How to take the next step...
Everything you need for your post-graduation plans!
Meet Your College Advisor!
Hello!
My name is Ms. Bene and I am so excited to be your College Advisor this year.
A little about me, I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with my B.S. in Psychology and two minors--one in Education and the other in Social and Economic Justice. I was a varsity athlete for UNC's Cross Country and Track teams and I still love to run. I love to hike and explore new trails. I am also an artist! My favorite medium is acrylic paint, but I've recently enjoyed embroidery. I would love to talk about any of my background with you all from psychology and mental health to hiking and arts.
I created this website to be a one-stop-shop for all things post-graduation planning. It is still in the works and will constantly be updated with the newest and most current information possible. If you see something missing or want another aspect added, please let me know and I'd be happy to research and compile resources to add it to my site. Without further ado... Jump on in and explore these post-graduation resources!
Helpful Links
*some schools are test-optional this year
Worksheets to Help in the Planning Process
Download these sheets to help you plan, track, and organize your application process
How to Start Your College Search
Use this to help you create a list of the things you are looking for in a college. It will help you to know what you are interested in. Use the Interest Finder Tool to figure out potential careers and Majors that fit your style.
RDS Worksheet
Use this to quickly gather the necessary information to fill out the RDS. Keeping this information in one place and having it written beforehand can really help the RDS process go smoother!
Resume Template
This is a great template to use as you begin to make a formal resume. Whether its for college, a job, or a scholarship-- this template will help you organize your experiences!
Create your College List
This is a great place to start compiling a list of colleges you want to apply to. It keeps key information like deadlines and admission rates in one place for easy organization.
FSA ID Worksheet
The first step in filling for financial aid is to create your FSA ID. The FSA ID is the username and login information that you will use to fill out the FAFSA. Here is a step by step guide to create a FSA ID!
College Application Essay Writing Tips
This handout is full of great tips for crafting the perfect college application essay. Contact me for more details or if you want me to review your essay!
College Research Worksheet
Use this to gather key information about colleges you are considering applying to. This can help you to gain a better insight on an individual school and facilitate comparisons.
FAFSA Worksheet
Use this to quickly gather all the necessary information to fill out the FAFSA. Once this is filled out, you can transfer all the information onto the FAFSA application.
**FAFSA IS NOW OPEN!**NCAA Eligibility Worksheet
Use this worksheet to guide you through the NCAA Eligibility Center. What you need to apply and how to navigate the process.
College Comparison Worksheet
This worksheet is helpful to have a side by side comparison of colleges you are interested. It can help you identify specific aspects, like financial feasibility, and narrow down your college list. Feel free to add more columns to compare more colleges when you download the document.
Resume Brainstorm
Use this worksheet to start brainstorming items you would include in your resume. This is a great place to start so you can think about all the things you've been involved with since freshman year
NCAA: How To's For Recruitment
Need help with talking to colleges or navigating recruitment? Use this worksheet to help you figure it all out. Reach out to me for additional help or if anything is confusing on the worksheet.
Applying to College
Click the icons to be directed to each application website!
SAT / ACT Guidance
Some schools require an SAT or ACT score for admission
Know you have Options
All UNC System schools (UNC Charlotte, App State, NC State, UNCW, etc) will be requiring test scores on your application for the 2022-2023 application cycle. Be sure to take the SAT or ACT as soon as possible to prepare for this aspect of your application. Some colleges are test-optional this coming year, meaning you do not have to submit test scores if you don't want to or don't have them, so it important to check each school individually to know their requirements.. Talk to Ms. Bene if you are deciding whether or not to take these tests!
Register to take a Test
When registering it is good to take into consideration which test you would like to register for as well as the fee to take the test. If you are on free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for a fee waiver! Let me know if you are wondering about a fee waiver, and I can help you out.
Find out the next testing dates here; SAT & ACT
Study and Prepare for the Test
There are a lot of free resources available to study for the SAT and ACT. We can make a study plan together based on when you are taking the test. Remember it's always best to start preparing early! Khan Academy is a great place to start for SAT prep.
Take the Test!
Make sure you have all your needed materials including your testing ticket, pencils, calculator, and others. Click here for the SAT Test Day Checklist. Reach out to Ms. Bene if you need help printing/ making your ACT or SAT testing ticket. Good luck!
RDS Assistance
Learn how to receive In-State Tuition!
Create CFNC Account
Create or Login
Login to your CFNC Account. If you don't have an account, make one using your personal email--not your school email. Your school email will be deactivated when you graduate. Make sure your personal email is professional sounding and doesn't include any silly names.Gather Information
Write it out First
Here you will find a handout of all the information you will need to fill out the RDS. Write down all of this information before you begin filling out RDS. See also the RDS Worksheet in the "Planning for College" tab.Start the RDS
Filling out the RDS
Carefully read all questions. You cannot go back to previous sections, so go slowly when you fill out each section. Use the document you filled out to verify you've entered in information correctly.Receive RCN
Your Residency Certification Number
After filling out the RDS, you will be given a number. This is your RCN. Write down this number because you will need it for college applications. It is crucial for any NC school applications.FAFSA Assistance
Follow the steps below to find out how to apply for Federal Financial Aid and how to access some helpful resources.
3. APPLY
Fill out the FAFSA
The FAFSA Application does not open until October 1. After that date, you will have access to the current FAFSA application and be able to apply. Be sure to note the information you will need to gather here, before you begin the application. Much of the information is the same as RDS. The application will take around 45-60 minutes to complete.
2. ESTIMATE
Predict your aid
The FAFSA4Caster tool will help you and your family estimate how much financial aid you will receive before you even fill out the FAFSA or create an FSA ID. This tool is very helpful for planning ahead!
4. AWARD
Receive your award
After you submit your FAFSA, it will tell you how much Federal Financial Aid you qualify for. Often times this comes in the form of a Student Aid Report with your Expected Family Contribution and Federal Aid Offer listed. After you receive this, we can discuss and explore your options for paying for college.
See the "Planning for College" tab to find worksheets to help you fill out the FAFSA.
Upcoming Events!
See what our Sauras are up to and find out more about post-graduation planning
William Peace University Rep Visit 3/29 @10:00-11:00
Meet in the Media Center to hear from a representative from William Peace University! Learn about the amazing opportunities at this school and what you can do moving forward.
April 1st, 2022
ALL DECISIONS FROM 4 YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES MUST BE RELEASED!!
Let Ms. Spargo or I know if you were accepted into the schools you applied to! We can't wait to celebrate you!
SAT Test Registration Drive 4/4-4/8 @8:00-8:30
Come to the Library in the morning to register for the SAT Test date in May. Highly Recommended for all Juniors planning to attend college.
Mental Health Assembly 4/14
School-wide Assembly. This assembly will be an opportunity to hear from an individual with a mental illness and learn how to get support. I look forward to seeing you all there
May 1st, 2022
Decision Day!
May 1st is the deadline for any student planning on attending a 4-year college or university to decide where they will be attending. To do this you will need to submit a formal acceptance of the offer AND place a deposit.
Scholarship Sites and Apps:
Contact Me!
Don't be afraid to reach out.
1100 S. Stokes High Dr.
Walnut Cove, NC 27052(336) 994-2995 ext.2232Stay in the Loop!
Check out the latest updates on my Instagram page @s.stokes.collegeadvising !
Copyright 2019