School Counseling Newsletter
November 2019
Scholarships- Seniors Only
Elks Scholarship- due 11/5/2019
The selection of winners begins at the regional level then advances to district, state, and national judging. Elks scholars are outstanding students who are at or near the top of their classes and active in their communities. Applications will be judged on academics, leadership, and financial need. To apply, go to enf.elks.org/mvs.
Hagan Scholarship- due 11/15/2019
This is a need-based scholarship worth $6,000 per semester. The award also includes opportunities for study abroad funding and paid workshops. To apply, you must have the following: cumulative GPA of 3.75+, SAT 1150+ or ACT 24+, FAFSA EFC cannot exceed $6,500, and must work 240 hours in the 12 months previous to starting college (August 2019-August 2020). This scholarship can only be used at four-year colleges. Apply here: https://haganscholarships.org/application/.
Young Women STEM Essay Contest- due 1/10/2019
The STEM Essay Contest was launched in 2012 with 170 young women from across the Commonwealth submitting essays focused on their vision for pursuing a STEM career. In the first year, the Council raised $10,000 and awarded three scholarships. Now, in its ninth year, the Council has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships. Last year, the Council received more than 500 essay submissions, and thanks to the generosity of sponsors, awarded $25,000 in scholarships to five Virginia students. Apply here: https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/advisory-boards/council-on-women/stem-essay-contest/.
VA JCI Senate- due 1/24/2020
Each year, the U.S. Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Foundation grants $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education at accredited post-secondary colleges, universities or vocational schools. The number of grants awarded annually is at the discretion of the Foundation and must be used for educational expenses in the first year of full-time study. Checks awarded will be made out in the name of the recipient and the educational institution of the recipient’s choice. Must be postmarked by 1/24. Apply here: http://www.usjcisenate.org/index.php/programs/scholarship
Gloria Wille Bell and Carlos R. Bell Trust Scholarship- due 2/1/2020
Must plan to attend University of Michigan and pursue a degree in engineering, math, physics, computer science, or some other science field. Scholarship is valued at $80,000 over four years. This scholarship requires an essay and a completed application.
For information visit the following website: www.bellscholarship.org
Community Foundation: LOCAL- due 3/1/2020 at 11 PM
Over 40 scholarships totalling over $149,000! For information, visit the following link:
http://www.cfrrr.org/apply-for-grants-and-scholarships/scholarships
New this year: Applications, Official Transcripts, and your Letters of Recommendation will be completed and submitted via the Community Foundation online system!
This is a $1620 scholarship for a high school senior. Must be a resident of Virginia and have a 3.0 or above. The application requires a brief resume, a recommendation letter from a current teacher or counselor, transcript, and an essay. Applications may be emailed or mailed. Find the application here: https://virginiamayflower.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Mayflower-Scholarship-2020.pdf.
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
This is a $1,000 state-level scholarship for a student who has participated in Boys State and/or Girls State Programs. Must be a direct descendant of a U. S. Wartime veteran: WWI, WWII, Korean, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf. Apply online at: http://www.legion.org/samsung-scholarship-application
Seniors: An Important Note on Test Scores
1. Check to see if the colleges you are applying to will allow self-reported test scores.
This takes some time, but it is crucial if you want to save money. The easiest way to check (if you are using the Common App) is to click on the school's name in your "Colleges" section. This will pull up a list of application requirements for the college. You will see a link that says "Test Policies"- from here, colleges will usually specify whether or not they need official reports. If official reports are required, the test scores MUST be sent from the testing agency ahead of time. If self-reported scores are allowed, simply putting your test scores in your application is enough.
2. If you are not on the Common App, find the college's admissions page.
You may have to do some digging, but most colleges will have an Application Requirements page on their websites. From here, you should be able to find their testing policies.
3. When in doubt, contact admissions or Ms. Taylor.
If asking Ms. Taylor, email is the quickest option: kataylor@ccps.us.
** Students who used fee waivers for their SAT or ACT are granted unlimited free score reports.
Announcements
- Roanoke College is now fully test-optional. SAT/ACT scores are no longer required.
- VCU Engineering now offers guaranteed admission for any student in the Top 10% of his/her class.
- Apply to the University of Alabama free of charge! November 4th-10th you will have the opportunity to have your Alabama application fee waived. Visit this link to sign up for a code: https://adm.ua.edu/register/free_app_week_2019?utm_content=HS%20Counselor%20Info%20Free%20App%20Week&utm_campaign=Free%20App%20Week%202019&utm_source=Slate&utm_term=Fall%202020&utm_medium=Email
DIVAS and Men of Valor
DIVAS With Promise is a mentoring program for young ladies in middle and high school. The primary focus is to empower young ladies with the skills needed for success in the current year and beyond. Focuses are on Exploration of talents and abilities, Exposure to diverse opportunities in and outside their community, and Motivation to achieve excellence in daily
living and long term endeavors.
Men of Valor is a mentoring program for young men in middle and high school. The primary focus is to empower young men with the skills needed for success in the current year and beyond. Focuses are on Education, one of the most powerful tools in achieving success, Exposure to diverse opportunities in and outside their community, and Encouragement to achieve excellence in daily living and long term endeavors.
Both programs:
- Meet twice monthly- once for a general meeting and once for community service.
- Require a $20 membership fee.
- Require attendance for at least 80% of meetings and activities
Please see Ms. Taylor or Mrs. Huntsinger if you would like an application.
College Application Deadlines
- George Mason, JMU, UVA, University of Richmond: November 1
- Hollins, Randolph Macon, and Mary Washington: November 15
- Christopher Newport, ODU, Radford, and Virginia Tech: December 1
Why apply early action?
- You will receive an admissions decision sooner than the regular applicant pool. This may help calm your nerves!
- If you are not admitted after applying early action, most colleges will give you a second chance after other students apply regular decision. This means your application could be reviewed twice.
- Unlike early decision, early action is non-binding.
Financial Aid
Start by making an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. Both the student and parent need to make an FSA ID. Remember to keep this information in a safe place- you will need it the next time you file your FASFA. After making an FSA ID, go to fafsa.gov to begin. Answer questions carefully!
As part of Virginia College Application Week, Ms. Taylor will host another FAFSA Night on Wednesday, November 20th. Details can be found below.
Virginia College Application Week
Here at CHS, we will host the following events:
- Monday, November 18: College Application Drive: Seniors- are you still working on your college applications? Do you need to start the process? Come see Mrs. Hummer and Ms. Taylor on Monday of VCAW to get started. Ms. Taylor can help students with four-year applications while Mrs. Hummer can assist with Germanna and other community colleges. Some applications may only take ten minutes! More information to come.
- Tuesday, November 19: Longwood On-Site Admissions: On-site admissions is an excellent way to learn an admissions decision quickly. Longwood's admissions counselor will visit CHS to review transcripts and test scores of those who would like to participate. At the end of the visit, students will learn their admissions status. Sign up here: https://longwood.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a174p000001bfsMAAQ. You must file an application in order to participate. Use the code "Instant Lancer Decision 2019" to file an application for free!
- Wednesday, November 20: FAFSA Workshop: Submitting your college applications is only part of the process. In order to obtain financial aid, you must submit your FAFSA. Come to our workshop between 4 and 7 PM on Wednesday to get yours done. Location to be announced.
- Thursday, November 21: College Spirit Day: Wear gear from your favorite college! There will be a gift card drawing during lunches for students who participate. All grades are invited to participate!
Upcoming SAT and ACT Testing Dates
- December 7th- Regular registration deadline: November 8th. Late registration deadline: November 26th.
* Remember, those registering late must pay an extra fee. Students with fee waivers do NOT have to pay the late fee. If you think you may be eligible for a fee waiver, please see Ms. Taylor or your counselor by November 19th.
** SAT testing will resume in March.
ACT
- December 14th- Regular registration deadline: November 8th. Late registration deadline: November 22nd.
* Like the SAT, there is an extra fee for late registration unless using a waiver.
** ACT testing will resume in February.
*** The ACT is NOT administered at Caroline High School. Students must travel to a neighboring county in order to take the test.
When should I take the SAT or ACT?
It is highly recommended that you attempt at least one of these tests before the end of your Junior year. While you will run into a few advanced math concepts on the SAT and ACT, generally the highest math tested is Algebra II. In short, if you have completed Algebra II you are ready for the test! However, it is recommended that you spend at least a couple of months studying on Khan Academy before taking the test.
You can take the tests as many times as you would like, but keep in mind that each test is around $50. If you have free/reduced lunch, please see Ms. Taylor or your counselor for a fee waiver. Be sure to request this ahead of time, as we sometimes run out of waivers. The fee waiver will cover two tests and give you access to unlimited free score reports.
Generally, colleges have no preference of test, meaning you can take whichever you would like. Also, most colleges no longer require the essay section!
Congrats!
Remember: Scholarship and financial aid totals will be recognized at the Senior Awards ceremony this spring. However, we cannot recognize you unless we receive documentation of these awards.
Opportunities for Underclassmen
Harcum College Open House- 11/9/2019
Harcum College is hosting an all-campus open house event designed specifically for prospective students and families on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on its Bryn Mawr Campus, 750 Montgomery Avenue in Bryn Mawr, PA. Harcum enrolls 1,400 students at its main campus in Bryn Mawr and at 13 Partnership Sites throughout the region. In the Fall of 2018 it launched a new partnership with the former Antonelli Institute to offer grahpic design and photography programs. If interested, register here: https://experience.harcum.edu/visit/inquiryform.
Sorenson Institute High School Leaders Program- due 11/12/2019
The Sorensen Institute's High School Leaders Program (HSLP) offers concentrated study in Virginia politics and government for high school students from across the state. The HSLP is based on a firm belief that young people not only can make a positive difference in their communities, they should be strongly encouraged to do so.
Our High School Leaders Program gives students the practical skills and political knowledge to become effective advocates in their communities and schools. Participants engage in substantive debate about the public policy challenges facing the Commonwealth and interact with Virginia's political and business leaders. The two-week HSLP is held each summer on grounds at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Students who successfully complete the program receive three hours of college credit from the University of Virginia.
Applicants must be at least a rising junior as of Summer 2020. Letters of recommendation, transcripts, interviews, and resumes will be considered. The cost of the program is $2,800. Financial aid is available. Find more info here: https://sorenseninstitute.org/high-school-leaders-program.
National Leadership Conference- Nomination due by 11/15/2019
The National Leadership Conference (NLC) provides current and future state and national leaders the opportunity to learn critical information about successfully leading a nonprofit association, to network with other leaders from across the country, and to gain new skills to become a more effective and engaging leader. If you would like to participate in the NLC costs may be between $2,500-$5,000 (you would need to pay for this). You must have a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (B), and be a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader. Participants will be considered for a $20,000 (over four years of college) Merit Based College Scholarship.
Information and pictures are available at the following links: www.nslcleaders.org/summerblogs and www.nslcleaders.org.
If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Huntsinger by November 15th.
Class of 2021 Coolidge Scholarship- due 1/16/2020
The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans on enrolling in college in the fall of 2021 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (unfortunately current high school seniors are not eligible to apply).
Coolidge Scholars are selected based primarily on academic excellence. Secondary criteria include: an interest in public policy, an appreciation for and understanding of the values President Coolidge championed, as well as humility and service.
The competition for the Coolidge Scholarship is indeed significant -- but even students who do not win have reported to us they are glad they went through the application process because it helps prepare them for college applications later on. Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites the top 100 applicants to participate in its Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid Summit Weekend in Washington, D.C and a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants who make it to the finalist level, but do not ultimately win the full scholarship, receive a one- time finalist scholarship of $5,000.
The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed at : www.coolidgescholars.org.
Please note the deadline is 5:00 PM EST, Thursday, January 16, 2020. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, the Coolidge Scholars Program can be reached by email at coolidgescholars@coolidgefoundation.org or by phone at (202) 827-4291.
Bezos Scholars Program- due 1/31/2020
Current high school juniors are invited to apply to the Bezos Scholars Program. Students from across the US will be selected to participate alongside five students and an educator from the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa. Scholars gain leadership skills, collaborate and build their networks, and make a meaningful difference in their community. The program kicks off with an all-expense paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival June 27-July 3, 2020. During their senior year, Scholars receive mentorship, leadership development, and $1,000 in funding to launch their own community change project. More information can be found at www.bezosscholars.org/lead.
Duke University Summer Sessions
Heads up, students! The 2020 Duke University Summer Session info is ready for you! Check it out here: https://summersession.duke.edu/high-school-students. By attending a summer session, you will earn academic credit through coursework and you will have the opportunity to spend time on Duke's campus.
Career Coach Corner
Steps to becoming a Germanna graduate
Admissions steps may vary for different types of students.
1. Apply online
2. Apply for free money (FAFSA and scholarships)
3. Participate in a required orientation
4. Meet with the Career Coach (Mrs. Hummer)
5. Register for your courses
6. Pay your tuition and fees and purchase your textbooks
7. Attend a Welcome Day
Experience Germanna
There’s a place for you at Germanna. Experience it first-hand by visiting one of our
campuses. Discover all that Germanna has to offer through an engaging presentation,
discussion and campus tour. Get your questions answered and learn how to get started.
Future students, parents/guardians and mentors are all welcome to attend. Germanna
is a safe space and welcomes people of all ages, cultures, experiences and abilities.
Register online here: https://www.germanna.edu/experience/.
Career Center News
Career Cafe Happenings
Possible cafes this month: Stephen C. Letchford, L.S., Survey Manager, AES Consulting Engineers
Germanna with the Career Coach
Job Opportunities
It is the season for hiring. Are you looking for a job? There are several places to start your
search.
1. Ask people you know who may be hiring.
2. Look at job search engines such as https://www.snagajob.com/ ,
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/find-a-job, https://www.indeed.com/
3. Use your social media skills.
4. Go directly to where you want to be hired and ask if they are hiring.
5. Check out the Job Board in the cafeteria.
I did a drive by and found the following are hiring for the season (this list is just a short
one)
● Lowes
● Cracker Barrel
● McDonalds
● Arby’s
● Value City
● Kohl’s
● Kings Dominion
● Costco
● FedEx Ground PH US
● Caroline Animal Hospital
● Calypso Kennels
● Denny’s
Job Seeker Checklist
What field(s) are you interested in?
● Are you seeking a full-time or part-time schedule?
● Remote or in-person obligation?
● Are you open to contract work?
What compensation base are you looking for?
● Factor in your desired base salary including additional costs, such as childcare,
clothing, fuel, etc. If working from home, calculate the cost of a home computer,
internet service, and cell phone.
● Research salaries within your desired fields to know what others with similar
experience and duties are requiring.
Craft or update your resume.
● BEFORE: List out all volunteer activities, work experiences, awards, education
certificates and degrees.
● DURING: Decide which of the above are relevant to what you are applying for.
● AFTER: Enlist a trusted person or organization to review the document for
accuracy, grammar and effectiveness.
Start your job search.
Draft a cover letter adapted to the specific job description of what you are applying for.
● Use keywords from the job description,
● Explain gaps in your resume, and connect the dots from your qualifications to the
desired position.
Create a professional email address for all communication.
Take stock of your social media accounts.
● Are they professional?
● Consider the privacy of your accounts because some hiring managers do
research online.
● If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account and ensure it matches the
information on your resume.
Keep track of the jobs you apply for, where you found them, any notes that are relevant
to your search and communication with the company.
Career Information
Explore your path to the future through Career Clusters.
Step One:
Log in and take the Student Interest Inventory on Major Clarity.com to
help determine what career choices are available based on what activities you
enjoy, your personal qualities, and the subject you like.
Step Two:
Explore the career clusters that best match your interests and talents.
• Agriculture, food, and natural resources
• Architecture and construction
• Arts, audio/video technology, and communications
• Business management and administration
• Government and public administration
• Law, public safety, corrections, and security
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
• Transportation, distribution, and logistics
Step Three:
Investigate what type of education or training your selected career clusters
require. A great place to start is Careeronestop.
CHS Life-Ready Day
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2019, 07:30 AM
Caroline High School, Rogers Clark Boulevard, Milford, VA, USA
Class of 2020 Cap and Gown Pictures
Order online at mylifetouch.com. Code is RV029062Q0.
You MUST sign up for an appointment with Mrs. Zellerino in D03A by November 8th. Email kzellerino@ccps.us with any questions.