College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - April 16, 2021
TRANSLATION
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REGISTER TO ATTEND!
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 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
- McGhee, K., & Stegmeir, M. (2021, April 14). The college Transition: Tips for students with disabilities. NACAC Admitted blog.
- Nadworny, E. (2021, April 11). More colleges say they'll require students to have covid-19 vaccines for fall. NPR.
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."
Leaders Like Me, Wednesday, April 21, 4:30 pm
This series of youth-led conversations with leaders of color continues. Join Urban Alliance for Leaders Like Me featuring Michael Strautmanis, Executive Vice President of Civic Engagement at the Obama Foundation.
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.
STEM for HER presents GEM Hunt: Learn from female math experts at this week long program, April 19-23, 4-5:30 pm
- Day 1: Hosted by Dr. Monifa Vaughn-Cooke, Ph.D. - Join us for an afternoon of learning about modeling human error.
- Day 2: Hosted by Dr. Katrina Groth, Ph.D. - Join us for an afternoon of learning about safety and reliability in complex engineering systems, which include energy systems, power plants, pipelines, aircraft, defense, and transportation.
- Day 3: Defending Our Nation Sponsored by NSA - Join us for an afternoon of learning about cybersecurity and how we discover adversaries' vulnerabilities, protect U.S. information, and outmaneuver our adversaries in cyberspace.
- Day 4: Celebrate Earth Day with STEM for Her and SunPower! - Join us on Day 4 and learn how the women of SunPower develop and harness record breaking solar technology to change the world!
- Day 5: Hosted by Dr. Rochelle E. Tractenberg, Ph.D. - Join us to learn about statistical analysis, the development of clinical trials, and the differences between accuracy and precision.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Case, I. (2021, April 10). Financial aid offers are negotiable. here's how to ask colleges for more money (and get it). Money.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
You will find scholarship resources on the College and Career Center Financial Aid and Scholarships website page and within Naviance.
GMHS Athletic Boosters Association Scholarships, application due Friday, May 7
"The GMHS Athletic Boosters Association is pleased to be awarding $11,500 in scholarships this year to eight graduating Seniors from the Class of 2021 and three Alumni. These scholarships are targeted at those students that participate in Mustang Athletics as an athlete OR as an active supporter (e.g., team manager, film coordinator, or student trainer).
- The deadline to apply is May 7, 2021.
- General information about each scholarship's unique requirements and the application form can be found at www.masonathletics.org (from the home page, click on "Athletic Boosters" then click on "Boosters' Scholarships").
- Applications can be submitted electronically to gm.athleticboosters@gmail.com OR can be printed and dropped off at the GMHS main office -- in the mailbox for the Athletic Boosters.
- Scholarship winners will be announced in June.
- For questions, please contact gm.athleticboosters@gmail.com."
GMHS Hoover Prize - application due Friday, April 30 at 3 pm
The Hoover Prize is a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior who has distinguished himself or herself through written commentary that inspires thought and discussion among his or her readers.
The Prize seeks to inspire a graduate of GMHS to continue developing his or her passion for and talent in writing and to spark that same inspiration in others through his or her own example.
Coalition for College Exploration Scholarships (for 9th and 10th graders)
9th & 10th graders: use MyCoalition tools for a chance to win a $500 scholarship toward the cost of your college exploration and preparation activities – from campus visits, to summer programs, to tutoring.
Additional Scholarships
- 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
Deloitte Team Tech Challenge (for rising high school seniors)
"Deloitte is excited to host the Team Tech Challenge. This free* 4-day virtual challenge will take you into the world of professional services to help hone your technical skills, compete with teammates in a tech innovation challenge, and help prepare you for the next step ahead: college. We’ll talk artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, analytics, and more. Winning team members of the Team Tech Challenge will each win a prize valued at $200."
Global Leadership Adventures, Global Impact Virtual Internship, register by June 1
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.
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.