ACS Academic Adviser Weekly Update

ACS Seniors,

I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in planning your next steps after high school graduation. Some of you know what you want to do next, while others are still exploring options. I encourage ALL seniors to complete at least one college application as part of their senior experience. I have listed some options below, or apply to the school of your choice. I encourage all seniors to complete one college application by the end of October. If you are unsure of your next steps, applying to a nearby South Carolina college may introduce you to options you did not consider. Please let me know if you need assistance.

C. Neel

Students, now is the time to begin preparing for the upcoming SAT and ACT testing

• ACT — October 20, 2026
• PSAT/SAT — October 22, 2026

Juniors and Seniors should know their current SAT and ACT scores and understand how those scores may affect their college plans and eligibility for South Carolina state-funded scholarship and grant programs. Review the requirements for programs such as the LIFE Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, including applicable testing and academic requirements.

Many excellent online SAT and ACT preparation resources are available. Use practice tests, review missed questions, and focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. Even a little preparation each week can make a meaningful difference.

Start studying now, set a goal, and allow yourself to achieve your best possible score!

We encourage all students to take these upcoming testing dates seriously and make preparation a priority. Your preparation today can open doors to opportunities tomorrow.

IF you are enrolled in off-campus opportunities from schools such as TCTC, Anderson University, or SC Virtual School, it is your job to keep up with your course requirements and due dates for completion. While you are taking the lead, I would still like to check in to make sure that everyone is making progress. I am happy to explain important college terminology, such as Withdrawal and Drop Dates.

You must complete the SC Wins paperwork within your student TCTC Portal for your classes to be free. Make sure to do that NOW. Look for the Scholarship button in your portal.💰

Please email me and let me know about any off-campus classes you are taking. catherineneel@andersonchristian.net

ACS receives mail from colleges and businesses nationwide. The brochures are very informative and often highlight specialty programs within the institution. Please stop by Academic Advising if you would like to take home any of this information. I've included a list of the current flyers below.

Anderson University

Berry College

All students at Erskine College are eligible for competitive scholarship packages based on academic achievement.

Discover why Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. identified Anderson University as one of the top-ranked, most affordable colleges in the country. Take the next step in your journey today.

Ready to learn more about service? Eager to get information about a specific branch of the Military? We've got you covered. Use the phone numbers and links below to speak with recruiters or visit service branch sites to discover everything there is to know about today's Military.

Spartanburg Methodist has amazing financial packages! Make sure to check out their FULL TUITION scholarship package for students who have above a 3.0 GPA.

Apply before Nov. 1 to be considered for all merit scholarships as well as the Griffith Scholarship, our most prestigious scholarship. Applying early also makes you eligible for the Service Entrepreneurship Competition. Applying to PC is free and takes just a few minutes! Apply to PC >>

Fall Open House - October 24th

Students can experience Blue Hose life firsthand at our PC open house on Saturday, October 24th. Students will explore campus, learn about academics, financial aid, admissions, and residence life. We want to see students there! Sign up now >>

Boys State and Girls State Scholarships

Accepted PC applicants who attended Boys State or Girls State qualify for a $30,000 annual Palmetto State scholarship, totaling $120,000 over four years. To be eligible, students must apply by our Early Action deadline of November 1. Apply here >>

Scholarships for Your Service-Minded Students

Ambitious, service-oriented students can compete for a full scholarship at PC through our Service Entrepreneurship Competition. By submitting a business plan addressing a community issue by December 1, students vie for the top prize and additional awards. This unique opportunity blends entrepreneurship with serving the community, offering multiple opportunities to receive scholarships. Read more >>

Our Top Academic Scholarship
The prestigious Griffith Scholarship covers tuition, fees, room, and board for up to four years at PC. Candidates with exceptional academics, leadership potential, and character are invited to interview on campus later this year. To be considered, students must apply to PC by November 1. Apply here >>

Scholarship for Presbyterian Students
Students accepted to PC who are Presbyterian church members or attend Presbyterian schools qualify for a $24,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to four years. This $96,000 total award significantly reduces college costs for eligible students. Learn More >>

FREE APPLICATION - Lander University offers small class sizes, experienced professors, and a uniquely fun experience inside and outside of the classroom. Join more than 4,300 students pursuing one of our over 90 areas of study in Greenwood, Greenville, and online.

The Meeting Street Scholarship is expanding to eligible students across South Carolina, which means they can earn up to $10,000 for college.

Students in the Class of 2027 who may soon meet our eligibility criteria, which include receiving a Federal Pell Grant and qualifying for the LIFE or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, are encouraged to fill out an interest form to receive updates about our application, which will open later this fall.

If you have questions, please reach out to our admissions team:

• Shila Bair, Director of Admissions, (843) 510-1125

• Ellie Hagan, Admissions & Programs Coordinator, (843) 580-5027

The Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC) Program educates and trains qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy's unrestricted line communities, the Navy Nurse Corps and the Marine Corps. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the Navy ROTC Scholarship Program plays an important role in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.

NROTC awards scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process. Selected applicants receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits OR Room and Board at the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

NROTC Scholarships are available to qualified students who graduate from high school before August 1 of the year they intend to start college.

The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program "A Constitutional Speech Contest" is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students.

The Presbyterian College Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition allows high school seniors to win a full scholarship to PC by creating a plan that solves a problem in their community.