2016 09 15 college planning night presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Classes of 2018 and 2017College Information Night
West Potomac High School Student Services Team
September 15, 2016
School Counseling TeamMs. Serena Giron A-BdMr. Anthony Moore Be-ClMs. Jess Terry Cm-FleMs. Lacey Klingler Flf-HilMr. Sam Brody Him-LomMs. Shirnesha Simpkins-Church Lon-MouMs. Kazue Watlington Mup-RicMs. Rashida Williams Rid-SulMs. Charlette Jefferson-Dixon Sum-ZMr. Miguel Arroyo ESOL Levels 1-3
Ms. Carter – College/Career CenterMs. Hofmann – Transcript Specialist
Mr. McMahonDirector of Student Services
Presentation Will Include
Options after High SchoolNVCC PathwaysSelecting Colleges and Creating your listWhat Colleges are looking forApplication Types and How to ApplyWest Potomac Resources:
Mrs. Carter and Mr. Schmidt Senior Year Timeline
Planning for Life After High School
• 4-Year Schools: Bachelors Degree• In-State vs Out of State; Public vs. Private
• 2-Year Schools: Associates Degree• NOVA Pathways
• Military: Enlisting, ROTC, and Service Academies• ASVAB
• Employment • Genesys Works
• Apprenticeships• Classroom Instruction and on the job training
• Gap Year Programs• Career and Technical School: Career Specific Certifications
• West Potomac Academy Courses
SENIORS!PATHWAY TO THE BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
could be a Great Idea for you if you are:
•Thinking about college but are confused about the process•Interested in Guaranteed Admission to participating Virginia colleges, including George Mason University•Planning to complete a Bachelor’s Degree•Want to start out at NOVA and transfer to a four year university
See your Counselor for an application TODAY!!!www.nvcc.edu/pathway
Pathway to the Baccalaureate ProgramPATHWAY BENEFITS IN HIGH SCHOOL:Individual meetings and monthly workshops
with Pathway Counselor on college transition issues, including choosing a major, the application process, and preparation for placement tests
Assistance applying for and processing financial aid, scholarships, and NOVA payment plan
Early placement testing and priority course registration for your first semester at NOVA
Pathway activities/events at NOVA and George Mason University
Pathway to the Baccalaureate ProgramPATHWAY BENEFITS AT NOVAContinued academic and career counseling by a Pathway
Counselor Guaranteed admission to George Mason University for
participants who satisfy Pathway Program GAA requirements (This means if you meet all requirements between NOVA and the 4 year school you want to go to you can be guaranteed to be admitted to that 4 year school after NOVA)
Special Pathway sections of your College Success Skills class
The opportunity in your second year to enroll in classes at George Mason regular academic and social activities and early access to activities and athletic events at George Mason University
Additional InformationNOVA application and the Pathway to the Baccalaureate application are different.
Pathway students can transfer to ANY 4 year school, does not have to be George Mason
Applications are due November 10, 2016
PATHWAY COUNSELORName: Ms. SandersDay at West Potomac: Wednesdays
Time available: 8:00 am-3:00pm
Choosing a College
Common Criteria
• Size of Student Body• Location• Academic Programs• Campus Life• Cost• Diversity• Retention and
Graduation Rates
Scattergram
How Colleges Read Applications
“Data-Driven” Read• The focus is on
quantitative pieces of the application – i.e. the number of Honors/AP courses, overall GPA, core GPA, SAT/ACT scores
“Whole” Read• This includes a focus on
the qualitative pieces of information within the application – i.e. recommendations, essays, activities, and awards. This is in addition to the data.
Types of Applications & Decisions
• Methods of Applying:– Early Decision (Binding) = 1 school– Early Action (Non-Binding)– Regular– Rolling
• Early Applications may be:– Accepted, Denied, or Deferred to General
Admission Applicant Pool
Testing• SAT and SAT Subject Tests
• AP Scores– www.collegeboard.org
• ACT– www.actstudent.org
• Students must report their scores to colleges to which they apply.
High School Transcripts• Transcript Request Form– Fill out completely and turn in to Transcript
Assistant (Ms. Hofmann) in Student Services– Due at least three weeks before the application
deadline!– Transcript Fees– Transcript Assistant Hours:• Monday – Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm
Edocs vs. US Mail
Family Connection will tell you how we submit transcripts to each school.
Letters of Recommendation
• Counselor Letter of Recommendation– Forms needed: Student and Parent Input forms and
the Activity Record– Senior Handbook and online
• Teacher Letter of Recommendation– Ask ahead of time and be sure to write a thank you
note! – Check delivery method (email vs. US Mail)
– Exceptions: Virginia Tech and JMU
Resources• Your counselor!• Family Connections
– Sign up for college visits at WPHS– College information– Videos– Scattergrams with data on college
admissions – College searches– Search for Scholarships
• College and Career Center
School Counseling TeamMs. Serena Giron A-BdMr. Anthony Moore Be-ClMs. Jess Terry Cm-FleMs. Lacey Klingler Flf-HilMr. Sam Brody Him-LomMs. Shirnesha Simpkins-Church Lon-MouMs. Kazue Watlington Mup-RicMs. Rashida Williams Rid-SulMs. Charlette Jefferson-Dixon Sum-ZMr. Miguel Arroyo ESOL Levels 1-3
Ms. Carter – College/Career CenterMs. Hofmann – Transcript Specialist
Mr. McMahonDirector of Student Services
College and Career Center• Go see Ms. Carter!• College & Career Center Hours
– Monday - Friday 8:00 am-3:30 pm– Seniors are welcome to eat lunch in the Center
• College information• Testing information and study guides• Scholarship and Financial Aid information• Computers available for college/career exploration• College Visits throughout the fall & spring• Scholarship and Career Center information will be available on our
web site
Financial Aid Champion• Dale Schmidt
• College and Career Center• 2 days per week• Starting in October• By appointment before October
Senior Year - Timeline• September:
– Register for SAT/ACT tests– Narrow down choices to 4-6 schools (Balanced Lists)
• October:– Be “on the ball” with Early Decision schools – Financial Aid Night Thursday, October 6th @ West Potomac– College Admissions Representative Visits to WPHS– College Fair: Sunday, October 16th @ Fair Oaks Mall– College Night: Monday, October 17th @ Hayfield Secondary School
• November/December:– Keep grades up!– Heed application & transcript deadlines
Begins at 7:00 p.m.