• How to take the next step...

    Everything you need for your post-graduation plans!

  • Meet Your College Advisor!

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    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

  • Planning for College

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    Freshman Year Checklist

    Click to download

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    Sophomore Year Checklist

    Click to download

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    Junior Year Checklist

    Click to download

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    Senior Year Checklist

    Click to download

  • 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.
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  • Applying to College

    Click the icons to be directed to each application website!

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    CommonApp

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    CFNC

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    Coalition App

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    Find out Application Deadlines for NC Colleges

  • 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!

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.

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    1. FSA ID

    Make an Account

    Before you can fill out your FAFSA, you must make a FSA ID. If your parent or guardian has filled out the FAFSA before, they must use the same FSA ID they did before. You can retrieve old FSA IDs here. See the "Planning for College" tab to find a FSA ID worksheet.

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    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. 

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    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!

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    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

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    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.
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    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!
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    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.
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    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
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    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.
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    Scholarships

    The picture to the left is linked to a presentation on some basic information about scholarships, how to search for them, how to make a strong application, and other tips and tricks. 
    Below are links to some popular scholarship search sites as well as some current specific scholarships.
  • Scholarship Sites and Apps:

    Chegg

    (Free)

    FastWeb

    (Free)

    Scholarships.com

    (Free)

    BigFuture

    (Free)

    CFNC

    (Free)

    Going Merry

    (Free)

    Student Scholarships.org

    (Free)

    Walmart Employees Scholarship

    Target Employees Scholarship

    Quest Bridge Scholarship

    Apply by Sept. 28, 2021

    College Board Opportunity Scholarship

    Deadlines at the end of each month!

    Winston Salem Foundation

    Scholly

    ($5/month)

  • Contact Me!

    Don't be afraid to reach out.

    1100 S. Stokes High Dr.
    Walnut Cove, NC 27052
    (336) 994-2995 ext.2232
  • Stay in the Loop!

    Check out the latest updates on my Instagram page @s.stokes.collegeadvising !