2. Clear Targets Students will be knowledgeable about the following:  Options after High School  Standardized Testing  Researching Colleges  Applying for College  Family Connection

4. Two-Year Options  2-year options: Community College Example: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)—Our NOVA rep visits bi- weekly!  Earn a Certificate (C or CSC), Associates Degree (AAA or AAS) or enter the College Transfer Program (AS or AA) PATHWAYS PROGRAM- Deadline November 16th! Guaranteed Admissions Programs available at many VA schools  Right in our backyard, a great bargain, small classes

5. Four Year Options  44 Four-Year Schools in VA alone  Some commonalities Require SAT or ACT (EITHER) Some foreign language* Academic course load  It is important to check deadlines when applying Early action vs. early decision (Oct 15 th /Nov. 1 st ) Scholarship deadlines Rolling Admissions Deadlines are FIRM!  In-State vs. Out-of-State  Public Universities vs. Private

6. Just a few average college freshmen GPA’s for reference….  For last years entering freshmen, the middle 50% GPA range was: George Mason – 3.35-3.81 Virginia Tech – 3.68-4.09 VCU – 3.16-3.75 JMU – 3.51-3.93 Norfolk State – 2.5-3.13 UVA – 4.00-4.37 ODU- 2.97-3.5 - Courtesy of ECMC 2011  Use Family Connection, Opportunities Guide or Collegeboard for up-to-date numbers

7. Standardized Testing  If you need to take the SAT/ACT take it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. At GF, we are offering the SAT in Oct and ACT in Oct and Dec.  Tests are on Saturday mornings- show up early!  Bring your admission ticket & photo ID.  FEE WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE- See Ms. Grimm  Send your scores to schools BEFORE you take the test.  Come to prep sessions in the library before each test and for heavens sake get familiar with the tests!

8. SAT  Three Sections: Math, Critical Reading and Writing  The Math section includes: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II  Must register by the deadline (Usually a month before the test)- NO STANDBYS  Registration Fee: $50  Only take the Subject Tests if the college recommends it!  Register online at: www.collegeboard.org

9. ACT  Includes: English, Math, Reading and Science  Optional Writing Section: Most 4-year universities require this section  Must register before the deadline- standby is an option  $35.00 (No writing section)  $50.50 (With writing section)  Register online at: www.actstudent.org

10. How to find you “Best Fit” for you: Do the research!  Your coursework, average GPA and SAT scores  Majors  Location Proximity to home Urban, Suburban, Rural  Size  Athletics  Population demographics  Clubs and organizations, Greek Life  Military affiliation  Safety*

11. Applying to College  Before you apply Try to visit colleges – this semester, or definitely before May 1 st decision day!!! When picking colleges to apply to, remember: Reach – Target – Safety ○ Make a solid list of 4-6 schools  The Essay- proofread, proofread, proofread! #1 mistake- using the wrong college name! Opportunity for students to explain discrepancies with grades etc. It’s an essay not a text message!

12. Applying to College Cont.  Deadlines before deadlines With many deadlines hitting while school isn’t in session, complete apps early! ○ Ms. Grimm says by Thanksgiving.  Apply online! It’s easier for everyone.  Common application option.  Recommendations- only send if they are requested! Give recommenders three weeks to complete

13. Family Connection  Use to research colleges, scholarships, see upcoming college visits and events, ORDER TRANSCRIPTS.  If using common app, sign waiver.  TWO WEEK PROCESS TIME Includes secondary school report  Finish application before requesting  Three free, then $5 per order  Sent digitally! Check status on FC.

18. Military Information  ASVAB- not just for the military! Great career assessment for anyone. November 15 th at Gar-Field  ROTC options at four year colleges  Reserves option  Enlistment vs. officer  Recruiters will be here during lunches

19. Trade and Technical School  Check out the many offers at NVCC. Certificates and associates degrees (many in less than two years).  If NVCC doesn’t have what you want, do your research. Culinary institute, UTI, ECPI etc can be great options, but read the fine print.

20. Scholarships  Check any colleges or universities you are interested in for potential institutional scholarships Check out college websites for early scholarship deadlines!  Family Connection has a list of national and local scholarships Check frequently! Nomination scholarships- see Ms. Grimm

21. Financial Aid  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov  Seniors/Parents may fill out beginning January 1 st 2013  Required form to receive Federal or State need- based aid  Types of Financial Aid: Loans (Must pay back; payments begin 6-months after graduation) Grants (Do not have to pay back) Merit Scholarships (Must apply; do not have to pay back) Work Study (Receive a job through the college and money earned goes towards tuition, books, etc)

22. Important Information  PWCS College Fairs: Osbourn Park High School - October 1 - 7:00pm Potomac High School - October 16 - 6:00pm  Sign up for college visits on Family Connection. Visit Tips: ○ Have 2 questions ready to ask each representative such as “ How large is your average class?” or “What is the average GPA for incoming freshmen?” ○ Try out at least one college you have never heard of. Many times you may discover a school that may be perfect for you. Think outside the box  Remember, order your transcripts EARLY

23. Any Questions?? Thank you The Counseling Center is here to assist you! Tracey Grimm grimmtr@pwcs.edu 703-730-7128