College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - September 11, 2020
TRANSLATION
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND SIGN UP
Virtual College Visits, Monday, September 14 - Friday, September 18
Please sign up in Naviance at least one day in advance to attend visits. On the day of the visit, you need to login to Naviance, locate the visit, and click on the URL to join the meeting. The URL will be visible 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. If a visit conflicts with a class, you need to obtain permission from your teacher to attend.
Monday, September 14
- Franklin and Marshall College, 9:15 am
- Dickinson College, 11 am
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, 11:45 am
- Old Dominion University, 12:30 pm
- University of East Anglia, 1:15 pm
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 2 pm
- IE University - Madrid, 2:45 pm
Tuesday, September 15
- Radford University, 10 am
- Queens University of Charlotte, 10:45 am
- University of Tampa, 11:30 am
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 12:15 pm
Wednesday, September 16
- University of Kentucky, 11:30 am
- University of Virginia, 12:15 pm
Thursday, September 17
- The College of William and Mary, 10 am
- University of Pittsburgh, 10:45 am
- Oberlin College, 11:30 am
- Vanderbilt University, 12:15 pm
Friday, September 18
- Virginia Wesleyan University, 11 am
- Michigan State University, 11:45 am
- Mississippi State University, 12:30 pm
- Eastern University, 1:15 pm
- American University, 2 pm
- Mount Holyoke College, 2:45 pm
NAVIANCE
Senior Worksheet & Parent Brag Sheet
These forms are due to your school counselor one month before the first college application deadline. These forms can be found within Naviance; the Parent Brag Sheet is also posted on the College and Career Center website. The Senior Worksheet is completed in Naviance and the Parent Brag Sheet is emailed to your student's counselor. These forms are not sent to colleges and universities. They are used to help your counselor write the school recommendation to support you.
Naviance Tasks for Seniors
- Match your Common Application to Naviance - this video will walk you through the account matching steps
- Make sure your application plan for each college (ED/EA/regular or rolling admission) matches with the plan in your Common Application
COLLEGE FAIRS
Coalition for College Virtual College Fair, Wednesday & Thursday, September 16 & 17, 7-10 pm ET
Additional fairs are scheduled for October and November.
CollegeVine, Student Panel College Fair, September 21-26, various times
"Unlike a traditional college fair where you'd meet with admissions officers from each college, our Student Panel College Fair allows you to hear directly from current students that attend the colleges you're interested in. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and hear unfiltered perspectives from actual students." Choose from Q&As with current college students representing over 100 universities. You need to register for sessions in advance. If you can't make a session, register anyway and they will send you an email message with a link to the recording.
HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) College Fair, Saturday, September 19, 1 pm
Latino College Expo, National College Resources Foundation, Friday, September 25, 4-7 pm ET
"The Virtual Latino College Expo is an ONLINE Experience for students to get access to colleges, highlighting Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other educational programs. It also is a celebration of “Hispanic Heritage Month”."
NACAC Virtual College Fair, Sunday, September 13, 12 noon - 8 pm ET
Study and Go Abroad Virtual Education Fair, Thursday, September 24, 2-7 pm ET
"Meet virtually with universities from Canada and around the world from the comfort of your home. Chat live with representatives from universities and professional schools during the fair. Learn about undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs at home and abroad. Ask about admission requirements, and available scholarships. Taking a gap year? Visit the student travel booths to find out more about gap year options, including work abroad."
EXPLORE COLLEGES & THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Coalition for College, Coalition Group College Access Information Programs
"Please join Coalition schools Colby College, Northeastern University, the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University in St. Louis for a virtual presentation to learn more about navigating the college search, application, and financial aid processes this fall." You need to sign up in advance.
Tuesday, September 22, 5-6:30 pm EDT
Wednesday, September 23, 5-6:30 pm EDT
Common App: Application Guide for first-time students
"Get tips and best practices to give yourself the best chance at success."
Davidson College, Access Davidson, application due Monday, September 28
"Access Davidson is a selective virtual college visit program designed for high school seniors from traditionally underrepresented groups (including those who identify as low-income, first-generation, rural, and those from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds). "
Davidson College, Davidson Admission Intensive
"Join the Davidson admission team for a workshop series designed to prepare you for your college search and application process. Sessions are for rising high school juniors and seniors, with session options for parents and mentors in the evening."
September 14 and October 5, College Essays 101
September 16 and October 7, College Essays 201
September 21, Visiting Colleges Virtually & Demonstrating Interest
September 23 and October 21, How to Talk About Yourself: Interview Prep
September 28, College Application & Financial Aid Basics
September 30, It's Fine - Navigating the College Admission Process
Discovering U Joint Information Session, Thursday, September 17, 7 pm CDT
"Join Columbia University, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, and Yale University to discover the exceptional opportunities our schools have to offer! Admissions professionals from our five schools will host a zoom webinar featuring a variety of perspectives on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges a home for our students."Discovering U: Access and Financial Aid, Thursday, September 24, 7 pm CDT
"Join Columbia University, the University of Chicago, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, and Yale University for a conversation about access and financial aid."
Discovering UVM (University of Vermont), application due by September 30
"Discovering UVM is a program geared toward prospective students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education in the United States. While designed to be an on-campus program offering travel grants to campus for participants, out of an abundance of caution related to COVID-19, we are offering a new virtual version of Discovering UVM from October 12th to October 14th, 2020. Participants will learn about the college application process, hear about the academic experience and student life, and have opportunities to engage with current students, staff, and faculty."
"Exploring College Options is a special informational program sponsored by the undergraduate admissions offices of five of the country's leading universities: Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
This fall we are pleased to invite you and your family to join us for a 90-minute webinar to help you explore your college options and prepare a strong and reflective application in this time of change and new challenges. During the program, admission officers from our five universities will introduce their institutions, discuss the college application process, answer general questions, and provide individual school breakout sessions. You need to register ahead of time to attend." Additional programs are scheduled for October.
Sunday, September 13, 5 pm EDT
Wednesday, September 16, 3 pm EDT
First Things First: Parent Panel, Wednesday, September 23, 7-8 pm CDT
"Join us for a conversation with the parents of UChicago first-generation college students to learn about the impact a college education can have on families."
Michigan-Ross All-Access Weekend, application due September 18
"Join other intellectually motivated student scholars for a virtual opportunity that will allow you to discover and experience first-hand what it would be like studying at the top-ranked University of Michigan Ross School of Business."
Northern Virginia Community College, Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program, application due November 15
"Pathway to the Baccalaureate guides selected students on their journey from high school through NOVA to a four-year institution." Students need to apply for admission to both the Pathway program and NOVA.
- Free College Essay Bootcamps - Their Writing Coaches will help your student develop a compelling essay draft in under 3 hours. Visit pages.prompt.com/bootcamps to view the schedule and reserve a spot.
- Complimentary College Essay Office Hours - Heather Vaughn is Prompt’s Essay Manager. She is hosting complimentary College Essay Office Hours for two weeks only for parents and guardians. Click here to schedule a time with Heather.
QuestBridge Quest for College Sessions, Saturday, September 12 at 4-5:15 pm ET
"You are invited to attend a virtual college information session and connect with representatives from Colorado College, University of Chicago, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, and Yale University. They will provide guidance on making a college list, applying for admission and financial aid, and keeping your search in perspective. They'll also discuss benefits of the QuestBridge application, which allows high-achieving, low-income students to match with highly selective colleges around the country." You need to register in advance.
QuestBridge QuestCasts for the National College Match
Many past programs are available to view on the QuestBridge YouTube channel.
Behind the Scenes with Admissions Officers, Wednesday, September 16, 7 pm ET
The Sister Colleges Events, Sister Colleges Virtual Parent/Student Information Sessions, Saturday, September 12, 2-3:30 pm
"Learn how our outstanding campus opportunities — internships, research, leadership development, career preparation and social life — translate into powerful outcomes for our alumnae." You need to register ahead of time to learn about Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and Wellesley College.
"Enjoy receiving live advice on country specifics, admissions process, university degrees and student life from the comfort of your laptop or phone."
- Study in Germany, September 16, 3 pm GMT - KLU- Kühne Logistics University, Lancaster University Leipzig, IUBH University of Applied Sciences
- Study in Canada, September 22, 3 pm GMT
Study in Italy, September 23, 4 pm GMT - Bocconi University, Ca'Fascari University of Venice, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Study in USA, September 24, 3 pm GMT - The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Loyola University, The Ohio State University
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Seniors, and a parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years old, need to complete the FERPA Consent, Release & Waiver for Letters of Recommendation(s): College, Scholarship, Honor, Special Programs & Employment. If you are applying to colleges using the Common Application, the GMHS FERPA form is in addition to completing the FERPA section within the Common Application.
Transcript Requests
If you are applying to a college that has an application deadline of October 15, the deadline to request a transcript is September 23.
Common Application Tutorial Videos
There are several First-Year Applicant Tutorial videos on the Common Application YouTube channel that may be helpful to you.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
The national test dates for the ACT in October are October 10, 17, 24, and 25 (Sunday). "Deadline for all October test dates is Friday, September 25. No late fees!"
ARTICLE:
Sorensen, T. (2020, September 7). Back-to-School Resolutions for At-Home ACT Testing. US News & World Report.
Registration to sit for the SAT/SAT Subject Tests on the national test dates is open.
Score Release Dates:
If you took the SAT on August 29, your scores will be available on September 21. Scores from the test on September 29 will be available on October 9. For the October 3 test administration date, scores will be available on October 16.
SAT at GMHS on Wednesday, October 14 - TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP
The SAT will be offered to SENIORS only on Wednesday, October 14. If you are a Senior and would like to take the SAT in school on Wednesday, October 14, please fill out this form. The cost is $52.00 and will be collected on the day of the test. Checks should be made out to GMHS. Students do not need to register with College Board for this school-day test. Scores from this test date will be available on November 4.
FINANCIAL AID
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will open on October 1. Some schools also require the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. Please consult individual colleges regarding financial aid forms that are required.
The College Funding Coach, College Tuition IS Negotiable, Thursday, September 17, 7-8 pm EDT
"You read the title correctly! College tuition is negotiable! While listening to this webinar you will learn from a well-known expert and parent the unknown secrets of how to successfully pay less college tuition."
Sallie Mae, The pay for college video series
"Wondering how to pay for college? This video series can help. Over the course of eight short videos, learn not only what resources are available to help pay for college, but also the basics of financial aid and the questions to consider before choosing a college."
SCHOLARSHIPS
Emory & Henry College, NEW Merit Scholarships
"$23,000 in scholarships are available for those with a 3.5 GPA and above—one of the highest in the ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) and the largest academic merit scholarship to be offered in E&H History!"
John M. Belk Scholarship, Davidson College, Nominations are due by December 1
"The program is built around our belief that, as a Belk Scholar, you possess unique talents that should be recognized and nurtured. The Belk Scholarship will provide you comprehensive funding (tuition, fees, room and board) plus special study stipends that allow you great flexibility in the on- and off-campus opportunities you choose to explore. Those experiences, paired with our academic programs, deepen your intellect, maturity, and global understanding. Thanks to the generosity of the John M. Belk Educational Endowment, 32 Belk Scholars are currently enrolled at Davidson (eight Belk Scholars named in each entering class)." If you are interested in Davidson, please reach out to your counselor or Ms. Mural regarding the nomination process for this scholarship.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarships to Study Language Abroad, application due Thursday, November 5 at 4 pm ET
"NSLI-Y is a U.S. Department of State program that provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in intensive summer and academic year overseas immersion programs. Scholarships are available for the following programs:
- Summer 2021: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish
- Academic Year 2021-22: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, and Turkish
MILITARY
GAP YEAR
You will find a list of gap year programs on the College and Career Center Gap Year website page.
AmeriCorps NCCC: A Conversation with Alumni, Tuesday, September 15, 4 pm ET
"Have you ever wondered what it's really like to serve in AmeriCorps NCCC? While each service term with us is unique, we want to provide you with the information you need to determine whether NCCC is the right fit for you."
Navigating the New College Landscape, with Gap Year Solutions and partners, Wednesday, September 16, 7:30 pm ET
"Join Don McMillan, CEO of McMillan Education, Katherine Stievater, Founder of Gap Year Solutions, Elizabeth Pyle, Founder of College Success Plan, and Moira McCullough, Founder of College Scoops as they discuss how students can:
- stand out during the college search and application process
- master virtual college tours and get the inside scoop on schools
- benefit from a Gap Year during COVID and beyond
- maximize academic success during college"
Sheri Mural, College & Career Specialist
Email: murals@fccps.org
Website: https://gm.fccps.org/o/gmhs/page/college-career-center--8
Location: 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043, USA
Phone: (703) 248-5531
This information is provided for your convenience. Postings do not indicate endorsement or sponsorship by George Mason High School, FCCPS, nor any administrator or employee of either George Mason High School or FCCPS.