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

• drschmidt@fcps.edu

• 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.