Junior Night Class of 2018

West Potomac High School Student Services

December 14, 2016

Tonight’s Agenda• Graduation Requirements• College Admissions Process• SAT and ACT• Career Information• 20 minute Break-out Sessions: Choose to attend 4 out of 6

– Understanding Family Connection as a resource Room 317– Applerouth Tutoring SAT/ACT Preparation Room 318– Community College Options and the NOVA Pathways Program Room 319– Tips in starting your search for Financial Aid Room 320– College Planning Process Spanish Presentation Room 322– Utilizing WPHS College and Career Center Room 332

School Counseling TeamMs. Serena Giron A-BdMr. Anthony Moore Be-ClMs. Jess Terry Cm-FleMs. Lacey Klingler Flf-HilMr. Sam Brody Him-LomMs. Shirnesha Simpkins-Church Lon-MouMs. Kazue Watlington Mup-RicMs. Jennifer Peichoski Rid-SulMs. Charlette Jefferson-Dixon Sum-ZMr. Miguel Arroyo ESOL Levels 1-3

Ms. Carter – College/Career CenterMs. Hofmann – Transcript Specialist

Mr. McMahonDirector of Student Services

Exciting Times!

Work Ahead

But don’t worry!

June 2018 - Graduation

• Before we plan for after…• Review graduation requirements

Standard Diploma Credit & SOL Requirements

• 4 English• 3 Math• 3 Science• 4 Social Studies• 2 Health/PE• 2 Fine Arts/World Language or CTE• 1 Econ & Personal Finance• 3 Electives

– 2 sequential electives

• Career and Technical Ed Credential

6 SOL Tests:• 2 English• 1 Math• 1 Science• 1 Social Studies• 1 Other

Advanced Studies Diploma Credit & SOL Requirements

• 4 English• 4 Math• 4 Science• 4 Social Studies• 3 World Language (or 2/2)• 2 Health/PE• 1 Fine Art/CTE• 1 Econ & Personal Finance• 3 Electives

9 SOL Tests:• 2 English• 2 Math• 2 Science• 2 Social Studies• 1 Other

Tonight’s Conversation

• Attending four-year colleges/universities 54% • Attending two-year colleges 33% • Military 7%• Employment 4%• Other 2%

West Potomac Class of 2016

What are some characteristics to consider in 2yr/4yr schools?

• Academic Programs / Majors

• Size• Location• Setting

• Type of School• Student Life• Special Programs• Cost• Financial Aid

What do colleges look for?

1. Grades in College Prep/Core Courses2. Strength of Curriculum3. Admissions Test Scores (SAT/ACT)4. Grades in All Courses5. Essay6. Class Rank (n/a for FCPS applicants)7. Counselor Recommendation8. Demonstrated Interest9. Teacher Recommendation10. Interview

Test Prep Opportunity via PTSA

What is the best option for you?

• Apprenticeship

• Career and Technical Education

• Full–Time Employment

• Military

• Gap Year

• Visit the College and Career Center to learn more about these options!

Resources

• Do the “Career Interest Profiler” survey in Family Connection

• Build a resume• Research occupations• Practice interviewing• Job Shadowing• Attend job fairs

Military Academies or ROTC Path

• Request pre-candidate application for each service academy or ROTC this spring

• Talk to a recruiter! We have visits each month.• Visit the service academy in the summer (some

have great summer programs)• Prepare for physical examMilitary Service Academy and ROTC Night is March 16,

2017 at Edison High School

Military Service

• Take the ASVAB- March 29, 2017– Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery– Administered at WPHS– Register in Career Center

• Talk to a recruiter• Earn money for college• Provides classroom and on-the-job training

What’s Next…

How to get started with post-secondary plans….• Conversations at home• Develop and research a list of colleges that might be

good matches • Utilize Spring/Summer break to visit colleges and job

shadow• Start applications early – Many available in August• Make a plan for your testing

SAVE THE DATES…

• January 09 – 6pm - Academic Advising Presentation/Curriculum and Advanced Academics Overview/Electives Open House

• January 11 – Student Electives Fair - During school day• January 17 – Academic Advising Meetings with School Counselors

begins• February 03 – Last day of 2nd quarter – Early Release• March 14 – College Admission Panel – Follow up Junior Night• Week of March 27 – School Counselor Presentations with Juniors• March 29 – 6:30 pm Regional College Fair at George Mason

Let’s Go to…Breakout Sessions • 6:50- 7:10pm – Session 1 _________________________• 7:15- 7:35pm – Session 2 _________________________• 7:40- 8:00pm – Session 3 _________________________• 8:05- 8:25pm - Session 4 _________________________

• Breakout Session Options– Understanding Family Connection as a resource Room 317– Applerouth Tutoring SAT/ACT Preparation Room 318– Community College Options and the NOVA Pathways Program Room 319– Tips in starting your search for Financial Aid Room 320 – College Planning Process Spanish Presentation Room 322– Utilizing WPHS College and Career Center Room 332

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