Brooke Point High SchoolJunior/Senior Handbook

2016-2017

“Be Proud”

Presented by:

The Counseling Department

Table of ContentsIntroductions............................................................................................................2Junior Year Tips & Tidbits......................................................................................3Senior Year Tips & Tidbits......................................................................................4The World of Work..................................................................................................5Requesting a Job Interview......................................................................................6The Job Interview....................................................................................................7Military Service Branches........................................................................................9Technical/Trade Schools & Business Schools.......................................................11Community College Information...........................................................................13Guaranteed Admissions Agreement......................................................................15Four-Year College Information.............................................................................16SAT vs. ACT.........................................................................................................19SAT & ACT Testing Dates and Deadlines............................................................20How to Use Naviance for the College Application Process..................................21Additional Tools Available in Naviance................................................................24College-Bound Athletes.........................................................................................25Internet Resources..................................................................................................26

Mark your calendars!

College Fair at Spotsylvania Towne Centre Mall October 19, 2016 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Students must register online at www.gotocollegefairs.com

ASVAB test date: November 3, 2016. Sign up in counseling.

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Be sure to check out the counseling pages on

Brooke Point’s website,

http://www.staffordschools.net/Domain/32

on a regular basis. Follow us on Twitter

@BPHScounseling.

You will find counseling

news and

scholarship information,

updated weekly.

Follow us on Twitter

@BPHSCounseling

The clock is ticking….Before you know it,you will be graduating!

Throughout the remainder of this year and next, you will be making decisions that will affect the type of job/career that will be available to you.

Your job/career will, to a great extent, determine your lifestyle and thus significantly affect the degree of happiness or satisfaction you feel about your life.

It is very important that you take time to do research, make thoughtful decisions, and plan carefully for your future.

Some suggestions:- Speak with people in your life who have done things that interest you- Access the school’s website (click on the Counseling tab)- Use the Naviance “Family Connection” program online to explore careers and research schools that will help you with the training you need to reach your career goals. - Create your resume using Naviance to include your activities, work experience, awards, community service, etc.- Take advantage of any opportunity you may have to go places, do things, and meet people that may

give you information about careers and the education you need to enter those careers.

And of course, if you need help planning that next step, your counselor is here to help!

The Brooke Point High School Counseling Department

A-Cl Ms. WillimanCo-Haq Ms. BaileyHar-Me Mrs. FalkMi-Sa Mrs. Smiley-IngallsSc-Z Dr. Bridges

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Junior Year (Tips and Tidbits)FALL/WINTER

o Plan to attend financial aid and college nights in your community.o Investigate careers of interest.o Take the PSAT/NMSQT test. This test will help you prepare to take the SAT in the Spring. It also establishes

your eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.o Approach professionals and tradespeople with questions. Talk to family friends, friends of friends, friends of

teachers, etc. to learn about different careers.o Search for volunteer or internship opportunities – this is a great way to find out whether a career is for you!o Research colleges. Search for your programs of interest online. Both CollegeBoard and Naviance are great

tools to use, in addition to college websites!o Make a list of important factors. What factors are the most important to you when considering your future

college? Class size? Campus size? Campus location? Majors available?o Make a list of prospective colleges. You can use Naviance’s “Colleges I’m Thinking About” feature!o Attend college and/or career fairs.o Create a professional email address, i.e. jsmith@gmail.como Continue to be involved at school and in your community. If you are not involved, get involved! You’ll build

your resume and make connections.

SPRINGo Review your transcript and course selections for senior year to ensure you will meet graduation

requirements.o Narrow your list of prospective colleges or careers.o Complete the FAFSA4Caster to estimate your eligibility for aid: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimate o Ensure that you will graduate. Check your high school’s graduation requirements.o Take the SAT or ACT (see page 19 for dates and deadlines).o If you’re planning on going to a 2-year or 4-year college, visit colleges.o If you’re planning on going into the military, talk to local military recruiters (page 9) and plan to take the

ASVAB. o If you’re going into the workforce, start searching for jobs.o Research scholarship and grant opportunities.o Look for summer jobs to help with costs.o Start thinking about who you want to ask for letters of recommendation. You should ask teachers in

April/May of your junior year to write you a letter of recommendation. This will make it easier in the fall!

SUMMERo Begin researching scholarship opportunities.o Consider visiting colleges/universities during summer break.o Summer is a great time to get a job or an internship to help build your resume!

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Senior Year (Tips and Tidbits)1. Transcript requests require a fee of $1.00 per paper transcript for the 2016-2017 school year. Transcripts will not be

sent until the fee is paid. This fee covers mailing, paper, copying, envelopes, etc. Electronic transcripts are free. Please refer to the Naviance instructions (page 19) to identify whether the college/university accepts electronic transcripts.

2. Check the college/university’s minimum and maximum number of letters of recommendation required. If a college says no more than one letter of recommendation, do not sent more than one. Please give your teachers at least a two-week notice when asking for recommendation letters. All recommendation letters can be submitted electronically through Naviance.

3. Scholarship information is provided through announcements, electronic newsletters, and on the Counseling Department webpage online at http://www.staffordschools.net/Domain/32/. You can also check on Twitter @bphscounseling. It is important to be proactive regarding scholarships as many are available that only receive a handful of applications.

4. Names on diplomas will be listed as first name, middle name, and last name as school records indicate. If you want any variance on this, you must fill out a form in counseling requesting a change. A parent or guardian must approve the change by signing the diploma name request form.

5. Colleges often visit BPHS to speak with seniors interested in attending their school. Announcements will be made as to the dates and times, as they become known, and seniors may sign up with Mrs. Gosé in Counseling. Please note that missing class to attend a college visit is at the discretion of the teacher.

6. SOL test results can affect graduation status. A student on a Standard diploma must have passed 2 English SOLs, 1 Math SOL, 1 Science SOL, 1 Social Studies SOL, and 1 additional. A student on the Advanced Studies diploma needs to pass 2 English, 2 Math, 2 Science, 2 Social Studies and 1 additional. Any student transferring from an out-of-state or private school during 10th, 11th, or 12th grade may have an adjustment to the number of SOLs required. Please see your counselor regarding this adjustment.

7. Retakes for the 11th grade English Writing test will be given on October 24th- 28th. If you have completed English 11 but have not received a verified credit in the writing portion due to an unsuccessful previous attempt, or because you are new to Virginia, please make sure Mrs. Thompson in the Counseling office is aware of this so you may be given this October testing opportunity. If you are new to BPHS but were in another Virginia school, make sure Mrs. Thompson has your scores from that school. The second attempt for the Writing SOL is November 28th-December 9th, and any retakes for non-Writing SOLs is December 5th-9th. Released test items from previous SOLs may be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/released_tests/index.shtml. They provide wonderful tools for preparing for an SOL test, remediation, and information for students new to Virginia that must take an SOL test in a course completed at a previous school. Additional information can be found on the BPHS website under the SOL Testing tab.

8. Students who do not meet graduation requirements, for whatever reason, by the last day of school, will not be participating in the June graduation ceremony. Students who complete graduation requirements over the summer will be invited to participate in a county-wide graduation ceremony in August.

9. Senior dues are $75, which include cap & gown, prom, and senior picnic; $40 if participating in graduation only.

10. Be sure to bring a copy of your college/military acceptance letter to Counseling when you have made your final decision. We will post your name on our College Decision Board in Counseling in your honor and include this information in the graduation program. We will also tweet out the good news! Please bring us notification of any scholarship you receive as well so that we may honor you at Senior Awards Night!

11. Use a professional email address, i.e. jsmith@gmail.com, on your college applications, and be sure to check it often. Colleges will contact you if they are missing any important documents, such as SAT scores.

12. Clean up any social media accounts- Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. Colleges, the military, and potential employers can and do check your profiles, even if they are set to private… Trust us!

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The World of WorkIf college isn’t an option or you need extra time to earn money for tuition, going directly into the work force offers many choices and benefits, such as health insurance and tuition reimbursement programs. The first thing to consider is if you will be satisfied with a “job” or if you want to work towards a “career.”

Career JobAbout: A career is the pursuit of a A job is an activity through

lifelong ambition or the which an individual can earngeneral course of progression money. It is a regular activitytowards lifelong goals. in exchange for payment.

Requires: Usually requires special Education or Special trainingtraining may or may not be required.

Time: Long term Short term

Getting a job immediately after high school can definitely be a good choice. Teens who go through this route need to learn how to search for employment, write a resume and develop interviewing skills.

Many companies reimburse their employees for continuing education in areas related to their employment. You should ask about this potential benefit through the human resources departments of potential employers.

Another option is an apprenticeship or internship. Either one of these opportunities allows you to learn “on the job.” Generally the term “apprentice” applies to the trades, or physical work. You might think of apprenticeships for mechanics or carpenters. There are, however, also positions in less-common trades like chefs, morticians, piano tuners, dental technicians, etc. “Internship” generally applies to office-type professions and the choices are just as broad.

How do I find an apprenticeship or internship?

As information comes in, it is posted in the “Counseling News and Information” section. Trade unions and organizations may also be helpful resources. You can also directly approach a business you would like to work with. Treat it just like a job interview – take it seriously!

You may or may not be paid, but don’t expect a full salary as an apprentice or intern.

Contact the Virginia Employment Commission for more information: http://www.vec.virginia.gov

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Requesting a Job InterviewAt times, it is appropriate to make a telephone request for an interview. Most interview requests, however, are made by letter. When writing your letter, be sure to…

Type the letter Use 8 ½” X 11” white or cream paper Address the letter to a specific individual, whenever possible State the type(s) of position(s) that interest you Be clear, brief, and businesslike Have someone proofread your letter for spelling mistakes, proper grammar, and clarity Be sure to mention you will be contacting the company to set up an interview Contact the company approximately 5 days later to schedule the interview (Don’t forget!)

The Resume

Each of these headings need not appear on every resume. Include them only if they apply to your situation and give emphasis to those items which clearly support your career objectives. Remember, your resume is your calling card…this is how you present yourself to your potential employer! Naviance is a great tool to help you write your resume.

Name (in BOLD type)Address (include zip code) Telephone number

Career Objective:A brief description of the type of position you wish to be considered for. This can be stated (1) by job title, (2) by level or type of responsibility, (3) in terms of skills you wish to use or develop, or (4) a combination of all three. Example: (1) Sales Representative, (2) with responsibility for identifying and building a client base, and (3) utilizing my skills in organization and communications. Avoid being overly restrictive or vague.

Education:Field of study or specific vocational skills

Work Experience:List position title, description of responsibilities, tasks performed and dates covered. This section may include full and part-time work experience, summer jobs, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities that involved tasks performed.

Organizations:List memberships and offices held, description of responsibilities and tasks performed.

Honors and Awards:List any honors and awards you have received.

Additional Skills:Computer (hardware and software), foreign language proficiency, for example

Extracurricular activities:List all activities in or out of school

References: “References available upon request” is sufficient. It is not always necessary to list your references on your resume. Type them neatly on a separate sheet that you can provide to the interviewer when requested.

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The Job InterviewPreparation:

Make certain you know exactly where the interview will be held and what you are expected to bring with you. Find out for whom you should ask and the name of the person who will interview you. Remember those names! Inquire about parking or public transportation.

Be familiar with the company or agency. You may be asked why you want to work for them. Dress properly. Conservative business clothing should be worn for any job interview. Limit your

application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies. Hairstyles and make-up should also be conservative.

Arrival: Be prompt. Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Leave your cell phone in your car! Be pleasant in greeting your interviewer and other personnel with a firm handshake. While you should be relaxed, it is also important that you sit straight and don’t chew gum or smoke.

Interview: Introduce yourself. Wait for the interviewer to invite you to be seated. State your purpose and give the interviewer your resume. Maintain comfortable eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview. Supply brief, accurate answers but not limited to “yes” and “no” answers. Give specific examples from

your life when possible. Be prepared to answer some broad, general questions such as “Why do you want to work for the

organization?” and “Where do you plan to be in your career in five years?” Ask questions! You don’t want to start the interview with salary discussions, but it is important that you

know what the job pays, what benefits are included, and what the work hours will be. Be attentive, alert, and interested. Be a good listener. If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people

with your gaze and return your attention to the person who asked you the question. Display confidence Before you leave, make certain you understand if there are any further actions you should take and when

you will be notified of your status. Thank the interviewer.

Follow up: Send a written thank-you note to the interviewer.

For more interviewing tips, go to: www.jobinterviewquestions.org

The 45 Most Common Interview Questions7

1. How did you learn about this job?2. What can I do for you?3. Why are you interested in joining our organization?4. Is there anything you would like to explain or change on your job application form?5. What makes you believe that you are qualified for the job?6. What do you think you can do for us?7. Have you ever worked as a (name of job) before?8. What made you become a (name of job)?9. What do you think would be the best job for you?10. What would you like to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?11. Tell me about yourself.12. Tell me about your education.13. What was your grade point average?14. What subjects did you like best?15. What subjects did you like least?16. What activities did you take part in when you were in school?17. How many days of school did you miss?18. Have you had any special training for this job?19. Tell me about your jobs you have had.20. Which job duties did you like the best?21. Which job duties did you like the least?22. Why should I hire you?23. How do you fit the requirements for this job?24. What are your three greatest strengths for this job?25. What are your three greatest limitations for this job?26. Do you have any physical conditions that may limit your ability to do this work?27. Which of your job supervisors did you like the best? Why?28. Which of your job supervisors did you like the least? Why?29. How do you get along with people?30. What kind of people do you like to work with the most?31. What kind of people do you like to work with least?32. What machines or equipment can you operate?33. How many days of work did you miss at (name of employer)?34. Why have you changed jobs so many times?35. Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?36. Why have you been out of work so long?37. Why did you leave your previous job?38. Is there anything else about your work record you would like to tell me about?39. Is there anything else in your personal life that you think I should know about?40. Have you ever been convicted of a felony crime?41. What salary do you have in mind?42. What is the lowest salary you would accept?43. Are you still interested in working for us?44. How do you plan to get to and from work if you are hired?45. When would you be able to start work if you are hired?

Military Service Branches8

The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Services and their respective Guard and Reserve units. All branches are equal parts of the United States Uniformed Services, headed by the President as Commander-in-Chief. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DoD). The Coast Guard reports to the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and to the DoD (by way of the Navy) during wartime.

Reserve and National Guard units perform as active-duty service members on a part-time basis. These troops train close to home, deploying when needed to aid in international conflict or domestic disaster relief.

Army - As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.Army Reserve - The Army Reserve trains part-time near home until needed, deploying alongside the Army.Army National Guard - Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs.

Marine Corps - The smallest branch of the U.S. Military, the Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.Marine Corps Reserve - Marine Corps reservists train domestically until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps.

Navy - The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world’s oceans and protects national interests overseas.Navy Reserve - The Navy Reserve trains service members close to home until they are needed in action.

Air Force - The U.S. Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.Air Force Reserve - The Air Force Reserve gives service members the opportunity to train and serve on a part-time basis, as needed.Air Guard - The Air Guard trains part-time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts.

Coast Guard - The Coast Guard protects America’s waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime. Coast Guard Reserve - The Coast Guard Reserve offers a part-time service opportunity for service members to train near home.

Military Requirements for Minimum ASVAB Score

Military Branch AFQT ScoreAir Force 36

Army 31Coast Guard 40Marine Corps 32

Navy 35

Local Military RecruitersUpdated 9/26/16

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SSgt. Kathy Hopkins Army National Guard Recruiter1700 Jefferson Davis HwyFredericksburg, VA 22401(540) 899-4022(540) 899-4032 (Fax)(434) 962-7253 (Cell)kathleen.m.hopkins6@mil@mail.mil

SSgt. Dennis Jones U.S. Air Force Recruiting Office14029 Crossing PlaceWoodbridge, VA 22192(703) 497-5368 (Fax)(703) 200-8148 (Cell)dennis.jones18@us.af.mil

SSgt. Ronald Empie U.S. Army Recruiting Station1515 Stafford Market Place Ste. 107Stafford, VA 22556(540) 720-7296(540) 720-7496 (Fax)(540)300-1398 (Cell)ronald.g.empie.mil@mail.mil

HS2 Scott Sammler U.S. Coast Guard RecruiterUSCG Potomac Mills2721 Potomac Mills CircleWoodbridge, VA 22192(703) 490-5021(540) 490-5092 (Desk)(703) 490-5089 (Fax)scott.t.sammler@uscg.mil

SSgt Bradley Wertz U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter4300 Plank Road Suite 250AFredericksburg, VA 22401(540) 785-0445(540) 785-0002 (Fax)(540) 303-3818 (Cell)bradley.wertz@marines.usmc.mil

AT1 Daniel Thomason 540-809-6177 U.S. Navy Recruiter1515 Stafford Market Place, Ste. 107Stafford, VA 22556(540) 657-6778(540) 657-1062 (Fax)Daniel.Thomason@navy.mil

Technical/Trade Schools & Business Schools

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For many high school graduates, the choice between trade schools and college can be difficult. Sometimes our talents lie in a specific course of study, i.e. computers, so it might make more sense to focus solely on that curriculum. Technical, trade and business programs allow students to focus on a specific subject. College students, on the other hand, focus on a variety of different subjects before choosing their “major.”

So what makes these postsecondary programs so appealing to students and employers?

1. Hands on training By focusing on hands-on training, vocational schools produce a breed of graduates who are industry-relevant. The emphasis on gaining experience ensures that trade school graduates can literally walk into their chosen industry and be successful!

2. Up-to-date CurriculumTechnical schools constantly revise their curricula to meet the demands of the work world. Most professors, being from the workplace themselves, are able to provide practical knowledge to their students.

3. Cost and Time SavingsCourses in trade schools are of much shorter duration than universities, so you spend less time and money and time studying. Also, the shorter duration allows you to start earning much sooner, perhaps 2-3 years ahead of your university counterparts. Please be aware that technical, trade and business schools also offer scholarships and financial aid as well.

4. Personalized Learning AtmosphereTrade schools are comprised of small batches of students who are extremely focused on their career paths. This focused group is a great way to build meaningful networks that will last throughout your career. Smaller groups of students in your classes also means that you will get individualized attention and can spend more time being “coached.”

5. Flexible classesTrade schools are student friendly. Students can either attend full-time or opt to study online, enroll in evening classes or study part-time. Flexible enrollment options make it feasible for students to work as they study.

6. Apprenticeship programsMany trade schools offer apprenticeship programs. Others offer internship programs, which give students hand-on-experience in a real-world setting.

*Adapted from AACC.NCHE.edu

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Technical Schools Trade Schools Business Schools technology carpentry business management computers automotive finance software electricity

Art Institute of Washington www.aiw.artinstitutes.edu: Associate in Arts degrees in Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, and Interactive Media Design

ATI (Advanced Technology Institute) www.auto.edu: Based in Virginia Beach, ATI offers degree and diploma programs in automotive, diesel/ heavy vehicle technology, HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program)

DeVry University www.devry.edu: DeVry University focuses on business and technical, such as accounting technology, electronics, and network systems administration.

Eastern Virginia Career College (EVCC) www.evcc.edu: Located in Fredericksburg, EVCC provides certificate programs in Practical Nurse Education, Medical Assistant, Health Information Technician, Medical Massage Therapy, Esthetics/Master Esthetics, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Nail and Wax Technicians.

ECPI College of Technology www.ecpi.edu: ECPI offers a wide array of career programs with associates degrees and certificates, such as wireless communications, biomedical equipment technology, medical imaging, massage therapy, dental assisting, game programming, criminal justice technology, and physical therapy assisting.

Everest www.everest.edu: Career training is available at Everest College, including accounting, business, criminal justice, dental assistant, massage therapy, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical insurance billing and coding, nursing, paralegal, and pharmacy technician.

Full Sail www.fullsail.com: Full Sail offers Associate’s Degrees for creative minds include Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Development, Recording Arts, and Show Production & Touring.

Strayer University www.strayer.edu: Many local campuses offer programs in computer information systems, marketing, economics, contract management, accounting, and more!

UTI (Universal Technical Institute) www.uti.edu: UTI offers training in automotive technology, diesel/industrial technology, collision repair and refinishing technology, NASCAR technology, motorcycle technician training and marine mechanics training.

Wyotech www.wyotech.edu: Wyotech provides programs in automotive technology and collision, motorcycle and marine technology, Residential HVAC, plumbing and electricity.

Check out www.rwm.org, which provides a directory of trade/technical & business schools by state and by area of interest.

Thinking about going to a Community College after High School?

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What exactly is a Community College? Examples are Germanna Community College and NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College) Public college that’s close to home Offers 2-year associate’s degrees, certificate programs and career training An economical (cheap!) way to begin a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with built-in transfer programs Has classes at all different times of the day and several locations

How much does it cost?Tuition and fees for community colleges are based on the number of credits that you take. One class is typically 3-

4 credits. If you figure in the cost of tuition, you can expect to pay about $4.388 per year for either NOVA or Germanna if you attend full-time.

What programs are offered at Community College? Get out your magnifying glasses, there’s a lot!

Germanna Community College: www.germanna.edu

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): www.nvcc.edu

How do I sign up?13

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:-Business Management-Dental Hygiene-Early Childhood Development-Fire Science Technology-Information System Technology-Nursing-Physical Therapist Assistant-Police Science-Technical Studies-Veterinary Technology Certificates (Non-Degree):

-Dental Assisting-Early Childhood Development-General Education-Graphic Communications-Health Information Management-Practical Nursing (PN)

Career Studies Certificates (Non-Degree):-Accounting-American Sign Language-Automotive Technician-Banking-Early Childhood Development-Engineering Technology-Networking-Nurse Aide-Pharmacy Technician-Surgical Scrub Nurse

Associate of Arts & Sciences Degrees:(Easily transfer to a 4-year college)-Business Administration-Education-Education (K-8)-General Studies-General Studies Psychology-Liberal Arts-Science

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:-Accounting-Administration of Justice-Air Condition/Refrigeration-American Sign Language-Automotive Technology-Business Management-Dental Hygiene-Early Childhood Development-Engineering-Hospitality Management-Information Systems Technology-Marketing-Occupational Therapy Assistant-Radiography-Veterinary Technology

Associate of Arts & Sciences Degrees:(Easily transfer to a 4-year college)-Business Administration-Computer Science -Engineering-Fine Arts-General Studies-Information Technology-Liberal Arts-Music-Science

Career Studies Certificates (Non-Degree):-Accounting-American Sign Language-Automotive Maintenance-Business Information Technology-Early Childhood Development-Health Science-HVAC-R Technology-Marketing-Massage Therapy-Retail Management

Certificates (Non-Degree):-Administration of Justice-Book Keeping-Culinary Arts-Early Childhood Development

This is only an overview of the degree and certificate programs offered at Germanna and NOVA. Check out their websites for

more information!

Step 1 Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) anytime afterwww.fafsa.ed.gov October 1

This is the form that determines if you qualify for financial aid You will need your parents/guardians’ help to complete all the information Complete the form ASAP! You can do it all online, and your information will be saved for next year.

Step 2 Apply Online! Click on Admissions from the homepage: April/Maywww.nvcc.edu Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)www.germanna.edu Germanna Community College

Be sure to also complete the application for in-state tuition rates. After you apply, the college will give you a Student Identification Number. Keep this handy!

When should I apply?Plan to apply in the Spring of your senior year, sometime in April or May. Leave time to be sure that you

have completed all the necessary paperwork and placement testing!

Step 3 Make an Appointment with an Admissions Counselor April/May Just like your School Guidance Counselor in high school, College Admissions Counselors will help you figure out the

best course of study for your future goals. Especially important if you plan to transfer to a 4-year College to be sure that your classes will transfer.

Step 4 Take the necessary Placement Tests May You may have to take placement tests in Reading, Writing, and Math If you have taken the SAT and scored high enough, you may not need to take the placement tests. These tests determine if you need a developmental course before you begin college classes.

Step 5 Request a Transcript from your High School to be sent to the Community College May/June

Step 6 Register for Classes for the following Fall semester Early June Check the colleges’ websites for the Registration dates! The earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take the classes you want at the times and places that you

want. If you snooze, you lose! Registration can be done online, in person, and sometimes over the telephone. Be sure to have your log-in information

if you plan to register online.

Step 7 Settle your Bill June/July Finalize any financial aid paperwork Work out a payment plan with the College

How do I get there from here?Germanna Community College currently has 4 campuses: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) currently has

5 campuses and a Medical Center:Fredericksburg Area Campus(near the new Massaponax South Point shopping area) Woodbridge

LoudounLocust Grove Campus Annandale(Rt. 3 West past Lake of the Woods Neighborhood) Manassas

Medical Center (Springfield)Culpepper Center for Advanced Technology(Rt. 3 West in Culpepper)

Stafford County Center2761 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 107

www.germanna.edu www.nvcc.edu (540) 891-3000 (703) 323-3000

Guaranteed Admission Agreements

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Many 2-year colleges have partnerships with 4-year schools that allow students to transfer easily. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has guaranteed admission agreements with both public and many private 4-year colleges in Virginia. Students must meet certain requirements set forth by the 4-year institution, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and be enrolled in a transfer degree program. If the requirements are met, the student is guaranteed admission to the 4-year college. Germanna Community College and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offer transfer degree programs that can guarantee admission to specific colleges and universities. This is only a partial list of colleges/universities participating in this program. For a full list visit: http://www.vccs.edu/students/transfers

Virginia’s Public Colleges and Universities: Christopher Newport University College of William and Mary George Mason University James Madison University Longwood University Norfolk State University Old Dominion University Radford University University of Mary Washington University of Virginia

o UVA – Engineeringo UVA – Nursing

University of Virginia College at Wise Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia State University Virginia Tech

o Virginia Tech – College of Agriculture and Life Scienceo Virginia Tech – College of Engineering

Virginia’s Private Colleges and Universities: Bluefield College

o Bluefield College – Nursing Emory and Henry College Ferrum College Hollins University Liberty University Lynchburg College

o Lynchburg College – Nursing Mary Baldwin College Marymount University Randolph College Regent University Shenandoah University Sweet Briar College Virginia Union University Virginia Wesleyan College

For additional schools and admission requirements, visit http://www.vccs.edu/. It is strongly recommended that you meet with a counselor at the 2-year college to determine what courses will transfer to 4-year schools. Do not assume that every class is transferable!

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Planning to Attend a Four-Year College or University

What can you do to start planning for college?

Research different schools through use of the internet, and speaking with graduates who are attending different colleges. You can also attend the college visitations to BPHS. Many schools send their representatives to us to make it easier for our students to receive information. See Mrs. Gose’, in Counseling, for the current visitation schedule.

Try to decide what factors are important to you:o Does the college have the program you want to major in?o What is the distance from home?o Should you stay in-state or go out-of-state?o What is the cost?o What is the average class size?o What admissions tests are required? (SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, ACT)o Does the college offer the activities that you enjoy?

Set up several campus visitationso Call ahead to schedule a tour, visit classes and dorms.o Have a meal in the dining hall.o Talk with students, ask why they chose the college. o Talk to professors, if possible.o Decide if you feel comfortable there.o Wander around the campus by yourself.o Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.o Participate in a group information session at the admissions office.o Browse in the college bookstore.

What do colleges look for?

Most admissions officers will consider the following factors in the admissions process.Individual colleges, however, will differ in how this information is weighted and evaluated.

Difficulty of Curriculum Grade Point Average (GPA) Class Rank SAT and/or ACT Scores Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work Honors and Awards Recommendations Personal Essays Interviews and/or Auditions

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Researching Colleges 101

With over 9,000 colleges and universities in this country, there are a lot of choices for you to find a school that you can call home! Don’t just research one school. You’ll be surprised at how many schools fit your needs, and even more surprised at how many of them have different admission requirements and financial aid packages.

The Internet is one of the best ways to research both colleges and the college admission process. Almost every college has its own Web site. There are also many Web sites that provide information on colleges and search engines for finding schools. Here’s a list to get you started:

Naviance Family Connections Colleges SuperMatch

www.nacanet.org www.collegeboard.org www.studentaid.ed.gov www.petersons.comwww.collegeinfo.com www.mappingyourfuture.org

Opportunities Workbook: The Opportunities booklet helps high school students choose the right college, understand admission requirements, identify types of financial aid and more.

https://www.ecmc.org/students/opportunities-guide-workbook.html

Check the Common Application website at www.commonapp.org to see if your college or university participates in this admissions program. It saves you time by simplifying the admissions process!*As Juniors, you can create your Common App Account and complete the basic Common App. Sections. Information in the Common App Sections will carry over into your Senior year (excluding essays).

College guidebooks are helpful, but often subjective. At your local library, look at: The Fiske Guide to Colleges, by Edward B. Fiske The College Handbook, by the College Board The Insider’s Guide to Colleges, by the Yale Bailey News Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges

College visits are a great way to meet college admission representatives! See Mrs. Gose’ in the BPHS Counseling Center to check out the calendar of visits and to sign up.

College fairs help you gather information about schools and add your name to the school’s mailing list. Visit the National Association for College Admission Counseling Website (www.nacacnet.org/college-fairs) for a schedule of NACAC-sponsored fairs.

Hot Tip: Every October there is a large College Fair at the Spotsylvania Mall. Colleges from all over Virginia send representatives to talk with Fredericksburg area students about their

programs. Plan to attend your senior year. It’s a great way to “put a face to a name!”

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How do I know when I should apply?

By visiting colleges, you will be able to narrow down the number of schools to which you will apply. Application fees can be costly, so you don’t want to apply to too many schools.

If you find one college that you know you would like to attend, then you can apply early to that school. There are two ways that colleges will handle their early admissions decisions:

Early decision: Applications are usually due in early November or December of your senior year. The colleges are usually looking for highly qualified applicants during this time period. You sign on your application that this is the only college to which you are applying early decision and you agree to attend there if the school offers you admittance. This decision is binding by both parties (college and applicant)!

By applying early decision, you will receive one of three possible responses: (1) accept, (2) defer (your application will be rolled over to regular decision and be considered again at that time) or (3) deny (your application will not be reviewed again).

Early action: Applications are due early as well. If the college offers you admittance, however, it is bound to take you, BUT you are not bound to attend there. You can apply to several early action schools and then decide which one you would like to attend.

If you don’t have a particular school in mind as your first choice, you may apply to several and then decide where you would like to attend. In that case you would apply…

Regular decision: Students apply by a date that is determined by the college. Your application and all supplementary materials (i.e. transcript, teacher recommendation letters, essay, etc.) must be submitted by that date. The school’s decision will be sent to you several months later.

OR

Rolling admissions: Students may apply at any time (as long as it is prior to the school’s deadline). Decisions will then be made by the college on a first-come, first-serve basis and sent to applicants within several weeks.

________________________________________________________________________

Additional notes:

You may only apply to one school “early decision.” However, you can apply to more than one school as “early action.”

A school that has “open admissions” will accept virtually any student who applies.

A student that is placed on a “waiting list” by a college may be offered acceptance after May 1st when the school knows how many students are actually planning to enroll.

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SAT vs. ACTShould you take the SAT or the ACT? This is a common dilemma for many high school students. The easy answer to this question is to talk to your college or university of choice and see if they have a preference. Take into consideration:

Most schools do not have a preference or one that they would require over the other. Many Ivy League schools want students to take the SAT. Some colleges require a student to take SAT Subject tests for placement into college courses or for college

admission. Students can take both exams. See the chart below for how they differ in format. Some students find that they do

better on one than the other. Ask the colleges that you are applying to if they will combine scores from different test dates to come up with a

highest possible composite score. Some schools will take your highest math, critical reading, and writing scores from several test attempts. You are always expected to take all sections when you test.

Keep in mind that people tend to have a “ceiling” as far as how high they can score on the SAT or ACT. You are not likely to see a dramatic increase in your score after taking the test 2-3 times.

A new trend in college admissions is to have your SAT or ACT score exempt from the decision process. However, you usually have to apply for this waiver and have a minimum GPA to qualify.

Students with disabilities can apply for testing accommodations. This process tends to be lengthy, and requires approval from the SAT or ACT. Receiving accommodations for tests in high school does NOT automatically make you eligible for accommodations during the SAT/ACT.

SAT ACT

Test structure

Three-section exam + optional essay: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. An Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section.

Four-section exam + optional essay: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. An Experimental section is added to tests on certain dates only, and is clearly experimental.

Test content

Math: Algebra, Data Analysis, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra II; formulas providedScience: none.Reading: Reading, comprehension, words in context, evidence-based. Writing: Questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice.

Math: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry; no formulas provided.Science: Analysis, ineterpretation, evaluation, problem solvingReading: Reading & comprehension English: Stresses grammar

Essay Optional Optional

Penalty for wrong answers? No No

How is the test scored?

Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing are each scored on a scale of 200-800. Composite SAT score is the sum of the two section scores and ranged from 400-1600; 1600 is the highest possible score.

English, Math, Reading, and Science scores will each range between 1-36. Composite ACT score is the average of your scores on the four sections; 36 is the highest possible composite score.

Score choice?Yes. You can choose which set(s) of SAT scores to submit to colleges.

Yes. You can choose which set(s) of ACT scores to submit to colleges.

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2016-2017 SAT Test Dateswww.collegeboard.org

Test Dates U.S./International Registration Deadline

Late Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

November 5 October 7 October 25

December 3 November 3 November 22

January 21 December 21 January 10

March 11 February 10 February 28

May 6 April 7 April 25

June 3 May 9 May 24

2016-2017 ACT Test Dateswww.actstudent.org

Test Dates Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline(Late Fee Required)

October 22 September 16 September 17-30

December 10 November 4 November 5-18

February 11 January 13 January 14-20

April 8 March 3 March 4-17

June 10 May 5 May 6-19

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How to Use Naviance for the College Application Process

How to Log-In To Naviance

Go to the Brooke Point website, then under “Counseling,” click “Naviance Family Connection.”

Or, you can go to http://connection.naviance.com/brookepoint

Your username is your student ID number (beginning with 9000 or 10000) and your password is your 6-digit birthdate (MMDDYY).

How to Request a Transcript

1. Add your schools to Naviance, under “Colleges I’m Applying To.”

*For Non-Common App Schools, log into your Naviance account and go to “Colleges I’m Applying To.” Then click “Add to this List.”

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*For Common App (www.commonapp.org) Schools, you will need to match your Common App account in Naviance.

On Common App, be sure to enter your high school information and add your Colleges (under “Common App” and then the “Education” tab). Next, you then need to sign the FERPA Release Authorization under “My Colleges.”

Once you’ve signed the FERPA Release, go back to your Naviance account, under the “Colleges I’m Applying To” tab and enter the email address you used for your Common App (see below).

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Use the same email address from your

Common App account.

You will need to know whether your school will accept transcripts electronically, or if your transcript needs to be mailed. Here is how to tell if you need a paper copy or an electronic copy of your transcript sent to your college/university:

2. Fill out a Transcript Request Form for each college. You may pick one up in the counseling office, or go to the BPHS website and under Counseling, click “Transcript Requests” then “Transcripts for Current Students.”

3. Finally, submit your Transcript Request Form to Ms. Gose in Counseling, two weeks before the deadline, with your payment, if needed. Your counselor will send your transcript either through Naviance or the mail.

How to Request a Teacher Letter of Recommendation

1. Under “Colleges I’m Applying To,” scroll down to the Letters of Recommendation section.

2. Click on the “Letters of Recommendation Section” link. Click “Add Request” and search for the teacher. *Be sure to ask your teacher TWO weeks prior to the deadline and ask in person before requesting them in Naviance.

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Electronic Copy = FREEPaper Copy = $1.00

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Additional Tools Available in NavianceCollege Supermatch

Go to College tab at top of Naviance homepage & click Supermatch Great tool for students who want to pursue a degree and they aren’t sure about what schools they want to

apply to. Also useful to students who want to compare schools they are interested in.o Using the tabs on the left hand side, students can select what areas are of importance to them

when thinking of a college/university.o Supermatch takes all of their selections & shows which schools fit that criteria.

If the school doesn’t match the student’s selections 100%, it will show what areas it does/doesn’t match according to the student’s criteria.

o Students can save/pin the colleges they are interested in & add them to colleges they are thinking about.

o Other tools in Colleges tab College lookup: Look up colleges by state or country College Search: Another way to look up colleges by certain criteria College Resources: Offers a plethora of websites for various information (Financial

Aid, SAT/ACT, Military) College Maps: Shows schools based on geographical location

Careers Explore Career & Clusters: Student can search various career fields, look up credentials for those

careers, related majors & related careers. Personality Type: Similar to Myers Briggs testing, students will answer a series of questions & at the

end of the assessment, will show their personality traits & projected career fields for them to study and pursue.

Career Interest Profiler: Students answer 180 questions based on work activities for various careers. The focus of the student should be if they would or wouldn’t like the work activities they are being asked.

Roadtrip Nation Interview Archive: Allows students to view interviews with numerous people (famous & non-famous) about their career paths, struggles, triumphs, etc. in their profession. Can watch videos based on themes, interests, and leaders.

About Me Tab This section is a culmination of the Colleges & Careers tabs, but it also offers new features, such as

Goals & To-Do lists. Goals (also in My Planner tab): Students can compile and list short or long term goals they have set for

themselves. To-Do (also in My Planner tab): Able to list tasks that need to be completed & set due dates for those

tasks. Resume: It’s not too early to begin working on a resume, especially since these students may begin

asking for letter of recommendations at the end of the school year. This free resume builder can help guide students in what information should be listed in their professional resume.

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Information forPotential College-Bound Student-Athletes

Interested in pursuing college athletics? Plan now to ensure you will be eligible!

Grade 11Student continues to take college preparatory courses in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.Student registers with the NCAA Eligibility Center and completes both the academic information and the amateurism questionnaire. Register at: www.eligibilitycenter.org. Student registers for the SAT and/or ACT in the spring, making sure to use code 9999 at the time of registration. Using code 9999 will ensure the score is reported directly to the Eligibility Center.At the end of the student’s junior year, the school counselor sends the student’s transcript to the Eligibility Center.

Grade 12Student continues to take college preparatory courses in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.Student registers for additional ACT/SAT tests if necessary, making sure to use code 9999 at the time of registration. If you have not already registered with the eligibility center, register at: www.eligibilitycenter.org. On or after April 1 of the senior year, the student goes back into their Eligibility Center account to update their academic and amateurism information and request final amateurism certification.After graduation, the school counselor sends the student’s final transcript to the Eligibility Center.

YES?

NO?

For more information and details, visit www.eligibilitycenter.org and/or see Mrs. Falk in Counseling.

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Did you use a

fee waiver for

the SAT or Act?

Center! See your counselor BEFORE registering at: www.eligibilitycenter.org!

Proceed to www.eligibilitycenter.org and register! You will need to pay online.

In order to be eligible to compete in NCAA sports during your first year in college……Division I: You must earn at least a 2.3 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in your core courses.Division II: You must earn at least a 2.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in your core courses.

Internet Resources

Career Searcheswww.snagajob.com www.monster.com www.careerbuilder.com www.naviance.com College Searcheswww.collegeboard.org - College Matchmaker: search colleges by name, major, locations, size, degree of admission difficulty, etc. This site covers every aspect of the college process.www.EssayEdge.com - Help with college essayswww.campustours.comwww.collegeview.comwww.studyabroad.comwww.nacacnet.org - National Association for College Admission Counselingwww.getintocollege.com www.schev.edu www.naviance.com

Financial Aid Informationwww.fafsa.ed.gov - Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)www.finaid.orgwww.salliemae.com www.ed.gov/

Scholarshipswww.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.collegeanswer.com

College Resources for Minoritieswww.phef.net - Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundationwww.hispanicfund.org - Hispanic College Fundwww.thurgoodmarshallfund.org - Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fundwww.uncf.org - United Negro College Fundwww.blackexcel.org - Resource for all minorities

Test Prepwww.collegeboard.org - SAT, SAT subject tests, AP, PSAT, CLEPwww.actstudent.org - Register for the ACT testwww.ets.org - Free test preparationhttps://www.vawizard.org/vccs/CollegePrepInfo.action - Customized test prep for SAT and ACT

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