Common App Assistance
$25 service fee
for Graduating Seniors ONLY

When applying for college admissions during your SENIOR YEAR of high school, you might consider using the Common App. It’s one application that can be sent to multiple colleges. Over 1,000 colleges/universities are linked to the Common App.

The Common App includes questions that are supposed to be answered by the guidance counselor. Questions about our ranking policies and grading procedures. Answers that you might not be able to clarify on your own.

So, you can list me as your school counselor instead. Kim Andrysczyk: director@sc-top.org

However, there’s also some questions that are more personal, that I cannot answer. So, we need you to provide answers for those sections. SCROLL DOWN to fill out the form below.

• Please provide any information about the applicant’s homeschool experience and environment that you believe would be helpful to the reader (e.g. educational philosophy, motivation for homeschooling, instruction setting, etc.).
• If the student has taken courses from a distance learning program, traditional secondary school, or college, please list:
  • the course title
  • content
  • sponsoring institution
  • instruction setting
  • schedule
  • frequency of interactions with instructors and other students (once per day, week, etc.)

  Also include any standardized tests the student has taken that are not listed on the Common App.

• OPTIONAL Counselor Recommendation: Please provide comments that will help us differentiate this student from others. We especially welcome a broad-based assessment and encourage you to consider describing or addressing: · The applicant’s academic, extracurricular, and personal characteristics. · Relevant context for the applicant’s performance and involvement, such as particularities of family situation or after-school obligations, either positive or negative. · Observed problematic behaviors, perhaps separable from academic performance, that an admission committee should explore further.
• OPTIONAL Fee Waiver Verification: Please provide documentation proof for us to verify your eligibility. Common App Fee Waiver FAQs

In order to assist with this additional service, we request a small fee for the time to assist.

The post Common App Assistance first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Transcript Update Request Form

Due to the high volume of emails requests, use this form to help us process your official requests more efficiently.

If we have already formatted your transcript, submit any follow-up corrections, updates, or verification documents. 

• Upload documents verifying accredited courses
• Clarify course progressions and content covered
• Add credits mid-year for transfer/graduation applications
• Any other updates and edits

There is a small fee for each additional processing request. Thanks for your understanding.

To submit the initial transcript assistance reques >>click here<< instead.

Submit your update request below:

The post Transcript Update first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Many colleges and universities are now requiring official transcripts to be delivered thru a secure 3rd party delivery platform or they must be delivered by snail mail. SC TOP has established this option for our graduates if the higher instution will not take the transcript via email.

But, you must have a final copy that has already been approved and signed on file. If you are not sure if you have a copy on file, please contact SC TOP admin.

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Parchment works as a secure, digital clearinghouse that connects our graduates with academic institutions to order, verify, and deliver official transcripts electronically.

To request your transcript to be delivered thru Parchment:

• Create an account,
• Select a destination (college, univeristy or employer),
• Pay a fee

Then, SC TOP admin approves and releases the record via the secure delivery platform. If you want a copy for yourself, please request via email at director@sc-top.org

The post Parchment Transcript Request first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Senior Graduation 2026 Program
on Saturday, May 23 @12:30-3 pm
Pre-registration by May 8th
at St. David Lutheran Church (Gym)
Hosted by SC TOP Homeschool Association

Let’s celebrate this important milestone of completing your final year as a homeschooler! We’ll compile a promo video that you can share with your friends and family. We’ll also have a fun in-person graduation program at 132 St Davids Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170.
Caps/gowns are optional and optional color choice.

NOTE: Grades are not due until June 5, so it is fine if you are still completing courses and credits. More information will be coming soon about final grades and transcript preparation.

This is a non-religious, non-traditional program–uniquely homeschool. We welcome all homeschool graduates to participate, no matter which association you belong to. Milestone Awards Program for Kindergarten/5th/8th grade graduates and anyone who has completed their first year of homeschooling (any grade level): Click here to register for 10-noon program

Fill out the pre-registration form for each student honoree that you want included in the video and/or the virtual program. Pre-register by May 8th so we can finalize the program. 

• Video participants: Picture and first name will be included–and will be available to share to your extended friends and family. See examples of the promo videos: 2022 grads,  2023 grads and 2024 grads, 2025 grads. (Video only participation is free).
• Program participants: Name and photo of the student will be included in the live event. Please submit a short summary of your homeschool journey (1-3 paragraphs). Participants will receive a printed diploma certificate and commemorative gift. ($40 participation fee for SC TOP members/$55 for non-members)

Guests: Seating is limited. Limit guests to no more than 10 who have actively contributed to the educational development. Please prepare your guests that this a non-traditional, non-religious program.

Grad Gear is optional. Check out my Amazon Store for recommendations: 

*Registration has closed*

The post Senior Graduation first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Transcript Assistance FAQs

If this is your first time filling out the transcript request form, here’s a bit more information to help answer some of the frequently asked questions. Do not try to format your own document for us. Just take all your notes and recollections–input the information on the transcript form.

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Where does the information go? Is it going to “the state”?
This information is just a conversation between us. You are letting me know as much detail about your student’s abilities and accomplishments, so I can help format it so that it says you want it to say and means what you think it means.

• You will get a formatted file back, with personalized feedback about the course of study. You will get the opportunity to proofread and clarify, so that edits/corrections can be made.
• The information will not be sent to anyone, without your prior consent/by request only. 

Transcript preparation assitance is a service provided as part of SC TOP membership to help you with this forever document. 

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What files do I need to upload? Why?
Any courses/credits that came from somewhere–we need to verify the source and details. Please input the information into the form fields as well. But, include digital files so we can verify that we have listed the courses/credits correctly. 

• We are specifically looking for accredited agencies/programs so we include the correct grades earned, weight values, and course titles. Previous schools with courses/credits earned and attempted must also be provided. 
• If you cannot get the files to upload, you can email it to director@sc-top.org so we can save the files, and make note on your transcript request. DO NOT MAIL documents to SC TOP. 

The more information we have all connected with your transcript request all in one place, the better feedback will will be able to provide. 

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What if I remember something else that needs to be included–after I submitted the form? Should I submit another transcript form again?
One form for each student, per year–please. Separate requests confuse our team procedures and might not be realized in our processing as connected to the previous request. 

• If you think of additional details after you have submitted the form, you can email director@sc-top.org so we can add the information/question to the comments section of your transcript form.
• OR you can let us know edits/updates/corrections after we format the transcript and email the file to you. Remember this is a conversation, so you will have opportunity to add more information and clarifications. 

Try to include all the information on one form. Any questions and details you want more help about how to include it on the transcript, you can list that in the comments field. We will provide suggestions when we have all the information together. 

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What if I miss the DEADLINE?
June 5th is the DUE DATE for all grade levels. Except for Seniors–June 5th is a DEADLINE without wiggle room. 

• Because SC TOP provides rank for certain scholarship eligibility, we have certain deadlines that are set by the Commission on Higher Education. If your student is not concerned with rank eligibility, then our policies state that your student will be assigned a rank anyway. 
• We work the make each transcript to be an accurate reflection of the student’s abilities and accomplishments. The point of these policies and procedures is to open the doors of opportunities for those who wish to access them. It doesn’t hurt those who do not need these opportunities.

If you have any questions about the due dates/deadlines, contact director@sc-top.org so we can assist with your specific situtation. 

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What details do I need to include in the form fields? I’m not sure what I’m supposed to put for the answers. 

The form is somewhat directive to provide explanations. Just do the best you can to provide the details about what your student has accomplished this year.

• Course Titles: Homeschool law says to cover some basic subjects. But, we need more specific titles about the content of that subject category. For example: Science is the subject area, but was it Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy (etc)?
• Weight Values: CP is College Prep; this is the regular high school course credit. When in doubt, everything is CP weight value. H is honors, meaning you should be able to explain what was done above/beyond the regular CP course. AP/Dual Credit must include documentation for the credit from the college/institution or the College Board. 
• Grades: Number values, not letters. The SC Uniform Grade scale uses number values. So we need to know specifically what the number value is. A is between 90-100. Specify the number. 

You can have all A’s, but not all 100’s. Not all Honors. We don’t want to arbitrarily inflate the student’s abilities and accomplishments. 

*NOTE: College Board approves the instructor. Automated, self-paced programs may offer “AP” syllabus, but the student is missing the rigor of the weight value. So, SC TOP parents should apply to the College Board to access the full benefits and requirements for AP weight designation.

More about Dual Credit procedures, click here. Choosing the courses and obtaining the grade reports.

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What about grades that were outsourced to a microschool/hybrid program or an online curriculum provider or accredited program? 

If you know the program is accredited, then input the course titles and grades into the form fields AND upload a grade report file so we can verify the details are all listed correctly. Always input the titles and grade details into the form fields.

• Grades from unaccredited program: Parent still is responsible to determine the grade. Read more about the course credit policy about unaccredited programs. Examples include:
  • Local co-op, microschool or hybrid academy.
  • Online programs that are pre-recorded, self-paced, parent facilitated.  
• Grades from an accredited program: Grades from accredited agencies are not negotiable. Failing grades must also be included on the transcript. Examples include:
  • Public school or private school transcripts from previous enrollment/transfer,
  • Virtual SC or virtual charter public schools
  • dual enrollments (in-person or virtual programs)
  • Some online programs or out-of-state virtual schools 
• Grades from online curriculum provider or out-of-state school: Sometimes if a program is accredited or not. If you are unsure if the program is accredited, you can email director@sc-top.org to help clarify. When it doubt, you can upload grade report files anyway. 

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Any additional details that you want to include on the transcript can be noted in the comment section at the end.

• Include details about course content you’re not sure about the title or additional details about weight values. If you can explain it, we can help make sure it means what you want it to.
• Include questions about the course of study going forward. If you’re looking for course materials and activities, we can offer recommendations in the feedback. 
• Include details about the student’s goals after graduation, so we can be sure the course of study is on track for that opportunity. 

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When will I get my formatted transcript back?
Bear in mind that we are processing 350-400 transcripts. We process them usually within a couple weeks. However, you might not get personalized feedback about it till July. 

• If you are a graduating senior, need the transcript for dual enrollment or transferring to another school. Please indicate that you are transferring or graduating, so we can prioritize your transcript request. 
• Please limit the number of emails/questions/reminders about your transcript. This slows down the processing, when we have to give frequent updates. You should get an automated confirmation when you submit the form, so you know we have it.

Senior transcripts will be finalized by June 15th and available–with instructions on ordering final official transcripts and diplomas. All others will get personal feedback in the order they were received. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation. 

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Ready to fill out the transcript assistance request form?

The post Transcript FAQs first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

*** Scroll down to the registration form ***

ASVAB Aptitude & Interest Inventory Exam

*** Scroll down to the registration form ***

NOTE: Results will not be released to any recruiters. The results are confidentially yours, along with information to explore your career opportunities.

BRING: Your own computer so we can take the iCAT format of the test (instead of paper pencil).

• More information about ASVAB Career Exploration Program: https://www.asvabprogram.com/
• More about Careers in the Military: https://www.careersinthemilitary.com/home
• Sample Test Questions: https://www.asvabprogram.com/student

ASVAB Career Exploration Program is the only career planning resource that allows students to explore multiple paths to success — college, certificates, apprenticeships, licensure programs, or the Military – in one place.

• MULTIPLE-APTITUDE TEST: The ASVAB assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs regardless of post-secondary intention.
• INTEREST INVENTORY: The Find Your Interests inventory is based on John Holland’s widely accepted theory of career choice.
• CAREER EXPLORATION TOOLS: Armed with an understanding of their skills and interests, students then explore careers that coincide with their unique skill-interest profile.
  • OCCU-Find, a catalog of careers with job-related information all geared toward helping students identify satisfying occupations.
  • My Portfolio, a customizable resume-like document designed to help students chart and share their plans and accomplishments.
  • My Educational and Career Plans, a guided exercise to encourage students to explore occupations based on their interests, achievements and favorite experiences, make initial career plans, and evaluate current and future programs of study.
  • My Coursework Planner, an activity to help students determine remaining coursework requirements for entry into occupations of interest.
  • www.careersinthemilitary.com, a comprehensive online resource powered by ASVAB CEP that allows students to discover extensive details about military career opportunities across all Services, their Service-specific ASVAB line scores and which Services offer which jobs.
  • ASVAB CEP promotes career literacy through exposure to career-field entry requirements and future-oriented planning tools to help students develop an action plan to share with parents and educators.

Parent Guide to ASVAB Career Planning
Student Guide to ASVAB Career Planning

REGISTER below to secure your seat:

The post ASVAB Aptitude and Interest Inventory first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

High School Course Credit Policy

SC TOP policy for all high school credits is to leave it up to the parent to pick/choose the learning materials and activities for each course’s content. There’s 2 basic ways to earn credit:

The post Course Credits Policy first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Official Transcript & Diploma Request Form

This form is especially for Grads who need a final official transcript sent to a school or institution and/or need to get hardcopies mailed to you to save for later use. Grads may also request a diploma certificate from SC TOP.

If you’re looking for assistance in formatting your transcript, click here instead: Transcript Preparation.

**If your college/university will only accept official transcript via a secure 3rd-Party platform (not email), such as Naviance or Parchment, SC TOP does have that option for our graduates. There will be a separate request form and added fee for that delivery service.

Any questions, please contact director@sc-top.org
Thanks!

The post Official Transcript Request first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Do you feel like you need more personalized feedback about your homeschool course of study? 

SC TOP is now offering personal consultation appointments. This is especially beneficial for new members who need help getting started with high school plans. We can look at your transcript from the previous school and advise about the course of study going forward.

• Choose a phone or zoom conference.
• Choose the time and day.
• 20 minute session: $30/SC TOP member or $35/Non-members

Ready to schedule your appointment: Click here

Note: if the available time slots don’t fit your schedule, choose one of the available slots anyway. Include a note so we can reschedule the time to an unlisted time slot. 

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Check out these FREE resources too: 

• FREE printable Homeschooling in SC Quick Start Planning Guide
• FREE printable High School Planning Guide from SC Connection
  

The post Personal Consultation Appointment first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Homeschooling High School often requires some additional assistance and advice. SC TOP is happy to assist you with it! Here’s some links to help you find what you need–and how we can assist you.

• Frequently Asked Questions: find answers to your high school questions on this page.
  • Dual Enrollment Procedures
  • High School Credit Policy
  • Transcript Assistance FAQs
  • Transferring Back to Public School
  • Contact Admin
• DMV Verification letter: request an enrollment verification letter for your student’s state ID, license or permit.
• Common App Assistance: request assistance for SC TOP admin to be listed as the guidance counselor on the Common Application. (added fee)
• Eta Omicron Honor Society: open to 8th-12th grade eligible students for membership during his/her 9th-12th grade years.
• Report Card Request: Sports participants or returning to traditional school will need a formatted report card. Also family court will require official report cards. (added fee)
• Transcript Preparation: Transcript assistance is included with SC TOP membership.
  • If you’re new to SC TOP with high school credits already, please submit a transcript form so we can help advise you on course of study to get your student to their goals after graduation
  • If you’re transferring into another school with high school credits, please submit a transcript form so we can help make sure your credits transfer
  • Everyone finishing 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade credits must submit transcript request form so we can help format your academic resume and advise your on the course of study to get your student to their goals after graduation
  • Transcript Updates: If we have already formatted your transcript, submit any follow-up corrections, updates, or verification documents. (added fee)
  • Final Transcript Requests: next steps for requesting final official transcripts after your draft transcript copy has been processed. Parchment services are also available for an added fee.
• Consultation services: If you need extended support, encouragement and advisement, SC TOP is available to schedule in-person or zoom consultations with you (or you and your student). Added fee.
• SC TOP school code for PSAT, SAT, and ACT: 410034
• Help Desk for any official requests so it doesn’t get lost in the email slush pile.

Any other requests for records assistance, please contact director by email: director@sc-top.org or non-urgent requests to sc.top.director@gmail.com. Text/call (leave a voice mail) if you have an urgent request for priority attention.

Thanks for choosing SC TOP!
~Kim Andrysczyk, director

The post High School Info first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.