Charleston's Independent School Directory 2018-19

www.CharlestonsPrivateSchools.com | www.CharlestonSchoolDirectory.com | www.ed.sc.gov ISD INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS process and an overview of financial aid. At one of our First Look or CSU One Day events, students also get an in-depth picture of campus life and the academic opportunities here at CSU.” While considering programs offered is important, it shouldn’t be the only determining factor in selecting your college, as Ford continued: “… the majority of students change their major at least once during their college career. Consider ‘fit’ as a huge component of this process, too!” Once you have made your list of potential colleges, it’s time to ace that application while staying academically strong in your classes. This is most likely the most daunting process, but essentials to hone in on are SAT, GPA, teacher recommendations, your resume and scholarships. “Treat standardized testing like a class. Preparing improves scores. Minimally, take both the SAT and the ACT once during the junior year. Determine which one is a better fit for you, study for it and take it one more time your junior year. Take it a third time in the fall of your senior year. Most colleges accept scores through the December test dates,” Pascutti advised. CSU’s Ford reinforced the importance of maintaining academic competitiveness: “… we place great value on academically strong students. While we have numerous resources to ensure our students’ success, our curriculum is tough. When we see students with competitive SAT/ ACT scores, AP and dual-enrollment course work and strong extracurricular involvement, it shows us that they can do well here.” Create and maintain your resume at the beginning of your fall year; this document outlines your time and successes while in high school. As for letters of recommendation, Pascutti advised drafting a recommendation request to a teacher, employer or cocurricular supervisor, saying: “… ‘shape’ the request – be specific about the topics you would like a recommender to include. For example: ‘I will be pursuing a degree in education, so please include any evidence of my ability to communicate effectively or to instruct my peers that you have observed.’” While maintaining your GPA throughout the remainder of high school, you should consider if your choice college uses the cumulative of all credits earned or if it recalculates the GPA using only core academic courses. Pascutti posed questions to consider, stating, “Does it [the college] use a weighted scale (granting higher points for honors and AP classes) or does it use an unweighted 4.0 scale for all rigor levels? Depending upon where you apply, what is the mid-50 percent GPA range for in-state or out-of-state students?” And last, but certainly not least, is the topic of scholarships, which can aid tremendously in the cost of college and reduce any potential debt. Knowing which scholarships are available to you and how to apply and be considered for them is critical money-saving information to have. While your high school will likely present some scholarships for your consideration, take the initiative and seek out others offered by your choice colleges. “CSU has a large number of scholarship resources online at http://www.csuniv.edu/scholarships. However, guidance and college- counseling offices are typically great places as well,” Ford said. Now braced with your insider guidebook to accompany you through the college-application process, you really do have a strategy to nail those college applications while best reflecting your strengths and potential. So, when it comes time, turn your tassel with confidence, knowing you’ve not only “gotten into college” but gotten into the right college. From the latest cosmetic techniques in dentistry to gentle restorative procedures and preventative hygiene services, trust 22 years of experience and comprehensive dental training. Garner Family Dentistry, LLC 1059 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.6002 Mon-Thurs 8-5 cynthiagarnerdentistry.com • Bonding • Cosmetic Contouring • Crowns and Bridges • Cosmetic Fillings • Implants • Veneers • Zoom Whitening • Sealants • Extractions • Scaling and Root Planing • Dentures • Cosmetic Dentistry • Jaw/TMJ • Oral health screenings Cynthia Garner, DDS