USC's Application Requirements Update

Our office received the following letter from the admissions office at the University of South Carolina.  We want you to be up-to-date on admissions policies, and thought we would pass the information along.  

_____________________________

Dear College Counselors, 

The University of South Carolina admissions office has changed its high school transcript policy. Our primary reason for this is to encourage students to take greater ownership of the application process. We also expect this change will increase transparency in the process while reducing the administrative burden imposed on college counselors throughout the college application season.

High school seniors who complete the freshman application for the University of South Carolina are now required to self-report their high school academic record for grades 9-12. Additionally, they must upload an electronic copy of their high school transcript in JPG, PDF or Word formats. This may drive an increase in requests from your students for their transcripts, particularly near deadlines (October 15, November 15 and December 1).

We no longer require an official high school transcript during the preliminary application evaluation phase. If we need an official transcript, we will instruct the student to contact you about forwarding an official copy. In the meantime, please provide an electronic copy to each of your students who request one so they can complete their online application. We will continue to request official, final high school transcripts from your office after May 1, once we know which students have confirmed their plans to attend USC.

To help you and your students better understand the USC application process, we’ve prepared a How to Apply guide. You may download a PDF version athttp://sc.edu/admissions/admissionspdfs/how_to_apply_guide.pdf. For questions about how students should self-report their transcripts online, watch this brief and informative video:http://youtu.be/kYji1WTs3i4 -- and please share these links with your students.

Thanks for your help and let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

University of South Carolina

Wendy's High School Heisman

Wendy's is looking for the next class of remarkable students who excel in academics, athletics, and community involvement.  The 2014 Wendy's High School Heisman award application process is underway.  Now through October 3, 2014, class of 2015  graduating seniors can apply at www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com.

To be eligible, a student must have maintained at least a 'B' grade point average, participated in one of the 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and demonstrated active involvement in his or her community.

National Winners receive:

• Recognition during ESPN's national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation in New York City
• A Wendy's High School Heisman trophy and Heisman Patch
• $10,000 for their high school
• $500 Wendy's gift card

The Wendy's High School Heisman program is truly a stepping stone toward high achievements, and with college admissions growing more selective, a national award of this caliber can help students stand out.  You may also 'like' Wendy's High School Heisman on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendyshighschoolheisman for program updates and to connect with alumni!

DEADLINE:  October 3, 2014

**Added bonus: the first 25,000 completed applications will receive a $10 Wendy's gift card!

Scholarship Opportunity

Are you an actor, artist, dancer, filmmaker, designer, musician, photographer, singer, songwriter, or writer, age 15-18 or in grades 10-12?  YoungArts has changed the lives of more than 20,000 young artists like you.  How?

Cash awards up to $10,000 with $500,000 given annually - more than $150 million in college scholarships facilitated - Exclusive path to US Presidential Scholars in the Arts - Master classes with renowned artists  - Opportunity to appear in HBO YoungArts MasterClass - Lifetime of professional support and networking

For more information, visit: youngarts.org/apply2015
Deadline: October 17, 2014

Discover Duke University

SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

Pratt School of Engineering Open House
Are you interested in robotics, energy conservation devices, signal processing, designing the next generation of skyscrapers or integrating biology and engineering to treat human disease?

Learn more about the unique engineering education we provide at Duke.  Events will include:

• discussions with faculty from our four engineering departments
• tours of campus and engineering facilities
• opportunities to interact with current students and learn about student research
• information on admissions and financial aid

Arts & Humanities Open House

Do you love thinking, creating, and writing?  Do subjects like English, history, foreign language and the arts capture your imagination?  Are you curious to know where a liberal arts degree can take you?

Visit Duke to learn more about our arts and humanities programs for majors and non-majors alike.  Events will include:

• discussions with faculty about arts and humanities programs and how they are integrated into our liberal arts curriculum
• tours of campus, with a special focus on East Campus and our arts and humanities classrooms, studios, and workshops
• opportunities to interact with current students
• information on admissions and financial aid

**For more information, please visit admissions.duke.edu.

Scholarship Opportunity

Danforth Scholars Program honors students who embrace high ideals and whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence.  Danforth scholars may receive full or partial tuition scholarships, renewed each year provided they progress academically and uphold their high standards of character.  This program is open to prospective undergraduate and graduate students applying to Washington University.

Undergraduate students must be nominated to participate in the scholarship selection process. If you are interested in attending Washington University in St. Louis and being considered for this scholarship, please contact Kathryn Taylor in the Student Services Office (ktaylor@shannonforest.com).

Deadline to be nominated: October 10, 2014