Requirements:

♦ Be a recipient of the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

♦ Earn at least 14 credit hours of instruction in approved

mathematics or life and physical sciences or a combination of both by the end of the first year of college enrollment

♦ Declare an approved major in science or mathematics. For

eligible majors, courses and institutions, visit the Commission’s Web site at www.che.sc.gov.

SC HOPE Scholarship The SC HOPE Scholarship was established under the SC Education Lottery Act in 2001. It is a one-year merit–based Scholarship created for first-time entering freshman attending eligible four-year institutions in S.C. Eligible full-time students may receive the following:

♦ Up to $2,800 (including a $300 book allowance) toward the cost of

attendance

♦ Up to two (2) consecutive terms of funding

Initial Eligibility Requirements:

♦ Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on the SC Uniform

Grading Policy upon high school graduation

♦ Be SC residents at the time of high school graduation and

college enrollment

♦ Not be recipients of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, LIFE

Scholarship or Lottery Tuition Assistance

♦ Meet all general eligibility criteria.

There is no separate application required for the SC HOPE Scholarship. The eligible four-year

institution will notify students if they qualify for the Scholarship.

Lottery Tuition Assistance The Lottery Tuition Assistance Program was established under the SC Education Lottery Act in 2001. Actual award amounts are dependent upon the number of students eligible and the amount of funding available each academic year. Initial Eligibility Requirements:

♦ Must complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year or complete a FASFA Waiver (only available to certain students)

♦ Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a minimum of six credit hours each term

♦ Must not be recipients of a LIFE, Palmetto Fellows or SC HOPE Scholarship during the same academic year (fall, spring or summer terms);

♦ Must not receive Lottery Tuition Assistance for more than one certificate, diploma or degree awarded within any five-year period unless the additional certificate, diploma or degree constitutes progress in the same field of study

♦ Must meet all general eligibility criteria.

SC NEEDS-BASED Grant

The General Assembly established the S.C. Need-based Grant Program in 1996 to provide additional financial assistance to South Carolina’s neediest students. Eligible full-time students may receive the following:

♦ Up to $2,500 per year if enrolled full-time or up to $1,250 per year if enrolled part-time

♦ Up to eight (8) full-time equivalent terms of funding

♦ Foster care youth may receive the maximum award in addition to Need-based Grant funds specifically for foster care youth. Youth must self-identify by May 1st. Initial Eligibility Requirements:

♦ Must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year

♦ Must be enrolled and attending or have completed at the time of the grant disbursement a minimum of six credit hours if part-time or twelve credit hours if full-time for the term

♦ Must meet all general eligibility criteria

Procedures and Suggestions for Applying to Post-Secondary

Schools and Obtaining Scholarships

I. Request Information:

1) Surf websites of colleges. Google will help locate these or use college and scholarship search

engines to help narrow your searches by interest.

2) Call or e-mail the colleges if and when necessary to obtain specific information.

II. College Applications:

1) Complete the application. In most cases, on-line applications are expected.

2) Print off counselor recommendation sheets as requested and bring to our office although the

schools will often send electronic requests to us for completion.

3) Request transcript to be sent to college. This can be done by: a) using Parchment.com (electronic

request –link on EHS and SDPC website), or b) by completing a “Permission to Release Transcript

Form” and paying $5.00 per transcript to the guidance department for submission. (Mrs. Gibson

will accept these and pass transcript to counselor for mailing. Transcript submissions will include

EHS course work in progress - no test scores.)

4) Standardized test scores must be sent to the college directly from the testing agency. (SAT –

collegeboard.org) (ACT – actstudent.org) This is usually done when registering to take the tests, but

can be done on-line after testing for a fee.

5) Colleges are accustomed to receiving all components of an application at separate times. They will

know to render a decision when ALL parts have been received:

1) application, 2)application fee, 3)transcript, 4)test scores. [Other forms may sometimes, not always,

be requested: i.e., counselor page, essay, recommendation…]

III. The Search for Financial Aid:

1) Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after January 1st to determine

eligibility for any federal or state aid and to be allowed to participate in any Work-Study

employment in college. (See link on index page.)

2) Consult the financial aid information opportunities available at the colleges of your choice. (On-line,

catalogs, brochures, or counselors in college financial aid office)

3) Check with your parents’ places of employment and/or any organizations of which you may be

affiliated or familiar.

4) Frequently check the EHS website & join Schoology Scholarship Scoop.

5) Search engines such as Fastweb.com will allow you to tailor your searches and will even send

reminders of upcoming deadlines.

6) READ, PROOFREAD, & READ again before submitting. Check deadlines carefully!

7) Submit a recommendations if appropriate. Utilize a paper request sheet (not just a verbal request)

and give teacher/pastor/employer/counselor a minimum of one (1) week to complete a requested

recommendation.

EDUCATIONAL RESUME

STUDENTS:

It is suggested that a “resume” may be of great benefit to you – especially if you are applying to

smaller schools and/or trying to obtain scholarship money. If an application is required, a form

such as this could add a nice touch. This type of resume includes information based on your high

school experiences.

Any processing program can produce a nice document and the template shown below can be a

guide. Bullets used under the headings look good. They force you to be concise. Too much detail

or narrative writing is time-consuming for the reader(s). One page should be the length limit!

RECOMMENDATION REQUEST

To:____________________

Fr:____________________

Purpose of recommendation/topics to include:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________

Please address the recommendation to the attention of:

_______________________

Form Supplied? _____yes _____ no

Please send/give completed recommendation to _______________________

in the attached envelope (addressed & stamped as needed) BY: ______________.

Thank you very much! (date)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

RECOMMENDATION REQUEST

To:____________________

Fr:____________________

Purpose of recommendation/topics to include:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________

Please address the recommendation to the attention of:

_______________________

Form Supplied? _____yes _____ no

Please send/give completed recommendation to _______________________in the attached envelope

(addressed & stamped as needed) BY: __________________.

Thank you very much! (date)

The ACT and/or the SAT college entrance tests are accepted at all U.S. colleges and universities. The best

test score of the two is used for admission decisions.

Most every school will combine the highest critical reading portion and the highest math portion if there is

more than one sitting of the SAT. (800 is the maximum score for each making 1600 a perfect score w/o

writing.) The writing portion is viewed, but is not used in the total for SC merit-based scholarship monies.

The ACT results in one composite score. (36 is the maximum score.) The ACT can be taken without the

writing portion but at least one writing attempt is necessary if the ACT score is to be considered by

colleges for admission.

EASLEY HIGH SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION (ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR 4 YEAR COLLEGE ADMISSION)

4 year plan 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade 12th grade

English

4 units required

Mathematics

4 units required

Science

3 units required

(1 must contain EOC test -Biology)

Social Studies

3 units required:

1 SS elective 1 US History,

.5 Government /.5 Economics

P E or ROTC

1 unit required

Computer Science

1 unit required

Foreign Language or Career & Technology Class

1 unit required

Electives

7 units required

24 TOTAL UNITS

HSAP (EXIT EXAM)

must be passed