College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - March 19, 2021
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11th GRADE COLLEGE INFORMATION PROGRAM
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
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.
PLANNING FOR POST-HIGH SCHOOL & CAREERS
Land Your Dream Job Workshops
"Land Your Dream Job is a three-part workshop that helps high school girls and college students develop skills to obtain an internship or first job. Each participant will enjoy a ‘how-to’ presentation on the following topic and then will work in small group coaching sessions to apply what they learned." If you want to attend all three workshops, you need to register for each one using the hyperlinks below.
- WORKSHOP ONE: MAKE YOUR BEST FIRST IMPRESSION WITH SOCIAL MEDIA, Monday, March 22, 4:15-5:15 pm
- WORKSHOP TWO - GET YOUR INTERVIEW WITH A STRONG RESUME, Tuesday, March 23, 4:15-5:15 pm
- WORKSHOP THREE - ACE YOUR INTERVIEW TO GET YOUR DREAM JOB, Wednesday, March 24, 4:15-5:15 pm
Urban Alliance Leaders Like Me monthly series of youth-led virtual conversations with leaders of color
"The series continues on March 24 at 4pm ET/3pm CT with René Jones, Chairman and CEO of M&T Bank and one of four Black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
Though the opportunity gap has narrowed for young men and women of color and from under-resourced communities in recent decades, there are still far too few opportunities for these young people to see or connect with professionals who look like them. Leaders Like Me seeks to change that narrative for Urban Alliance students by giving them – and the entire UA community – the opportunity to speak with and learn from leaders of color across a variety of industries."
STEM Careers Virtual Workshops, offered by NOVA's STEM Outreach Program, NOVA SySTEMic
- Nurse Blake - An Evening of Inspiration & Humor, Wednesday, March 24, 7-7:45 pm
- Becoming a Tech Savage with Digital Resources - Dr. Aaron Smith - Workplace Readiness Solutions, Wednesday, March 31, 2-3:45 pm
Sessions will utilize the Zoom platform and is geared towards High School and current NOVA Students. Some sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the NOVA SySTEMic YouTube Channel with Subtitles. Please register if you would like to receive this information even if you are unable to attend the session in real time.
EXPLORE COLLEGES & THE APPLICATION PROCESS
BigFuture Days, Virtual College Fairs
BigFuture Days West + Southwest, Tuesday, March 30, 5:00-9:00 PM ET
BigFuture Days Midwest, Sunday, April 18, 4:00-8:00 PM ET
BigFuture Days Southeast, Thursday, April 29, 5:00-9:00 PM ET
Colleges That Change Lives Virtual College Fair, Thursday, March 23 and Wednesday, March 24
Explore the schedule and register for each session you want to attend.
Building a Smart College List, Tuesday, March 23 8-9 pm
Sophomore and junior years in high school are a great time to start building your college list. Learn how to build a list of smart college choices – schools that will help you graduate on time and with low or no debt. Featuring admissions professionals from Johns Hopkins University, Lehigh University, Binghamton University, and the University of South Carolina. This program is presented by members of the Coalition for College.
Discover NOVA Night, Thursday, March 25, 6 pm
NACAC College Openings Update: Options for Qualified Students
This is a voluntary listing of NACAC member postsecondary institutions that are still accepting applications from prospective freshman and/or transfer students for the upcoming fall term.
NACAC Virtual College Fair, Sunday, March 21, 1-7 pm
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, March 22 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before March 19)
- Tuesday, March 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before March 19)
- Thursday, March 25 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDT (register before March 22)
- 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)
The Princeton Review, free programs
- SAT Strategy Session Monday, March 22, 8 pm
- Inclusion and Equity in College Admissions, Thursday, March 25, 6-7:30 pm
QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program and QuestBridge Quest for Excellence Award for juniors, applications due on Wednesday, March 24
"The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges."
"The Quest for Excellence USA Award is an award from QuestBridge that celebrates the rich heritage and variety of communities throughout the United States of America. This award will recognize and honor one top high-achieving, low-income high school junior from every state."
Tribune Publishing Virtual College Fair, March 4-20
Virginia Tech Virtual Open House, Saturday, March 20
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
They offer practice tests for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT. Anyone who participates will receive a free score analysis that breaks down how you did by section, question type, and content area so you can get a sense for where you might want to do some review prior to the real thing.
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 8 - register by April 8
- 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
The Princeton Review, SAT Virtual Practice Test, Saturday, April 3, 1-5 pm
This program is hosted by Tysons Pimmit Library.
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."
March Money Mondays, March 15-29
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
This scholarship is given by the Commonwealth Circle to students who exhibit a desire to pursue a career in community and public service and who plan to attend a fully accredited college or university. Applications can only be submitted by school staff on behalf of students. The 2021 application is posted in Naviance.
Equity Scholarship, application due Friday, April 9
The Mount Olivet Foundation is offering an Equity Scholarship (up to $5,000) toward the cost of postsecondary school education, for a Black or Latinx high school senior entering college in Fall of 2021, from the following high schools: • All High School Students in Arlington County, Virginia • T.C. Williams High School (Alexandria, Virginia) • Justice High School (Fairfax County, Virginia) • George Mason High School (Falls Church City, Virginia )
GMHS/FCEF Scholarships, applications due Friday, April 9 at 3 pm
2021 applications are posted in Naviance for the following scholarships:
- The Kathleen Halayko Scholarship, $2,000 awarded to a senior who has been a student of the FCCPS system from Kindergarten through 12th grade graduation
- The Felgar-Da Silva Immigrant Community Citizen Award, $2,500 renewable award presented to one senior who is the child of immigrant parents or an immigrant themselves, and who exemplifies the character traits of resilience, hard work, adaptation, and community involvement.
- J. Roger and Patricia A. Wollenberg Memorial Scholarship, one full year's tuition and fees to a Virginia state college or university
- Maria Elena Nudell Award, $1,000 awarded to a senior. This award extends beyond academics to include athletics, family, community involvement and school spirit.
- The Mary and Warren Pace Future Educators Scholarship, $1,000 awarded to a GMHS senior who is a member of the Future Educators of America club. The applicant must be college-bound in the fall after graduating from GMHS and intend to pursue educational licensing in college.
- The Robert and Nancy Perry Scholarship, $1,000 awarded to a GMHS senior who will attend NOVA in the fall
- Jessie Thackrey Scholarship, $1,000 awarded to a junior or senior who is interested in pursuing a non-traditional career path (includes trade school, apprenticeship, business start-up, community & four-year college).
- The Cay Wiant Creative Summer Program Award, $1,000 awarded to a student in grades 8-12 to be applied to the cost of a creative summer program
- The Woman's Club of Falls Church Scholarship, two scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded, one to a male and one to a female senior
2021 Donald S. Frady Scholarship for Community Service, application due Friday, April 9
The 2021 application for this scholarships is posted in Naviance.
Purpose: Honoring a civic-minded Falls Church engineer, and Lions Club member, who managed the development of streets and utilities in early years of our little city.
- Recognize and reward outstanding efforts and contributions made by our youth in activities of community service.
- Services may be informal or organized activities, programs and activities, that benefitted individuals, groups of people, in the local and larger community.
- Applicants provided such services voluntarily, in addition to their usual daily obligations, without the expectation of monetary reward.
The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (NoVAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Higher Education Scholarships, application due Tuesday, March 23
They will be awarding scholarships to ambitious Northern Virginia High School students.
Electronic application: https://forms.gle/AQLPy72MoedbDkZN9
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Equity Scholarship, application due Tuesday, March 23
Find the information and instructions regarding the AAUW Falls Church Area Branch Educational Equity Scholarships for senior women, and the on-line application form and form of recommendation at: https://fallschurcharea-va.aauw.net/scholarship
2021 Virginia Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards, nominations accepted until April 23
"The Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards annually recognize the significant contributions of Virginia citizens to the life and welfare of the Commonwealth and its people. One award is presented in each of 10 categories." The categories are: senior, adult, young adult, youth, family, corporation, small business, faith-based organization, educational institution, and community organization.
MILITARY
United States Coast Guard (USCG) Virtual Career Q&A, Thursday, March 25, 4-5 pm via Google Meet (Please note that you will not be able to join the Google Meet using your school email)
The Coast Guard is one of our nation’s five military services. Our core values—honor, respect, and devotion to duty, are the guiding principles used to defend and preserve the United States of America. We protect the personal safety and security of our people; the marine transportation system and infrastructure; our natural and economic resources; and the territorial integrity of our nation–from both internal and external threats, natural and man-made. We protect these interests in U.S. ports, inland waterways, along the coasts, and on international waters.
There is no one set career trajectory in the Coast Guard. That’s because we offer a host of diverse and challenging opportunities that span a broad scope of interests, backgrounds, and skillsets - ranging from law enforcement officers all the way to executive chefs.
Members of the Coast Guard receive a comprehensive benefits package. In addition to their salary, members earn free health, dental, and vision insurance; tuition assistance; housing and meals; 30 days of paid vacation; and much more.
If you want to explore some of our many enlisted career opportunities, please follow the provided link. The announcement about this program included the following: "The Coast Guard is now offering an enlistment bonus of $10,000 for a bachelors degree and $5,000 for an associates degree! We are also offering a $2,000 bonus for all enlistments and various job specific bonuses ranging from $10,000-$40,000.
Did you know that you can not only have your future degree, books, and supplies 100% paid for (no student debt) but you can also get paid a substantial monthly housing allowance while going to go to school?
Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill here."
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Black College Institute at Virginia Tech, applications due April 1
Eligibility:
(1) Must be a rising junior or rising senior in high school
(2) Must have an interest in attending Virginia Tech
(3) Must be highly motivated and academically curious
Global Leadership Adventures, virtual and in-person programs
"Life-changing travel cultivates a global perspective and open-mindedness. The goal? For our student travelers to be inspired to become great leaders and global thinkers who seek positive change in their own communities. GLA incorporates community service, immersive learning and adventure into every one of our programs as a method of lending a strong sense of purpose to student travel. Serve the community through meaningful volunteer efforts. Learn about culture, language, history or a special area of focus. Explore sites of significance along with adventure excursions."
Hispanic College Institute, applications due April 4
This virtual program, hosted by Virginia Tech, is for rising juniors and seniors.
James Madison University Summer Honors Institute, applications due May 14
Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation’s Precollege Program, Tuesday, March 23, 12 noon
We’re hosting a series of virtual information sessions so you can learn more about the Engineering Innovation experience.
Ringling College of Art & Design PreCollege Program, on-campus or online
Win a Scholarship to PreCollege Fine Arts! The Ringling College Fine Arts Department is holding a contest for High School students!
PRIZES:
1st Prize: $3000 Scholarship to PreCollege Fine Arts program
2nd Prize: $2000 Scholarship to PreCollege Fine Arts program
3rd Prize: $1000 Scholarship to PreCollege Fine Arts program
Honorable mentions
*Judges are the faculty of the Fine Arts Department
ELIGIBILITY:
This competition is open to all currently enrolled High School Students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: April 15, 2021
ENTRY: Google Form
GAP YEAR
You will find a list of gap year programs on the College and Career Center Gap Year website page.
AmeriCorps Application & Selection, Tuesday, March 23, 4 p.m. ET
Are you ready to apply to serve with AmeriCorps in the NCCC program? Attend this webinar for a detailed overview of the application and selection process. We'll get your questions answered so you're prepared to take the next step on your journey to service.
GAP (Gateway Adventure Program) Year at SOAR
"The GAP Year at SOAR is specially designed to empower young adults ages 18 to 24 with ADHD or other Learning Disabilities through adventure, travel, and independent living."
Go Overseas Gap Year Fairs and Webinars
- Mar 22: Gap Year 101: Gapping in the COVID Era
- Mar 24: How to Plan Your Gap Year (Independent vs. Program)
- Mar 29: Gap Time as Career Exploration
- Mar 31: Gap Year in the Wild: Outdoor Experiences & Adventure Trips
- Apr 5: Gap Year in the Arts
- Apr 8: College Credit & Language Learning During Gap Time
- Apr 12: Gap Year Options in Conservation, Sustainability, & Social Justice
JOB & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Internship Opportunity with a State Farm Insurance Agent
"We are looking to have an intern start in Spring/Summer for a period of at least 6 months. Full or part-time positions available. This position pays $9-11/hour based on experience.
This internship will provide a general understanding on what it takes to run a business. You’ll also learn about the importance of marketing, sales and event planning. The agent will also help you with real world experience such as how to interview for a job, preparing for the interview and resume writing."
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.