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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County Schools and “Potential Magazine” are partnering for the Countdown to College workshop.

The 90-minute workshop will be held on April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson State Community College Chilton-Clanton campus.

“This workshop is free and open to all eighth – 12th grade students and their parent or guardian.  There will be a panel of representatives from four attending colleges that will discuss what you need to know about the admissions process,” Kim Benson, a career coach with Chilton County Schools, said. “It is important for families to start researching college options early, that is why we open this up to eighth-12th grade students.”

Panelists will include representatives from Jacksonville State University, University of Alabama, Auburn University in Montgomery and Jefferson State Community College.

Benson said topics will include: Insight into the College Admissions process, scholarship opportunities, 10 tips to earn scholarships, full understanding of the 3 areas that ACT scores impact, ACT/SAT tips for improving scores, impacts of different real-life scenarios (missing deadlines, changing your mind, etc.), benefits of community college attendance and dual-enrollment, and tips to prepare your family finances to maximize your FAFSA based grants and awards.”

“Some of the topics covered will include finding scholarships, preparing for college, maximizing financial aid, and reducing college costs,” Benson said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panelists questions as well as discuss possibilities with them one-on-one and get additional information about each college.

Registration for the event is not required in order to attend.

A 7-inch tablet will be given away at the end of the night.

The event will be held in the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center auditorium, located behind the main college building on Alabama Highway 145.