Classes of 2015 and 2016College Information Night

West Potomac High School Student Services Team

September 17, 2014

Presentation Will Include

The College SearchWhat Colleges Look ForTypes of Application/AdmissionThe Role of Student Services – What We

Need & What We ProvideWhat to Be Doing this FallNVCC PathwaysFinancial Aid - A Preview

Choosing a College

Common Criteria

• Size of Student Body• Location• Academic Programs• Campus Life• Cost• Diversity• Retention and

Graduation Rates

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.

Know What MattersRank from 1 – 12 the importance of the following components of college applications to the people who read them!

Admissions Test Scores (SAT/ACT)

Grades in All Courses

Counselor Recommendation

Essay

Teacher Recommendation

Class Rank

Grades in College Prep/Core Courses

Applicant’s Demonstrated Interest

AP/IB Test Scores

Extracurricular Activities

Interview

Strength of Curriculum

Know What MattersHow Did you Do?

1. Grades in College Prep/Core Courses2. Strength of Curriculum3. Admissions Test Scores (SAT/ACT)4. Grades in All Courses5. Essay6. Class Rank (n/a for FCPS applicants)7. Counselor Recommendation8. Demonstrated Interest9. Teacher Recommendation10. Interview

Testing

• SAT and SAT Subject Tests– www.collegeboard.org

• ACT– www.actstudent.org

• Students must report their scores to colleges to which they apply.

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

Student Services TeamMichael Johnson (A – Bel)

Anthony Moore (Bem – Cl)

Desiree Cave (Cm – Fi)

Margaret Veenstra (Fj – Ho)

Sophia Nyamweya (Hp – Li)

Randi Rosenberg (Lj – M)

Kazue Watlington (N – Ric)

Madelyn Turner (Rid – St)

Charlette Jefferson-Dixon (Su – Z)

Kellie Stewart – College & Career Center

Kevin McMahon - Director

Student Services Forms

• NEW Transcript Request Form– Fill out completely and turn in to Transcript Assistant

(Ms. Galeota) in Student Services– Due at least three weeks before the application

deadline!– Transcript Fees– Transcript Assistant Hours:

• Monday and Tuesday 7:30am-4:00pm• Wednesday 11:00am-4:00pm

• Secondary School Report

Letters of Recommendation

• Counselor Letter of Recommendation– Forms needed: Student, Parent & Teacher Input

forms and the Activity Record

• Teacher Letter of Recommendation– Supply teacher with an addressed envelope and

stamp to each college. Ask ahead of time and be sure to write them a thank you!

– Exceptions: JMU and Virginia Tech

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

Scattergram

College and Career Center• Welcome to Ms. Stewart!• College & Career Center Hours

– Monday & Thursday 8:00 am-3:30 pm– Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 7:15 am-2:45 pm– Seniors are welcome to eat lunch in the Center beginning Sept 22nd

• 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 Bulletins and Career Center Newsletter will be sent via

email and will be available on our web site

Senior Year - Timeline• September:

– Register for SAT/ACT tests– Narrow down choices to 4-6 schools– Complete 4-year plan in Family Connection

• October:– Be “on the ball” with Early Decision schools – College Admissions Representative Visits to WPHS– College Fair: Sunday, October 19th @ Fair Oaks Mall– College Night: Monday, October 20th @ Hayfield Secondary School

• November/December:– Keep grades up!– Heed application & transcript deadlines

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•Thinking about starting out at NOVA and transferring to a four year university

See your Counselor for an application TODAY!!!www.nvcc.edu/pathway

Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program

PATHWAY BENEFITS IN HIGH SCHOOL:Individual meetings with Pathway Counselors on

college transition issues, including choosing a major and a career workshops on 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 Program

PATHWAY BENEFITS AT NOVA Continued 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 classes

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 InformationApplying for and participating in the Pathway

program does not bind you to NOVA – you can still apply/go to a 4 year school

NOVA 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 7, 2014

PATHWAY COUNSELORName: Ms. SandersDay at West Potomac: WednesdaysTime available: 7:30 am-2:30pm

Financial Aid

• Mr. Dale Schmidt, Financial Aid Champion– drschmidt@fcps.edu

• Available during lunches in the College and Career Center – beginning in December

Begins at 7:00 p.m.