Senior Post Graduate Planning Unit FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Post Graduate Planning Unit FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL

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

The Student Role: A Checklist q q q q q ____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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are here to help!!!!