In the News…

Lake City High School
Lake City, SC

Stats:
GPA: 3.603
Rank: 39/143
SAT: 1250

Activities:
President: Youth Ushers (Olive Grove Baptist Church)
JROTC Drill Team
Youth Coach: Lake City Recreational League

Major: Elementary Education

Aspirations: To become an elementary school teacher

Scholarships and Grants:
South Carolina Tuition Grant
Claflin University Institutional Grant
Wilberforce University Academic Scholarship
South Carolina LIFE Scholarship
Call Me Mister Program
Elouise Norton Cooper Memorial Scholarship
Newberry College Academic Scholarship
Foot Locker Associate Scholarship
G. I. Bill

I wanted to attend college in a large, friendly, diverse city within driving distance of home.

I entered the college planning process totally clueless. I was unaware of the differences between liberal arts colleges, research universities, or the types of programs offered. I was equally unaware of the admissions and financial aid processes or which type of colleges I would even qualify for admission. I could not have successfully navigated the college admissions process without the support of the Florence County School District 3 College Planning Cohort, and particularly, Mrs. Wynn. Mrs. Wynn guided me through the process, suggested colleges, recommended the ‘Call Me MISTER‘ program, spoke to admissions officers on my behalf at each of my colleges, and helped me prepare for my admissions interviews. Mr. Wynn helped me with my college admissions, Call Me MISTER, and scholarship essays. My parents provided ongoing encouragement and kept me from procrastinating. My mom always said, “Did you do what Mr. and Mrs. Wynn told you to do? Now, get it done!”

In a word, ‘EVERYTHING!’ Completing the applications, filing the forms, communicating with the Office of Financial Aid, writing all of the required essays, meeting all of the college and scholarship deadlines, and interviewing were all stressful.

Preparing for college requires a lot of organization, keeping track of deadlines, and an enormous amount of time devoted to writing good essays to gain admission and to qualify for scholarships. I learned that a great college admission essay can help overcome low test scores. I also learned that you must engage in hours of research to properly prepare for college and scholarship interviews. Through your research you must be prepared to answer questions and prepared with your own questions to show that you have background knowledge about the college, its programs, and its mission. Mrs. Wynn prepared me for my interviews. I entered each interview with a high quality résumé, copy of my essay, copy of my recommendation letter, and list of prepared questions. Being well prepared helped to ease the anxiety and made a great impression on the interviewer.

Money plays a huge factor in choosing a college, however, you should also determine if you can see yourself living, learning, and being a part of a college community for the next four years of your life. My family and I reviewed each of the Award Letters, visited each of the campuses, and found the college that was affordable, and that was a good fit.

I wish my high school would have provided more insight into the complexity and challenges of the entire college planning process. If I would have had any idea of what was required, I would have started researching and applying to colleges earlier. This would have reduced the enormous amount of stress I experienced from rushing throughout the process. I would have also better prepared for the SAT/ACT and taking the tests much earlier so that I would have had time to increase my scores. I had no idea of how much scholarship money is dependent on your SAT/ACT scores. While I have a great financial aid package at a great college, I should have procrastinated less and been more organized.

Get organized, do not procrastinate, identify experienced people who can support you through the process, and definitely find someone who can review and edit your essays. There are many twists and turns throughout the college admissions process and choosing the right college, with the best financial aid package, can be a long and stressful process. Getting admitted into college and competing for scholarships is a highly competitive process. You are not only being compared against students from your own high school, but against millions of students nationally and internationally trying to gain admissions into the same colleges and qualify for the same scholarships. You have to bring you ‘A’ game every step of the way and maintain a dogmatic attitude.

De’Osha P.

Lake City High School
Lake City, SC

Stats:
GPA: 3.52
Rank: 36/143
SAT: 1160

Activities:
Wesley United Methodist Church
National Beta Club
Co-captain: Varsity Volleyball
Varsity Track and Field

Major: Criminal Justice

Aspirations: To become a SLED
Agent (South Carolina Law
Enforcement Division)

Scholarships and Grants:
U.S. Pell Grant
South Carolina Tuition Grant
Claflin University Institutional Grant
Wilberforce University Academic Scholarship
South Carolina LIFE Scholarship

I was open to all college and university options until I quickly came to terms that my personality was best suited for a small to medium size college or university community. I also knew that I wanted to attend a college or university in my home state of South Carolina. My research led me to liberal arts colleges and small major universities that clearly appeared suited to my personality. I was attracted to small class size, low teacher-student ratio and discussion style classes similar to the type of environment at my high school. I also researched colleges and universities that offered graduate programs so that I would have the option of completing both my undergraduate and graduate degree programs at one college.

I received non-stop ongoing support from Mr. and Mrs. Wynn. The support I received was incredible. They guided me through the process of developing and editing my résumé, editing my college essays, researching colleges, assisting with completing and submitting my college applications, and completing and submitting the FAFSA. While I was initially committed to attending Francis Marion University, a popular college choice for students from my high school. However after visiting Claflin University, where Mr. and Mrs. Wynn arranged a meeting with the Office of Financial Aid, and assisted me in negotiating a far better financial aid package than what Francis Marion had offered.

The most stressful part of applying to my two colleges was everything! I found the application process, financial aid process, essay writing, paperwork, and communication with the office of financial aid to all be stressful and time consuming. At the end of the process I was disappointed that I had not engaged in more research and applied to more colleges so that I would have other financial aid offers to consider. The acceptance and financial aid offer I received from Claflin was not part of a ‘plan’ but was a ‘BLESSING’ as a result of all of the guidance and support I had through the process.

I learned how important it is to begin the college planning process early, with the operative word being ‘planning.’ I was one of many students at my high school who had no plan! As I began developing a plan, I felt like a race car on a racetrack with cars that were barely moving. Many of my classmates were moving through senior year as though college would just happen. I learned that your test scores are very, very important, even if you have a high GPA. A mistake that I made, and others should avoid, is waiting until my senior year to take the SAT and ACT. I learned that there isn’t enough time to engage in the necessary test prep, and there is absolutely no time to increase your scores. Senior year is very demanding and can be distracting with senior activities and graduation preparation. I also learned how important it is to have good relationships with teachers, counselors, and administrators, particularly if you require recommendation letters and evaluations.

Despite my lack of planning and low test scores, I was blessed to receive nearly a full ride. Instead of the thousands of dollars in student loans that were part of my Award Letter from Francis Marion, Mr. and Mrs. Wynn and Ms. Yvonne Scott, from our school district, helped me to negotiate a great financial aid package with Claflin University—a school that I have already come to love during the my brief time on campus in the Summer Bridge Program.

I wish I would have started the process earlier, had taken more classes through the Dual Enrollment program, focused on preparing for the SAT so that I could have earned a higher score, and assumed more leadership positions in my activities.

You do not have to know exactly what you want to do in life. College is a place where you can explore options and learn so much more about yourself. Take high school seriously and recognize the importance of each and every class. Take advantage of extra credit opportunities, set goals, get involved, perform meaningful community service, and assume leadership in your school and community. Perhaps most importantly, get help! Counselors are responsible for too many students to have the time to guide you through the process—a hugely complicated process! In the end, you will be excited about the acceptance letters, but it is important to carefully read and understand your award letters. Award letters are often written in ways that may suggest one thing, but really mean something entirely different. You need a degree in accounting to uncover the hidden cost of attendance versus what is actually being offered.

Ryan B.

Grady High School
Atlanta, GA

Stats:
GPA: 4.375
SAT: 1830
Rank: 8/350

Accepted:
Georgia Tech
Syracuse University
University of Georgia

College Choice:
Syracuse University

Major: Computer Engineering

Aspirations: To become a Software and Hardware Engineer working at a leading technology company, such as Google, Apple, or Microsoft.

Scholarships:
Posse Foundation Leadership Scholarship (full-tuition); Ebenezer Baptist Church Scholarship; McColough/Greene Service Scholarship; Omega Psi Phi, Inc., Scholarship; Alberta Williams King Scholarship; Trumpet Awards Foundation Scholarship

Activities:
President: SGA
National Honor Society
National Beta Club
Writer/Editor: The Southerner Newspaper
Varsity Basketball
Advanced Chorus
Marching Band
Debate Team
DECA Business and Marketing Club

No matter what the circumstances, I knew I had to attend a school that is renowned for academics and alumni support. Personally, I wanted to attend a large college in a new environment from what I was used to. I have thrived most when I have been surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, so I wanted to attend a diverse university. Lastly, one of the most important factors in my college selection was school spirit as I love to be around people who love their school and who enthusiastic in supporting the sports and events taking place on campus.

I received an outstanding and overwhelming amount of support throughout the college admissions process. My mother stayed on me every single day to do something progressive. Every one of the counselors at Grady High School suggested scholarship opportunities on a daily basis. My church family gave me advice, and I had a great deal of support from Mr. and Mrs. Wynn for everything from building my résumé, editing and rewording my college and scholarship essays, and throughout the entire process.

The most stressful part of applying to colleges was trying to manage completing college applications while continuing to manage and apply for scholarships. Balancing both of these while managing a hectic school schedule of extracurricular activities was extremely stressful. It pushed me to the threshold of time management, dedication, and patience. However, I was constantly reminded that I was not alone. I found comfort in knowing that all of my peers were going through the same struggles.

I learned that everything you do truly counts for something. It pays to have a genuine interest in meeting new people and establishing good relationships with your peers, teachers, counselors, and administrators. I also learned to try new things. Every time I expanded my boundaries, I gained new insight and had amazing and unforgettable experiences.

Being selected as a 2014 Posse Foundation Scholar, which provides a full-tuition scholarship to Syracuse University made my college decision that much easier. However, there are so many other costs associated with attending school far from home and in a different climate such as housing, transportation, the meal plan, books, and personal experiences. The additional scholarships I have received have helped tremendously in offsetting a great deal of these additional costs. Since my family’s income is too high for me to qualify for need-based financial aid, I had to work hard in identifying leadership and merit-based scholarships.

I wish I had taken a few more classes for college credit in high school. When it comes to developing the perfect college schedule, those high school classes, taken for college credit, can go a LONG in reducing your overall course load!

Make sure you know how to manage time and stay organized before you get to college, because it will make your entire life so much easier and greatly reduce your stress level. Find the rings you are truly passionate about, and pursue them. Never stray from the things that bring you joy. Try something new, and don’t be afraid to talk to people. Talk to your professors and make sure they know you, because that could be the difference between a ‘B’ and an ‘A’ in a course grade. Go to office hours, because most professors love to have students come and talk to them. Don’t buy all of your textbooks, because you can save a lot of money by renting or buying used books. And lastly, never be afraid to ask for help.

Carrington S.

Sprayberry High School
Marietta, GA

Stats:
GPA: 3.563
SAT: 1260

Activities:
Varsity Cheerleading
Peer Mediation
Shop with the Yellow Jackets
Yearbook Staff

Alabama A&M University
Columbus State University
Georgia Southwestern University
Hampton University
Spelman College
Wilberforce University

College Choice:
Spelman College

Major: Economics/Marketing

Aspirations: Fashion Merchandising

Brenau University
Georgia Southern
Howard University

Scholarships:
Georgia HOPE
Georgia Tuition Grant
Local and Church

When I was looking for schools, I mainly focused on the colleges that offered my specific major—Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.  I also wanted a college that had a small teacher/student ratio so I could actually get to know my professors. I had not really considered an HBCU, but after experiencing the environment of one, I fell in love with the environment and campus culture.  I wanted a college campus that felt like home.  I have changed my major to Economics for my Bachelor’s degree, but I will get my Master’s in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.

My biggest support system through the college process was my mom. She was there for me each step of the way and she showed me tough love through the process.  Also, the Education Ministry at my church (Turner Chapel AME) was a huge help because they truly cared about my success in the long run. I did not depend on, nor receive any help, from my school counselors during the college planning process.

The most stressful part of the college process was waiting for the responses from the colleges. I was completely discouraged when all my friends were receiving their responses and I had not received any.  I was really stressed out during spring semester of my senior year because I had no responses until March. My mom was especially stressed that I did not receive any acceptance letters.

I learned that the college process is very competitive, and you always need to be one step ahead of everyone else. You always need to put forth your best effort so that you can develop your best work. Also, your parents are your best friends in the process because they have gone through it. Listen to what they have to say even when you do not want to.

I will be receiving local scholarships from being named the 2nd Attendant in the 2015 Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillion, the TCC Ivy and Pearls program, the HOPE scholarship, and the Georgia Tuition Grant. Although I am waiting on responses from several other scholarships, at this time, I will be taking out student loans and my parents will be paying for most of my education.

I wish I would have started the college planning process a lot earlier than I did.  I actually wish I had started doing college research during my sophomore year instead of in my junior year. I also should have been more proactive and not have procrastinated as much as I did. I clearly should have taken advantage of the opportunities through the clubs and organizations at my school and my church to have been more involved in my school and community.

My advice is to begin researching colleges as you enter high school so you will know the grades and test scores expected by the colleges. Also, do as much community service as possible, become a leader throughout high school, and take as many of the college courses and AP courses offered at your school. Your grades and coursework will be extremely important in making you a competitive candidate for admission at highly selective colleges and may qualify you for thousands of dollars in scholarships. Finally, get help! The college admissions and financial aid processes are hugely complicated. Without the support and guidance of our College Planning Cohort, I would not have reached beyond Clemson and the University of South Carolina. I have already experienced more in the Meyerhoff Scholar Summer Bridge Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County than in my wildest dreams. By the time I actually begin my freshman year, I will have visited the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the U.S. Army Research Center, laid out my 4-year course schedule, and prepared my internship application for my summer internship between my freshman and sophomore year.  My Advice is, “Don’t try to do this by yourself!”

Janeil S.
McEachern High School
Powder Springs, GA

Stats:
GPA: 4.28
Class Rank: 3/390
ACT: 27

Activities:
Founder: The Muffin Princess
Executive Secretary: Student Council
National Beta Club
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society

Wait List:
Swarthmore

Denied:
Vanderbilt

College Choice:
Wake Forest University
Major: Biology
Aspirations: Ph.D.

Major Scholarship Offers:
Davidson College $201,160
Emory University $138,956
Furman University $138,360
Hampton University $15,000
University of Richmond $179,460
Wake Forrest $219,600
Xavier University $90,400

Total Scholarship Offers:
$826,000

During my college research I focused primarily on highly selective liberal arts colleges, and universities that were small or moderate in size and who were known for being financially generous. According to the research these institutions tend to provide competitive financial aid packages.  Also, I did not want to go to an institution where I would be just another number.  I wanted to be in an environment where I could have access to my professors, where I can get to know them and they can get to know me.

I was truly blessed to be able to participate in the Turner Chapel AME 2015 COHORT, where I received tremendous help and support from Mr. and Mrs. Wynn. They were able to help perfect one of the most challenging areas for me in this process, which was the essay writing, for not only college admissions, but also Scholarships, especially the Gates Millennium Scholarship. The Wynn’s and the members of my COHORT group were also there to offer me advice and guidance in exploring  different colleges,  educational paths, and opportunities that could assist me in reaching my career goals. My parents were also very instrumental in my success, especially when it came to keeping up with dates, deadlines, and being a source of inspiration when it came time to write essays.

The most stressful part about applying to colleges was the time frame. This was very stressful for me because I applied to 11 colleges and it seemed like all the deadlines were around the same time. This meant I spent weekend after weekend doing almost nothing but writing essays and answering questions. Keeping up with what was due and when it was due was very stressful because many of the scholarships for various institutional aid had separate deadlines from the actual admissions deadline. At times it was overwhelming.

I learned how important the written essays are.  As a college applicant the essay is the best and sometimes only opportunity you have to share your personal story, gift, or talents. Many times it can be difficult to identify and compile them. The college admissions process is the prime opportunity to share who you are, so you should try your best to make it count. The personal essay could make the difference between being accepted or denied.

Through my hard work and the support of the COHORT, the Wynn’s, and my family I received multiple scholarship offers from the colleges I applied to totaling over $800,000. Ultimately my parents will have to pay for part of my college education, but it is a very small portion of what it actually costs to attend the institution. It is also important to add that the small part that my parents will have to pay is without having any loans. So, prayerfully I should be able to graduate with zero dollars in student loans.

I wish I would have been a little bit more organized, and had a better idea of how stressful and time consuming the process would be, especially when combined with the academic and social stress of senior year.

My advice is to be open to exploring all avenues and all types of colleges because you really don’t know what you want, or what the best fit is for you unless you try it out.  Even if you do not end up wanting to attend a particular type of college that experience or exploration could open your eyes to new possibilities, opportunities, and standards. Also, start early and be realistic with yourself about where you can and can’t go. This will save you time, resources, and trouble in the end. If you plan on going to an Ivy League or highly selective institution, just know that you cannot just wake up your senior year and decide to go and think you are going to get in. It takes preparation and commitment from the very first day of high school and honestly before then. You have to take the right classes, do well in them, and serve your school, or community, whether it is through community service or leadership in clubs or sports.