CHS Counseling Newsletter
December 2018
Financial Aid
The FAFSA is also often required for private scholarship applications. Everyone, regardless of income, should file. Otherwise, the student will have to pay for college either out of pocket or by taking high-interest bank loans. Students should email Ms. Taylor or come by her office when their FAFSA is complete. Showing proof of submission will qualify the student for a raffle of a prize worth $50+.
Ms. Taylor is available during and after school to assist students/families with the FAFSA. To complete the form, you will need the following information:
- 2017 tax documents
- Social security number or alien registration number
- Bank account information (approximate amount in checking/savings)
- Any information about assets
Scholarships
Quantico Chapter Scholarship
The (ISC) Quantico Chapter is awarding $1,000 to a local student planning to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields. Applications are due by December 10. https://iamcybersafe.org/scholarships/quantico-chapter-scholarship-applicants/
Tau Rho Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Fredericksburg, VA
Over $70,000 for area students. Applications are in the main office.
Deadline: Application must be postmarked by January 31st, 2019
Virginia Credit Union Scholarship
The Virginia Credit Union Scholarship was established to help members who are working toward their first undergraduate degree. The applicant must be a primary member of Virginia Credit Union and must have joined by Dec. 1, 2018. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required. To apply, visit vacu.org and complete the application and essay by March 1, 2019.
Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
Various Scholarships
The Community Foundation manages over 40 different scholarship funds aimed at assisting area young people by advancing education. Last year, over $140,000 was awarded to local students. Transcripts and recommendations are required. Applications open on November 14, 2018. Applications will be accepted until March 3, 2019 at 11:00 PM.
Apply at https://cfrrrscholarships.communityforce.com.
STEIGLEDER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP for Fredericksburg Area
To qualify for the scholarship students must have been accepted to attend (or already attending) the University of Richmond as a full-time undergraduate student. The scholarship can be applied for each year the student is enrolled at U of R as a full time student, provided that the recipient(s) maintains satisfactory academic citizenship.
The deadline to submit an application for this scholarship is May 1, 2019.
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online at the following:
https://www.fabava.com/steigleder-family-scholarship/
Virginia Tech Pamplin Leadership Award
The Pamplin Leadership award acknowledges students who demonstrate superior intellectual promise and academic performance, dedication to the community, interest and success in physical fitness and health, and integrity.
This is a 1 year merit based scholarship for $5000 towards VA Tech Tuition. You must have a 3.8 or higher cumulative GPA to be eligible.
Applications are found at: http://www.Honorscollege.vt.edu/assets/pla-applications-18-19.pdf
Breathing Blessings Scholarship Fund
Breathing Blessings is offering several scholarships to local students. You must have a 2.5+ GPA and received an admissions offer from a college (including community) or trade school. Applicants must submit an essay, short biography, and two letters of recommendation. See Mrs. Minor for application.
Taco Bell Live Mas Scholarship
Taco Bell has launched their 2019 scholarship application. They're asking for innovators, creators, and dreamers. Applicants are asked to submit a 2 minute video explaining their passion.
College Applications
Transcript requests are built into both the Common App and Coalition App. Type in your counselor's name and email to send the request. The process is similar for letters of recommendation. List the names and emails of your recommenders and they will receive an email notification to submit. You will not be allowed to access the letters. If you have to access your transcript, follow the directions for Parchment on the school counseling website.
To send official SAT or ACT scores, log into your College Board or ACT student account. If you took both, you do NOT have to send both. Official SAT score sends are $12 per school. If you took the SAT with a fee waiver, you may send score reports for free. Check to see if the schools you are applying to require an official report with your application; some only require self-reported scores.
The Common App and Coalition App have built-in fee waivers. You will be asked to indicate how you qualify for the fee waiver. The most common qualification is free/reduced lunch.
Public, Private, and For-Profit Colleges
- Public colleges are funded by the state government. Tuition is typically lower for public universities. These schools are also often larger. Ex: VCU is a public university.
- Private colleges do not receive state funds, meaning they rely heavily on tuition and donations. Tuition rates for private colleges are typically higher, but they also might give significant scholarships. These colleges tend to be smaller, usually with only a few thousand students. Ex: Randolph-Macon is a private college.
- For-profit colleges are operated by private, profit-seeking businesses. Many for-profit colleges are not accredited and may have poor graduation rates. As a result, many for-profit students default on their student loans. Common for-profits include ECPI, University of Phoenix, and Kaplan. Check to see if a college is for-profit before applying. A lot of programs offered at for-profits can also be found at community colleges.
Who Should Take the SAT/ACT? When Should I Take It? Which One Do I Take?
The SAT and ACT are highly similar tests. Both measure reading comprehension and math skills. The ACT also includes a science section. Neither test is "easier" than the other; it is all about personal preference. This is why it is recommended to try out both.
The SAT has free practice resources through khanacademy.org. The SAT prep course breaks down math, reading, and writing concepts in short video tutorials. You can also access free full-length practice tests. Study sooner rather than later! It is never too early to start.
Reminder: SAT Registration Dates
2018-2019 SAT Administration Dates and Deadlines
December 1, 2018- registration deadline passed
March 9, 2019- February 8 registration deadline, February 27 late registration deadline
May 4, 2019- April 5 registration deadline, April 24 late registration deadline
June 1, 2019- May 3 registration deadline, May 22 late registration deadline
** Note: Students may register until the late registration deadline, but an extra fee will apply. Students who have fee waivers will be allowed to register until the late registration deadline without any extra fee.
Go to collegeboard.org to register.
Caroline School Code 471200
Fee Waivers for SAT, ACT, and College Applications
You are enrolled in a free/reduced lunch program, receive public assistance, live in subsidized housing, or are a ward of the state/orphan.
See counseling or Ms. Taylor if you think you qualify. Normally, SAT and ACT tests cost around $50. If you have a fee waiver, you are allowed to take the tests twice for free. For the SAT, you will also be able to send score reports free of charge.
Meeting these guidelines will also help with college applications. Some college application fees can range from $30 to $90. On the Common and Coalition App, the student will be asked if any of the eligibility conditions above apply. For other applications, the student may receive a fee waiver through College Board (if they took the SAT with a waiver). See the following link for more info: http://www.schev.edu/docs/default-source/students-section/resources/123go/vcaw-2017-sat-fee-waiver.pdf.
VCU Summer Enrichment
AEP Summer Enrichment Program VCU Campus in Richmond, VA
Designed to prepare juniors and seniors for health care programs. Programs are available for dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy.
Cumulative GPA 2.75 or higher and a strong interest in attending VCU health professions.
Application Deadline February 1st, 2019
Congratulations!
- Erin Hovermill, Isabella Perez, Hannah Beazley, Lilliany Guasp, Katherine McCoy, Enrique Romero-Baker, and Katie Lloyd were accepted to Longwood during our on-site admissions event! Congrats!
- Domonique Petri, Hannah Beazley, and Tyler Lockart were accepted to Radford during on-site admissions!
- Brian Johnson's acceptance to Radford, SCAD, Ringling School of Art
- Olivia Ivey's acceptance to Radford and Coastal Carolina
- Guinevere Unterbrink's acceptance to Colorado State
Reminder: Please give all college acceptance letters, college awards, and all of your awarded scholarship information to your counselors!
Awarded money so far: $435,000!!! Great job Class of 2019!
Career Center
Physical Therapist Assistant Program Information Session (Fredericksburg)
Tuesday, December 04, 2018 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Fredericksburg Area Campus - Dickinson Building (1) - 211
Germanna launched a PTA program in 2015. Come to this information session to learn about this exciting program, and to learn what you need to do prior to applying for future admissions. Information sessions are held monthly, alternating between the Fredericksburg and Locust Grove Campuses. The program has a selective admissions process; students are required to attend an information session prior to applying
New Student Tours- FAC Fredericksburg
Monday, December 10, 2018 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday, December 17, 2018 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fredericksburg Area Campus - Dickinson Building (1) - 212
In addition to completing the online New Student Orientation module, consider attending one of Germanna’s new student tours. The tour will provide you with the following:
- First-hand view of campus.
- Information and insight from faculty and staff
- Overview of Student Services and Resources
- A glimpse of life at Germanna
- Answers to all of your questions
High Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree
Dental Hygienists
Job Summary- Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth and examine their teeth and gums to check for signs of disease. Dental hygienists also provide preventive dental care and teach patients good dental hygiene habits. Median Annual Wage- The median annual wage of dental hygienists was $71,110 in May 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Projected Growth– The employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 33% from 2012 to 2022, which is a much faster than average rate. Retrieved from http://www.collegequest.com
Web Developers
Job Summary- Web developers design and build websites and web applications. They are responsible for determining the technical features, as well as the look and feel of websites and web apps. Median Annual Wage- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for web developers was $63,160 in May 2013. Projected Growth- The employment of web developers is expected to grow 20% from 2012 to 2022, which is a rate that is faster than average. Retrieved from http://www.collegequest.com
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Job Summary- Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, such as maintaining and organizing files, drafting documents, and conducting research. They help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings. Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $47,570 in May 2013. Projected Growth- The employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 17% from 2012 to 2022. Retrieved from http://www.collegequest.com
Germanna Registration
Thinking about going to Germanna this coming Fall? Now is the time to apply.
Sign up to see Mrs. Hummer here.