SENIOR NEWS
February 2010
Have you been notified of a scholarship or acceptance into college? Please give Ms. Rangel your letter of acceptance or notification of scholarship. A copy will be posted in the College and Career Center for all to see.
FAFSA
It is now time to complete the FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may use the FAFSA to apply for the HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, and many other forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
The FAFSA is available for the 2010-2011 school year. You are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. There are four ways to access the FAFSA:
1) Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov 2) Apply online at www.gacollege411.org 3) Download and complete a PDF version at
www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov 4) Request a paper FAFSA by calling 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243)
Be careful of websites that help you complete the form for a fee. The first word in FAFSA is FREE! You should not be charged any money to complete it. Before you get started on the FAFSA, you will need to visit the U.S. Department of Education website to obtain your PIN. Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply; you will receive your PIN in a few days. If you have specific questions about your family situation or financial circumstances, Ms. Morrow at the Georgia Student Finance Commission can be reached at: 678-479-5454 or mendim@gsfc.org. See below for details on an additional opportunity to seek assistance with the FAFSA.
College Goal Sunday
College Goal Sunday is a one-day event to
help students and families complete the FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Students and parents can:
•
Get free professional assistance
completing the FAFSA.
•
Talk to financial aid professionals.
•
Obtain general information about
financial aid services and products.
There are several locations set up around the
state. In Gwinnett County, Georgia Gwinnett
College will host this year's event on Sunday,
February 28 at 2:00 p.m.
For more information, go to:
http://collegegoalsundayga.com
Tri-Tech: Gwinnett Tech Three Step Application
Process
Students interested in learning more about Gwinnett Tech are encouraged to sign up in the College and Career Center for a presentation on Wednesday, February 10. Participating students will be invited to attend an admissions application session and an on-campus Compass Test session. See Ms. Rangel or Ms. Thompson for more information and to sign up for the presentation.
Deadline for Out-of-County Online Classes
If you are taking a non-Gwinnett County Public Schools online class, your grade must be submitted to the Counseling Office by May 3. Seniors who submit grades after May 3 will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony on May 27.
ASVAB
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will be offered to juniors and seniors in the SGHS Theater on Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 a.m. If you are interested in the military or would like to take the test for the career component, please sign up in the College and Career Center.
Common Application
Be aware that counselors are no longer able to submit information online for the Common
Application. If you are applying for admissions using the Common Application, you will need to print off forms to submit to your counselor. Also, counselors will no longer be able to send transcripts online, so you will need to request your transcripts from the Counseling Office or submit them via
GAcollege411.org (to Georgia schools).
Broad Prize Scholarship
Have you applied for the Broad Prize Scholarship? Gwinnett County Public Schools Seniors with a 2.75 GPA and financial need are eligible to apply. Go to www.broadprize.org for more information and to apply. See the attached sheet to help calculate your GPA! The deadline is March 1.
College and Career Night
South Gwinnett High School is hosting College and Career Night on April 27 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Bring your parents and a friend along to make last-minute college and career plans.
College Fair at Shiloh High School
South Gwinnett High School Students are invited to attend Shiloh High School’s College Fair on February 2 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Graduation Tests
You must pass all parts of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) and the Gateway
Assessment to receive a diploma from South Gwinnett High School. Students who have met all requirements except for passing all parts of the GHSGT and/or the Gateway Test, may walk in the graduation ceremony, but will receive a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma. If you need to make up one or more sections of the GHSGT, take note that they will be administered March 30 – April 2. The
GHSGT/Writing will be administered on February 24. The next Gateway Retest is scheduled for February 28.
College Admissions Testing:
If you are planning to attend a two-year or technical college upon graduation, you will take the Compass Test. After you submit your admissions application to your school of choice, contact the Admissions Office to schedule the Compass Test. GAcollege411.org offers a Compass preparation program.
SAT and ACT registration information and preparation booklets are available in the College and Career Center. You may register and study online at www.collegeboard.com (SAT) or www.act.org (ACT).
If you receive free or reduced lunch, you might qualify for a fee waiver. If you use the SAT waiver, you may be able to qualify for admissions fee waivers, too. See your counselor or Ms. Rangel for more information.
When registering for the SAT and/or ACT, you will be asked for your high school’s code number. South Gwinnett’s number is: 112-755.
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline 3/13 2/4 2/18 5/1 3/25 4/8 6/5 4/29 5/13 Registration Fee: $45.00 ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline 2/6 1/5 1/15 4/10 3/5 3/19 6/12 5/7 5/21
Registration Fee (with Writing): $47.00
Registration Fee (without Writing): $32.00
Fees for both tests increase significantly after the regular registration deadline.
STAR STUDENT
Congratulations to Peter Luu! Peter was named South Gwinnett High School 2010 Star Student. STAR student is awarded to the senior who:
• has the highest score in one sitting on the three-part SAT
• is in the top 10% of the class
College Visits
Students are allowed three college visitation days per year. With proper planning and documentation, the days will count as excused absences. Obtain a pre-approved absence form in the Attendance Office at least a week before your visit. Call the school’s Admissions Office well in advance to schedule a tour of campus.
You can meet college representatives and gain valuable information when campus recruiters visit SGHS. Some representatives will visit our school during 4th period. You are free to speak with them and acquire brochures and materials at your leisure. Other schools will come for a private visit for which you will have to register in the College and Career Center (CCC). Your teacher must grant permission for you to attend and you must agree to make up all assignments missed while attending the college information session.
Check the calendar outside of the College and Career Center, as recruiters call frequently to schedule visits.
Georgia Gwinnett College
Did you know that Georgia Gwinnett College accepts both Technical and College Prep diplomas? If you are interested in hearing more about Georgia’s newest four-year college, plan to attend an informational session on Tuesday, March 2 at 9:00 a.m. Sign up in the College and Career Center.
Common Black College Application
Using the Common Black College Application allows students to apply to all 34 participating colleges for a one time fee of $35. Check it out online: www.eduinconline.com.
Scholarship searches
There are many places to search for scholarships. The schools to which you are applying offer various scholarships and other forms of financial aid. There are also scholarships that are awarded to students regardless of where they choose to go to school. Scholarships are granted for achievements in various areas, such as grades, test scores, community service, athletics, essay writing, and leadership potential.
Check with your church, your parents’ and your own place of employment, community groups, your coaches, and your club sponsors. The internet is another great source of scholarship information. Visit these sites: • www.gacollege411.org • www.careercruising.com • www.scholarshipamerica.org • www.fastweb.com • www.gocollege.com • www.iefa.org
Be careful of scholarship scams. When you are searching for financial aid, you should be putting forth time and energy, not money. Be wary of offers that
charge a fee and promise to find you large sums of money.
The following are just some of the great scholarship offers available:
Scholarship
Award
Eligibility
Information and Application
Deadline
Atlanta Toyota
Scholarship
$1,500
Seniors
Selection will be based on GPA, test scores,
essay, and reference letter. Obtain more
information and an application in the CCC.
February
15
Broad Prize
Scholarship
$5,000 -
$20,000
Seniors with at least at 2.75 GPA,
a record of academic improvement
since 9
thgrade and financial need
Go to www.broadprize.org for more
information and to apply. Also, visit the
CCC for assistance with your application
March 1
Bessie Snell Briscoe
Scholarship
$5.000
South Gwinnett High School
Senior with at least a 2.5 GPA
Go to www.southgwinnetths.com; click on:
Information, College and Career, and Snell
Scholarships Application. Do not include
your name or identifying information in
your essays.
March 16
Mable Jackson Snell
Scholarship
$5,000
South Gwinnett High School
Senior with at least a 3.0 GPA
Go to www.southgwinnetths.com; click on:
Information, College and Career, and Snell
Scholarships Application. Do not include
your name or identifying information in
your essays.
March 16
Atlanta Alumnae
Panhellenic
Association
Scholarship
$1,000
Female seniors with a record of
community service, academic
ability, and leadership qualities.
For more information and an application,
see Ms. Rangel in the CCC.
March 26
Jackie Robinson
Scholarship
$7,500
Minority high school students with
financial need
Visit www.jackierobinson.org to apply.
March 15
Appalachian State
University
Scholarship
$10,000
Seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA
with an interest in attending
Appalachian State
SGHS may nominate one student. See Ms.
Rangel in the CCC.
February
5
Gwinnett Federal
Credit Union
Scholarship
$2,000
Seniors with an interest in
education as a career.
See Ms. Rangel for an application.
March 12
Ronald McDonald
House Charities
Varies
Seniors who are role models in the
community
Visit www.rmhc.org for details and to
apply.
February
16
SAMMY (Scholar
Athlete Milk
Mustache of the
Year)
$7,5000
Seniors with a strong record of
academics and athletics
Visit bodybymilk.com for guidelines and to
apply.
March 5
Brent Lanier Soccer
Scholarship
$1,000
Male and female SGHS senior
soccer players with at least a 3.0
GPA
See Ms. Rangel for an application
April 15
APPEAL
Varies
Seniors committed to academic
excellence and community service
with a financial need
For more information and an application,
visit www.iotazetasigmaSGR.org
February
23
RKL Education
Foundation
$700 -
$1,500
African American male seniors
with financial need, a minimum
GPA of 2.5 and a record of
extracurricular activities
Visit www.rklef.org for more information
and to apply.
February
13
Jackson EMC
$2,000
Juniors and seniors served by
Jackson EMC who have a record
of community service
Visit www.jacksonemc.com/citizenship February
26
Walton EMC
Operation Round Up
$2,500
Seniors who primary residence is
served by Walton EMC; must
demonstrate spirit of community
service, hard work, and
See Ms. Rangel for an application.
February
19
perseverance
Jo-Ann Fabric Prom
Dress Contest
$50,000
Students who are 14 – 19 years old
Make your own prom dress (or outfit) using
materials from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Visit
www.joann.com/prom for more information
June 15
Marist National
Science
Foundation
Full
tuition
Seniors interested is science and
technology
To apply and for more information, go to
www.marist.edu/admission.
February
15
Atlanta Association
of Legal
Administrator’s Gene
Henson Scholarship
$5,000
Seniors with at least a 3.5 GPA
and record of extracurricular and
volunteer activities
Two students will be selected to represent
SGHS. Obtain an application from Ms.
Rangel.
February
26
Navy ROTC
$180,00
0
Juniors and Seniors with at least an
SAT Math 520 and Critical
Reading 530
For more information, call 404-723-0713 or
email: Anthony.Osborne@navy.mil
Varies
Student-View
Scholarship
$500 -
$4,000
Seniors Go
to
www.student-view.com and complete
a survey about colleges.
April 22
Snellville Lions Club
$1,000
Seniors with at least a “C” average. For more information and an application,
visit the CCC.
March 19
Columbus H.
Hartwell-Young
Visionary
$1,000 -
$1,500
Seniors who have a record of
community and/or school service
For more information and to download an
application, visit www.xtmonline.com
March 31
PNY Green Idea
$5,000
Seniors who are eco-friendly
For details, go to http://greenidea.pny.com
March 15
Georgia Military
College ROTC
Scholarships
Full
tuition,
fees,
monthly
stipend
Seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA,
and minimum SAT 850 or ACT 17
Visit www.gmc.cc.ga.us for more
information
TBA
GMMDA Minority
Scholarship
$2,500
Minority seniors with a 3.0 or
higher who have a record of
community service
Visit www.gmmda.org for more
information and to apply.
TBA
Scholarship Experts
Varies
Students in grades 9 – 12
Visit www.scholarshipexperts.com
Varies
Hispanic Scholarship
Fund
Varies
High school students
Visit www.hsf.net Varies
Howard Hughes
Medical Institute
Grant
Varies
African American, Latino/a
American, and Native American
Seniors
For more information and to apply, go to
www.colby.edu/hhmi
TBA
Liga de Campeones
(League of
Champions)
$1,000
Hispanic seniors who are bilingual
(Spanish/English) with at least a
3.0 GPA
Obtain an application from Ms. Rangel in
the CCC.
One
winner per
month
until May
31
Suessville Oh the
Places You’ll Go
Up to
$5,000
Seniors planning to attend a
two-year or four-two-year college
For more information and to submit an
application, go to
www.suessville.com/ohtheplaces
February
15
Abbott and Fenner
$1,000
Juniors and Seniors
For more information and to apply, go to
www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.ht
m
June 19
KFC Scholars
Program
$5,000
Seniors with at least a 2.75 GPA
For eligibility requirements and to apply,
visit www.kfcscholars.org
February
10
Shell Oil Company
Scholarship
$2,500 -
$5,000
Seniors planning to enroll in
geology, physics, or engineering
See Ms. Rangel for an application
February
16
Other Great Opportunities
• Reinhardt College invites students to see “The Way College Should Be” at admission events on March 13 and April 10.
• Sarah Lawrence College is hosting several summer programs for graduation seniors who are interested in the arts and writing. Visit www.sarahlawrence.edu/highschool for more information.
• Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic Association invites female seniors and their parents to “College Sorority 101” on Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m. in Pressly hall at Westminster in Atlanta. RSVP to www.atlantapanhellenic.org.
• The Medical College of Georgia is hosting a summer enrichment opportunity for pre-college students interested in health careers. For more information and to apply, visit www.mcg.edu/careers/specop. Deadline: March 1.
• University of Alabama invites students to University Day on February 5 and 15. Register online at universitydays.ua.edu.
• Southern Polytechnic State University is hosting open houses on the Marietta campus: February 20, April 17. Go to www.spsu.edu/visit or call 678-915-3521.
• Georgia Southern University invites parents and students to visit campus for an Open House: February 6 or March 27.
• Armstrong Atlantic State University will host an open house on March 27. To reserve your spot, go to
www.es.armstrong.edu/admissions/openhou se.htm
• Valdosta State University is hosting visitation days: February 13 and March 27. For more information, go to
www.valdosta.edu/admissions.
• Piedmont College is hosting Math & Science Experience February 4-5. Eleventh and twelfth grade students are invited to spend the night and participate in the action-packed weekend. See Ms. Rangel for more information.
• Medical College of Georgia invites juniors and seniors to apply for the 2010 Student Educational Enrichment Program from May 29-July 16. Visit
www.mcg.edu/careers/specop or see Ms. Rangel for more information.
• Augusta State University is hosting an open house on March 20. The event will be conducted from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Register online at www.aug.edu/admissions. http:// admissions.yale.edu/events.
• Auburn University will host The College of Engineering Open House on February 26 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.eng.auburn.edu/pfe
• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College welcomes students to ABAC Stallion Days on February 13. Register online at www.abac.edu/stallionday.
Athletes
If you are interested in playing a sport in college, you must complete the NCAA Clearinghouse Application. The website,
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net, offers a plethora of information and instructions on how to register. You may send your transcript directly to NCAA via www.GAcollege411.org.
Transcripts
Official transcripts may be sent directly to colleges using GAcollege411 at no cost to the student. You must first establish your MY 411 account to have access to this feature. When establishing your account, make sure you enter your social security number and name exactly as it appears in school documents.
Students may also request transcripts in the Counseling Office. Transcripts are $2.00 each and require 48 hours to process. Students are responsible for picking up and mailing their transcripts; they will not be mailed by the Counseling Office. Plan ahead to meet your deadlines.
Letters of Recommendation
If you need a counselor recommendation for college admissions and/or scholarships, pick up your recommendation packet on the revolving display outside of the College and Career Center. Plan for the recommendation process to take at least three weeks.
Do not wait until the week before your deadline to request a recommendation.
Career Cruising
Career Cruising is an excellent program for those searching for career options and planning for postsecondary education. Go to
www.careercruising.com. Username: SG
Password: Comets
Adults Only
Once you turn 18, voting is your right. Make a difference and cast your ballot! For more information and to register, go to:
http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/.
Registration of all 18-year-old males with Selective Service is a federal law. Individuals who do not register lose rights to the HOPE Scholarship, federal grants, and all federal jobs. To register online or for more information, visit: www.sss.gov.
GPA Calculation
The following are directions to calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) using your
numerical grades.
Letter Grade
Numerical Grade
Grade Points
A 90-100
4.0
B 80-89
3.0
C 74-79
2.0
D 70-73
1.0
F Below
70
0.0
Step 1: Change each numerical grade to the equivalent grade points.
Step 2: Add all of the grade points together.
Step 3: Divide the total by the number of grades. This is your GPA.
Example A:
Step 1:
89 = 3.0
97 = 4.0
88 = 3.0
78 = 2.0
89 = 3.0
99 = 4.0
Step 2:
3 .0 + 4.0 + 3.0 + 2.0 + 3.0 + 4.0 = 19.0
Step 3:
19.0/6 =
3.16
Numerical Average = 90
GPA = 3.16
Example B:
Step 1:
90 = 4.0
81 = 3.0
90 = 4.0
74 = 2.0
92 = 4.0
82 = 3.0
Step 2:
4.0 + 3.0 + 4.0 + 2.0 + 4.0 + 3.0 = 20.0
Step 3:
20.0/6 =
3.33
Numerical Average = 84.83
GPA = 3.33
•
Notice that Example A displays a higher
Numerical Average
while Example B
displays a higher
GPA.
•
If a non-weighted GPA is requested, you must subtract 10 points from each
Advanced Placement (AP) course before converting the numerical grade to grade
points.
