JUNIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

FALL-WINTER

☐ Investigate careers of interest. Consider subjects you do well in and enjoy. Talk to your parents, school counselor, and other adults

about the careers that interest you. It’s okay if you are undecided about a career. College is a great place

to explore career options.

☐ Approach professionals with questions Find some family friends, friends of friends, friends of teachers, and leaders in the community who work

in the careers that interest you. Ask them about their work. You will learn a lot about the careers that

would best suit you.

☐ Research Colleges. Look for colleges with programs that can help you achieve your goals. Search for your program interests

using online resources. Take note of which colleges offer the kinds of programs you want. Also, your high

school’s college and career center, library, and public library will have materials to help you.

☐ Make a list of prospective colleges Identify prospective colleges and organize them into a list. Based on the information you are provided,

gradually narrow and rank your list of schools.

☐ Attend college/career fairs Seek out the colleges that interest you and ask about the programs you’ve identified to determine if the

college will help you achieve your goals. Be sure to ask about scholarship opportunities you may qualify

for

☐ Take the PSAT/NMSQT The PSAT/NMSQT establishes eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National

Hispanic Recognition Program and additional scholarship programs.

SPRING

☐ Plan to attend financial aid and college nights in your community. These are meetings held in many communities to help you understand the admissions and financial aid

process and may provide assistance with completing the FASFA. Find out when these events are held by

checking with your counselor or local college.

☐ Financial Fit If cost will be a factor in selecting your future college, get estimates of the net prices for the schools on

your list by exploring their websites.

☐ Ensure that you are on track for graduationLook at your high schools graduation requirements and attend all mandatory meetings with your

counselor to ensure you are on track for graduation.

☐ Visit Colleges Spring and summer break are a great time to schedule college visits. Call the admissions office in advance

to learn what times they conduct regular tours. Then, use these visits to compare campuses and help

narrow your selection.

☐ Take the SAT, SAT subject tests, and/or ACT If these tests are required for your list of colleges, register and take them.

☐ Start preparing portfolios, audition materials, writing samples, or other

evidence of talent and look for volunteer service opportunities. If these are required for admission to your programs or scholarships, begin working on these now.

☐ Identify references Start thinking about who you would like to ask for a letter of recommendation. If you already have

someone in mind, now is the time to start that conversation

☐ Talk with your parents/guardians about your college plans and financesBecome more specific about how you can finance your plans

SUMMER

☐ Summer Job Look for a summer job/internship to help with college cost

☐ Talk to coaches If you are interested in an athletic scholarship, contact the appropriate coaches at your college

☐ Request private scholarship applicationsRequest application information from any private scholarship sources you have identified.

☐ Investigate Financial Aid Start investigating federal, state, college, and local financial aid opportunities, including scholarship and

grant opportunities. Keep in mind that you cannot submit your FASFA until October 1st of your senior

year

SENIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

FALL

☐ Review your plans with your school counselor. Discuss post- graduation plans and updates with your school counselor.

☐ Register for an FSA ID. Go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Your FSA ID serves as your e-signature for the online

FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parent should also register for an FSA ID at this time.

☐ Start drafts of your college essays. Identify a teacher who can provide you with feedback on your essays.

☐ Request high school transcripts. Review the colleges that require a high school transcript and follow your schools proper procedure of

requesting an official transcript.

☐ Identify References. If you have not already, identify and ask if your reference will provide you a letter of recommendation.

Provide your reference with an adequate amount of time to write your letter of recommendation.

☐ Finalize portfolio, audition materials, or writing samples. Complete these if they are required for admissions or scholarship.

☐ Follow up with your references Make sure they were able to successfully send your recommendation by your application deadline.

☐ Complete revisions of all applications and essays. Review them and make sure all required components are complete.

☐ Apply for private scholarship and grant programs. Explore different scholarship opportunities and programs that pertain to you.

☐ File your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov . The FAFSA form is available on Oct. 1. We encourage you to fill it out as soon as possible on or after

Oct. 1

☐ Look for your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail or via email You should receive it within three to ten days after completing the online FAFSA. Many any necessary

changes and return the corrected form to Federal Student Aid as indicated on the SAR. Contact your

college for more directions if necessary.

WINTER

☐ Send your midyear grades Midyear transcripts will be submitted to the colleges you have applied to.

☐ Continue the searchContinue researching and applying for scholarships that might be available to you.

☐ Attend FAFSA workshopsAttend the financial aid workshops held at local high schools and colleges

☐ Confirm receipt of your informationCheck with your colleges to be sure they have received the information from your high school, FAFSA,

SAT and or ACT scores.

☐ Tie up loose ends.If required, send any additional information to colleges to complete the admissions and/or financial aid

process

College

SAT

Accept

Avg

ACT

Accept

Avg

GPA

Accept

Avg

Net

Applied Accepted

%

Accepted

Virginia Commonwealth University 1264 26 3.84 196 140 71%

George Mason University 1311 27 3.97 189 141 75%

Virginia Tech 1357 29 4.15 159 100 63%

James Madison University 1256 26 3.92 156 94 60%

University of Virginia 1456 32 4.43 154 37 24%

Christopher Newport University 1204 25 3.8 73 38 52%

College of William & Mary 1442 32 4.43 72 25 35%

NOVA 1081 19 2.9 55 44 80%

Radford University 1110 21 3.43 51 35 69%

Pennsylvania State University 1378 29 4.06 50 40 80%

University of Maryland, College Park 1401 29 4.12 47 19 40%

University of Pittsburgh 1359 30 4.04 43 30 70%

UNC Chapel Hill 1490 4.48 36 1 3%

New York University 1483 28 4.46 35 3 9%

The George Washington University 1334 29 4.18 30 8 27%

University of Mary Washington 1139 23 3.55 30 20 67%

University of Michigan 1430 27 4.28 28 5 18%

Cornell University 1500 30 4.58 27 5 19%

Old Dominion University 1099 20 3.26 27 15 56%

University of Pennsylvania 26 0%

Georgia Institute of Technology 1460 34 4.33 23 6 26%

University of South Carolina 1308 27 4.04 23 18 78%

Carnegie Mellon University 1430 25 4.31 22 3 14%

Longwood University 1147 23 3.33 21 15 71%

Duke University 1320 34 4.66 20 1 5%

University of Tennessee, Knoxville 1217 25 3.65 19 19 100%

Johns Hopkins University 1513 26 4.51 18 4 22%

Purdue University 1456 36 4.29 18 11 61%

VCU - The Honors College 1422 27 4.23 17 9 53%

High Point University 1170 25 3.66 16 11 69%

The University of Texas, Austin 1490 4.48 16 1 6%

West Virginia University 1090 22 3.43 16 10 63%

East Carolina University 1174 25 3.77 15 11 73%

U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1445 36 4.42 15 3 20%

Drexel University 1336 29 3.99 14 13 93%

Shenandoah University 1136 25 3.53 14 11 79%

University of Southern California 14 0%

The Ohio State University 1463 33 4.25 14 4 29%

Clemson University 1240 28 4.11 13 2 15%

Harvard College 13 0%

Boston University 1443 30 4.3 12 6 50%

Northwestern University 12 0%

MOST APPLIED TO SCHOOLS -2019

Princeton University 1580 4.52 12 1 8%

Columbia University 11 0%

Yale University 11 0%

The University of Alabama 1239 28 3.55 10 8 80%

Arizona State University 1160 3.61 10 3 30%

Florida State University 1329 26 4.07 10 9 90%

University of Florida 1275 28 4.09 10 2 20%

Georgetown University 1400 35 4.59 10 2 20%

Marymount University 1042 20 3.28 10 5 50%

North Carolina State University 1395 4.28 10 2 20%

University of Richmond 1407 30 4.36 10 3 30%

Stanford University 10 0%

Virginia State University 1063 19 3.36 10 7 70%

University of Chicago 9 0%

University of Georgia 1220 25 4.19 9 1 11%

Northeastern University 1480 34 4.37 9 4 44%

American University 1260 27 4.03 8 3 38%

Brown University 8 0%

Vanderbilt University 1480 35 4.52 8 1 13%

University of California, Berkeley 1400 4.36 7 1 14%

University of California, Los Angeles 7 0%

University of Delaware 1275 33 3.75 7 2 29%

University of Miami 7 0%

Rutgers University-New Brunswick 1264 28 3.85 7 5 71%

Public

Private TYPE FEE

Early Regular

Averett University Priv Online Rolling Free

Bluefield College Priv Online Rolling Free

Bridgewater College Priv Online Rolling Free

Christopher Newport University Pub CA or COA

ED - Nov 15

EA -Dec 1 1-Feb $65

College of William and Mary Pub CA or COA

ED - Nov 1

ED 2 - Jan 1 1-Jan $75

Eastern Mennonite University Priv CA or Online Rolling Free

Emory & Henry College Priv CA or Online

EA - Nov 15

EA - Jan 15 Rolling Free

Ferrum College Priv Online Rolling Free

George Mason University Pub CA or Online EA - Nov 1 15-Jan $70

Hampden-Sydney College Priv CA or Online

ED - Nov 15

EA - Dec 15 1-Mar Free

Hampton University Priv Online EA - Oct 15 1-Mar $50

Hollins University Priv CA or Online

ED - Nov 1

EA - Nov 15 1-Feb

$40, often

waived

James Madison University Pub COA EA - Nov 1 15-Jan $70

Liberty University Priv Online Rolling $50

Longwood University Pub Online

ED - Nov 1 (Nursing

only)

EA - Dec 3 1-Mar $50

Mary Baldwin University Priv Online 15-Apr Free

Marymount University Priv CA or Online EA - Nov 15 Rolling $40

Norfolk State University Pub Online Rolling $25

Northern Virginia Community College Pub Online Rolling Free

Old Dominion University Pub CA or Online EA - Dec 1 Rolling $50

Patrick Henry College Priv Online Rolling $20

Radford University Pub CA or Online EA - Dec 1 1-Feb Free

Randolph College Priv CA or Online EA - Nov 15 1-Mar Free

Randolph-Macon College Priv CA or Online EA - Nov 15 1-Mar $30

Richard Bland College of William & Mary Priv Online Priority - Mar 1 $35

Roanoke College Priv CA or Online

ED - Nov 15

EA - Oct 15 15-Mar Free

Shenandoah University Priv Online Rolling $30

Southern Virginia University Priv Online Rolling $35

Sweet Briar College Priv CA or COA EA - Nov 1 Rolling Free

University of Lynchburg Priv CA or Online ED - Nov 15 Rolling Free

VA COLLEGE

Application Info DEADLINES

APPLICATION

University of Mary Washington Priv CA

ED - Nov 1

EA - Nov 15 15-Mar $50

University of Richmond Priv CA

EA - Nov 1

EA 2 - Dec 1 15-Jan $50

University of Virginia Pub CA & COA

ED - Oct 15

EA - Nov 1 1-Jan $70

University of Virginia's College at Wise Pub Online

EA - Dec 1

EA 2 - Feb 1 15-Aug $25

Virginia Commonwealth University Pub CA Priority - Nov 15 15-Jan $70

Virginia Military Institute Pub Online or print ED - Nov 15 1-Feb $40

Virginia State University Pub Online Priority - Mar 1 1-Mar Free

Virginia Tech Pub COA & SRAR

ED - Nov 1

EA - Dec 1 15-Jan $60

Virginia Union University Priv CA or Online Rolling $25

Virginia Wesleyan University Priv Online Rolling $40

Washington and Lee University Priv CA

ED - Nov 1

ED 2 - Jan 1 1-Jan $60

CA = Common App

COA = Coalition App

ED = Early Decision (binding)

EA = Early Action (non-binding)

SRAR + Self Reporting Academic Record

(As of February 2020)

SAT vs ACT: Which Test is Right for You? Many students and parents begin the college prep process by comparing the ACT and SAT tests. The SAT and ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other.

Compare the ACT and SAT tests • ACT includes a Science section

• SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator

SAT ACT

Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-

based scholarships.

Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based

scholarships.

Test Structure

• Reading

• Writing & Language

• Math

• Essay (Optional)

• English

• Math

• Reading

• Science Reasoning

Essay (Optional)

Length • 3 hours (without essay)

• 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)

• 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)

• 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)

Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages

Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your

specific science knowledge)

Math

Covers:

• Arithmetic

• Algebra I & II

• Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis

Covers:

• Arithmetic

• Algebra I & II

• Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability & Statistics

Calculator

Policy

Some math questions don't allow you to use a

calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions.

Essays

Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of

a source text.

Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and

analyze complex issues.

How It's

Scored

Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Scored on a scale of 1–36

DOWNLOADABLE VERSION AVAILABLE AT WWW.NACACNET.ORG/STEPS 275

STEP BY STEP: COLLEGE AWARENESS AND PLANNING: LATE HIGH SCHOOL

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

NACAC’s Top Ten Tips for Writing a College Essay(Read a more detailed discussion of each tip at www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/steps/Articles/ Pages/CollegeEssay.aspx).

1. Start early. The more time you have, the less stress you’ll have.

2. Be yourself. One of the biggest mistakes students make is “writing what they think otherswant to hear.”

3. Be honest. College admission officers have read hundreds—even thousands—of essays.They are masters at discovering any form of plagiarism.

4. Take a risk. Don’t settle for the essay that everyone else is writing.

5. Keep in focus. Use the essay to help the admission officers get to know you as a person.

6. Write and rewrite. Don’t try to write a masterpiece on your first try.

7. Get a second opinion. Even best-selling novelists ask other people to read their manuscripts be-fore they’re sent to the publisher.

8. Proofread.

9. Don’t confuse applying online with sending email. Make sure that you put as much effortinto an online essay as you would if you were sending it snail mail.

10. Don’t expect too much from an essay. The application essay is important, but it’s not the only thingthat is considered.

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Rock Ridge High School Transcript Request CEEB Code: 470-140

Rock Ridge High School requires a minimum of 3 weeks to process requests for transcripts & counselor letters of recommendation.

College/Organization: City, State: Deadline:

Admission Decision Type:

Regular Decision Early Decision Early Action Rolling Decision

Is this a SRAR (Self Reporting Academic Record) Yes No

Are you requesting a counselor letter of recommendation? (please check their website) Yes No

If yes, have you turned in your Student & Parent Insight sheets? Yes No

Are you requesting a teacher letter of recommendation? (please check their website) Yes No

If yes, please list the teachers who have agreed to provide a recommendation through your Naviance request in order of importance:

1_______________________ 2__________________________ 3__________________________

Are you applying via Common App? Yes No

If yes, have you completed the FERPA waiver on the Common App? Yes No

If yes, have you completed the Common App match in Naviance? Yes No

Are you applying via Coalition Application? Yes No

Are you applying directly to the college/university? Yes No

School Counseling Office Use Only

Initial Date

Received/entered in Naviance

SSR & LOR Submitted

Verified

College Application Deadline Materials due to Counselor

October 15 September 24

November 1 October 11

November 15 October 25

December 1 November 1

December 15 November 15

January 1 December 4

January 15 December 13

February 1 January 10

February 15 January 24

March 1 and beyond February 10

LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Transcript Release Form Release of Student Records

Student Name: __________________________________ Student ID: _______________________ By signing this form, I authorize LCPS to release my student records covered under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to a third party; such as an institution of higher education, organization or scholarship committee. Student records are only available to those who have authorization from the student, parent or guardian. By signing this form, I give permission for LCPS to send my student’s academic records to the institutions requested by my student through the academic year.

By checking this box, I waive my right to review letters of recommendation or information on the secondary school report form. Individual recommenders may choose to make the recommendation conditional on a signed waiver of access.

_____________________________________________ __________________________________________ Parent Signature (if student is under 18) Parent’s Name – Printed

_____________________________________________ __________________________________________ Students Signature Date

College / Organization Address Deadline Date of

Request Delivery Method (electronic/ mailed)

Date Processed (office use only)

electronic mailed

Transcripts:

• Colleges that accept electronic transcripts are FREE.

• Colleges that require mailed transcripts are $3.00 each. Pay on the school Payment Portal.

• Mid-year grades will be sent automatically to all requested schools after semester grades are finalized.

• Final grades will be sent to the college selected on your end-of-year Senior Survey. Test Scores

• SAT Reasoning and Subject tests, Advanced Placement Exams, and ACT must be sent directly from the College Board or ACT at the request of the student.

o www.collegeboard.org o www.act.org

Dual Enrollment Transcripts:

• Request your end of year DE transcript directly from the college awarding the DE credit (Richard Bland, NOVA, JMU or GMU).

• LCPS DOES NOT send Dual Enrollment transcripts.

Please remember to complete & sign the reverse side

of this form!

Teacher Brag Sheet Many colleges and universities require or recommend a letter of recommendation from a

teacher. Letters of recommendation are intended to provide additional insight about you as a

student within the classroom and beyond. Try to avoid general statements, and instead provide

specific details and examples from the classroom that illustrate your point and bring it to life.

Provide this insight sheet to the teacher(s) you are requesting a letter of recommendation from.

1.) What do you intend to study in college?

2.) What are your academic pursuits outside the classroom?

3.) What do you think your greatest academic talents are?

4.) What areas do you consider a work in progress and what do you do to

overcome them?

5.) How would you describe yourself as a student in the classroom, more

specifically in the course from which you are requesting a letter of

recommendation from?

6.) What are the optimal conditions under which you learn best?

7.) Please describe the best lesson you learned in the classroom that will help

you for life.

8.) Take a moment to reflect on how a classmate, someone from your community,

and a teacher would describe you.

Match your Common App to Naviance

• This step will ensurethat your counselorcan submit yourrequired documentsvia Naviance

Add University to Colleges I am Applying To list on Naviance

• Your counselor willonly be able tosubmit requireddocuments onceyou have addedyour University tothis list

First Steps

Complete a Transcript Request Sheet (Yellow Form)

• This step allowscounselors to sendan initial, midyear,and finaltranscript.

Complete a Student Insight Sheet (Blue Form)

• Turn in a detailedblue studentinsight sheet alongwith your yellowtranscript requestsheet.

Complete a Scholarship Sheet (Purple Form)

• When applying fora scholarship thatrequires schooldocumentation,please turn in apurple scholarshipsheet.

Remember to turn in one Transcript Request Sheet for each university you apply to.

Then…

You will only need to turn in one Student Insight Sheet.

Rock Ridge High School

Early Release Contract

This contract is for __________________________________________, for the 2020-2021 school year.

I have been informed of, understand, and agree to the following rules regarding early release.

• Early release, as part of the schedule, is a privilege and may be revoked at any time as

deemed necessary by the administration particularly for discipline issues, excessive tardiness,

poor attendance, failing grades, lack of SOL verified credits, and remediation purposes.

Grades will be checked with each report card.

• Early release students are to sign out with Ms. Susan Gorman. If a student wishes to stay to do

work in the library or with a teacher, he/she must sign in with Ms. Gorman in the main office.

Students must then sign out with Ms. Gorman upon departure.

• It is at the discretion of the coach whether athletes can be released during their particular

season of participation.

• Early release students understand that if they cannot meet ALL of the above guidelines, they

will be assigned a study hall immediately.

• On days with an altered bell schedule, including but not limited to Activity Period days, I

understand I must remain in school to the end of the full period before my early release

period. I understand I must make prior arrangements to this effect with my employer.

• I understand that I am to report to all senior meetings during the

school year and will receive prior notice.

• PLEASE NOTE: This release is NOT in force when the school schedule is changed for standardized testing or late openings due to weather, or any other reason. Please emphasize to employers that standardized testing and any other school schedule change will override this contract for early release.

I agree to the above rules as an early release student.

_________________________________________ _____/______/_____

Student Signature Date

University

Appplication

Deadline

College

FAFSA

Deadine

Common

Application

Coalition

Application

Direct to

Institution

# of Teacher

Rec

Counselor

Rec

SAT/ACT

Score

Submission

Transcripts

Request

Submitted to

Counseling

Institution

Scholarship

Deadline

GMU EA- NOV.1 JAN. 15 YES NO YES 1 YES YES YES DEC. 1