Hornet Senior News
November 2021-School Counseling Department
In this Issue:
- Non-College Pathways to Careers
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Mental Health Support After High School
- College Applications Timelines
- Naviance Reminders
- Financial Aid Reminders
- VSAC Scholarships
- Practice Gratitude
College is Not the Only Path to a Career
College is not the only path to a satisfying career. There are many different paths to choose from that will take you to your future career. Some of those options include: the military, apprenticeship programs and on the job training. Check out these two stories from NPR (National Public Radio) to learn more about your options. Your school counselor is available to discuss this with you if you want to talk about these options.
Apprenticeship Programs
Vermont has a growing need for carpenters, electricians, HVAC Mechanics and more. Some of these jobs require on the job training or an apprenticeship to prepare for a licensing exam. Apprenticeships are offered by a sponsoring employer. You work for the employer and also attend classes (typically paid for by the employer) in that field. At the end of the classes you can test for a license. For more information look at this site on Apprenticeship Programs. Executive Vice President for the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce Cathrine Davis visited Essex High School recently and shared with students the need for employees in these types of fields in Vermont. To learn more about career projections in the state of Vermont and the training those fields require, visit the McClure Foundation Pathways to Promising Careers.
Mental Health Resources After High School: Be Prepared
Caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your body. If you have received mental health supports while in high school, such as meeting with a counselor on a regular basis, you will want to make a plan for how you will continue with those supports after you graduate. The transition after high school can bring with it a lot of excitement and also anxiety. Be prepared for the changes with the appropriate supports in place before they are needed. If you plan to go to college, be sure to look into the counseling services on campus or in the surrounding community. Line up a counselor to work with before you go to college. If you do not plan to go to college, envision how you will continue counseling sessions while working or traveling, depending on your plans. The emotional struggles a person faces do not disappear upon graduation and can heighten in times of change. Be prepared with a detailed, workable plan in place. If you need assistance with that, please connect with your EHS school counselor.
College Application Timelines
Students who plan to go to college can choose the application deadline that suits them best. You can choose to apply early in November or December or you can apply for later application deadlines in January, February , March and April. For schools with "rolling" admissions, students may apply anytime between November and April. Early Action and Early Decision are options, but they are not for everyone. Please meet with your School Counselor if you have questions about which deadline would make the most sense for you. Here are the definitions for each application decision type.
Naviance Reminders in the College Application Process
Many students apply to college in November. Whether you apply now or later please review these key actions related to your college applications:
- Complete the Transcript Release Authorization so you can request your transcripts in Naviance.
- Request transcripts in Naviance for all of your colleges at least three weeks before their deadlines.
- Make sure the application deadlines are correct in Naviance for the deadlines you need to meet.
- When a teacher agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, go into Naviance and send the teacher a recommendation request. Send the request at least three weeks prior to your first deadline, and make sure that your recommender knows that deadline.
- Make sure the application type for your college is listed correctly in Naviance, e.g. applying via the Common App or not.
NEW: you can find how-to videos for Naviance on the EHS website. Your School Counselor can help you with the process if you have any questions. Please stop in to see us for assistance.
Fall College Application Schedule and Resources
Financial Aid Reminders
The October edition of the 12th Grade Newsletter covered a lot of information about financial aid. Remember that you can access assistance with completing your FAFSA and VT Grant Application at VSAC in Winooski with one-on-one assistance. Please call 800-642-3177 with questions or to schedule a phone appointment. Many colleges have financial aid deadlines so please make sure you know what those deadlines are.
VSAC Scholarships
VSAC offers a variety of scholarships through this annual virtual publication. Please look through the descriptions to find scholarships that could work for you. Make sure to read all of the directions carefully before applying. The application deadline for these opportunities is February 11, 2022.
Practice Gratitude this November
While we should all practice gratitude throughout the year, November is often a time when we pause to give thanks. Not sure how to practice gratitude? Check out these tips on how to start this practice. For motivation you can also take a look at these 7 reasons why we should practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude can help you both physically and emotionally, and when you express your gratitude to others they also benefit. What are you grateful for today and who should know about it?