Almond College & Career News
December 4, 2022
It is crazy to think the end of our fall semester is approaching!
I know many students have their final assessments, projects or papers due soon, so students remember, you got this!
You have worked hard and persevered this semester, so let that drive shine through by finishing strong on the home stretch! Click here for a copy of the cumulative assessment schedule.
*The Almond Campus Library is hosting in-person study tables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00 in English, Math, Science and Social Studies for students seeking extra help.
The halfway point of the school year for upperclassmen is a refreshing break from classes, but also a reminder that seniors are closer to making their final decisions about their after high school plans and juniors are amping up their research and explorations about their options.
I encourage all of our students to use the break to reset, but also to explore all possible paths. Many colleges and institutions have enhanced their virtual tours, accessibility to information online and connections to campus, so explore their website if you have time.
JUNIORS
Taking a Practice ACT Test
*The Lake Villa library is hosting a free, practice ACT on December 10th in collaboration with Huntington Learning. Click HERE for more information and to register.
**The Warren Newport library is hosting a free, practice ACT on March 4th in collaboration with Huntington Learning. Click HERE for more information and to register. Registration opens February 18th.
Taking an ACT Test
- Juniors thinking about taking an ACT are encouraged to register for the February 11th ACT. Many local high schools are a test center; WTHS is not a center this year. It is a great first ACT to take because will have completed one semester of junior year. Regular registration for this test is through January 6th and you can register at act.org.
PSAT-NMSQT Score Release
- PSAT-NMSQT scores will release electronically on December 5th to students that took the October 12th test in their College Board accounts.
- If students have not already done, so you should create an account to view your score.
- Students will NOT receive a paper copy of their score. With online reporting, students are seamlessly connected to other College Board opportunities, Official SAT® Practice on Khan Academy®, college readiness resources, and a path to find scholarships.
- Here are resources to help interpret your PSAT-NMSQT score.
- To review information regarding PSAT-NMSQT trends and Commendable and Semi-Finalist scores, read this article from Compass Educational Group.
Comparing PSAT to ACT scores
- For information comparing PSAT scores to the ACT, please click here.
SENIORS:
Action Items after being admitted
- Many students feel in a holding pattern right now. Many have applied, some have been accepted (Congratulations!), while others are waiting for an admissions decision.
- Continue to check the college's application portals where you applied and once accepted, pay close attention to additional scholarship opportunities and next steps. Be sure to read the fine print and do not commit to a college (pay a housing deposit, enrollment deposit, etc...) unless you are 100% sure you plan to enroll there. Most students choose not to commit until they receive their financial aid award letters from their admitted institutions.
- Once you receive the financial aid award letter, it will break down the costs of attendance from how much scholarship, grant, work-study and loan options they are offering to finance your college education.
- This ISAC Financial Aid Comparison tool will be helpful when comparing the award letters. As always, we as counselors or the financial aid offices at the specific institutions will be helpful in answering questions you may have. You may also want to reference the financial aid FAQ Document
- This Next Steps FAQ or this article will be helpful in answering your initial questions.
Deferred or waitlisted on your admission decision?
- You may find this helpful Blog from Georgia Tech about deferment beneficial.
Denied admission?
- This article will help understand the emotions that you may be experiencing. Key point is there is always another choice and avenue you can take.
For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:
From all of us in Student Services, we hope you have a restful, relaxing, safe and fun winter break and holiday season with your loved ones!
We look forward to welcoming you back in 2023 to start a New Year and new semester!
Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor
SENIORS: Financial Aid Workshops
Have questions about the college application, financial aid and enrollment process?
JUNIORS: WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY SPEND YOUR SUMMER
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
- Cathy Cassani Adams
Tue, Dec 6 @ 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
Cultivating Genius and Joy: A Framework to Ensure All Children Thrive
Thu, Dec 8 @ 7:00 pm
Dr. Ferney Ramirez
Thu, Dec 15 @ 6:00 pm
Toma de decisiones para mejorar los comportamientos saludables/Decision Making to Enhance Healthy Behaviors
Dr. Carla Naumburg
Thu, Jan 5, 2023 @ 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm
You Are Not a Bad Parent: How to Practice Self-Compassion and Give Yourself a Break
Are you a First Generation College Student?
College Information and Upcoming Events
Missed the Scholarship Workshop on December 2nd?
Looking for Local Scholarships?
If you need to request a transcript for a scholarship, please complete this FORM. You may pick-up transcripts from Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services in the main office.
Industrial Technology Night & Mini College Fair, 12/6
Tuesday December 6th 6:30-8:00pm O'Plaine Campus
-Come play in our Industrial Tech labs!
-Explore possible careers!
-Talk with college representatives!
-Visit with Mrs. McGahan & Ms. Hartley, WTHS Career & College Counselors!
-See the fun activities the students have been working on!
The goal of Industrial Technology Night is to showcase student work as well as help families explore possible careers. We open up the O'Plaine Campus labs for students to showcase their work to their family, community members, and prospective students. In each lab the Industrial Tech Department will have fun activities or demonstrations for students and families to get involved in. College & Career representatives will be on hand to showcase their programs and answer questions. Our own WTHS College & Career Counselors will also be on hand to help families with any questions they may have on a post high school process. This is a tradeshow style event so come and explore as you please! Click HERE for a list of schools and additional details.
Northwestern University Entrepreneurship Student Panel
As a hub for entrepreneurship, Northwestern students have access to a wealth of resources to promote innovative and unique ventures. This panel discussion will give you insight into current students' entrepreneurial experiences with the opportunity to ask questions in an open setting.
Online Student Panel: Entrepreneurship Focused
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 4:00 PM (CST)
Click the link above to register – you will receive a Zoom invite once you register.
Guiding the College-Bound Athlete Presentation, 12/8
FREE SAT/ACT Test at Grayslake Library, 2/4
10 Suggestions For Making Your College Decision
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
CLC Apprenticeship Awareness Program, Earn $225
College of Lake County is hosting a Spring Break, Apprenticeship Awareness program on Zoom March 27 - 31 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon daily.
Students currently enrolled in Lake County high schools are eligible to register.
Space will be limited to 35 students. It will be a first-come, first-served acceptance process.
To apply students submit the fillable PDF forms linked below and email to cjpc.apprenticeships@clcillinois.edu.
- Note: a parent or guardian must sign the application and photo release forms if the student is under 18 years of age.
- Registration deadline is March 9, 2023, or sooner if the sections are filled.
- Informational FLYER
- Registration Form
- Registration Form (Spanish)
- Photo Release Form
- Photo Release Form (Spanish)
Illinois Tech Virtual Internships
Standout Search
Additional Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
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?
Previous Almond Newsletters
For previous info and opportunities shared, visit newsletters below.
- Click here to reference the November 20, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the November 4, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the October 23, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the October 9, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the September 25, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the September 11, 2022 issue
- Click here to reference the August 30, 2022 issue
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