Hornet Senior News
December 2021 School Counseling Department
In this Issue:
- Managing Stress in Stressful Times
- Calming Room
- What is a GAP Year?
- College Application FLEX Block Help
- Is your college missing transcripts & recommendation letters?
- 3 Week Reminder Before Vacation
- Naviance Reminders
- Naviance How-to Videos
- Financial Aid Reminders
Managing in Stressful Times
The winter months can seem long in Vermont and the holidays can cause stress for many, not to mention the continuation of a global pandemic. Please know that you are not alone! Your School Counselors are available to support you through this time. Please email your counselor to set up a time to meet. For 24-hour support you can also reach out to First Call for Families and Children (802) 488-7777 in Chittenden County and Northwest Counseling Services (802) 524-6554 in Franklin County. These organizations offer support 24/7 365 days a year for youth and families struggling with their mental health. If you prefer texting you can text VT to 741741 to connect with a hotline for Vermont residents that's supported by mental health professionals.
Calming Room
Take a healthy break here.
What is a Gap Year?
Gap Years typically happen for a semester or a year after high school, before college or employment. You may have heard about Gap Years from students thinking about taking a break in their education or looking for an adventure before engaging in career pursuits. A Gap Year can contribute to personal growth, self-knowledge, and identification of personal and professional priorities. They can also take place during or immediately after college. To learn more about GAP Years check out Gap Year Association.
Some students and families have concerns that after the Gap Year the student may never go to college. If you plan to attend college you will still apply to college in 12th grade. Once accepted to college, you will ask the admissions office if you can defer your acceptance for a year. Many colleges will allow you to do this with a deposit to secure your spot. Statistically 90% of Gap Year participants continue with their college education immediately after their Gap Year experience. Learn more about tips for making that happen.
Your School Counselor would love to meet with you to discuss the pros and cons and help with this very personal decision.
FLEX Block College Application Help on Tuesdays
This is a reminder that there is a FLEX block available for students who need help with completing college applications or need a space to work on them. A school counselor will be present to answer questions. Sign up for the College Applications FLEX on Tuesdays with your advisory teacher.
Is Your College Really Missing Your Transcript and Rec. letters?
College admission offices receive thousands of pieces of information for applicants during each admission cycle. Once they receive a student's application they send a notification to the applicant listing the supplemental materials needed such as transcripts, recommendations and test scores (if required). If you receive a notice from a college that says your transcript or school recommendations are missing, don't panic! In many cases these items have already reached their office but their database hasn't been updated. Check your Naviance account to make sure you requested the materials and to get confirmation that they have been sent. If you see they have been sent, contact the college admissions office and ask them to verify that they received those materials. If they do not find that they received the information ask your school counselor to re-submit it.
With only 3 weeks of classes between the 2 vacations, please make sure you have made all your recommendation and transcript requests in Naviance in a timely manner related to your application due dates.
Naviance Reminders
- You must request all transcripts for colleges via Naviance.
- You must submit transcript requests AT LEAST three SCHOOL weeks prior to your deadline.
- AFTER asking EHS teachers to write recommendations for you, send Naviance requests for recommendations to those teachers.
- If a college says they are missing materials check Naviance to see if Initial Materials are listed as Submitted. If so, contact the college to confirm they have received them.
- Update Naviance when you receive decision information from colleges.
Naviance How-To Videos
Please use the college application steps and Naviance instructional videos to help you with your college application process. You can find those videos and steps here. Your School Counselor would be happy to set up a meeting with you to discuss your application questions! Please send your counselor an email to request a meeting.
Financial Aid Reminders
If you are looking for financial assistance to pay for college or for training after high school please take the time to complete the FAFSA and Vermont Grant Application. If you need help completing your forms watch these VSAC tutorials. The October Edition of the Hornet News has helpful information to get you started. In addition to completing financial aid forms, you can also look for scholarships. VSAC's Scholarship booklet is available with a variety of scholarship opportunities for Vermont students. If you plan to leave Vermont for school you can take those scholarships with you to your college. VSAC offers a list of places where you can apply for a "wealth" of scholarships!