9 th Grade College Planning Night George C. Marshall HS Student Services Department Student Services Department

Agenda Welcome, Cindy Blakeley, DSS Welcome, Cindy Blakeley, DSS Academic Skills and Programs Academic Skills and Programs Family Connection and GCM Resources Family Connection and GCM Resources SAT / ACT SAT / ACT College Admission Factors College Admission Factors College Admissions Basics & Fit College Admissions Basics & Fit Q & A / Survey Q & A / Survey

Academic Readiness “Freshman Year Counts” Habits developed during freshman year set the tone for future years Use LEARN time effectively Develop an organizational system that makes sense Strive for a challenging course load that is manageable Develop a pattern of good study habits Set rigorous but realistic goals for academic success Academic Readiness “Freshman Year Counts” Habits developed during freshman year set the tone for future years Use LEARN time effectively Develop an organizational system that makes sense Strive for a challenging course load that is manageable Develop a pattern of good study habits Set rigorous but realistic goals for academic success

AVID – Advanced Via Individual Determination. A nationwide middle/high school program that strives to close the achievement gap by preparing students for college readiness and success. Application process in Spring for rising 9 th /10 th /11 th graders Typically for a student who is interested in taking an honors class and college AVID is a class that focuses on note-taking (Cornell notes), binder organization, tutoring, critical thinking skills Academic Readiness & Programs

College Partnership Program (CPP) is an FCPS program designed to increase the number of students, particularly first generation and minority students, to enroll and succeed at four-year colleges. Application process is in the spring for rising 9 th /10 th /11 th graders. Meets once a month on Wednesday mornings Academic Readiness & Programs

Family Connection and GCM Resources Gardner Humphreys Gardner Humphreys Sign up for Parent View: fcps.blackboard.com Sign up for Parent View: fcps.blackboard.com

Career and Personality Assessments

Try Something New… FBI Academy Youth Leadership FBI Academy Youth Leadership week-long summer training, 16+ week-long summer training, 16+ Democratic Combined Campaign and Young Republicans of Fairfax Democratic Combined Campaign and Young Republicans of Fairfax want you to intern for the next election, 14+ want you to intern for the next election, 14+ Chick-fil-A, Tysons West In-Line Chick-fil-A, Tysons West In-Line Cashier and kitchen, part time, 16+, scholarships Cashier and kitchen, part time, 16+, scholarships Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Fairfax County Fire & Rescue 14+, ride-alongs, routine duties, training, PR 14+, ride-alongs, routine duties, training, PR

GCM College & Career Center College Search & Application Help College Search & Application Help Test Prep : GCM Library free online course Test Prep : GCM Library free online course Scholarships & Aid : Fridays Learn & FAFSA Info 12/9 Scholarships & Aid : Fridays Learn & FAFSA Info 12/9 Jobs - After School and Summer Jobs - After School and Summer Volunteering and Internships Volunteering and Internships Study Area : Learn, after Study Area : Learn, after school Stay Informed: MStatesmen Blackboard Parent View - created at home, activated in school fcps.blackboard.com

Search for: “ GCMCollegeCareerCenter ”

College Testing Role of Tests What is a “Good Score”? PSAT ReadiStep / New SAT / ACT v SAT When to Take Preparation GCM Testing Info Night – January 7pm Big Picture

College Admission Decision Factors – Jim Rixse SAT/ACT scores SAT/ACT scores Grades in core courses Grades in core courses Counselor/Teacher recommendations Counselor/Teacher recommendations Essay Essay Grades in all classes Grades in all classes Demonstrated interest Extracurriculars Interview Strength of curriculum at school Work SAT II scores What do you think are the most important parts of a college application?

College Admission Decision Factors: Actual Ranking 1. Grades in core classes 2. Strength of curriculum at school 3. SAT/ACT scores 4. Grades in all courses 5. Essay 6. Demonstrated interest* 7. Counselor/Teacher recommendations 8. Interview* 9. SAT II scores 10. Extracurriculars 11. Work Source: NACAC “Sate of College Admissions 2012”

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Terms to Know Terms to Know College vs. University College vs. University Public vs. Private Public vs. Private Associates vs. Bachelors degree Associates vs. Bachelors degree Liberal Arts Liberal Arts Legacy Legacy First Generation First Generation

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Finding the Right “Fit” Finding the Right “Fit” What are the student’s needs? What are the student’s needs? What are parent’s needs? What are parent’s needs? Distance from Home CostSettingReputation Study Abroad Size Major/Program Support Services Student Life AthleticsArts ….and more!

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Let’s Practice…! You can earn a master’s degree or second bachelor degree in five years as part of a engineering program. Offers NCAA Division 1 Athletics. Popular programs include nursing, education, business and social work. Longwood University

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Let’s Practice…! Ranked #1 by US News & World Report – “Best National Universities” and the #2 Best Value based on quality of education and percentage of students receiving financial aid. Princeton University

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Let’s Practice…! New Center for the Arts building with exceptional programs in fashion design and dance. Interior Design program named one of the best in the country. Popular programs are education, criminal justice and music therapy. Radford University

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Let’s Practice…! Business students have internship opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. School is in top 100 in nation for science research. Students can design their own major through the Interdisciplinary Studies program. Virginia Commonwealth Univ.

College Admission Basics – Alice Robertson Final Thoughts Final Thoughts Importance of Fit Importance of Fit Four-Year Plan Four-Year Plan Know What Matters Know What Matters “It Depends” “It Depends”

Q & A Survey: center.weebly.com or search: “ gcmcollegecareer ” center.weebly.com center.weebly.com