College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - April 9, 2021
TRANSLATION
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REGISTER TO ATTEND!
Secrets to Great College Essays, Wednesday, April 14, 7-7:30 pm
This spring, you can get a jump on your college essays. They’re one of the most important and time-intensive parts of the application process. This free 30-minute virtual webinar will be led by experts at Prompt. Juniors and their families are encouraged to attend. RSVP is required.
The discussion will cover:
What the data tells us about essays and admissions
The 5 traits colleges look for in applicants
8 myths about college essays
Helpful essay timelines
Tips to get started and best practices
Q&A session
NOVA Information Session for GMHS, Wednesday, April 21, 10 am
This program is for seniors who are considering what they want to do following graduation, but they have not registered to attend NOVA. The visit will take place via Zoom.
In addition, there are several virtual sessions on the First Year Admissions Calendar to support High School Seniors with Getting Started at NOVA.
College Financial Aid Night, Wednesday, April 21, 7 - 7:45 pm
Learn how to qualify for more grants and scholarships for college! Lower your EFC and qualify for more free money for college at any school your student is considering.
We'll teach you how to:
- Lower your EFC to qualify for more aid.
- Analyze and select the schools that offer the most money!
- Attend an expensive out of state, or private school for the same or less than what you'd pay at your local state school.
- Position your finances better to qualify for more grants and scholarships!
- Give your child the education they deserve, without going broke!
If your child is college-bound, you don't want to miss this workshop! Register in advance to attend. This program will be led by staff from the HEFAR Group.
SPEAKERS FOR UPCOMING CAREER CHATS
Professionals are needed from all careers to talk with high school students about your post-high school career path, including your interests, education, and work experiences during our 2021 Virtual Career Chats. Available dates are April 16 and 27 and May 7 and 14 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. After you sign up, information will be shared with you about accessing the virtual format.
FOR SENIORS
NOVA JumpStart 2021
NOVA is offering select college courses free to Northern Virginia high school graduating seniors. Apply early!
What's Next for the Class of 2021? spring webinar series
The Happy Tart is hiring!
"The Happy Tart is looking for an enthusiastic baker to join our team!! We are a fun, quick paced kitchen that specializes in quality Gluten Free Pastries, Breads, and Cookies!! Experience is preferred, however, we are willing to train the right person. Salary is dependent on experience. Please send your resume and a tell us why you would like to work at The Happy Tart to: info@happytartbakery.com. This is a full time position, Saturday - Wednesday, 7 am - 3 pm.
CAREERS
FAA Aviation Safety STEM Career Symposium, Thursday, April 29, 10 am - 4 pm
"The FAA Aviation Safety (AVS) STEM Career Symposium is designed to educate students about STEM/aviation-related career opportunities and encourage them to enter into these type of fields when considering their own career in the future.
The AVS STEM Career Symposium will include multiple guest speakers, interactive visual presentations, STEM engagement activities and opportunities for students to talk with Aviation Safety professionals. Participating students will learn about exciting AVS careers such as aviation safety inspectors, aerospace engineers, medical officers, pilots, and mathematicians."
Health Professions Enrichment Program for 9th and 10th Graders, Saturday, April 17, 10 am - 12 noon (Register by Thursday, April 15 at 9 am)
"Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, in partnership with Virginia Tech’s College Access Collaborative, is pleased to present the Virtual Edition of the Health Professions Enrichment Program (HPEP), an educational outreach program for high-potential 9th and 10th-grade students who are passionate about science and health-related careers. The program gives high schoolers a realistic look at what life is like as a pre-med student, medical student, and a medical professional."
Northern Virginia Transportation Virtual Career Fair, Thursday, April 22, 10 am - 12 noon
This program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Transportation. The purpose of the career fair is to showcase the benefits of careers in transportation and inspire students to consider transportation-related fields while they make their future career goals and plans. Engineering firms, organizations, agencies and contractors from all across Virginia participate in this event. Additionally, colleges such as Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Northern Virginia Community College and Lord Fairfax Community College will be available to talk about their engineering and transportation-related programs.
They have not made the registration link public. If you are interested in attending this virtual program, please email Ms. Mural who can sign GMHS students up to attend.
NOVA Paralegal Studies Program Virtual Symposium, Saturday, April 17, 10 am - 1 pm
If you are interested in a career in health care, this website has several upcoming live programs for you students to hear from speakers in a wide array of fields - infectious disease, nursing, occupational therapy, sports medicine, and more. There is an extensive video archive of past programs.
Through The Window And Into The Mirror: Narratives Of African American STEM Professionals
The National Museum of African American History and Culture invites middle and high school students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through the Window and into the Mirror is a video conversation series about the experiences of African American STEM professionals today.
COLLEGE FAIRS
You need to register in advance to attend these virtual college fairs.
BigFuture Days, Virtual College Fairs
- BigFuture Days Midwest, Sunday, April 18, 4:00-8:00 PM ET
- BigFuture Days Southeast, Thursday, April 29, 5:00-9:00 PM ET
Career Council/National Hispanic Virtual College Fair, Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 am - 3 pm
"This college fair will allow students and families to:
- Uncover new college options through a robust search tool
- Experience virtual campus tours
- Watch videos and download materials helpful in the decision process
- Schedule meetings and interviews with admissions representatives
No matter where you are in the college search process, you can learn more about your options here!"
Coalition for College Virtual College Fairs
- April Virtual College Fair Day 1, Wednesday, April 14, 6-10 pm ET
- April Virtual College Fair Day 2, Thursday, April 15, 6-10 pm ET
Western U.S. Fair, Saturday, April 10, 3 pm - 7 pm EDT
Southeastern U.S. Fair, April 20, 3 pm - 7 pm EDT
College Fair, Sunday, May 2, 1-7 pm EDT
EXPLORE COLLEGES & THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Assumption University: Hound Academy
There are many factors that determine the right fit school for you. Join Assumption University for Hound Academy, a series of virtual workshops to guide you through the college search and application process.
- Starting Your College Search, Tuesday, April 13 at 9:00 AM - Join Assumption Admissions for a presentation on starting your college search, researching schools virtually, and discussing how to begin narrowing your list.
- Building Your Resume & Writing Your Essay, Thursday, April 15 at 9:00 AM - Join us for an informative discussion on building your resume and writing your essay. During the workshop, you will learn more about marketing your achievements, choosing the right essay topic for you, and preparing an application that stands out.
- Interviewing 101, Monday, May 31 at 4:00 PM - Learn the dos and don'ts of the college interview. During this session, you will hear best practices, learn how to prepare for your interview, and have a practice interview with a member of the admission team.
College Essay Guy, Junior Night: A Two-part Webinar Series
- Junior Night Part 1: Behind the Scenes of an Admission Office, April 13, 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET) - Special Guest: Tom Campbell, Assistant Dean Of Admissions at Pomona College
- Junior Night Part 2: What Should I Be Doing Right Now to Prepare for College?, April 20th, 4-5pm PT (7-8pm ET) - Special Guest: Susan Tree, College Counselor & Former Associate Dean of Admissions
College Essay Guy, 2021 Matchlighters Scholarship, application due July 15
"The Matchlighters Scholarship provides two hours of college list development and four hours of one-on-one essay help from experienced counselors — at no cost. It’s awarded to high-achieving, low-income students who have solid grades, but just need a little extra help navigating the college application process."
Discover NOVA Night, Wednesday, April 21, 6 pm
The directors and deans of eight highly-selective liberal arts colleges join forces to provide college-bound students and their families information about some of the most celebrated colleges in the United States. You can learn about Claremont McKenna College, Colorado College, Connecticut College, Grinnell College, Haverford College, Kenyon College, Macalester College, and Sarah Lawrence College at one of their upcoming programs:
- Sunday, April 25, 2-3:30 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, April 27, 7-8:30 p.m. ET
This 90-minute program provides valuable insights on the distinctions of the individual colleges and the opportunity to speak with eight of the best national liberal arts colleges in the United States.
North Carolina Merit Scholarship Information Sessions
During the sessions, you will hear about the following scholarship programs:
EC Scholars Program at East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars, NC State University Park Scholarships, NC Central University Cheatham-White Scholarship Program, and UNC Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
- Monday, April 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before April 9)
- Tuesday, April 13 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before April 9)
- Wednesday, April 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before April 12)
Preparando la familia para la universidad: entendiendo las opciones lejos de casa (en Español)/ How Parents Can Support Their Students Considering Attending College Out of State (in Spanish), Monday, April 12, 9 pm ET
This is a free educational webinar offered by College Essay Guy. Recordings will be emailed to everyone who registers!
Invitadas especiales / special guests:
- Nitzya Cuevas Macias, Associate Director of College Access @ Peninsula Bridge
- Kathleen Armenta, Bowdoin College graduate
- Manuela Armenta, madre de/mother of Kathleen
On this session, we’ll...
- Rechazar algunos mitos sobre las opciones universitarias / Bust a few myths around college options
- Ofrecer sugerencias prácticas para implementar antes de irse / Offer practical tips on how to prepare for going away
- Escuchar la perspectiva de una madre e hija recién graduada de la uni en cómo navegar la transición / Hear both a student and parent perspective on how they navigated the transition
- Enfrentar algunas preocupaciones comunes y cómo encontrar recursos para resolver estas situaciones / Address common concerns around students being far from home & where to find helpful resources
- Aprender cómo los padres pueden apoyar a su estudiante / Learn how parents can support students while they’re away
- Aprender cómo los estudiantes pueden mantener la conexión con su familia / Learn how students can stay connected to their families while away
Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams are putting our own rivalries aside, and hosting a series of virtual events for students, families, and counselors.
- Junior Jumpstart: Session 1, Tuesday, April 20, 8 pm EDT
- Junior Jumpstart: Session 2, Thursday, April 22, 8 pm EDT
Normally, our six schools compete against each other—on the playing field, and in the college application process. Now we're working together to make jumpstarting your college search a little easier. This program is designed for high school juniors and their families.
Start Early, Stress Less on Your Path to College, Thursday, April 22, 8-9 pm ET
This program is hosted by the Coalition for College. "Learn about strategies and tools for preparing great college applications -- starting in 9th and 10th grades."
MILILTARY
This program is sponsored by the Greater DC Chapter of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. "Join us for a virtual information session where our speakers will discuss what life is like on the Yard, how to navigate the application & nomination process, career opportunities available upon graduation, and what parents need to know throughout this process. Our guest panelists include a current midshipman from the Greater DC area, a representative from USNA Admissions, a representative from VA 10th district, a USNA Blue-and-Gold Officer, and parents of current midshipman."
NAVIANCE
Student Access to Naviance
Please review this instruction sheet to learn how to login to Naviance using Clever.
Parent Access to Naviance
All GMHS parents have access to Naviance. If you update your email address in PowerSchool, you will need to update your email address in Naviance too. If you need assistance accessing your Naviance account, please reach out to Ms. Mural.
Senior Worksheet & Parent Brag Sheet, due one month before the first college application deadline
The Senior Worksheet is completed in Naviance (About Me > My Surveys > Surveys Not Started). The Parent Worksheet is posted on the College and Career Center website; it should be completed and 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.
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. To complete the GMHS FERPA form, students need to use their FCCPS email addresses.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
The Princeton Review, FREE virtual workshop
- SAT Liveonline Strategy Session, Tuesday, April 27, 7-8:30 pm
SAT, ACT and Admissions in the Time of COVID, Monday, April 19, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
This program is led by The Princeton Review and hosted by Tysons-Pimmit Library.
Test Drive the SAT and ACT with Applerouth, April 24-25
Applerouth is hosting FREE, live online proctored SAT and ACT practice tests the weekend of April 24 & 25.
University of Delaware ACT/SAT Free Live-Online Strategy Session, Wednesday, April 14, 9-10 pm
The University of Delaware’s test prep institutes are offered in partnership with Educational Testing Consultants (ETC).
"If you are preparing for college, you probably have some questions about the admission tests. Our one-hour ACT/SAT Free Live-Online Strategy Session introduces students to the basics of both exams and highlights some of the key similarities and differences between them. Our experienced instructor will guide you through some sample questions and teach you a few strategies.
This free session is open to high school students and their parents. Whether students are just beginning to think about college, are preparing to take one of the college admission tests or have already taken one of the tests, they should gain valuable strategies and information from the workshop."
The ACT will be offered on several national test dates in 2021.
- Saturday, June 12, 2021 - register by May 7
- Saturday, July 17, 2021 - register by June 18 (No test centers are scheduled for New York in July)
The SAT will be offered on several national test dates in 2021.
- Saturday, May 9 - April 27 is the late registration deadline
- Saturday, June 5 - register by May 6
2021-22 SAT Administration Dates (Anticipated)
August 28, 2021
October 2, 2021
November 6, 2021
December 4, 2021
March 12, 2022
May 7, 2022
June 4, 2022
FINANCIAL AID
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened 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.
Demystifying the Financial Aid Appeals Process, on demand recording
"COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways including financial changes. This webinar provides help for families who’ve experienced economic loss or financial instability. Use this time to learn the options to appeal your school’s financial aid decision due to economic changes in financial standing. Launched April 15, SwiftStudent is a free online resource to support students, their families, and financial aid offices in streamlining the financial aid appeal process.
Join this FREE webinar to learn from experts on
What a financial aid appeal is
Factors that may qualify students to seek an appeal
A tool that can help them request the appeal."
FAFSA Assistance for High School Seniors
"Virginia College Access Network and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) are partnering on a statewide FAFSA completion effort meant to address disproportionate effects of the pandemic on low-income and underrepresented students. Four college access organizations have banded together to offer one-on-one FAFSA assistance from March 15th – June 30th."
Financial Aid Boot Camp, April 20-21
Federal Student Aid (FSA) will be hosting a two-day Financial Aid Virtual Bootcamp between April 20 – 21, 2021. This bootcamp will focus on information designed to help participants learn about how to find the right college fit by using innovative tools such as the FSA’s Loan Simulator and College Scorecard. Attendees will also learn how to navigate the federal financial aid process and the steps after completing the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
Day 1 – April 20, 2021
- Session 1: Finding the Right Fit Using College Scorecard 1–2 p.m. ET
- Session 2: Tools for Student Financial Empowerment 4–5 p.m. ET
- Session 3: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Financial Aid Process 6–7 p.m. ET (A repeat session will be offered on Day 2)
Day 2 – April 21, 2021
- Session 1: What's Next After Receiving Your Award Letter 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET
- Session 2: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Financial Aid Process 2–3 p.m. ET (Repeat Session)
- Session 3: What's Next After Receiving Your Award Letter 6–7 p.m. ET (Repeat Session)
ARTICLE
- Kerr, E. (2021, March 31). Decode your financial aid award letter. U.S. News & World Report.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
You will find scholarship resources on the College and Career Center Financial Aid and Scholarships website page and within Naviance.
- Commonwealth Circle Scholarship, application is due to Ms. Mural by Tuesday, May 4
- 2021 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards, nominations accepted until April 23
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority- Chi Beta Omega Chapter “Salute to the Harlem Renaissance” Scholarship, application due Friday, May 14
SUMMER PROGRAMS
James Madison University Summer Honors Institute, applications due May 14
PREFACE: The Rensselaer Summer Engineering Design Program 2021, application due April 16
"PREFACE is a summer experience hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for talented high school sophomores and juniors (who will enter the 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2021) interested in pursuing careers in engineering and technological professions, from groups that have been historically and traditionally underrepresented or underserved in science, engineering, and technological fields."
GAP YEAR
You will find a list of gap year programs on the College and Career Center Gap Year website page.
AmeriCorps NCCC: A to Z, Thursday, April 22, 4 pm
We'll provide a detailed overview of this AmeriCorps program's opportunities, benefits, requirements, and more.
Go Overseas Gap Year Fairs and Webinars
- Monday, April 12: Gap Year Options in Conservation, Sustainability, & Social Justice
JOB
Sheri Mural, College & Career Specialist
Email: murals@fccps.org
Website: https://gm.fccps.org/o/gmhs/page/college-career-center
Location: 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church
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.