College & Career Center Newsletter
George Mason High School - November 6, 2020
TRANSLATION
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND SIGN UP
LEARN HOW TO SEND YOUR KIDS TO COLLEGE WITHOUT GOING BROKE!
The cost of a college education is higher than ever. How will you afford this expense? What if your children attend elite or out-of-state schools? What if they don’t graduate in four years? The costs can be monumental. This workshop will teach you how to send your children to the college of their dreams without bankrupting your retirement nest egg. You’ll discover strategies that may enable you to qualify for financial aid, sources for scholarships, and strategies for maximizing your wealth and minimizing your tax exposure, giving you greater cash flow for funding a college education. Please join George Mason High School in hosting The College Funding Coach® via ZOOM webinar on November 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm. This is information you can’t afford to miss! To receive your link, please Register. Please take a look around our website www.thecollegefundingcoach.org for helpful resources and information.
Virtual College Visits and Information Sessions, Monday, November 9 - Friday, November 13
Please sign up in Naviance at least one day in advance to attend visits. On the day of the visit, you need to login to Naviance, locate the visit, and click on the URL to join the meeting. The URL will be visible 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. If a visit conflicts with a class, you need to obtain permission from your teacher to attend.
Monday, November 9
- Vassar College, 9:15 am
- Lycoming College, 11 am
- Wagner College, 11:45 am
- Long Island University - Post, 12:30 pm
Tuesday, November 10
- Johnson & Wales University, Providence, 12:15 pm
Thursday, November 12
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, 12:15 pm
Friday, November 13
NAVIANCE
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 & RESOURCE FAIRS
Abilities Expo Virtual Experience, College Accommodations for Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions, Sunday, November 22, 12-12:45 pm
"Students with physical disabilities and health conditions have a different set of considerations to navigate when transitioning to college in the United States. This webinar will explore the additional calculations that these students may face.
- Understand the applicable laws that govern academic, residential and programmatic aspects of college life (ADA, 504, FERPA).
- Identify common issues for students with physical disabilities and health conditions.
- Identify ways that students and families can prepare for this transition."
NACAC Virtual College Fair, Sunday, November 8, 2-10 pm
National Portfolio Day, 100% Free, Online Portfolio Reviews hosted by the NPDA (National Portfolio Day Association)
If you are applying to a NPDA member college, university, or art school, you may need or want to participate in one of the National Portfolio Day reviews as part of your admission process. Please consult individual institutions for specific application requirements. Undergraduate events:
- Sundays: November 8, 15, and 22
- Saturdays: November 21 and December 5
EXPLORE COLLEGES & THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Coalition for College Member Event, First Things First: Navigating Success, Wednesday, November 11, 8-9 pm
"From a child's first step to a first step on the moon, "firsts" serve as a valuable reminder of limitless possibilities. Join us for a celebration of firsts big and small, and learn about your next steps along the way!"
Exploring College Options, Sunday, November 8, 6 pm
Exploring College Options is a special informational program sponsored by the undergraduate admissions offices of five of the country's leading universities: Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.
Exploring Educational Excellence: Joint Virtual Information Session, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6 pm
"Join Brown University, the University of Chicago, Columbia University, Cornell University and Rice University for a virtual information session for prospective students and their families. Sessions include a brief overview of each institution, information on admissions and financial aid, and a chance to ask questions of admissions representatives."
Explore options for studying undergraduate medicine in Ireland, sponsored by Education in Ireland, Tuesday, November 10, 7pm
Longwood University Accelerated Decision Program
"Our Accelerated Decision allows you to get an on-the-spot admission decision immediately following your visit event—either on campus or virtually from the comfort of your home. We're also offering special regional events throughout Virginia!"
University of Mary Washington admission decision day for GMHS applicants!
Admissions staff from the University of Mary Washington will provide GMHS students with their admission decisions on Friday, November 20th at 1pm via email.
To be considered, students must:
1. Submit the Common Application with the application fee waiver code (the fee waiver code was posted on Schoology, Counseling Class of 2021 on Friday, October 16, or you can email Ms. Mural to obtain it) or UMW Application, which does not require a fee, by Friday, November 13th. Students may apply under either Early Action (non-binding) or Regular Decision processes.
2. Register for the event using this link.
3. If not applying test choice, ensure SAT or ACT scores to be considered are provided to UMW through either the high school transcript or directly to UMW. (UMW’s Codes - SAT 5398/ACT 4414)
If you have questions about this admission notification opportunity, please contact Ms. Mural or the UMW admission office at admit@umw.edu or 540-654-2000.
Northern Virginia Community College, Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program
Application for admission due November 15!
Oberlin's virtual Multicultural Visit Program, application due on November 8
Oberlin’s virtual Multicultural Visit Program (vMVP) is an online community engagement program for high-achieving high school seniors interested in the College of Arts and Sciences and or Conservatory of Music. You have to apply to participate. The next program will be held on November 13 and 14.
Radford University Virtual Application Review with Ms. Guadalupe Sanchez, Regional Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment, application due 1 week in advance
Radford University is excited to offer a Virtual Application Review option for Fall of 2021 applicants. This is an opportunity for students to meet one-on-one with their admissions counselor to review their admissions application and receive an admissions decision.
To be considered for Virtual Application review:
- Participants should plan to submit their admissions application and required transcript(s) at least one week prior to their chosen Virtual Application Review date.
- All students will be reviewed test-optional and no test scores will be required.
- If offered admission during the Virtual Application Review, an admissions packet will be mailed to the students with additional details.
Virtual Application Review Dates:
November 10th from 3:00-7:00pm for Fairfax County and City of Falls Church students
November 20th from 1:00-5:00pm for students from all NOVA schools
Students can register for these sessions here.
ARTICLES
Barnard, B. (2020, November 03). Fact-Checking College Admission. Forbes.
- Bauer-Wolf, J. (2020, October 30). U of California can't consider SAT, ACT, appeals court rules.
Moody, J. (2020, October 21). How to Write About Coronavirus in a College Essay. U.S. News & World Report.
Pietrafetta, M. (2020, November 2). What It Takes to Get Into College If You Have Learning Differences. Inside Higher Ed.
STUDENT-ATHLETES
- The NCAA has extended the temporary recruiting dead period for Division I schools through January 1, 2021. Here are recruiting resources.
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.
Transcript Requests
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Bauer-Wolf, J. (2020, November 03). Difficulties taking SAT and ACT persist, signaling long-term problems for test makers. Education Dive.
The next national test administration date for the ACT is December 12. The deadline to register is November 20. No late fees!
GMHS will offer the PSAT/NMSQT to current Juniors on Tuesday, January 26.
Please know that scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are not used by college admission officers as part of their admission decision making process. ACT and SAT/SAT Subject Test scores may be required for college admission. However, the PSAT/NMSQT is the official route of entry to the highly competitive and selective process for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Therefore, the PSAT/NMSQT is an optional test.
Juniors who are interested in taking the PSAT/NMSQT on January 26 must complete the GMHS registration form by Tuesday, November 24, so we can order the correct number of tests and prepare to administer the test in the new building. There is no fee to take the PSAT/NMSQT and students do not need to register with the College Board for this specific test. Please note that we do not have specific testing logistics developed for January 26th, as this will be dependent on the number of 11th grade students who register for the PSAT/NMSQT. Additional information and testing logistics will be sent in January to the email address you provide on the registration form, prior to the test administration date.
If you have questions about registering for and taking the PSAT/NMSQT on January 26, please reach out to Mr. Amerine, Testing Coordinator. If you have questions about standardized testing and the college application process, please reach out to Ms. Mural, College and Career Specialist.
National test dates for the SAT/SAT Subject Tests in the spring are March 13 (no subject tests), May 8, and June 5.
FREE, The Princeton Review SAT Virtual Practice Test, Saturday, November 14, 1-5 pm
Hosted by Tysons Pimmit Regional Library
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.
Effective Strategies for Student Loan Borrowers by SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia)
ARTICLE
- Gobel, R. (2020, November 02). How A Net Price Calculator Can Help You Pick A College. Forbes.
Kerr, E. (2020, November 2). Is Your Data Safe When Applying for Financial Aid? U.S. News & World Report.
SCHOLARSHIPS
1 for 2 Education Foundation “PAY-IT-FORWARD” Scholarship, application due February 16 or when they receive 500 applications
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes, application due January 9
"We're awarding $20,000 to 20 student athletes!"
Power of Resilience Scholarship, application due December 31
CAREERS
Careers in Administration of Justice, Human Services, Criminology & Legal Affairs, Tuesday, November 10, 1-2 pm
"Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) STEM Outreach Program, NOVA SySTEMic, is offering a STEM Careers Virtual Workshop – Career & Technical Education. This session will utilize the Zoom platform.
In this session the panelist will share information with participants about educational programs, careers and current issues for individuals interested in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security and Human Services."
GAP YEAR
You will find a list of gap year programs on the College and Career Center Gap Year website page.
Dynamy Online Open House, Thursday, November 12, 7 pm
This Online Open House will included special guest Rachel Garrett, a current Dynamy parent from Washington, DC, who will be sharing her experience and discussing why she and her son chose Dynamy.
"Dynamy Internship Year is a domestic gap year program in Massachusetts that offers career exploration through 100+ internship opportunities, apartment living, practical life skills workshops, 1:1 advising and mentoring, optional college courses, and so much more!"
Sheri Mural, College & Career Specialist
Email: murals@fccps.org
Website: https://gm.fccps.org/o/gmhs/page/college-career-center--8
Location: 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043, USA
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.