The Common Application is used by hundreds of colleges across the US as a way to streamline the application process for students. Click HERE to see a list of the colleges that use the Common App. The typical alternative to using the Common App is for a college to have their own, in-house, custom application.  (ex: USC, College of Charleston, Clemson, UNCC, ECU, and Western Carolina use their own applications whereas UNC, UNCA, UNCW, Furman, Wofford, High Point, and Wake Forest use the Common App.)

 

This spring, the Common App announced it would let students as young as 9th grade (10th or 11th is more likely) create their Common App account so that they could store and update their information on their activities, school, honors, etc. and just roll that information over from one school year to the next until they are seniors.  That way, much of their application is already complete and they are already familiar with the site.  

 

This is a great way to get comfortable with the application process early and see what kind of information colleges are asking.  When on the site, only complete the information under the "Common App" tab.  You can build your list of schools you think you might apply to eventually but do not complete any questions under the "My Colleges" tab since those questions may change from one year to the next.

 

On Oct 22nd, I have two events here in Lake Wylie.  If you have not attended the College Bound Essentials workshop yet, I strongly encourage you to do so.  Also, we will have a fun and interactive

If you are applying to Governor's School, college or interviewing for admissions or scholarships this year, please plan to attend the Interview workshop.  It is a lot of fun and will equip students for what lies ahead!

 

Workshops are only $75/student and parents come along at no extra charge. Course materials are included.

 

** Special Free Supplemental Session** Heath Walters CPA will graciously offer a free talk on the 22nd from 12:00-1:00 on topics especially important for self-employed people and business owners.  Knowing how to position your business wisely so that you don't impede your ability to qualify for financial aid is extremely important.  What you don't know can cost you.  See below for the link to sign up.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

Click on event title to sign up.

 Only sign up the student- parents come along at no extra charge.

 

 

This is absolutely one class that every 8th-11th grade college bound student and their parents should attend! Come learn how to navigate scholarships, financial aid, how to pick a college, test prep tips and much more! This event may totally change how you approach what lies ahead!

Good Samaritan United Methodist Church- Lake Wylie

 

 

 

 

Saturday October 22, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 

 

Few people know that the college financial aid process gives business owners opportunities for incredible financial aid. Knowing the rules can save you over $75k per year! Heath Walters (CPA) is one of the nation's leading experts (& is a good friend of Scholarship Gold) & will share his best tips for free. Don't miss out!

Good Samaritan United Methodist Church- Lake Wylie

 

 

 

This essential class will teach students how to be effective, relaxed and articulate in an interview situation for scholarships, admissions and even for jobs and internships.

Good Samaritan Methodist Church- Lake Wylie

 

 

 

There is a fine art to writing a compelling and insightful essay for college admissions and scholarship applications. This class will cover all of the elements of an effective essay and assist students as they create their own unique creative work.

New River Community Church- Lake Wylie

 

 

 

This class will walk you step by step through all you need to do the junior year, including when to take the SAT/ACT and how to prepare for it, what you can do to best position for scholarships and financial aid, how/when to tour schools, what is important to do over the summer and much, much more. Every junior & parents should come!

New River Community Church- Lake Wylie

 

 

Attached are some resources for scholarships that might be of interest.  Many of these will be available to students who are seniors but others are open to students in any grade level. 

Scholarship list-  for students in Charlotte/upper SC region

Scholarship list-   for students in Guilford County/Greensboro

It's not too soon to start looking ahead to scholarships that might be a fit!  You can also search a list of $19 billion of scholarships by completing a profile and filtering for scholarships that might fit your unique details.  I recommend Scholarships.com and SchoolSoup.com as great resources.

I know the school year has just begun but it's a great idea to start planning what you want to fit into your summer next year.  Many opportunities book up by Feb so take the time now to begin thinking about it.

Right now, Kay and I are focusing heavily on our seniors,making sure they get their applications completed correctly and submitted on time.  Therefore, my calendar for October is totally full and I'm booking well into November.  

My gifted associate, Kay, still has a few available spots, however, and you can call her directly at 678-779-8873 to set up a private meeting to review applications or to help a younger student get on the right path.

Bonus - My daughter Abigail has helped me for years with various workshops and editing.  She just graduated from Dartmouth with her English degree and is now a writer for NASA.  She is home for a few weeks while she applies to grad school and is happy to meet with student to craft/edit essays.  She does a great job and I have heard extremely positive feedback from families who have worked with her. Her rate is only $35/hour. Please contact her directly at abbey.o.hartley@gmail.com if you would like to schedule an appointment.  Her hours are 3:00-7:00 pm Monday through Thursday.