1. Senior Post Graduate Planning Unit

2. WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?  Senior Planning Meetings  30 minute one-on-one meetings to discuss post-secondary plans  Parents are welcome to attend  Students sign up outside their school counselor’s office for an appointment (not during an academic course)  Meetings will take place from September 10 – September 28  Students are given a packet of forms and information to help them through the college process: Transcript Request Form, Senior Worksheet, Teacher Rec. Form, Checklist, Planner, Essay Writing Info, VA colleges spreadsheet/college visits

3. The Student Role: A Checklist  ____Talk with your parents about your plans  ____Research and explore colleges on Family Connections  ____Meet with your school counselor to discuss future plans  ____Get organized!  ____Attend college visits and college fairs  ____Ask teacher for a recommendation and complete Teacher Recommendation Form, if needed. Give 15 school days before 1 st application deadline  ____Ask school counselor for a recommendation, if needed  ____Complete Senior Worksheet and Transcript Request Form and turn in to school counselor. Give 10 school days before 1 st deadline!  ____Complete all parts of college application and submit before deadline.  Request College Board/ACT to send test scores to colleges.

4. The Parent Role: A Checklist  ____Have “THE” conversation  ____Complete your part of the Senior Worksheet  ____Get your student to college fairs and college visits  ____Assist your student with getting organized  ____Help them finalize their list of potential schools  ____Look over applications and essays—DON’T DO IT FOR THEM!  ____Remind your student of the importance of meeting deadlines  ____Financial Aid Night-December 11 7:00 pm  ____ Complete the FAFSA in January (get Pin now)

5. Choosing the right school TARGET SCHOOLS 3-4 Reach SCHOOLS 1-2 SAFETY SCHOOLS 1-2

6. Family Connection/Naviance  What is important to YOUR student in searching for a college?  It’s not about the “name” of the school, but about the right “fit” for your student  Family Connections for college search:  Freedom Homepage  Guidance  Family Connection  https://connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?h sid=fhs https://connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?h sid=fhs

7. Types of Applications Early Action - NOT BINDING. The decision is received earlier than April. Early Decision – BINDING A contractual agreement to attend if accepted** **You can apply to only ONE Early Decision School!!! Regular Decision – Standard application deadline. Decision is usually received in April Rolling Admission - Applications are received and processed as the year ROLLS on.

8. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program  Designed for students who:  Are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s (4 year/college) degree  May need assistance with the process and  Are interested in starting at NOVA and transferring to George Mason or another 4 year college/university  Will graduate no later than August of that year  Have a strong desire for academic success  No minimum GPA is required to apply

9. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program  Pathway Benefits in High School  Individual meetings with Pathway counselors in the high schools (meet about college transition issues, major/career planning, etc.)  Workshops on the application process  Preparation for placement tests  Assistance with financial planning – including help with applying for financial aid, scholarships and NOVA payment plan  Early placement testing and priority course registration

10. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program  Pathway benefits at NOVA  Continued academic and career counseling by a Pathway counselor  Pathway Counselor now also at GMU  Guaranteed admission agreements between NOVA and VA State institutions; special Pathway agreement with George Mason Univ. with necessary GPA and NOVA AA/AS degree  Special Pathway sections of your college success skills course  Regular academic and social activities and early access to activities and athletic events at GMU

11. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program  Important points:  Applying for and participating in the Pathway program does not bind you to NOVA – you can still apply/go to a 4 year school  Pathway students can transfer to ANY 4 year school, does not have to be GMU  You can still go to NOVA and take advantage of the GAAs without being a Pathway student  NOVA application and the Pathway application are different

12. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program  What do I do now?  Notify your counselor that you are thinking about the Pathway Program  Obtain and fill out a Pathway application in the fall  Return the application to your guidance counselor by the deadline – November 16 th !  Acceptance decisions will be mailed out prior to winter break

13.  Attend Financial Aid Night, December 11 7:00  Apply for FAFSA pin now  In January fill out FAFSA application  Check out scholarship opportunities  Make sure Mrs. Ong has your e-mail address!!! FINANCIAL SEASON (After Winter Break for most opportunities)

14. UPCOMING EVENING PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS FHS Financial Aid Night December 11 7:00 pm LCPS College Fair Stone Bridge HS Sun, Sept. 30 4-5:30 pm & 6:30-8pm

15. We are here to help!!!!