Almond College & Career News
November 6, 2022
We as counselors welcome the month of November as we pass the first of many priority, early college application deadlines. While the initial process is not over for all, the big rush is, and we can start to give more of our attention to the Juniors.
As we reflect on Veteran’s Day, thank you to all of our military families in our district who are currently serving or have served our country!
JUNIORS:
Thank you to all who attended our College Planning Presentation. Please click HERE for the information that was emailed Friday with helpful resources.
We have received several questions about when will the PSAT-NMSQT test score be released. They will be available on December 5th in the student's College Board account.
As a reminder, course selection for returning students begins this month. Please review the email Dr. Kirk sent with particulars about the process.
SENIORS:
Many of our seniors have submitted their first college application! Congratulations!!
As you submit your application, many students ask, "What's Next?"
Create your portals
- Follow your emails closely from the colleges that you applied to with log-in information for your applicant portal. You will want to create those portals and periodically check them for action items needed and additional scholarship application or supporting documents that may still be needed.
Do I need to submit my official test score?
- Many students might have a notice reading "Need ACT or SAT score". It is recommended to review the test policy information on the college's Admissions website or email the Admissions Office if you are not sure if an official test score is required at the time of application. Submitting test scores on the Common Application for example doesn't always mean that is considered "official".
Should I commit to a college after I'm accepted?
- As you receive admissions acceptances, you will want to ensure financially it is the best choice for you. Meaning, wait until you receive your official financial aid award letters to commit to a college. This typically comes December-March.
Need to file your FAFSA or CSS Profile?
- For those still needing help applying or submitting their financial aid application, stop by the College and Career Center during periods 3-6 or request an appointment with the counselors. You can also click HERE for a helpful FAQ document of the college and financial aid application process.
- Our next financial aid workshop is November 10th & 17th in the Almond Campus College and Career Center from 6-8 p.m. The workshops are dedicated to helping senior families file their financial aid application and answer questions you may have. Sign up HERE.
For BOTH Juniors and Seniors, it's important to keep your grades up, and finish strong. We have just 6 weeks before the end of the semester! You can do it! And please continue to reach out to Student Services if you have any questions or if you need help with anything. We are happy to help!
We are here to help answer your questions, so students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Ms. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to help!
Here is the contact information for Student Services.
Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor
SENIORS: Financial Aid Workshops
Have questions about the college application, financial aid and enrollment process?
Preparing for the SAT or ACT?
Need to meet with a Counselor?
Parent Speaker Series
WTHS has partnered with Glenbard Parent Series through Glenbard Township High School District 87 to provide access to a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators and clinicians for parents and community members.
Topics include mental health, life skills, support for parents and more!
- These high-caliber presenters offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, and well-being
- All programs are free and open to the public
- Many events are presented at both noon and 7pm, and offered in multiple languages via Zoom. Access links are available on their website below.
- You can access the schedule for the remainder of the year here:
- Upcoming Speakers
Rewiring the Teen Brain for Motivation and Calm
Dr. Shauna Shapiro
Wed, Nov 9 @ 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Nurturing the Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope and Courage
Dr. Kelly McGonigal with Katie Hurley
Wed, Nov 16 @ 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Are you a First Generation College Student?
College Information and Upcoming Events
College Visits to the Almond Campus
Students can view the upcoming college visits in Maia Learning --> Events.
Students are expected to sign-up in Maia Learning for the visit by clicking on Actions --> Attend.
*See a college description of the institution to determine which school may be the ideal for you to visit.
**Students are allowed to attend 3 college visits per semester if they are missing an academic class. You must be passing the academic class during the college visit you are attending. Students attending during a lunch or study hall period will not count towards the 3 visits. If you are not able to attend, but would like the information from the institution, please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net).
Tuesday, November 15th
- Period 3: University of Tampa, University of South Florida, University of Miami
- Period 6: Northern Illinois University & Northeastern Illinois University
Thursday, November 17th
- Period 5: Columbia College Chicago & Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
WTHS to host a free, optional, practice ACT on 11/12
Thinking of a Career in Education?
The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2023 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Priority application deadline is December 1, 2022. Applications close on April 1, 2023.
Scholars Receive:
Up to $23,000 in total financial assistance for college, inclusive of paid Scholar Institutes
Extensive classroom teaching experience
Academic and social-emotional support
Job placement assistance
Mentoring from our award-winning teaching faculty
Live Webinar: Navigating A Rapidly Evolving Testing Landscape, December 1
Navigating A Rapidly-Evolving Testing Landscape
Junior Families: Interested in learning practical, usable information about standardized testing and college admissions?
In response to the pandemic, colleges have radically adjusted their admission testing requirements. Currently, around 95% of US colleges are test optional, but the decision to test and submit scores is not so simple.
Hear from the experts at Compass Educational Group as they lead a pragmatic virtual discussion on college admission testing and the recent outcomes of the test optional movement and the latest key insights on the following:
- The evolving role of ACT, SAT, and AP Exam scores in specific contexts
- Parsing the subtlety and variety of testing policies
- Fresh admissions data from test score submitters and non-submitters
- Making an informed choice between the ACT and SAT
- The diagnostic value of the PSAT and other practice tests
- How to build a successful prep timeline
Click here for advanced registration to access the Zoom link.
National Scholarships Workshop, December 2nd
Guiding the College-Bound Athlete Presentation, December 8th
U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria
Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month
Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month
Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month
Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month
Air Force - 4th Thursday of the month
Career/Job Opportunities
Illinois Tech Virtual Internships
Standout Search
Additional Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Manufacturing Programs at CLC
Did you know Lake County, IL is one of the leading counties in the State in manufacturing jobs? Large global companies like AbbVie, Baxter, NyproMold and more are in our own back yard! Explore the manufacturing programs and apprenticeships available below at the College of Lake County, where you can earn a certificate with a just few classes or an Associates Degree. Click here to see what area businesses are looking to fill manufacturing jobs.
Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics
Electrical Engineering Technology
Precision Machining Technology
Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program
Virtual Career Fair
General Resources
Support Services are Available
For a list of our WTHS academic tutors, please click HERE.
Maia Learning: Our College and Career Planning Tool
Maia Learning is a college and career readiness platform that engages students in planning their futures. It allow students to develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps them manage college applications, and build portfolios that will gain them admission. It helps counselors manage student progress, and keeps families involved in the process.
Click here for a brief tutorial on accessing Maia Learning or click here for a shared folder which houses several helpful video tutorials and resources on the college search and application process.
Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource
The Paying for College Resource delivers free, easy to understand information and resources, so your family is confident you have everything you need to figure out how to pay for school.
Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?
Mrs. McGahan
Instagram @wthsccc
(847) 548-6709
Email: cmcgahan@wths.net
Website: https://www.d121.org/Page/313
Phone: (847) 548-6709
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wthsccc