College & Career Planning

Planning for life after high school is a process that begins with understanding your interests, strengths, goals, and available opportunities. Whether a student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, complete an apprenticeship, pursue a skilled trade, or serve in the military, I am available to help students and families explore options and develop a plan for the future.

Explore Your Options

There is no single path to success. Students are encouraged to explore several possibilities and choose the pathway that best matches their goals, interests, abilities, and circumstances.

Four year colleges and universities
Two year colleges and technical colleges
Career training and certification programs
Apprenticeships and skilled trades
Military service
Direct entry into the workforce
Entrepreneurship and small business opportunities

Students who are unsure about their next step are encouraged to request a meeting to explore their interests and available options.

Request College and Career Planning Support

College Planning

Students considering college should begin planning early and review admission requirements, costs, financial aid, academic programs, campus support services, and career outcomes. Application requirements and deadlines vary, so students should carefully review information provided directly by each college or university.

Identify and tour colleges that match academic, career, financial, and personal goals
Review admission requirements and application deadlines
Compare majors, programs, campus settings, and student support services
Request transcripts and recommendation letters early
Prepare for the SAT or ACT when required or beneficial
Complete college applications carefully
Review tuition, fees, housing, and other costs
Apply for scholarships and financial aid
Compare financial aid offers before making a final decision
Meet all enrollment, housing, orientation, and placement deadlines

Students and families should verify all requirements, deadlines, and costs directly with each institution.

Explore SC CAN GO for South Carolina college application links, FAFSA assistance, virtual college events, College Application Month activities, and other resources designed to help students and families navigate the college planning process.

SC CAN GO College Resources

Use the resources below to apply to colleges in South Carolina, complete the FAFSA, and explore financial aid opportunities.

Apply to a South Carolina College

Complete the FAFSA

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships can help reduce the cost of education and may be based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community service, talents, career interests, or other qualifications. Students should begin searching early, review eligibility requirements carefully, and submit applications before the deadline.

Never pay to apply for a scholarship
Verify scholarship information through a trusted source
Pay close attention to deadlines and required documents
Complete the FAFSA even when applying for scholarships
Check college websites for institutional scholarships
Look for local scholarships through schools, churches, employers, and community organizations
Keep copies of completed applications and confirmation emails

South Carolina Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are updated throughout the school year.

Check scholarship opportunities regularly
Read all eligibility requirements before applying
Gather transcripts, activity lists, résumés, and recommendation letters early
Follow all instructions and submit applications before the deadline
Write original, thoughtful essays when required
Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship
Confirm that the scholarship comes from a trustworthy organization
Keep copies of applications and submission confirmations
Continue applying throughout the senior year and while enrolled in college

Discover Your Career Interests

Choosing a career path begins with understanding your interests. A career interest assessment can help students identify the types of activities and work environments they may enjoy and connect those interests with possible careers. Results are intended for exploration and should not be viewed as limiting a student to one occupation.

Complete the career interest assessment.
Review the suggested career areas.
Select two or three careers that interest you.
Research the education, training, salary, and job outlook for each career.
Discuss your results with a parent, trusted adult, teacher, or school counselor.

Take the Career Interest Assessment/SCOIS

Career and Workforce Planning

College is one pathway, but it is not the only pathway to a successful future. Students may also prepare for employment, skilled trades, apprenticeships, certification programs, military service, or entrepreneurship. Career planning helps students connect their interests and strengths with education, training, and employment opportunities.

Explore careers that match interests, strengths, and values
Research education, training, licensing, or certification requirements
Compare salaries, job outlook, and working conditions
Develop a résumé and complete job applications
Practice interviewing and professional communication
Learn workplace expectations and employability skills
Explore apprenticeships, internships, and job shadowing
Research technical college and certification programs
Consider military careers and service requirements
Create a realistic plan for the next step after high school

Students who would like help exploring careers or developing a postsecondary plan may request an individual meeting.

Request Career Planning Support

Senior Planning Checklist

Confirm that graduation requirements are being met
Review credits, grades, and current course progress
Finalize plans for college, training, military service, or employment
Complete college, technical school, or training applications
Request transcripts and recommendation letters early
Complete the FAFSA and review financial aid requirements
Apply for scholarships throughout the school year
Compare admission and financial aid offers carefully
Submit required enrollment, housing, orientation, and placement documents
Complete employment applications, a résumé, and interview preparation if entering the workforce
Notify the school counselor of acceptances, scholarships, military commitments, and career plans
Meet all graduation and senior clearance requirements

Deadlines vary by institution and program. Students and families should verify all dates and requirements directly with the college, employer, military representative, or training provider.

Request Senior Planning Support