The purpose of this page is to keep you updated about information that will help you on your path to college.  Included will be college visits to our campus, local college fairs, scholarships that are available and information from guidance.

ACT and SAT Info
The ACT or SAT results are a major component in college admissions and scholarships.  However, students planning to attend Southwestern Illinois College, need not take the ACT, but are instead required to take the COMPASS assessment test given by appointment at SWIC.  ACT advises students seeking higher scores to enroll in challenging Math, Science, and English classes throughout high school; take the sample tests provided with the registration forms; use a study book, visit the test prep websites; or enroll in a review class provided by private companies.

A list of tutoring centers in the area, which offer the ACT and SAT review classes is available in Guidance.

We recommend that Juniors take the ACT in April, then retest again in June, September or October if desired.  Southwestern Illinois College is a test center for every ACT.  Since more emphasis is being placed on the composite score, a larger percentage of students are making a second or third attempt.  If the test is taken more than once, colleges generally accept the highest ACT composite score.

For more information about the ACT, click here to view their website.
 

2007-2008
ACT-SAT Assessment Test Dates
(click here for a printable schedule)

 

ACT SCHOOL CODE: 140251

• Check www.actstudent.org to find out when early scores will be posted after your test date.  There is an $8.00 fee each time a set of scores is viewed during the early scores period.
• Score reports are normally mailed within 4-7 weeks after the test date. If you take ACT Plus Writing, your report will be mailed when all your scores, including Writing are available.    

Applications for both the 2007-2008 ACT and SAT tests
are available in guidance
or you may apply on line for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com,
or for the ACT at www.act.org.

 

 

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission uses a combination of the ACT or SAT and rank in class to determine the Illinois State Scholars.  To be eligible, a student must take the ACT or SAT in their Junior year.

 

College visits to the campus


During the months ahead, a number of college representatives will be on  campus.  We encourage you to attend these informative sessions. A weekly listing of the visits is posted on the first floor doors.

Only seniors have  permission to attend college visits first semester, however second semester these visits are  open to both juniors and seniors.  These visits should help you discover the differences among colleges and to assist you in making wise choices in your post secondary education. Remember in order to attend you must get a slip from guidance and preplan with your teacher. Be sure to visit this site often to view updated postings.
 

Upcoming College Visits October November

 

College Fairs
A college fair presents an excellent opportunity for students and parents to talk with representatives and to gather additional information on selected colleges.  Students as well as parents are encouraged  to attend these programs and begin the college planning process.

  

The All Metro College Fair will take place at Maryville University on Sunday, April 30 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.  Maryville is on Conway Road, 1 block north of HWY 40 at Woodsmill, 2 1/2 miles west of I-270.  Approximately 250 colleges from throughout the U.S. will be in attendance.

 Scholarships
The list of scholarships constantly changes and updates, so for more information see the guidance department. Be sure to apply for the FAFSA on online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students must apply to a college before they are eligible for scholarships from that school.  The financial aid office of the college can supply a listing of scholarships available.  Any student receiving a scholarship should bring the award letter to Mr. Rensing or Mrs. Tepen.  Scholarship recipients are recognized as part of the graduation ceremony.

 

It is important that scholarship applications be completed as neatly and as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the processing of transcripts, recommendations, and assimilation of materials.  Teachers usually have many recommendation letters to complete and would appreciate receiving the forms 10 days prior to the deadline.

 

Current Scholarship Opportunities


A new scholarship list is available in Guidance -- pick yours up today.

  

Scholarship Opportunities and Awards Designed Specifically for any Althoff senior


Dorothy T. Buser Business Scholarship - major in the field of business or computer science

Julian W. Buser, M.D. Health Services Scholarship -major in an area related to the field of medicine, dentistry, physical or occupational therapy, nursing, pharmacy, or radiological technology.

Enid M. Klingele Life Science Prize - An award for excellence in science

West Pointe Bank Community Scholarship Program

Mathis, Marifian, Richter & Grandy Law Scholarship

Optimist Club of Belleville

Southwestern Illinois College Foundation for Althoff - Students attending SWIC

St. Clair County (West) Rotary Club Educational Scholarship

 

**See Mrs. Tepen in Guidance for further information about these scholarships.

 

A complete listing of local scholarships is distributed to the seniors.  Some scholarship search services are available for $10 and up.  St. Louis University and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission offer a search for $10.

Financing College
The current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are available in the Guidance Office.  To be eligible for the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), students should list any Illinois school first even if they are unsure if they will attend an Illinois college.  A much faster method is to apply electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov, with results available generally within two weeks.

 

Financial Aid Toll Free Hot Lines

1-800-4-FED-AID  (1-800-433-3243)  The Federal Student Aid Information Center is open 9 am to 5:30 pm (Eastern Time).

 

Online Research
Click here to find links to some sites that might be helpful to you.

 

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