PG College Counseling
College Counseling for current students
Finding the Right Fit For You
At Porter-Gaud School, the college search focus is on fit, not name recognition or prestige.
We encourage you to take ownership of your college search and explore a variety of college options to discover which characteristics are important to fostering your continued growth and development.
Our Mission
As the College Counseling Office, we act as advisers and advocates, empowering students to embrace opportunities throughout their years in Upper School so they can grow confidently in a sense of purpose, a love of learning, and a commitment to service. With personal support, we nurture self-reflection and resilience, assisting students in navigating the journey of self-discovery, exploration, goal-setting, and decision-making.
Comprehensive College Planning
Our college counseling team has developed a structured advising program that begins during the freshman year and continues through graduation.
It is designed to provide students with personalized information, opportunities for reflection, increased self-awareness, support and resources to find a college that will be the best fit.
Our College Counseling Team
Jennie Harris
Director of College Counseling
Jennie Harris joined Porter-Gaud in 2019 and has served as the Director of College Counseling since July 2022. In this role, Ms. Harris is dedicated to working with each of our students in some capacity as they navigate the college admissions process. Previously, she served as Porter-Gaud’s Associate Director of College Counseling. She also worked at Wake Forest University as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions prior to joining us at PG. She holds a BA from Wake Forest University.
P: 843.402.4702
Chuckie Carver
Assistant Director of College Counseling
Charles "Chuckie" Carver joined the College Counseling Office in 2024. Mr. Carver works directly with students interested in service academies and also engages with the Tenth Grade College Counseling Program. He has extensive experience in college counseling and worked at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami before coming to Porter-Gaud. He has also spent time in Vietnam and China in school-based and consultancy-based college counseling programs. Mr. Carver holds a BA from UNC Chapel Hill and an M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University.
P: 843.402.4702
Shannon Page
Registrar/Database Manager
Shannon Page joined Porter-Gaud as the Upper School Registrar/Database Administrator in 2024. She is the resource for families with regard to transcripts, South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy, and Blackbaud. Previously, Mrs. Page taught at Charleston Day and held various roles at Qingdao No. 1 International School in China, including Lower School Principal. Before that, she worked at A. B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary in Raleigh as a teacher and Technology Coordinator. Mrs. Page holds a BA from Longwood University and an M.Ed. from Endicott College.
P: 843.402.4710
Alex LeBlanc
Associate Director of College Counseling
Alex LeBlanc joined Porter-Gaud in 2022, where she works with upperclassmen as they formally apply to colleges and with ninth grade students as they begin the college search process. Additionally, Ms. LeBlanc works directly with students interested in specialized areas of collegiate athletics and art and music schools. She grew up in Columbia, SC, is a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School, and holds a BA from Winthrop University. Prior to joining Porter-Gaud, Ms. LeBlanc was the Director of Recruitment at Savannah College of Art & Design, and an Admission Counselor for Georgetown College in Kentucky.
P: 843.402.4758
Emily Wingfield
Administrative Assistant for College Counseling/Registrar
Ms. Wingfield joined Porter-Gaud in 2024 as the Administrative Assistant for College Counseling/Registrar. They work with the rest of the College Counseling team to ensure students are supported and empowered throughout the college process. They also serve as the Upper School’s Testing Coordinator. Prior to joining PG, Ms. Wingfield worked in Marketing and Communications in the nonprofit sector. They hold a BA in History with a minor in Education from Arcadia University.
P: 843.402.4805
College Visits
Porter-Gaud is pleased to welcome a wide variety of colleges and universities to campus every year. In addition to inviting college representatives to our campus, Porter-Gaud opens the College Counseling Office to colleges who request visits. The majority of colleges complete their recruitment travel during the fall semester, but we host visits throughout the school year.
Meetings with college representatives will be in person and virtual during the 2024-2025 school year. Confirmed visits are open to junior and senior students. Upcoming college visits will be announced on SCOIR, in the Week Ahead email, and posted on the Porter-Gaud College Counseling website. We also post a calendar of upcoming visits on the College Counseling Office door. A message will also be sent out through the Remind App. If you are a junior or senior, please make sure you have signed up for Remind. If you are planning to attend a college visit, please make sure you have picked up and completed the “Request for Visit with a College Representative” form from the College Counseling office to attain teacher approval to attend the college visit.
In addition to College Counseling visits during the school day, Porter-Gaud regularly collaborates with colleges and universities to enhance our programming initiatives. The College Counseling team invites selected higher education professionals to participate in college nights, case studies, workshops, and information sessions. Allowing for consistent professional networking, in-depth conversations on admission trends, and increased exposure for our students and families in an intimate setting, we are proud to partner with many incredible colleges and universities.
Important Dates
Twelfth Grade |
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Eleventh Grade |
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Tenth Grade |
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Ninth Grade |
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Dates to Be Determined |
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Resources
College Counseling Events Calendar SCOIR COLLEGE BOARD (SAT)
ACT COMMON APPLICATION US COURSE GUIDE NCAA PROCESS FOR PG STUDENTS
Senior Forms & Links
SCHEDULING SENIOR TRANSCRIPT REQUEST
Transcript and Records Request
RECORDS/TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM (9,10,11)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the College Counselor? |
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Porter-Gaud’s College Counselors play a pivotal role in guiding students through the college application process. Our commitment begins with introducing students to a diverse array of college opportunities and encouraging proactive engagement from both students and their families. We assist in navigating the complexities of scholarships and financial aid and maintain a robust repository of external resources. Our counselors collaborate closely with each student to formulate a tailored plan aimed at securing competitive and fitting college acceptances. This includes crafting a balanced list of colleges, strategizing application timelines (such as early action, early decision, and rolling admission), and offering extensive individual advising sessions.
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When does College Counseling ‘start’? |
You might be asking yourself “Wait, why are we talking about College Counseling and ninth grade in the first place?” While a ninth-grader’s priority is adjusting to life in the Upper School, it is normal to wonder “when does college counseling ‘start’?” Believe it or not, it starts during this first year, though perhaps not as you might expect. One of the most important things a student can do as a future college applicant is to be an engaged high school student. We believe that ninth grade is about discovery and self-awareness. Try new things. Find what you love and show up – both literally and figuratively. Ninth-grade students will begin to get to know the College Counseling team through the Ninth-Grade Experience program. Mrs. LeBlanc, Associate Director of College Counseling, helps students discover and nurture strengths, interests, and community engagement through assessments and goal setting. While students will not be assigned a specific college counselor until late spring of sophomore year, please feel free to contact Mrs. LeBlanc with any questions.
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What are the key aspects of Porter-Gaud’s College Counseling program? |
The college counseling process at Porter-Gaud School is designed to mirror the overall educational experience taking place in our classrooms, on the athletic fields, and within our Porter-Gaud community. Our unique college counseling program is centered around students finding their perfect college “fit” and is divided into two distinct phases:
Driven by balance and fit, seniors lead their individual college search process with curiosity and authenticity, advocating for their personal needs and interests. Seniors understand the college admissions process and confidently present themselves in their applications to the best of their ability. Once every college decision is received, the College Counseling team guides seniors and their families in their decision-making process as students commit to the college of their choice. Our team celebrates every student’s outcomes and accomplishments, cheering them on as they prepare for graduation and starting college in the fall.
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What is the timeline for College Counseling? |
Ninth Grade
Tenth Grade
Eleventh Grade
Twelfth GradeSenior year still ‘counts!” Colleges will receive your first semester grades in January, so now is not the time to let your foot off the gas.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
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What are the trends in college admissions that I need to know about? |
Just like students, the Porter-Gaud College Counseling team visits colleges and spends time with college representatives when they come to campus. They also stay informed on trends and forecasts in college admissions through active engagement with organizations like NACAC, SACAC, and ACCIS. Here are a few noteworthy trends from the past year:
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What schools are members of the Class of 2024 attending? |
Members of the Class of 2024 are heading off to 41 colleges and universities across the United States this fall:
Auburn University |
College Resources
Knowing where to start when researching colleges and universities can often seem overwhelming. We encourage you to browse a variety of resources in your college search, including those listed on this page. As always, we are here to support you during this journey. Please contact the College Counseling Office if we can be of assistance or if you have questions about which resources we would suggest for you.
Web Resources
Each college's specific website will be the most updated and reliable source of information about that school. College search engines and general information websites can be a great place to start your search, however. We encourage you to browse the following websites for general information about colleges and the college search process.
College Search and Information Sites
Campus Tours
Links to virtual tours, video clips, and other material.
College Net
Search for colleges, scholarships, financial aid; electronic applications; and virtual bookstore.
College Navigator
Search for information on college, financial aid, and other college application information. Provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.
CollegeWeek Live
Virtual college fairs.
College View
College searches and information about college life.
National Association of College Admissions Counseling
Information about admission policies and procedures. Association of college admissions and counseling professionals.
Peterson's
College searches, information on majors, careers, financial aid and preparation for college.
Rankings and Ratings
Discusses the controversy over rankings. This site is maintained by the University of Illinois.
YouVisit
Virtual tours including some virtual reality campus visit technology.
Standardized Testing Information
College Board
SAT registration, test dates, and preparation.
ACT
ACT registration, test dates, and college searches.
Educational Testing Service
Practice test questions, sample tests, financial aid information, and college searches.
Khan Academy
Free test preparation site.
Number2.com
Free test preparation site.
Princeton Review
Test preparation resource.
Applerouth Tutoring
Test preparation resource.
Career Websites
Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Matches your temperament to a career.
College Athletics
NCAA Overview for PG Students
Resources and step-by-step instructions for students interested in playing sports in college.
NCAA
NCAA Clearinghouse registration, information about participating in Division I, II, or III college athletics.
NAI
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Resources for Students with Learning Differences
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Information, articles, and college resources.
Learning Ally
Information and resources including products, services and books for students with print disabilities.
Gap Year Resources
Gapyear.com. USA Gap Year Programs. Center for Interim Programs
Americorps. American Field Service
Print Resources
There are many college guidebooks available to help you navigate the college search and admissions process. This list provides just a sample of some of the hundreds of publications available.
Comprehensive References
- The College Board College Handbook, College Board, New York
- Lovejoy's College Guide, Monarch Press, New York
- Peterson's Four-Year Colleges, Peterson's Guides, Princeton
Subjective Guides
- The Fiske Guide to Colleges, Times Books, New York
- Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools You Should Know About Even if You're Not a Straight A Student, Penguin USA, New York
- Ivy League Programs at State School Prices, Prentice Hall, New York
- Cool Colleges for the Hyper-Intelligent, Self-Directed, Late Blooming and Just Plain Different, Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press, New York
Special-Interest Books
- Peterson's Applying to Colleges and Universities in the United States: A Handbook for International Students, Peterson's Guides, Princeton
- Directory of College Cooperative Education Programs, Oryx Press, Phoenix
- Hillell Guide to Jewish Life on Campus, B'nai, B'rith Hllel Foundations, Washington, D.C.
- The Multicultural Student's Guide to Colleges, Noonday Press, New York
- Peterson's Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities, Peterson's Guides, Princeton
- Playing the Selective College Admissions Game, Penguin USA, New York
Books Especially for Parents
- Admission Matters, Springer, Reider, Franck, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco
- College Unranked, ed. Lloyd Thacker, The Education Conservancy
- Harvard Schmarvard, Jay Matthews, Three Rivers Press, New York
- How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims, Henry Holt & Co, New York
- 50 College Admissions Directors Speak to Parents, Harcourt, New York
- Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Today's College Experience, Adler & Adler, Bethesda
- Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be, Frank Bruni, Grand Central Publishing, New York
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two basic types of financial assistance available to students who are searching for help with college costs – need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
Need-Based Aid
Need-based financial aid is determined from a federal formula and is primarily based on what a family can reasonably be expected to contribute to their child's college education. Using the family's contribution, the college will come up with a financial aid package that can be made up of grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships.
While some colleges require institutional financial aid forms, all schools will require the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA gives you access to federal loans and college work-study, and this form is used as the primary financial aid form for most colleges. This form is processed without a fee and is available on October 1st.
The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is a supplemental aid application required by many institutions in addition to their own form and/or the FAFSA. The College Scholarship Service of the College Board administers the Profile; students must pay a registration fee as well as a processing fee for each college aid application. The Profile should be filled out early in the application cycle and in accordance with the college's financial aid application requirements. Both the FAFSA and the Profile can be submitted online.
All colleges are required to provide a net price calculator on their websites. This tool will allow you to discover what the estimated cost of the college might be for you and your family. For more information on aid estimators, visit the U.S. Department of Education's Aid Estimator.
You may find the following websites helpful as you apply for, and consider, need based financial aid options.
Merit Scholarships
- Merit Scholarships: Merit Scholarships are scholarships awarded to students on the basis of their academic achievement or a special talent or skill. Scholarships may be offered by the college or university itself or awarded through outside organizations (such as corporations or state and local organizations). These scholarships are usually competitive in nature and can require additional paperwork and requirements. Each scholarship has its own deadlines and dollar amounts vary.
- ROTC Scholarships: Many scholarship opportunities are available through Army, Air Force, Marine, and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps. A student who is thinking of a career in the military or who wants leadership experience should consider applying.
- Other Scholarships: Many organizations and foundations offer scholarships for students attending college. Conducting a search for scholarships in the community, through your church, or on the web may provide applications and the opportunity to qualify for outside scholarships.
State Grants
- State Grants: South Carolina residents who decide to attend an in-state institution (public or private) may be eligible for a Palmetto Fellows, Life or Hope Scholarship. The requirements for these awards seem to vary slightly from year to year, as does the award. As information unfolds for next year, information will be made available to students. There is not a separate application required for the Life or Hope Scholarship – colleges determine your eligibility based on your final GPA as computed based on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale.
- Palmetto Fellows: Students must meet the following three criteria to be eligible:
- Score at least 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT.
- Earn a cumulative 3.50 GPA on the Uniform Grading Scale.
- Rank in the top six percent of the class.
- Life Scholarship: Students must meet at least two of the following criteria to be eligible:
- 3.0 GPA on the Uniform Grading Scale.
- 1100 SAT or 24 ACT.
- Top 30 percent of graduating class.
- SC Hope Scholarship: Initial eligibility requirements are:
- 3.0 GPA on the Uniform Grading Scale.
- Not be a recipient of the Palmetto Fellow Scholarship, LIFE Scholarship, or Lottery Tuition assistance.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FOR SC RESIDENTS
Links to Area Scholarship Programs
We have included some specific examples of area scholarships. Please visit the scholarship website for up-to-date eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application materials. The header of each scholarship contains a link to the scholarship website.
Area and Local Scholarships
Admiral James B. Osborn Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded to Tri-County high school seniors. Please see website for application and requirements.
AFCEA Scholarship
Awarded to college-bound students entering science and engineering fields of study who demonstrate academic excellence.
Charleston Women in International Trade Student Scholarship
Applicants must be high school or college students who demonstrate a degree specific to international trade or engineering. Men and women are invited to apply.
Coastal Community Foundation General Scholarship Program
Students can apply for several scholarships by completing one application.
Hampton Wildlife Fund Scholarship
This scholarship consists of a $5,000* scholarship awarded annually to a S.C. resident student to attend an institution of higher learning in the state with a major area of study in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, environmental science or related fields.
Isle of Palms Exchange Club Scholarship
The Isle of Palms Exchange Club offers scholarships to students who are from the Charleston tri-county area or are children of past or present Exchange Club members.
James F. Byrnes Scholarship
For high school seniors residing in South Carolina who have one or more deceased parents.
Kittie Moss Fairey Educational Fund Scholarship
Applicants must be South Carolina residents enrolled in a South Carolina high school, have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0, have a combined SAT score of at least a 1100 or a minimum ACT composite of 26, and be planning to attend a college or university located in South Carolina. In addition, the applicant's parents must have a household-adjusted gross income not exceeding $40,000.
Mount Pleasant Artist Guild
For high school seniors with a strong interest in visual arts (a visual art major is preferred). To be eligible, students must be residents of the East Cooper area, which includes Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Awendaw, McClellanville, and Daniel Island.
Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
For high school seniors residing in the East Cooper area of Charleston. For application information and deadlines, visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
Peck Law Firm Scholarship
Open to high school seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Porter Fleming Literary Competition
Students ages 18 years of age and older residing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee may enter a literary work in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, one-act play.
REVEREND PINCKNEY COLLEGE READINESS AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Criteria for eligibility: Selection criteria include, but are not limited to: satisfactory participation in and completion of the College Readiness Pro
Rotary Club of St. Andrews
Eligible candidates must be residents of West Ashley or James Island and plan to attend a private or public South Carolina college or university.
South Carolina Association of Counties
Four $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to South Carolina high school students who plan to attend a South Carolina college or university. To apply, students must include an essay as well as two letters of recommendation. For more information and to access a scholarship application, visit the program website.
South Carolina Council on the Holocaust
Open to high school seniors in the state of South Carolina. As part of the application, students must write a convincing argument about the importance and relevance of Holocaust education today.
South Carolina Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Eligible students must be members of the SC Credit Union or be eligible for membership in the SC Credit Union.
South Carolina Jr. Golf Foundation Scholarship Program
Eligible applicants must be SC residents, seniors in high school, have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, have a competitive or recreational interest in golf, and attend a SC public or private university.
SC State Fair, "Ride of Your Life," Scholarship
To be eligible, students must be SC residents, high school seniors and attend a college or university in the state of South Carolina. Visit the website for scholarship application and deadline information.
Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship
Open to female students pursuing a degree in a STEM related field enrolling in a college or university in the state of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.
National Scholarship Programs and Scholarship Search Websites
Scholarship search websites can be a great tool for finding scholarship opportunities. It can also be overwhelming to sort through the amount of information that is provided on these sites. To get you started, we have included some specific examples of national scholarships with broad eligibility criteria. Please visit the scholarship website for up-to-date eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application materials. For scholarships with more narrow eligibility requirements or information about additional scholarship programs, please use the resources at the bottom of this list.
National Scholarship Programs
AFSA High School Scholarship Contest
Sponsored by the American Fire Sprinkler Association. To be eligible, students read an essay and complete an online form including questions about the essay. Correct responses are entered into a scholarship drawing.
Ayn Rand Essay Contests
To apply, students must submit an essay on a topic related to Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead. See website for specific topics and application instructions.
Burger King Scholarship
Eligible students are high school seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5 and are passionate about serving the community. The scholarship application window is open from October 15 to December 15 each year.
Create Real Impact
Submit a creative entry (video, poem, piece of visual art, etc.) which demonstrates how to prevent distracted and reckless driving.
Cameron Impact Scholarship
Awarded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, this scholarship awards full-tuition, merit based scholarships to exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. To be eligible students must have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.7 or higher and demonstrated excellence in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Applicants must be 18 years of age or under as of October 1 in the year of application. Applications accepted in the categories of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, music, literature, philosophy, and outside the box. See the website for more details and application deadlines.
Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award
To be considered for scholarship, students must submit an essay in response to a prompt on efforts to reduce cyberbullying. See website for more details.
Doodle for Google
This scholarship requires you to enter an original doodle and explain how it represents your inner strength. Doodles will be judged on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication. National finalist winners receive $5,000 each, and the grand prize winner receives $30,000.
DoSomething.org Scholarships
DoSomething.org Scholarships award young people, ages 13 - 25 for the social change they do in the community. To be considered in a drawing for scholarships, students must complete a specified task and upload a photo of them completing the task. See the website for specific instructions.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
Eligible students are scholar-athletes. Scholarship deadline occurs in December of senior year.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Eligible students will have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate attributes of leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship.
Horatio Alger Scholarship
Recognizes students with demonstrated critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income) who have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Deadline to apply, October 25.
My BioSource Scholarship
Two scholarship programs: one program for high school seniors entering STEM fields of study and one program for non-STEM field majors.
National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Award
Competition is open to all high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and are planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. All awards are for one year.
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship
Eligible students are those who have shown significant effort to provide solutions toward ending hunger in their communities. Annual application period October 5 - December 5.
Tom Joyner Foundation Full Ride Scholarship
One selected scholarship winner each year will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover on-campus room and board and books. To qualify, students must be a US citizen, have a GPA of 3.50 or higher, an SAT of 1400 or higher or an ACT of 30 or higher and must apply and be accepted to a Historically Black College or University by July 1, 2019.
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Each year the makers of TYLENOL® award annual scholarships to well deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare. 30+ years later, we’re proud to continue a tradition that supports those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others.
William Randolph Hearst Service Learning Scholarship
To apply for this scholarship students must be currently enrolled in an NAES school and should have a strong record of Service Learning experience; proven leadership in school and community; and a commitment to worship and community service in their school and their parish church. The William Randolph Hearst Service Learning Scholarship of $10,000 has been given each year since 1997 to one or two NAES high school seniors who matriculate at one of these eight AEC colleges or universities: Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY), Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, NY), Kenyon College (Gambier,OH), St. Augustine College (Chicago, IL), St. Augustine's University (Raleigh, NC), The University of the South (Sewanee, TN), Voorhees College (Denmark, SC), and Universite d'Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Haiti).
Scholarship Search Websites
Fastweb.com. Chegg.com. Collegenet.com. SallieMae.com