The University of South Alabama understands that some students have had difficulty taking the ACT or SAT this year, due to COVID19. Further, we understand that students might be uncomfortable testing or re-testing in the current environment this fall and spring. Because of these conditions, USA will be offering spring, summer, and fall 2021 applicants a test-optional path for admission to USA. Students who take this route could be asked to supply additional materials, including recommendations and essays. Students will be able to choose test optional when they apply. Students who have already applied to South can connect with our Office of Admissions, admiss@southalabama.edu, to review their options.

And, this is key: Students who choose the test optional track will also be eligible for scholarships (although we recommend that students with ACT scores 21 and better and/or SAT scores 1060 and better submit them for best consideration). Scholarships for test-optional students will be awarded based on strength of curriculum, grades, and a variety of other factors.

In addition, we have also launched a $100 visit credit for students who sign up and engage us virtually (group presentations and one-on-one meetings) or come for a campus tour and then enroll. The $100 is limited to one per student and is paid when they enroll at South.

1. Test Optional- The University of Montevallo has waived the ACT/SAT test score requirement for admission and scholarships for students entering in any 2021 term. Students who do not submit ACT/SAT scores will not be disadvantaged in the application or scholarship review process.

2. Admission Requirements- Requirements for unconditional admission will be a 3.0 GPA. Students with a 2.5-2.99 GPA will be evaluated on a case by case basis using their math and English grades as a guide. www.montevallo.edu/requirements

3. Scholarship Requirements- Merit scholarships will be awarded starting at a 3.0 GPA and will vary depending on the student’s GPA.

4. Scholarship Deadline- UM will continue to award merit aid after the February 1 priority date as long as funds are available.

5. Preview Days & Academic Interest Sessions- All Preview Days will be virtual this fall with dates throughout September and October. Information and registration can be found at www.montevallo.edu/previewday.

6. Meet Us Virtually- UM’s Admissions Office has a range of virtual options for your students that can be found at www.montevallo.edu/virtual.

7. In Person Tours- Campus visits are offered every Monday through Friday at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Campus tours will be limited to one student with up to two guests from their household. More information can be found at www.montevallo.edu/tours.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA!!

Due to limitations on ACT and SAT testing opportunities throughout the U.S., The University of Alabama will not require test scores from students applying for Spring, Summer or Fall 2021 admission.

Students applying without ACT or SAT scores will be evaluated by their overall GPA, core academic GPA and the strength of the curriculum. Further details can be found at gobama.ua.edu/apply.

UA encourages students to submit available ACT and/or SAT scores to provide additional support to their application. Submission of scores will not be an advantage or disadvantage to an applicant.

Students admitted without test scores are strongly encouraged to submit a scholarship application by January 15, 2021, to be considered for competitive and merit awards. More information can be found at scholarships.ua.edu/freshman.

Interested in the joining the Navy? See below for informational meeting scheduled through Zoom with the Navy recruiter….

Topic: Kyle Payne Navy Information
Time: Oct 7, 2020 04:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://no-click.mil/?https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9896688338?pwd=OStHcG5rTEgzcjBaTHIyd3kyaWdFdz09

Meeting ID: 989 668 8338
Passcode: 55LgY2

Click the link below to go to Achieve Alabama! Create an account for access to national and local scholarship opportunities that best match your needs and interests. https://my.cappex.com/page/account/login.jsp

Questions? Contact Mrs. Handley, Career Coach. khandley@shelbyed.org

Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (ALACRAO) will host Virtual College Fair options for high school students. The event is free to public, private, and home-school students and all are invited to attend. Live virtual fair options are:

*September 17, 2020 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
* October 20, 2020 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
* November 17, 2020 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

“Virtual College Fairs allow prospective students to learn more about the exciting opportunities available at many in-state, out of state, public, private, two-year, and four year institutions,” said Tennyson “T.J.” Smith, President of ALACRAO “Students may not have awareness of the diverse
options available. With in-person fairs suspended, our organization feel the need to reach all students throughout the state from Ardmore to Fairhope, Eutaw to Wedowee, and Rebobeth to Sheffield. The institutions are excited to connect with students and parents virtually. Our goal at this event is to
showcase opportunities in a time of uncertainty.”

Students will be able to apply for admission to the college, receive financial aid and scholarship information, and chat live with college representatives. To register, visit
https://alacrao.swoogo.com/virtual

For more information, visit https://alacrao.swoogo.com/virtual

The registration deadline for October testing is September 25th. If you receive free OR reduced lunch you qualify for a registration fee waiver! Come see Mrs. Keahey!!

What is in your Circle of Control? Think about those things you can and can’t control. Let go of those things that are out of your control.

Register at https://my.act.org/account/signin?location=https://my.act.org.

If you have only taken the ACT at SCHS when all juniors were tested, you will need to create an account with ACT to register to test again. You will need your ACT ID that is located on your score report sheet you should have received in the mail from the March 2020 school test. If you no longer have your score sheet Mrs. Keahey can give you your ACT ID. Mrs. Keahey does not have access to any information related to your personal ACT account that you (or your parent) have previously created.

2020-2021 Fall Test Dates (National)

Test Date- Registration Deadline- (Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2020- August 31- No late fees

September 13, 2020 (Sunday)

September 19, 2020

October 10, 2020- September 25- No late fees

October 17, 2020

October 24, 2020

October 25, 2020 (Sunday)

December 12, 2020- November 6- November 7 – November 20

*Remember most college have a Dec 1st deadline for academic scholarship applications. Some schools will accept the December ACT, but do your research before you assume your school of choice does! The October test is the safer option. *I should have ACT fee waivers by September 19th! Come see me! If you are eligible for free/reduced lunch then you qualify for an ACT waiver!

Method Test Prep is available again at no cost for seniors! This is a great tool to use to practice for the ACT! You can access Method Test Prep in your Clever app.

SCHS Senior Information Be sure to check the Class of 2021 Google Classroom and the home page of the counseling blog http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schs-counselor/ regularly for updated information about colleges, scholarships, and MORE!

College Visits

– Students should begin to visit colleges in the spring of their junior year and during the summer between their junior and seniors years.

– Many colleges are offering virtual tours due to COVID-19

– Students are permitted one excused absence for a pre-approved college visit in the spring of their junior year and two excused absences for pre-approved college visits during their senior year.

– The college visit form is available in the counseling office and must be signed and dated by a college official at the time of the visit.

– Return the form by taking a picture and emailing it to scboe-schs@shelbyed.org

– Currently, we are not allowing college or military recruiters to visit our school. However, we will be posting information and hosting virtual meetings with recruiters. Once visitors are allowed again, college recruiters will come to SCHS during 7th period and will meet with students in the conference room. Military recruiters will set up information tables in the lunchroom. The schedule for visits will be posted on the Class of 2021 Google Classroom.

– Most colleges also host visit days on campus. Check the Class of 2021 Google Classroom and counseling blog for specific dates.

College Applications

– Students should check with individual colleges and scholarship committees for specific deadlines. Seniors should plan to complete all applications and gather additional documentation by October 31.

– College application fees may be waived for students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch. Inquire with individual colleges for more information. Mrs. Keahey can provide documentation for colleges that will accept it.

ACT/SAT

– All SCHS students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year. Students can register online to participate in additional administrations of the ACT or SAT.

– ACT fee waiver forms are available in the counseling office for students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch.

– Method Test Prep is once again available at no cost for seniors. This is a great tool to prep for the ACT and can accessed through your Clever app.

Transcripts & Recommendations

– All colleges will require official transcripts. Some colleges and scholarship programs will also require recommendation letters.

– Transcript requests can be made at https://www.parchment.com/u/registration/4168/account. Forms are also available in the counseling office. Forms should be returned to Mrs. Keahey with payment.

– Each official transcript request costs $5.00.

– Counselor and teacher recommendation requests must be turned in 3 weeks in advance.

– Recommendation request forms are available in the counseling office.

– Recommendation request forms must be accompanied by a student resume or list of accomplishments/interests/future goals to assist the counselor in writing a proper recommendation.

– Once a recommendation is complete, it will be mailed directly to the college.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

– Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – www.fafsa.ed.gov

– For more information – http://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out

– You will need to file your FAFSA for all forms of financial assistance including loans, grants, and scholarships.

– Completion of the FAFSA is a requirement of many scholarship programs.

– You should file your FAFSA in the spring as soon as you and your parents receive your W2.

– All students should complete a FAFSA even if you feel that you may not qualify for assistance.