Aiken, SC, August 29, 2025
News Summary
South Aiken High School kicked off its first College Application Month, aimed at aiding seniors in their college applications. Organized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the event saw input from various universities and attracted 190 participants. The initiative includes fee waivers to alleviate the burden of application costs, supporting students’ aspirations for higher education. This program reflects a broader effort to enhance college degree attainment in South Carolina, with similar events planned statewide.
AIKEN, SC – South Aiken High School launched its inaugural College Application Month on August 27, 2025, aimed at assisting high school seniors with their college ambitions. This event, organized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, attracted university representatives who provided essential support for filling out college applications.
The event was attended by representatives from several universities, including Winthrop University, Paine College, the University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken Technical College, and Lander University. A total of 190 students from South Aiken High School signed up to participate, showcasing a strong interest in pursuing higher education.
Throughout this event, students received guidance on various aspects of the application process, including personalized help with completing the paperwork. College Application Month, which extends from August to November, offers high school seniors the opportunity to apply to colleges with waived application fees. This initiative significantly eases the financial pressure on students, as college application fees can be substantial. One senior noted that the typical $65 college application fee can be a burden, reflecting the sentiments of many students facing similar challenges.
As seniors navigate the college application process, the opportunity for fee waivers becomes particularly beneficial. Students applying to multiple colleges often find that the costs can quickly add up, impacting their ability to access higher education opportunities.
College Application Month is part of a broader initiative by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, which aims to increase the percentage of South Carolinians with degrees beyond a high school diploma from the current 50.1% to 60% by the year 2030. The commission plans to conduct at least a dozen more College Application Month events across South Carolina during this period.
Previous events for College Application Month in 2024 included over 250 separate events, resulting in approximately 46,000 student participants. These statistics highlight the increasing enthusiasm and engagement among students regarding higher education and college applications.
Additionally, school officials underscored the importance of these events in helping students explore various higher education opportunities. One school counselor indicated that many students might remain unaware of the scholarship opportunities available to them unless they receive proper guidance. Such support can play a crucial role in facilitating students’ access to financial aid and scholarship programs as they pursue their academic goals.
The weather on the day of the event was mild, with a mix of sunshine and clouds and a high temperature of approximately 85°F, creating a pleasant environment for students and organizers alike.
Conclusion
The successful kickoff of College Application Month at South Aiken High School marks a critical step towards encouraging more students in the region to consider post-secondary education. By facilitating access to applications and waiving fees, the event aims to empower students to seize educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is College Application Month?
- College Application Month is an initiative designed to assist high school seniors with college applications by providing support and waiving application fees.
- When does College Application Month take place?
- College Application Month runs from August to November each year.
- Who organized the event at South Aiken High School?
- The event was organized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
- How many students participated in the event?
- A total of 190 students from South Aiken High School signed up to participate.
- Which universities attended the event?
- University representatives from Winthrop, Paine College, USC Aiken, Aiken Tech, and Lander attended the event.
Key Features of College Application Month at South Aiken High School
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Participants | 190 students |
| Organization | South Carolina Commission on Higher Education |
| Universities Involved | Winthrop, Paine College, USC Aiken, Aiken Tech, Lander |
| Application Fee Waivers | Available for students applying to multiple colleges |
| Goals | Increase college degree attainment in South Carolina to 60% by 2030 |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Local Seniors Get Help with College Applications
- Post and Courier: College Application Month at South Aiken High
- WJBF: South Carolina’s College Application Month
- WFXG: South Aiken High School Holds College Fair
- WRDW: It Starts Now for Local Seniors
- Wikipedia: College Application Month
- Google Search: College Application Assistance
- Google Scholar: College Application Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Admissions
- Google News: College Application Month South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
