Academic Advising

Preparing students for life beyond high school

College & Career Prep - What to Expect

Freshmen

9th grade
  • Attend Freshman Parent Night
  • Build 4-year plan
  • Take PSAT and PreACT
  • Complete service hours
  • Plug into a club

Sophomores

10th grade
  • Attend Sophomore Parent Night
  • Take PSAT
  • Prep for ACT/SAT
  • Complete service hours

Juniors

11th grade
  • Attend Junior Parent Night
  • Take ACT/SAT
  • Complete service hours
  • Find leadership roles
  • Expand electives
  • Dual credit classes

Seniors

12th grade
  • Attend Senior Parent Night
  • College visits
  • Complete FAFSA
  • Complete service hours
  • Expand leadership roles
  • Build college credits

 Important Dates

  • Aug 10 – First Day of School
  • Aug ?? – Last day to change classes
  • TBD – Deadline to sign up for PSAT (10th and 11th graders)
  • Sep 22 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (early dismissal)
  • Sep 23 – No School
  • Oct 12 – PSAT
  • Oct 19-21 – Fall Break
  • Nov 21-25 – Thanksgiving Break
  • Dec 14-19 – Final exams
  • Dec 21 – January 3 Christmas Break
  • Jan 16 – MLK Day (no school)
  • Feb 23 – Parent/Teacher Conferences (early dismissal)
  • Feb 24 – No School
  • Mar 20-24 – Spring Break
  • Apr 7 – Good Friday (no school)
  • May ?? – College Decision Day
  • May 13 – Graduation
  • May 18-23 – Semester Tests
  • May 24 – Last Day of School

College Visits

RCS offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to visit colleges firsthand and receive an administrator’s excused absence. Seniors are allowed 2 days excused for college visits, and juniors are allowed 3 days excused for college visits. All college visits are subject to administration’s approval. Students must submit appropriate documentation from the admissions department of the institution visited in order for the absence to be excused as a college visit. ​

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College Entrance Testing

ACT

The ACT tests how prepared students are for college in English, math, reading, and scientific reasoning, plus writing through an optional essay.

SAT

The SAT shows schools how prepared you are for college by measuring key skills like reading comprehension, computational ability, and clarity of expression.

PSAT

The Preliminary SAT is a great primer for the SAT and ACT. PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships.

ACT

Testing and registration dates 2022-23

Test DateS

​September 10

*October 22

December 10

February 11

April 15

June 10

​July 15
​ ​

Registration Deadline

August 5

September 16

November 4

January 6

March 10

May 5

​June 16​

Late Registration**

​August 19

September 30

November 11
​
January 20

March 24

May 19

​June 23

TEST FEES

ACT
$63
ACT with Writing
$88
Late Fee
+$36
Ridgefield School Code
041271

The ACT is not administered by RCS.

*This test date is usually the last one that seniors may take for the score count for scholarships. Check with your college/university for the cutoff date.

**Late registration fee of $36 applies.

To sign up for a test and pay for it online, go to www.actstudent.org and create an account.

Register for ACT

SAT

Testing and registration dates 2022-23

The SAT is a nationally administered, standardized paper-and-pencil test that helps colleges evaluate candidates. Generally, you’ll take the SAT for the first time in the spring of your junior year. Scores typically come back in four weeks. This allows you enough time to retake the test during the summer or fall if you’re not satisfied with your score.

Test Date

August 27
​
*October 1

November 5

December 3

March 11

May 6

June 3

Registration Deadline

July 29

​September 2

October 7

November 3

February 10

April 7

May 4

Late Registration**

August 16

September 20

October 25

November 22

February 28

April 25

May 23

TEST FEES

SAT
$88
Late Fee
+$30
Ridgefield School Code
041271

*This test date is usually the last one that seniors may take for the score to count for scholarships. Check with your college/university to see when their cutoff date is.

**Late registration fee of $30 applies.

To register, go online to www.collegeboard.com/subjectcalendar and create an account.

Register for SAT

PSAT

National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam. You can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520.

The PSAT is administered at RCS each fall.

Studying for College Tests

Helpful sites and links

These are helpful sites and tools that can help you or your student prepare for a variety of standardized and college admissions tests.

Paying for College

FAFSA

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID

The FAFSA is a FREE application that requires student information as well as parent information such as social security numbers and tax records. The following are types of financial aid offered through the FAFSA:

  • Pell Grants – awarded based on the FAFSA and do not have to be repaid.
  • Subsidized Loans – awarded based on financial aid – government pays interest while you’re in college, you start paying back 6 months after graduation
  • Unsubsidized Loans – not based on financial aid – you pay all of the interest on the loans
  • PLUS Loans – parent borrows the loan
  • Work-study funds – eligibility to have a work-study job through the college you attend
Questions college financial aid officers wish parents would ask
Estimate your Federal Student Aid
Start your FAFSA here
NOTE: Be sure to check with each institution you are interested in attending for their requirements for completing FAFSA. Some institutions will require completion (even if you don’t meet the guidelines for financial aid) to receive academic scholarships.

How to Fill Out the FAFSA® Form Video

College Scholarships

Finding other resources to fund your education
College students cramming outdoor

Scholarship Sites

Scholarships for 9-11th graders

Scholarships by Deadline

Voice Of Democracy Scholarship (grades 9-12)
View Details
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2022

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship (ages 16 and up)
View Details 
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2022

 

Americanism Essay Contest (grades 7-12)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2022

Lamber-Goodnow Scholarships (grades 9-12)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2022

Free Speech Essay Contest (grades 11-12)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

“Because College is Expensive” Scholarship (grades 10-12)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

Young Filmmakers Scholarship Contest (grade 3 and up)
View Details
Deadline: Jan. 5, 2023

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship (grade 9-12)
View Details
Deadline: March 15, 2023

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship (grade 9-12)
View Details
Deadline: March 15, 2023

Gloria Mattera National Migrant Scholarship Fund (for students that are classified as Migrant) (grades 9-12)
View Details
Deadline: April 1, 2023

Ayn Rand Essay Contests
View Details
“Anthem” (grades 8-12) – Deadline: April 27, 2023
“The Fountainhead” (grades 11-12) – Deadline: April 27, 2023

 

Scholarships for Seniors

Arkansas Workforce Challenge
View Details
Deadline: 30 days before program start

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Eligibility
View Details 
Deadline: Oct. 1, 2022

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2022

National Rice Month Scholarship Contest
View Details
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2022

Voice Of Democracy Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2022

ACF Visionary Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: Nov. 1, 2022

Elks Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 1, 2022

AGC of America Scholarship
(must want to major in construction programs or trade school)
View Details
Deadline: November 1, 2022

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Program
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 17, 2022

Ayn Rand Essay Contest
View Details
“Atlas Shrugged” (grade 12)
Deadline: November 6, 2023

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2022

“You can’t label people, but you can label products” Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2022

“Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2022

Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Nov. 30, 2022

Americanism Essay Contest
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2022

Lamber-Goodnow Scholarships
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2022

Burger King Foundation Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022

Avacare Medical Scholarship
(for those wanting to major in the medical field)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022

Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship
(for those wanting to major in the medical field)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship
(*only first 100 essays submitted are reviewed*)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

Free Speech Essay Contest
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

Headsetplus.com College Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

“Because College is Expensive” Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

College is Power Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

Soy Scholarship
(for those wanting to major in agriculture)
View Details
Deadline: Dec. 31, 2022

 

Arkansas Future Grant
View Details
Deadline: January 1, 2023

Employment BOOST Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: Jan. 1, 2023

Young Filmmakers Scholarship Contest
View Details
Deadline: Jan. 5, 2023

Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
View Details
Deadline: Jan. 5, 2023

 

Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: February 1, 2023

AACIA Graduating Senior Scholarship
(for those wanting to pursue a degree in education)
View Details
Deadline: February 17, 2023

 

Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: March 1, 2023

Life Happens Scholarship
(loss of parent/guardian)
View Details 
Opens: February 1, 2023; Deadline: March 1, 2023

American Welding Society Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: March 1, 2023

Farm Credit MidSouth Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: March 1, 2023

Arkansas Elite Welding Competition Scholarship
View Details 
Competition: March 11, 2023

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: March 15, 2023

Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference Scholarship
(parent/guardian must be employed in public school transportation the last three years)
View Details
Deadline: March 15, 2023

Conway Regional Health Foundation Scholarship
(for students wanting to pursue a health-related career)
View Details 
Deadline: March 28, 2023

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
(for students with epilepsy, their immediate family members, and/or caregiver)
View Details
Deadline: Mar 31, 2023

Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship
(must be going into medium/heavy duty truck technician program)
View Details
Deadline: Mar 31, 2023

Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: Mar 31, 2023

Play4Jerren “Celebration of Life” Scholarship
(impacted by pediatric cancer)
View Details 
Deadline: April 1, 2023

Preston Woodruff Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: April 1, 2023

American Legion Scholarship
(must be children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren of American Legionnaires)
View Details 
Deadline: April 1, 2023

AACTEA Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: April 1, 2023

Mandy Coats Scholarship Fund
(for active members in a church)
View Details 
Opens: January 1; Deadline: April 1, 2023

Centennial Bank Scholarship
(for student-athletes)
View Details 
Opens: at completion of Sem. 1; Deadline: April 1, 2023

Gloria Mattera National Migrant Scholarship Fund
(for students that are classified as Migrant)
View Details 
Deadline: April 1, 2023

National High School Essay Contest
View Details 
Deadline: April 3, 2023

National Scottish Rite Annual & Endowed Scholarships
(require Scottish Rite, SJ Membership or Relationship or Masonic Youth Group Membership)
View Details
Deadline: April 6, 2023

Bird Dog Foundation Annual College Scholarship Essay Contest
View Details
Deadline: April 15, 2023

Army Scholarship Foundation
(must be child of a parent in the Army or National Guard)
View Details 
Deadline: April 15, 2023

Global Lift Equipment Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: April 15, 2023

Ayn Rand Essay Contests
View Details
“Anthem” (grades 8-12)
Deadline: April 27, 2023
“The Fountainhead” (grades 11-12) – Deadline: April 27, 2023

Lift Parts Express Scholarship
View Details
Deadline: April 30, 2023

Ralph G. Norman Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: April ?, 2023

Tan Son Nhut Association Scholarship
(must be a direct descendant of one who served in Vietnam for any period from January 1, 1959, to April 30, 1975)
View Details 
Deadline: May 1, 2023

PB&J Scholarship
(for students who have experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed them to perform well academically, but who still have the drive to succeed)
View Details
Deadline: May 31, 2023

AGC Arkansas Scholarship
(must want to major in construction programs or trade school in Arkansas)
View Details 
Deadline: June 1, 2023

AGFC Conservation Scholarship Program
View Details
Application Portal opens: May 15, 2023; Deadline: June 15, 2023

Arkansas Future Grant
View Details
Deadline: July 1, 2023

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: July 1, 2023

Arctic Physical Therapy Scholarship
View Details 
Deadline: August 31, 2023