College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - February 12, 2021
TRANSLATION
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VIRTUAL COLLEGE VISIT
Please register in advance for this meeting which will be held on Zoom.
PLANNING FOR POST-HIGH SCHOOL & CAREERS
Auburn University's Engineering Week, February 22-26
We invite students considering a career in engineering to join us and feel the excitement of Alabama's premier engineering educational experience. Seventh through twelfth graders have opportunities to watch interactive exhibits, chat with students and faculty, and virtually tour labs.
Captivating & Curious Careers in Anthropology webinar, Thursday, February 18, 11 am
Join us in celebrating Anthropology Day! You can register to attend this Zoom webinar as an individual. The webinar is estimated to last 30-40 minutes.
High School Girls Only STEM Night and Astronaut Convocation, Thursday, March 4, 5-8 pm
United States Naval Academy (USNA) STEM Center is hosting a High School Girls Only STEM Night and Astronaut Convocation (VIRTUAL) on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 5 to 8 PM. HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS (GRADES 9-12) are invited to participate in a live, virtual, hands-on workshop followed by a livestream of the Astronaut Convocation. Expand your education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and meet women faculty & college students working with exciting technologies in a wide range of science and engineering careers.
Leaders Like Me, the next event is on February 17, 4:30 pm
Join Urban Alliance for Leaders Like Me, a monthly series of youth-led virtual conversations with leaders of color. Urban Alliance kicked off our new youth-led speaker series with leaders of color with guest speaker Kaya Henderson, Founder and CEO of Reconstruction and Co-Host of Pod Save the People. Watch the video here. The series continues on Feb. 17 at 4:30pm ET/3:30pm CT with Kesha Cash, Founder and General Partner of Impact America Fund.
STEM Careers Virtual Workshops, offered by NOVA's STEM Outreach Program, NOVA SySTEMic
- The Career Engineer: Resume Workshop, Wednesday, February 24, 6-7:30 pm
- The Career Engineer: Interviewing Workshop, Wednesday, March 3, 6-7:30 pm
Learn about Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at NOVA from college faculty and staff. 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.
Winter 2021 Transition University, February 6-March 26
EXPLORE COLLEGES & THE APPLICATION PROCESS
19th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Virtual Festival, Saturday, February 20, 8 am - 4 pm
BigFuture Days, Virtual College Fairs
- BigFuture Days Southeast, Tuesday, February 23
- BigFuture Days Northeast, Sunday, March 7
- BigFuture Days Midwest, Thursday, March 11
"Join the Davidson admission team for a workshop series designed to help you kick off the college search and application process.
Sessions are for high school juniors, with session options for parents and mentors.
Each workshop has been designed by a team which may consist of Davidson admissions staff, Davidson students, partners from other institutions, and our high school counseling colleagues. Our goal is to provide information in a broad scope that will serve participants regardless of where they apply. We encourage participants with questions specific to a school's admission process to reach out directly to that institution."
- February 13 - Essay Writing Workshop
- February 13 - Student Panel: Student Experience Discussion
NACAC Virtual College Fair, Sunday, February 28, 1-7 pm EST
You need to register in advance to attend.
The Princeton Review Best Value Colleges
"Our best value colleges list is based on a combination of institutional and student survey data, including academic rigor, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates, among others."
The Princeton Review FREE virtual workshops
- ACT Strategy Session Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 PM
- Dream Colleges Monday, March 8, 8:00 PM
- SAT, ACT and Admissions in the Time of COVID Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 PM
- SAT Strategy Session Monday, March 22, 8:00 PM
Tell Them We Are Rising, full film available for viewing on the PBS website until February 18
"The rich history of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began before the end of slavery, flourished in the 20th century, and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years - yet remains largely unknown. With Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, the latest documentary from Stanley Nelson (Black Panthers, Freedom Riders) and Marco Williams, the powerful story of the rise, influence, and evolution of HBCUs comes to life."
Virginia Tech's Virtual Uplifting Black Men Pre-College Program and 6th Annual Conference
High school students who participate in two of the three pre-college program sessions and attend the 6th Annual Conference will receive Virginia Tech swag, an application fee waiver and an invitation to visit Virginia Tech in Blacksburg! The pre-college program is open to students in the Class of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The pre-college program will consist of three sessions on February 23-25:
- Session 1: Kickoff!/Admissions & Financial Aid, Tuesday, February 23, 12:00-1:00 PM
- Session 2: Life @ Virginia Tech, Wednesday, February 24, 12:00-1:00 PM
- Session 3: Networking, Thursday, February 25, 5:00-6:00 PM
University of Virginia School of Architecture Virtual Information Sessions
Information sessions provide prospective students with a chance to learn more about the School of Architecture and their programs of interest.
- Friday, February 19, 11 am - 12 noon
- Friday, March 19, 11 am - 12 noon
- Friday, April 16, 11 am - 12 noon
Virtual Christian College Fairs - several College Fairs and Live Webinars are scheduled this month
- Tuesday, February 16, 6:30-7 PM ET, Live Webinar: What We Wish Students Knew About College Admissions
- Tuesday, February 16, 7-10 PM ET, Health Sciences Majors
- Thursday, February 18, 7-10 PM ET, Undecided Majors
NAVIANCE
Student Access to Naviance
Please review this instruction sheet to learn how to login to Naviance using Clever.
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.
Take an SAT/ACT Practice Test with Tysons Pimmit Library
Virtual Test: Zoom login info will be emailed to registrants
- SAT Virtual Practice Test, Saturday, February 13, 1–5pm
- ACT Virtual Practice Test, Saturday, March 6, 1–5pm
The ACT will be offered on several national test dates in 2021.
- Saturday, April 17, 2021 - register by March 12
- 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)
Free, The Princeton Review ACT Practice Test Online
"Don’t procrastinate! Take action NOW to ensure you improve your ACT score. Try a full-length free practice ACT online today. After the practice test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses."
The SAT will be offered on several national test dates in 2021.
- Saturday, March 13 - register by February 12
- 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
FREE, The Princeton Review SAT Practice Test Online
"Don’t procrastinate! Take action NOW to ensure you improve your SAT score. Try a full-length free practice SAT today. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses."
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 101 webinar hosted by 1-2-3 Go! and VASFAA (Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), Thursday, February 18, 6-7:15 pm
The College Funding Coach Specialty Webinars
- How to Qualify for More Aid During COVID-19, February 18, 7-7:30 pm
- Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College, February 25, 6:30-7:30 pm
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
You will find scholarship resources on the College and Career Center Financial Aid and Scholarships website page and within Naviance.
Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (NoVAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Class of 2021 High School Scholarships, application due March 12
Links to the application:
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation’s Precollege Program
"We’re hosting a series of virtual information sessions so you can learn more about the Engineering Innovation experience. The first session is Saturday, Feb. 27 at 12 p.m. EDT. Can’t make it Feb. 27? Register for another virtual session:
Space is limited, so register now!"
University of Vermont Pre-college Program Summer Academy
"UVM Summer Academy is an immersive, academically challenging 4-week virtual program designed for high school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are interested in earning college credits while exploring a relevant academic interest. Summer Academy courses are designed specific for and enroll only pre-college students."
- Webinar: Summer Academy: College Prep for Health and Medicine, Tuesday, February 16, 7 pm
William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education Summer Enrichment Program
"Summer 2021 SEP registration is now open for high ability students in grades 2-12. William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education is excited to offer 2 weeks of virtual opportunities with courses available in the morning and afternoon each week. We have virtual courses available in the areas of robotics, civics, STEM, coding, writing, social science, and many more. Please see our Summer 2021 brochure for more information."
GAP YEAR
You will find a list of gap year programs on the College and Career Center Gap Year website page.
Civic Action (Virtual) Gap Semester, A partnership between Amigos de las Américas and
Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life
"Explore social change across the Americas, do meaningful work through a volunteership, receive one-on-one career mentorship, connect with students around the world, and earn college credit. You'll "visit" Latin America through virtual tours of partner agencies doing critical community work and take classes with a Spanish language school."
FEMA Corps Applications are Now Open
"Are you ready to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to disasters through AmeriCorps? Our FEMA Corps applications with July start dates are now open. By serving in the FEMA Corps program, you get:
- Basic expenses covered by AmeriCorps, including lodging and meals
- Opportunities to travel all around the U.S.
- A modest living stipend for personal expenses
- An education award of $6,345
- Valuable leadership skills in emergency management
- A foot in the door for employment with the federal government after service.
Take the next step today by reviewing our application guidance and starting the process. Apply by Thursday, April 1 to be a team leader or Thursday, April 15 to be a team member.
Learn how to apply for AmeriCorps NCCC opportunities by attending our next webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. ET."
"Global Citizen Year Academy equips determined young people worldwide with powerful skills for a lifetime of social impact. Students enroll in the signature leadership course, join talks with today's most impactful changemakers, and receive personalized mentorship from a diverse pool of mentors."
The School of the New York Times Gap Year Online
"Spend your gap year discovering what drives you. Learn about the stories that help shape our world as you explore your passions and build practical skills for life. Study online with New York Times journalists and other industry experts who will deep your understanding of the world and help you plan for the future."
From Nov 30, 2020 - March 31, 2021, USA Gap Year Fairs is hosting 40 virtual events to connect students, families, and counselors with the most up to date information about gap year options and summer opportunities in 2021.
- Feb 18: Pacific Northwest Virtual Gap Year Fair
- Feb 24: Texas Virtual Gap Year Fair
- Feb 27: Colorado Virtual Gap Year Fair
- Mar 3: Maine Virtual Gap Year Fair
- Mar 4: California Virtual Gap Year Fair
- Mar 13: NATIONAL Virtual Gap Year Fair
How to Take a Gap Year: the Ultimate Crash Course: In addition to the 12 regional and national virtual USA Gap Year Fairs, we're thrilled to offer this crash course for all things gap year! For the first time, USA Gap Year Fairs will bring together expert gap year counselors, gap year alumni, and college admissions representatives for this engaging series of panel-style events with live Q&A to tell you everything you need to know about planning the ultimate gap year.
Pre-register once to stay up to date on all things gap year and receive access to these 15 virtual events that will run from 7-8 PM EST:
- Feb 22: Ask an Expert: Counselor Q&A
- Feb 25: Gap Year as Career Exploration
- Mar 8: How to Choose a Gap Year Program (Session 2)
- Mar 15: How to Win a $10,000 Gap Year Scholarship!
- 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
Why Gap Years Matter More Than Ever! Free webinar, several sessions in January & February 2021
Gap Year Solutions is partnering with libraries to share information about their programs. Registration is required.
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.