PLANNING MY FUTUREOne Piece at a Time

MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANNER

i-am-the-one.com

MY NAME Is

I am taking charge of my future!

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Sure, it might be years away. But the thing is, if you want to go to college, you’ll need the grades, the classes, and the funding to do it. And you can do it – you just need to do some planning along the way, starting now.

When it comes to getting to college, starting in middle school is important. The decisions you make and the effort you put into classes now will have a major impact on your next steps in high school and beyond.

This planner has been developed to help you learn about your strengths, create goals that will guide you through high school, and share information about Virginia’s colleges. Complete all of the activities and see how all of the pieces come together to help you plan for your future.

It’s Never Too Early TosTART THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE

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1 ❑ I reach out to touch things.

2 ❑ I collect things.

3 ❑ I talk fast using my hands to communicate what I want to say.

4 ❑ I fidget constantly (e.g., tap my pen, play with keys in my pocket).

5 ❑ I am good at sports.

6 ❑ I take things apart & put things together.

7 ❑ I prefer to stand while working.

8 ❑ I like to have music in the background while working.

9 ❑ I enjoy working with my hands and making things.

10 ❑ I like to chew gum or eat in class.

11 ❑ I learn through movement and exploring the environment around me.

12 ❑ I may be considered hyperactive.

13 ❑ I am good at finding my way around.

14 ❑ I am comfortable touching others as a show of friendship (e.g., hugging).

15 ❑ I prefer to do things rather than watch a demonstration or read a book about it.

Just like how certain styles of clothing look better on you, certain ways of learning help you comprehend better. Everybody has a preferred learning style. Knowing and understanding your learning style will help you learn more effectively. You will not only be able to create study habits that fit your style, but you’ll also be able to tell others how they can best help you learn.

DIRECTIONs:

Place a check in front of all the statements that describe you. Then

add up the checks in each list, and write that number at the bottom

of each list. The list with the highest total number is your dominant

learning style! Write that style in the green puzzle piece below.

Designed by Tammy Friemund, Study Skills Instructor, UM-College of Technology, Missoula, MT, completed May 2005.

TACTILE/KINEsTHETIC LEARNING sTYLE

TOTAL sTATEMENTs CHECKED

What’s your LEARNING sTYLE?

MY LEARNING sTYLE Is

Now let’s see how your learning style strategy can help you in school:

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1 ❑ I ask for verbal instructions to be repeated.

2 ❑ I watch speakers’ facial expressions and body language.

3 ❑ I like to take notes to review later.

4 ❑ I remember best by writing things down several times or drawing pictures/diagrams.

5 ❑ I am a good speller.

6 ❑ I turn the radio or T.V. up really loud.

7 ❑ I get lost with verbal directions.

8 ❑ I prefer information to be presented visually (e.g., flipcharts or chalk board).

9 ❑ I am skilled at making graphs, charts, and other visual displays.

10 ❑ I can understand and follow directions on maps.

11 ❑ I believe that the best way to remember something is to picture it in my head.

12 ❑ I follow written instructions better than oral ones.

13 ❑ I am good at solving jigsaw puzzles.

14 ❑ I get the words to a song wrong.

15 ❑ I am good at visual arts (e.g., painting, photography, or sculpture—things that appeal primarily to the visual sense and typically exist in permanent form).

1 ❑ I follow oral directions better than written ones.

2 ❑ I would rather listen to a lecture than read the material in a textbook.

3 ❑ I understand better when I read aloud.

4 ❑ I struggle to keep notebooks neat.

5 ❑ I prefer to listen to the radio rather than read a newspaper.

6 ❑ I frequently sing, hum, or whistle to myself.

7 ❑ I dislike reading from a computer screen especially when the backgrounds are fuzzy.

8 ❑ I can tell if two similar sounds are the same or different.

9 ❑ I require explanations of diagrams, graphs, or maps.

10 ❑ I enjoy talking to others.

11 ❑ I talk to myself.

12 ❑ I use musical jingles to learn things.

13 ❑ I would rather listen to music than view a piece of artwork.

14 ❑ I use my finger as a pointer when reading.

15 ❑ I like to tell jokes and stories and make verbal analogies to demonstrate a point.

VIsUAL LEARNING sTYLE AUDITORY LEARNING sTYLE

TOTAL sTATEMENTs CHECKED TOTAL sTATEMENTs CHECKED

What’s your LEARNING sTYLE?

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning style

• Record your notes, then listen to them as you walk,

jog, or eat.

• Choose a study area that gives you room to move.

• Study with others.

• Take a walk or get a snack between short study sessions.

Visual Learning style

• Use flash cards or handouts.

• Use highlighters to mark notes/textbooks.

• Study in a quiet place.

• Draw pictures of math problems.

Auditory Learning style

• Use word associations to remember facts.

• Use study groups.

• Read difficult passages aloud.

• Explain steps to a math problem aloud.

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The things that you like to do, explore, and think about can help determine what type of career might fit you best. Let’s find out what statements describe you and discover the common “themes” to your interests.

DIRECTIONs:

Read the statements in each box, and decide if each one is something

you like to do, can do, or describes you. Then put the corresponding

number in the box.

• Love it = 2

• Like it = 1

• Leave it = 0

Add up each theme, and write the sum in the TOTAL box. The box

with the highest number is your top theme! Write your top three

themes, in ranking order, in the puzzle piece below.

I enjoy working outside.

I like playing with mechanical toys, machines, and tools.

I like to use my hands to build and create things.

I enjoy working in or planting a garden.

I value things I can grow or create.

I can fix broken machines.

I like to play sports.

I can read a blueprint or follow detailed graphic instructions.

I am curious about the physical world.

I am practical.

I am athletic.

I am straightforward.

I love nature.

I like to be physically active.

TOTAL

THEME 1: REALIsTIC

I like to explore ideas.

I like to use computers.

I like to work independently/by myself.

I like to perform lab experiments.

I am interested in reading technical or scientific magazines.

I like to analyze data.

I can think abstractly.

I can solve math problems.

I can do complex calculations.

I can use a microscope.

I am inquisitive. (I ask many questions.)

I am precise.

I am observant.

I am scientific.

TOTAL

THEME 2: INVEsTIGATIVE

What are your INTEREsTs?

MY TOP 3 THEMEs ARE:

1.

2.

3.

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I like to attend plays, musical performances, and art shows.

I read fiction, plays, and poetry.

I like to work on crafts and art projects.

I like to take photographs.

I have good artistic abilities compared to others my age.

I can play a musical instrument.

I can create fashion designs.

I can create interior designs.

I am creative.

I am imaginative.

I am independent.

I am innovative.

I am artistic.

I am intuitive.

TOTAL

THEME 3: ARTIsTIC

I like to make decisions that affect others.

I would like to be elected into office.

I like to win awards for my work.

I want to start my own business.

I like to meet important people.

I can convince people to do things my way.

I can sell things and promote ideas.

I like to give talks or speeches.

I can organize events and activities.

I am confident in myself.

I am sociable.

I am persuasive.

I am energetic.

I am ambitious.

TOTAL

THEME 5: ENTERPRIsING

I like to help people.

I like to teach people.

I like to work in groups.

I like to participate in meetings.

I can express myself clearly.

I like to help solve disputes.

I can plan and supervise activities.

I value volunteer work.

I am friendly.

I am helpful.

I am insightful.

I am outgoing.

I am understanding.

I am cooperative.

TOTAL

THEME 4: sOCIAL

I like to follow defined procedures and rules.

I like to work on computers.

I like to work with numbers.

I like to be responsible for details.

I can keep accurate notes and records.

I can write clear business letters.

I value orderliness

I value accuracy.

I am careful.

I am neat.

I am accurate and precise.

I am methodical.

I am organized.

I am efficient.

TOTAL

THEME 6: CONVENTIONAL

What are your INTEREsTs?

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Learn about your INTEREsT REsULTs

Now that you’ve taken the Interest Inventory, it’s time to learn how this piece fits into your future. People are more likely to be happy and successful when their career and educational pursuits match their personality, skills, and interests. The six themes you see to the right help link your personality traits with different types of education and careers.

Remember, just because you show high interest in one theme, it doesn’t mean you can’t explore or do well in others. So, don’t forget your second and third highest ranking themes.

THEME 1: REALIsTICStudents scoring high in the realistic theme may find themselves

choosing classes focusing on computer skills and software

development, technology, construction, agriculture, or cooking.

These students are hands-on learners and seek out opportunities

to build or create things with their hands. Parents, teachers, and

students may say that realistic students are problem solvers, are

practical, and prefer to work alone to accomplish a task. Some

careers associated with this theme include a medical lab technician,

building inspector, industrial equipment operator, carpenter, chef,

and firefighter.

THEME 2: INVEsTIGATIVEScoring high in the investigative theme may indicate you are great

at working with numbers or data, and that science and math are

two of your favorite subjects. Many investigative-type students

are interested in performing research and doing experiments; if

a task requires you to think and analyze it, you generally enjoy

it. Professions that many investigative people consider include a

scientist, doctor, computer programmer, pharmacist, engineer,

and detective.

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Learn about your INTEREsT REsULTs

THEME 3: ARTIsTICArtistic-type students can be seen writing, painting, singing, dancing, and

creating in their own unique ways. These are the students that express

their creativity and imagination in school by taking art, music, or drama, and

out of school in their personal time. Many artistic people do not care what

other people think and tend to “think outside the box;” routine bores

them. Actors, artists, jewelry and clothing designers, cosmetologists,

and floral designers are all types of jobs and careers that artistic-themed

people may consider.

THEME 4: sOCIALStudents with high scores in the social theme are often the most outgoing

and easiest to get along with. They are aware of how other people feel

and are dedicated to helping others. These are the students who are

involved with or have interest in community service, student government,

mentoring, or peer mediation. The term “social butterfly” often applies

to them. Some of the careers held by socially high-scoring people include

counseling, nursing, physical therapy, teaching, and public safety.

THEME 5: ENTERPRIsINGEnterprising students are seen as popular, confident, and social. They can

persuade and influence others easily. They like public speaking and are

considered outgoing, ambitious, talkative, and competitive. Students with

high-enterprising theme scores are often natural leaders and are selected

to lead school-wide events or initiatives. Enterprising people may seek

careers in politics, law, real estate, sales and retail management, travel,

and public relations.

THEME 6: CONVENTIONALFor conventional-themed students, details matter. They keep accurate

records and notes and thrive on routine. They are well-organized and

have good clerical skills. Although these students may not stand out as

obvious leaders, behind the scenes they are making sure the jobs get

done, especially the paperwork and the details. They follow the rules

and are practical. If this sounds like you, professions you might consider

include those where you can work with data and use orderly methods to

accomplish your tasks, such as accountants, secretaries, bank tellers,

computer and database operators, and researchers.

Learning styles help determine the best way for you to gather

and think about information. Your interests are the areas that you

are excited to think about or be involved in. And your strengths?

Well, those are your talents and abilities—areas you are good at

without having to really try too hard.

When you combine the way you learn with the areas in which

you are interested and excel, the possibilities are limitless. What

comes to you naturally? What do people say you do well? Ask

a family member or classmate what strengths they see in you.

Write the top three answers here.

MY sTRENGTHs ARE:

1.

2.

3.

Learning Styles + Interests + Strengths =A FUTURE OF POssIBILITIEs

“Eighth Grade Interest and Personality Assessment – Holland Occupational Themes,” handout. Also used was Lawrence K. Jones, Ph.D., “The Career Key; Measure Your Interests and Learn Which Job Fits You Best” (North Carolina State University, 1987, 1990, 1997).

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Let’s discuss your GOALs & CAREER OPPORTUNITIEs

• Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources: Butchers,

environmental engineers, farm workers, landscapers, pest control

workers, and veterinarians

• Architecture & Construction: Architects, carpenters,

civil engineers, construction managers, electricians, interior

designers, and plumbers

• Arts, A/V Technology & Communications: Camera operators,

editors, fashion designers, graphic designers, photographers,

printing press operators, and writers

• Business Management & Administration: Bookkeepers,

customer service representatives, claims adjusters, legal and

medical secretaries, and property managers

• Education & Training: Child care workers, curators, education

administrators,fitness trainers, librarians, and teachers

• Finance: Accountants, economists, financial advisers, insurance

agents, loan officers, real estate appraisers, and tellers

• Government & Public Administration: Building inspectors,

court clerks, legislators, social workers, and postmasters

• Health science: Dental assistants, paramedics, pharmacists,

physical therapists, and nurses

• Hospitality & Tourism: Bartenders, chefs, hotel desk clerks,

housekeepers, tour guides, travel agents, and waiters

• Human services: Psychologists, nutritionists, school counselors,

hairstylists, rehabilitation counselors, and skin care specialists

• Information Technology: Computer programmers, database

administrators, software developers, and statisticians

• Law, Public safety, Corrections & security: Court reporters,

detectives, firefighters, lawyers, police, and probation officers

• Manufacturing: Industrial engineers, machinists, sheet metal

workers, and welders

• Marketing: Advertising managers, cashiers, marketing managers,

public relations managers, and telemarketers

• science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics:

Aerospace engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers,

geoscientists, physicists, and political scientists

• Transportation, Distribution & Logistics: Aircraft service

techs, automotive service techs, shipping clerks, and truck drivers

CAREER CLUsTERsAccording to the Virginia Department of Education, Career Clusters are groupings of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities. They help students investigate careers and design their course of study to advance their career goals. There are 16 different clusters from which to choose. Selecting a Career Cluster to pursue should be based on your learning style, interests, and strengths.

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CAREER CLUsTERsWe’ve listed some example professions that fall under each Career Cluster, but to learn more about each cluster and work demand, salaries

and educational requirements, please visit www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/career_clusters/index.shtml. List the

Career Clusters that most interest you in the orange puzzle piece below.

CLUsTERs OF INTEREsT:

1.

2.

3.

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Let’s discuss your GOALs & CAREER OPPORTUNITIEs

sMART GOALsWe all set goals, some personal and some school-related. Setting and achieving goals gives us a sense of accomplishment and pride. They help us organize tasks and track progress. One big step toward putting the pieces of your future together involves creating SMART goals.

Here is an example of a SMART goal for an 8th grader:

By the end of 8th grade, I will successfully complete Algebra 1 with a grade of B or higher and earn my first high school verified credit.

It’s specific: I will successfully complete Algebra 1 in 8th grade and earn a verified high school credit.

It’s Measurable: I will use my quarterly and semester grades to monitor my progress.

It’s Action-Oriented: I will complete all required assignments, appropriate study strategies, and test-taking strategies to successfully

complete the course.

It’s Realistic: If needed, I will attend Algebra help sessions with my teacher or work with a peer tutor. By successfully completing Algebra 1

in middle school, I am preparing myself for college and possible careers of interest.

It’s Time-sensitive: I will successfully complete Algebra 1 and pass the Algebra 1 SOL by the end of the school year to earn the verified credit.

s pecific - What do you want to accomplish exactly?

M easurable - How are you going to tell that you accomplished this goal?

A ction-Oriented - What are you going to do to accomplish this goal?

R ealistic - Are you going to be able to accomplish this goal, really?

T ime-sensitive - When are you going to accomplish this goal? Set a date.

MY GOAL:

Using the questions & example above, write a sMART goal for exploring one of your Career Clusters of interest.

George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham, “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and

Objectives,” Management Review 70, no. 11 (AMA Forum) (Nov. 1981): 35-36.

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Putting it all TOGETHER

You have learned a lot about your learning styles, interests, strengths, and set some pretty SMART goals. Now, let’s see how we can put the puzzle pieces together!

This section discusses things you can do in middle school and in high school to prepare you for college and beyond. The good news is that your family, school administrators, counselors, and teachers are eager to help you complete the puzzle.

MIDDLE sCHOOLMiddle school is all about building healthy habits, both

academically and socially. And you’ve already started doing

just that by working through this book! Take a look at what

you’ve already completed below.

Going forward, use your time in middle school to practice

an after-school routine for homework and studying. Find

friends who support your goals and discover the variety of

activities available to you. Once you complete the checklist

below, tackling the next steps of planning your future in high

school, college and beyond will come more easily.

LEARNING sTYLEs

INTEREsTs

GOALs

&

CAREERs

sTRENGTHs

✔ Understand your learning style.

✔ Evaluate your interests.

✔ Set SMART goals.

✔ Research college and career options based on your interests and goals.

❑ Take elective classes that work toward your educational and career pursuits.

❑ Ask your teachers about taking Algebra I and other honors courses.

❑ Take a foreign language class.

❑ Send a postcard to a college to request more information.

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Putting it all TOGETHER

All the pieces of the puzzle will fit together once you are able to match your learning styles, interests, talents, skills, abilities, and goals to find

a college or university that is right for you. It’s not too early to think about the characteristics you might prefer in a college. Do you want to go to

a two-year community college or a four-year college/university? What type of major or minor are you considering? Will you live on-campus or be

a commuter student?

As you grow and change, so will your plans for the future. Continue to learn about yourself, and keep exploring!

❑ Work with counselors and teachers to plan your high school course selection.

❑ Research the requirements for an advanced studies diploma.

❑ Take honors classes.

❑ Take Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

❑ Research the requirements for an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

❑ Join sports teams, clubs, and after-school activities.

❑ Do community service.

❑ Check out the high school I am the One Planner for more information.

❑ Begin a college search.

❑ Get copies of your transcripts.

❑ Practice college essay writing.

❑ Take the SAT.

❑ Take the ACT.

❑ Visit different colleges.

❑ Fill out and submit college applications.

❑ Look into applying for FAFSA.

❑ Take dual enrollment courses.

❑ Visit college fairs.

❑ Search for scholarships and begin applying for them.

❑ Check out the high school I am the One Planner for more information.

FREsHMAN & sOPHOMORE YEARsYour freshman and sophomore years are about adjusting to

a big transition and preparing yourself for advanced levels

of coursework. Learn to balance your activities and your

challenges so you can continue to define your interests.

JUNIOR & sENIOR YEARsDuring your junior and senior years it is important to maintain

your academic course of study while exploring and ultimately

applying to the colleges and universities that match your needs

and interests.

sTEPs TO TAKE DURING HIGH sCHOOL

COLLEGE & BEYOND

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There are many great colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can use the postcard in the back of this planner to get more information about any college or university you choose.

PUBLIC Colleges in Virginia

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Washington D.C.Arlington

Melfa

Middletown

WinchesterAshburn

Front Royal

Locust GroveFredericksburg

Ashland

CharlottesvilleStaunton

Bridgewater Harrisonburg

Clifton ForgeLexington

Buena Vista

Richmond

Norfolk

Farmville

South Boston

Hampden-Sydney

Danville

Martinsville

Ferrum

Blacksburg

Dublin

Wytheville

Abingdon

Bristol

Emory

RoanokeSalem

RadfordRichlands

BluefieldKENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

WEST VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH CAROLINA

Big Stone Gap

Petersburg

Williamsburg

Hampton

Virginia Beach

Newport News

Glenns

Chester

Franklin

Alberta

Lynchburg

Sweet Briar

Weyers Cave

AnnandaleFairfax

Wise

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PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLSCHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY1 University Place, Newport News, VA 23606 www.cnu.eduSuburban, approx. 4,800 students; Mascot: Captains

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARYP.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187www.wm.eduSuburban, approx. 5,800 students; Mascot: Griffins

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030www.gmu.eduSuburban, approx. 18,200 students; Mascot: Patriots

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807www.jmu.eduRural, approx. 16,600 students; Mascot: Dukes

LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909www.longwood.eduRural, 3,971 students; Mascot: Lancers

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504www.nsu.eduUrban, approx. 5,500 students; Mascot: Spartans

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OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY 5215 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23529www.odu.eduUrban, approx. 17,000 students; Mascot: Monarchs

RADFORD UNIVERSITY East Norwood Street, Radford, VA 24142www.radford.eduRural, approx. 8,100 students; Mascot: Highlanders

UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON 1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401www.umw.eduSuburban, approx. 4,100 students; Mascot: Eagles

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA P.O. Box 9011, Charlottesville, VA 22906 www.virginia.eduSuburban, approx. 13,900 students; Mascot: Cavaliers

UVA’S COLLEGE AT WISE1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293www.wise.virginia.eduRural, approx. 1,600 students; Mascot: Cavaliers

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY910 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284www.vcu.eduUrban, approx. 21,000 students; Mascot: Rams

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VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE319 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA 24450www.vmi.eduRural, approx. 1,400 students; Mascot: Keydets

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY P.O. Box 9001, Petersburg, VA 23806www.vsu.eduSuburban, approx. 4,400 students; Mascot: Trojans

VIRGINIA TECH 201 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061www.vt.eduRural, approx. 23,400 students; Mascot: Hokies

OTHER PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA 24540www.ialr.org, Rural

NEW COLLEGE INSTITUTE 29 Jones Street Courthouse Square, Martinsville, VA 24112www.newcollegeinstitute.org, Rural

ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER 108 North Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24016www.education.edu, Suburban

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER 820 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592www.svhed.org, Rural

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24212www.swcenter.edu, Rural

PUBLIC TWO-YEAR SCHOOLSBLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA 24486www.brcc.edu, Rural

CENTRAL VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502www.cvcc.vccs.edu, Suburban

DABNEY S. LANCASTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 1000, Clifton Forge, VA 24422www.dslcc.vccs.edu, Rural

DANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1008 S. Main Street, Danville, VA 24541www.dcc.vccs.edu, Rural

EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 29300 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA 23410www.es.vccs.edu, Rural

GERMANNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE2130 Germanna Highway, Locust Grove, VA 22508www.germanna.edu, Rural

J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 85622, Richmond, VA 23285www.jsr.vccs.edu, Suburban

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PUBLIC Colleges in Virginia

JOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, VA 23831www.jtcc.edu, Suburban

LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645www.lfcc.edu, Rural

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219www.me.vccs.edu, Rural

NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Drawer 1127, Dublin, VA 24084www.nr.vccs.edu, Rural

NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale, VA 22003www.nvcc.edu, Suburban

PATRICK HENRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 5311, Martinsville, VA 24115www.ph.vccs.edu, Rural

PAUL D. CAMP COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 737, Franklin, VA 23851www.pdc.edu, Suburban

PIEDMONT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902-7589www.pvcc.edu, Suburban

RAPPAHANNOCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE 12745 College Drive, Glenns, VA 23149www.rcc.vccs.edu, Rural

RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE 11301 Johnson Road, Petersburg, VA 23805www.rbc.edu, Rural

SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CHRISTANNA CAMPUS) 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821www.sv.vccs.edu, Rural

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGEP.O. Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641www.sw.vccs.edu, Rural

THOMAS NELSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 9407, Hampton, VA 23670www.tncc.edu, Suburban

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA 23509www.tcc.edu, Suburban

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 828, Abingdon, VA 24210www.vhcc.edu, Rural

VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 14007, Roanoke, VA 24038www.virginiawestern.edu, Suburban

WYTHEVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382www.wcc.vccs.edu, Rural

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Institution classifications and enrollment numbers courtesy of the Virginia Wizard 2012 (www.vawizard.com).

14

PRIVATE Colleges in Virginia

95

958577

29564 64

64

6681

81

Washington D.C.Arlington

Melfa

Middletown

WinchesterAshburn

Front Royal

Locust GroveFredericksburg

Ashland

CharlottesvilleStaunton

Bridgewater Harrisonburg

Clifton ForgeLexington

Buena Vista

Richmond

Norfolk

FarmvilleHampden-Sydney

Danville

Martinsville

Ferrum

Blacksburg

Dublin

Wytheville

Abingdon

Bristol

Emory

RoanokeSalem

RadfordRichlands

BluefieldKENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

WEST VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

NORTH CAROLINA

Big Stone Gap

Petersburg

Williamsburg

Hampton

Virginia Beach

Newport News

Glenns

Chester

Franklin

Alberta

Lynchburg

Sweet Briar

Weyers Cave

AnnandaleFairfax

Wise

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55 56

5758

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66 67

68

69

70

71

72

PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRGINIA TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

AVERETT UNIVERSITY420 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541www.averett.eduSuburban, approx. 770 students; Mascot: Cougars

BLUEFIELD COLLEGE3000 College Drive, Bluefield, VA 24605 www.bluefield.eduRural, approx. 750 students, Mascot: Ramblin’ Rams

BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE402 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812www.bridgewater.eduRural, approx. 1,500 students, Mascot: Eagles

CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630www.christendom.eduRural, approx. 420 students, Mascot: Crusaders

EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802www.emu.eduRural, approx. 950 students; Mascot: Royals

45

46

47

48

49

EMORY & HENRY COLLEGEP.O. Box 947, Emory, VA 24327www.ehc.eduRural, approx. 890 students; Mascot: Wasps

FERRUM COLLEGEP.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088www.ferrum.eduRural, approx. 1,300 students; Mascot: Panthers

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (ASHBURN CAMPUS) 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn, VA 20147www.gwvirginia.gwu.eduSuburban, approx. 650 students; Mascot: Colonials

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGEP.O. Box 667, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943www.hsc.eduRural, approx. 1,100 students; Mascot: Tigers

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY1st Floor, Whipple Barn, Hampton, VA 23668www.hamptonu.eduSuburban, approx. 5,400 students; Mascot: Pirates

50

51

52

53

54

15

PRIVATE Colleges in Virginia

HOLLINS UNIVERSITYP.O. Box 9707, Roanoke, VA 24020www.hollins.eduSuburban, approx. 790 students; Mascot: N/A

JEFFERSON COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES920 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24016 www.jchs.eduUrban, approx. 900 students; Mascot: N/A

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502 www.liberty.eduSuburban, approx. 21,500 students; Mascot: Flames

LYNCHBURG COLLEGE1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501www.lynchburg.eduSuburban, approx. 2,100 students; Mascot: Hornets

MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE318 Prospect Street, Staunton, VA 24401 www.mbc.eduSuburban, approx. 1,400 students; Mascot: Fighting Squirrels

MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207www.marymount.eduSuburban, approx. 2,200 students; Mascot: Saints

RANDOLPH COLLEGE2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503 www.randolphcollege.eduSuburban, approx. 550 students; Mascot: Wildcats

RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGEP.O. Box 5005, 204 Henry Street, Ashland, VA 23005www.rmc.eduSuburban, approx. 1,200 students; Mascot: Yellow Jackets

REGENT UNIVERSITY1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464www.regent.eduSuburban, approx. 1,500 students; Mascot: N/A

ROANOKE COLLEGE221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153www.roanoke.eduSuburban, approx. 2,000 students; Mascot: Maroons

SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601www.su.eduSuburban, approx. 3,000 students; Mascot: Hornets

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITYOne University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA 24416www.svu.eduRural, approx. 690 students; Mascot: Knights

SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE134 Chapel Road, Sweet Briar, VA 24595www.sbc.eduRural, approx. 650 students; Mascot: Vixens

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND28 Westhampton Way, University of Richmond, VA 23173www.richmond.eduSuburban, approx. 2,700 students; Mascot: Spiders

VIRGINIA INTERMONT COLLEGE1013 Moore Street, Bristol, VA 24201www.vic.eduSuburban, approx. 520 students; Mascot: Cobras

VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220www.vuu.eduUrban, approx. 1,500 students; Mascot: Panthers

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE1584 Wesleyan DriveNorfolk, VA 23502www.vwc.eduSuburban, approx. 1,300 students; Mascot: Marlins

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY204 W. Washington StreetLexington, VA 24450www.wlu.eduRural, approx. 1,700 students, Mascot: Generals

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68

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70

71

72

Institution classifications and enrollment numbers courtesy of the Virginia Wizard 2012 (www.vawizard.com).

16

TEXTING Glossary

When it comes to learning about different educational and training choices, you will hear lots of new terms. Just like when you text, abbreviations are used to identify the different levels of degrees and achievement. Don’t be puzzled; simply review the glossary of terms below and LOL!

• A.A. (Associate Degree):

You receive this degree after completing a two-year program at

a community college. Many people also choose to transfer their

credits to attend a four-year college or university.

• B.A. or B.s. (Bachelor’s Degrees):

You receive this degree upon completion of a four-year college

program. Many jobs, such as educators and other professional

occupations, require this degree as a minimum requirement for

employment.

• Lt. (Lieutenant):

In order to serve as an officer in the armed forces, you must be in

good health, have a high school diploma, have graduated from a

four-year university and/or attended officer candidate school.

• M.Ed., M.FA. , M.A., M.s., (Master’s Degrees):

This degree comes after a Bachelor’s degree and usually takes two

years of full-time college to complete. Many people choose to get

this degree to give them a better chance of getting a higher paying

job or a promotion.

• J.D. (Doctor of Law Degree):

This degree comes after a Bachelor’s degree and takes three

additional years of full-time college to complete.

• Esq. (Esquire):

Historically, the abbreviation Esq. has been used as a title of

courtesy and respect. In the United States, the title is generally

used as a title for lawyers, after the full name.

• A.B.D. (All But Dissertation):

This refers to a student who has completed all the requirements for

a Ph.D. except for the dissertation. It is used primarily in reference

to doctoral candidates whose dissertation is in progress, to state

that the candidate is eligible to apply for positions that require a

Ph.D. The abbreviation is acceptable in place of the full expression.

• Ph.D. and M.D. (Doctorate Degrees):

This degree comes after a Master’s degree and usually takes

2–4 years of full-time college to complete. This is also called a

professional degree and it is required for people who want to be

medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians, as well as professors in

four-year colleges and universities. You may get this degree in

most majors offering a four-year degree and/or Master’s degree.

For additional information about terms and degrees, visit www.vacareerview.org and/or connect with your school counselor.

F F O G Y s O B P E J K O L L A R T I s T I C H L

P s T U D Y T P I R C s N A R T F D X X P E Y R F

A Y Y Q T B L X I D V T W E A C I G W I R C I I Y

T H R L Y B G T A J U M Z I A A T W H U O N W M Q

P P O U E Y U O O O C D L R L I Y s T R D J R E O

A M T R L K C E W G U C E A M M R U A E U T E R W

K F I C B F C M U Y V E I E I A F Z T F P N A O M

Q T D I A Q A O B W R C s s L F L N E K X U L M J

U C U F R K D M E Q N E D O Y F E R O I N U J O T

W E A I U V N M I A N X H P W I A Y O B B O D H F

A V s C s D E s N s s C J Q R G R s D s P A V P J

C I D E A N P I I H s E O O s F N E E O R P E O W

N T K P E M F T T Z Q K N T U O I H A N s E W s E

M A Y s M H I G N Z W O s X R T N T J L I A T I G

A G A Q F V N K U O I E E N Y D G Q A C I O C L E

X I D T E E H W Z T R E Y G J D s V P C B s R V D

Q T E L R V R X C E Y F P A E F T I E P T T T F Q

M s G T P X R A T A J I R M R L Y P E R C I X I B

D E s N V M E N K M D M B E T D L Z X D L I L I C

E V L A N O I T N E V N O C s W E O E N N X A E K

G N R N H A C F B V J s Z N R H s I C G H N T F T

R I s O C I A L G Y H M P W Z V M Z V K O H A W G

E Q O J K G U W A I U H s P E N T A W K Z L J E I

E D B s U C C E s s E Y E s B K A P N T U P H H Q

V I s U A L W E N T E R P R I s I N G Q D F R X Y

ACTION-ORIENTED

MEASURABLE

REALISTIC

SPECIFIC

TIME-SENSITIVE

LEARNING STYLES

STRENGTHS

INTERESTS

COLLEGE

DEGREE

CAREER

SCHOLARSHIP

FINANCIAL AID

TRANSCRIPT

FUTURE

SUCCESS

VISUAL

TACTILE

AUDITORY

INVESTIGATIVE

ARTISTIC

SOCIAL

ENTERPRISING

CONVENTIONAL

STUDY

FRESHMAN

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

SENIOR

WORD sEARCH FUN

• Name a career related to your favorite school subject.

• Create a career collage from magazines or newspapers.

• Talk about how school skills relate to good work habits.

• Name a job for each letter of the alphabet

• Interview someone about their career.

Here are a few simple career exploration activities that you can do at home:

PLANNING MY FUTUREOne Piece at a Time

i-am-the-one.com

PLACE

STAMP

HERE

and I am taking charge of planning my future! I’m exploring Virginia colleges and universities and would like to receive information about your school. Please send materials to:

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE zIP

1. Find the address of a school you’re interested in on pages 12–15.

2. Fill out the postcard below— don’t forget the stamp!

3. Tear off the completed postcard and drop it in the mailbox.

Want more info about A VIRGINIA COLLEGE OR UNIVERsITY?

Thank you for helping me plan my future, one piece at a time!

Hi, my name is

PLANNING AND TEsTINGI am the Onewww.i-am-the-one.com

College Boardwww.collegeboard.com

KnowHow2Gowww.knowhow2go.org

sATwww.collegeboard.com/testing

ACTwww.actstudent.org

U.s. Government’s Kids’ Web Portalwww.kids.usa.gov

U.s. Department of Education Federal student Aidwww.studentaid.ed.gov

Mapping Your Futurewww.mappingyourfuture.org

The College Boardwww.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

GOVERNMENT AGENCIEsstate Council of Higher Education for Virginiawww.schev.edu

Virginia Department of Educationwww.doe.virginia.gov

U.s. Department of Educationwww.ed.gov

FINANCIAL AIDFAFsAwww.fafsa.ed.gov

FastWebwww.fastweb.com

FinAidwww.finaid.org

VA529www.virginia529.com

CAREERsVirginia Wizardwww.vawizard.org

Career Clusters/ Career Technical Educationwww.careertech.org

Virginia Career VIEWwww.vacareerview.org

Vocational Information Centerwww.khake.com

LEARN MOREYou can use the web to plan your future, choose a college, and find out how to pay for school, too. Check out these websites for more information.

i-am-the-one.com

The content of this planner was developed by Virginia middle school counselors through a partnership with the Virginia School Counselor Association. Their professional input was invaluable.

The publication was brought to you by the federal College Access Challenge Grant Program and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.