College and Career News
June 2, 2023
PROMPT - Writing Personal Statement WEBINAR - June 14, 2023
Summer is here, and here at Prompt, we’re digging into the Personal Statement. Writing your Personal Statement over the summer is the biggest gift you can give to your future self - it will make your fall less stressful by creating more time to work on supplements, focus on academics and extracurriculars, and simply . . .enjoy being a senior!
Prompt is extending some free support to help you get started!
Join Prompt in conversation with former UPenn and Temple University admissions officer Abby Shepherd for a special edition of our “Secrets to Great College Applications and Essays” Webinar. Abby will share her insights about the application process from an admission officer’s perspective, and she will answer your questions in a live Q&A! Registration is free:
Prompt is the world’s leading provider of college admissions essay coaching. Each year, they support thousands of students throughout the application and essay process; 3 in 4 applicants who work with Prompt gain admission to one or more of their reach colleges!
RISING SENIORS SUMMER TO DO - FASTWEB
The summer before your senior year of high school is an imperative time to accomplish tasks so that you’re prepared for the busy school year ahead. In fact, it’s a great time to gain a head start so that once the school year comes, you won’t be overwhelmed with the college admissions process. In order to ensure you’re on the right track, here’s a list of what you should be focused on during the month of July/August:
1. College Essays
Begin working on all of your college essays now so that once senior year rolls around, they’ll no longer be on your to-do list. Get an idea of what you’ll be asked on college applications by checking out the Common App or admissions requirements for schools that you’re interested in. In some cases, you may be able to use an essay that you submitted for a class in high school. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to craft something new, but these essays can be so generic that you can reuse – or adjust as necessary to fit a particular college or essay topic. The Common Application is released in August. WHAT IS COMMON APP?
2. Test Prep
If you want to catch the earliest test dates for the ACT and SAT, it’s time to start studying. This is especially necessary if you plan to apply early action/early decision. However, before you start your test prep, make sure the colleges you’re interested in are taking, or requiring, SAT and ACT test scores. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, many colleges went test optional; and while some colleges are once more requiring test scores, others are still making them optional.
Discuss the best testing options with your high school guidance counselor and be aware of the latest ACT and SAT testing dates.
3. Build Your Student Resume
Finalize your college resume of activities including all of your participation, volunteer work, employment, clubs, and extracurricular activities. It’s also a good time go look for any gaps in your student resume. Are you missing volunteer experience? Taking note of it now will help you look for and commit to opportunities during the school year.
4. Letters of Recommendation Decisions
Decide whom you will ask for consider your teachers, coaches, and counselors. Ensure you also give them a copy of your student activities resume so that they’re aware of your activities and are able to reference them if necessary.
5. Build Your Experiences
High school students should strive to stay active all summer, building your student resume with volunteer work, activities, job experience, internships, etc.
6. Work on Your College Search
High school graduation will happen sooner than you think; keep working on your college search by researching colleges to add to your potential colleges list. Get creative. Find fun ways to stay organized in your college search. Many students keep their information in one place that’s easy to get to, such as a folder or binder.
7. Show Interest
Join mailing lists of your target colleges – it shows you are interested in the school, which looks great for potential admissions.
8. Social Media
Plans to attend the university of your choice could come to a halt if you’re not reflecting your best self on your social media accounts. Clean up your accounts and profiles – you never know when college admissions officers may look at them!
9. Apply for Scholarships
It’s important to remain diligent in your scholarship search. Continue the practice of applying for as many scholarships as you qualify for.
Novastar Prep have partnered for summer test prep, classes and workshops.
Test Prep
Live-Proctored, Online Mock Tests
These full-length, official College Board and ACT practice tests are proctored online in a simulated test environment. Students will print the practice test at home in advance, participate in a Zoom video call live with the proctor and submit their answer sheets via email. Within 10 days of the test, students and parents will receive a detailed score report and an invitation for a free follow up consultation.
Registration for each test is $25 and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to the Heritage HS Scholarship Fund.
SAT Mock Test Dates: June 17, July 15 or August 12, 2023
ACT Mock Test Date: June 24, 2023
This 8-hour, online class provides an overview of the SAT including test structure, valuable test-taking techniques, and time management. A full-length practice test (administered at home) and a detailed score report analysis are included.
Dates: June 24-25, 2023 or July 22-23, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Break 11:00 a.m. - noon)
Fee: $295
This 12-hour, online class provides an overview of the SAT including test structure, valuable test-taking techniques, and time management. Participation in the live, proctored online mock test on August 12th is included as is an additional full-length practice test to be administered at home. Detailed score report analysis is included for both tests.
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Dates: August 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fee: $395
Summer Workshops - Save $25 when you register by June 2nd!
Check out the Summer Workshop Course Catalog to learn more about opportunities to achieve and build confidence in everything from Public Speaking to Career Exploration. Preparing for college applications or AP classes this fall? Summer is a perfect time to get ahead!
Crafting the College Application Essay Workshop
Write your Common App personal statement with an admissions expert. Students will receive one-to-one editing instruction and leave the workshop with a completed personal statement.
July 17-21 OR August 7-11
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
$225
Students will learn about Newton's Laws of Motion as well as other important foundational topics such as kinematics, circular motion, and gravitation.
June 19-23 OR July 17-21
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
$225
Students will learn fundamental concepts including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and chemical properties.
June 19-23 OR July 17-21
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$225
For additional program information, please email karen@novastarprep.com.
Revolution Prep $200 gift card for academic & test prep acceleration over the summer!
Our friends at Revolution Prep are excited to support our students over the summer months by gifting every student a $200 gift card to use toward college readiness acceleration and starting the school year strong!
If your family is going to pursue tutoring this summer to help your student prepare for more rigorous classwork or admissions tests there are plenty of options. You should find the fit that is best for you, though I can say that Revolution Prep is extremely well-regarded, and their professional tutors differentiate them. They focus on establishing relationships with students and families while breaking down learning barriers and supporting students to reach their personal best.
The gift card can be used on tutoring programs that will help your student:
* close academic learning gaps
* adjust to the pressure and course rigor of a higher grade
* prep for high-stakes tests in the fall
* work on college essay writing
* get organized and work on time management, and more!
To learn more about the ways Revolution Prep can support you and your student(s) this summer, click the link: https://bit.ly/42vxWc2
If you're ready to receive your $200 Revolution Prep gift card, claim it below: https://www.revolutionprep.com/gift-card/
How to Navigate the College Search, Step by Step - Rising Juniors and Seniors
Step 1: Know your college search timeline
Before you even fire up a college search engine, it helps to know what’s ahead of you, including what you need to do and when.
- Your Simple Guide to Junior and Senior Year Admission Planning: The college application process is going to fly by faster than you'd think. Here's a timeline to help guide you through your junior and senior years.
- A Comprehensive 2-Year Calendar for High School Juniors and Seniors: Junior and senior year are the big years in your college planning journey. Check out this handy timeline so you know what to do and when to do it.
- A Helpful 2-Year Timeline for Transferring Colleges: Planning to transfer to a four-year college or university? This timeline will help keep you on track.
- Smart College Prep for All 4 Years of High School: The college search isn’t reserved for just juniors and seniors in high school. Get started on the college search as early as freshman year with this advice!
Step 2: Consider your major and academic options
Majors aren’t the scary, career-binding contracts they often appear to be—we promise.
- 4 Expert Tips for Choosing Your Best–Fit College Major: Choosing your college major is huge decision in your college journey. Use these four tips to help lead you to the best-fit major for your future goals.
- What Is an Interdisciplinary Major?: An interdisciplinary majors are a great way to pursue multiple interests in college. Here's some quick expert advice to know about this academic opportunity.
- 3 Quick Tips to Narrow Down All Your Major Options: Choosing a major isn't easy, but the process of elimination can help you narrow down your list of potential majors and discover yourself along the way.
- 4 Interesting Ways to Help You Find Your College Major: Sometimes you need to get a little creative to take the pressure off of picking your major.
- All the Wrong Reasons to Choose a Major: Are you thinking about committing to a major because you're passionate about it—or are you picking it for the wrong reasons? Find out here.
- How to Choose Your Major and Explore All Your Options: Many colleges boast upwards of 300 majors. Just how are you supposed to decide on one, especially if you're not sure what you want to study? Learn more here!
Step 3: Make a list of what you want in a college
Why do you want to go to college? What do you hope to find when you get there? What do you need to succeed in college and after you graduate? You need to ask yourself these questions (and more) so you know what to look for in a school.
- 4 Important Foundations of Your College Search: If we’re really going to boil down the college search to the most important factors, these would be at the top.
- The Most Important Factors for Choosing a College: There are many factors to consider as you conduct your search for the right college. These are some of the most important!
- 30 Questions You Need to Ask Before Choosing a College: Are you asking schools the right questions? This big list might surprise you.
- 10 Uncommon Questions to Ask in Your College Search: There's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to finding your dream school. Here are some important questions you may not think to ask.
Step 4: Search for schools that fit your criteria to make your college list
Now that you have a good idea of what you want from your future college, you can actually start looking for it!
- The CollegeXpress Ultimate Guide to the College Search: This guide has everything you need to find the right college(s) for you. Learn when to start your search, how to find your perfect college match, and more!
- The Basics of When and How to Begin Your College Search in High School: You're not alone if you feel lost about where to start the college search process.
- How to Start the College Search for Students With Disabilities: The college search process can be even more daunting if you're living with a disability. Here are some ways to enhance your college search.
- 5 Easy Ways to Start Your College Search: Jump-start your college search with these painless strategies.
- How to Build the Perfect College List: This article breaks down the process and reminds you that this should be an enjoyable journey!
- CollegeXpress's College Search Tool: Search for schools by major, location, size, and more with our very own search engine.
- CollegeXpress Lists & Rankings: These aren't your average top 10 school lists. Check them out to make your search more fun—we have over 800!
Step 5: Go on campus visits
This is a surprisingly crucial part of your college search. You really won’t know how you feel about a school until you step foot on campus!
- Campus Visits: The Best Resource to Use in Your College Search: If you’re debating even going on campus visits, read this before you decide it’s not worth it.
- The Best Ways to Make Your College Campus Visits More Fun: Are all those campus visits tiring you out? Here are a few ways to make them a little more entertaining...including a rousing game of Campus Visit Bingo!
- The Worst Campus Visit Mistakes to Avoid: Be sure to avoid doing these things when you head off on a campus tour.
- 10 Things You Should Definitely Do on Every College Visit: If you're putting in the effort to visit colleges before applying, make sure you're taking full advantage of it. Here are 10 things to do on campus tours.
- College Visits Should Be Fun, Not Stressful: Some advice for anyone feeling the stress overtaking the joy of the process.
- Campus Visits: Places to Go and Questions to Ask: Questions, questions, and more questions! But seriously, you should be asking your tour guide as many questions as possible.
Step 6: Take standardized tests (or don’t!)
Prepare for the tests you need to take and/or get to know what it means to apply to a test-optional school.
- How to Prepare for the ACT, SAT, and Other Tests: This standardized test guide covers the ACT, SAT, AP Tests, and more. It's basically everything you need to know to get ready for your exams!
- How to Make Studying for Standardized Tests Fun: It may be hard to believe, but it is possible—learn more here!
- How to Set Good Expectations for Your SAT or ACT Scores: The SAT and ACT certainly aren’t easy, but you can set reasonable goals for yourself to get through them.
- Understanding Standardized Tests and Scores: To know how they’re going to help in your college applications, you really need to understand standardized tests and what your scores mean.
- What Are Test–Optional Colleges All About?: Schools that don't require SAT or ACT scores are changing the admission game in a big way. Here's what you should know about "test-optional" colleges.
- What Is Test–Blind College Admission?: What is a "test-blind" school, and what does it mean for college admission? Watch this video to learn more!
Step 7: Ask for recommendation letters
Ask early. Stick with people who know you well. And don’t forget to thank them!
- Top 5 Questions About Recommendation Letters: You’ve probably been asking yourself these questions, so here are the answers!
- The Top 5 Do's and Don'ts for Letters of Recommendation: Whether you need a recommendation for college, an internship, or a job, you need to request it at the ease of your recommenders. Here are some do's and don'ts!
- Who and How to Ask for College Recommendation Letters: Figuring out who to ask for recommendations is almost as hard as figuring out the right way to ask. Luckily, we’ve got advice for both!
- Best Practices and Advice for Writing College Recommendation Letters: If you're a counselor, here's some advice on writing them for your students.
Step 8: Participate in admission interviews
They may or may not be required, but either way, admission interviews are a valuable piece of the college admission puzzle.
- College Admission Interviews: Everything You Need to Know: You'll be sure to leave a good impression on your interviewer with this comprehensive advice.
- How Should I Prepare for an Admission Interview?: Follow this top interview advice from someone who’s on the inside of college admission.
- The Hardest Admission Interview Questions: Don’t get tripped up by these difficult but popular admission interview questions.
- How to Ace the College Interview: Think of the interview like a verbal test that you can nail with a bit of preparation.
Step 9: Start your application essay
Who knew writing about the subject you know best (yourself) could be so tricky? That’s why it helps to start preparing for your application essays a little early.
- Why Your College Application Essay Matters: If you need a little motivation to get started on your essay, read about why it’s so important to do.
- Admission Granted: Examples of Successful College Application Essays, Volume I: If you work better with examples to guide you, here are some great application essays that got the students who wrote them into college!
- 6 of the Worst College Admission Essay Myths You Shouldn't Listen To: There’s a lot of false information out there about the college essay. Make sure you don’t fall for these fictions.
- Top College Essay Tips From Admission Insiders: You want your admission essay to stand out in a good way...and these admission experts know how you can do just that.
- Steering Clear of College Application Essay Mistakes: Here's what you need to do before, during, and after writing your essay!
Step 10: Narrow your college list
Because five to 10 schools are all you need!
- Cut Down Your College List With a College Search Rubric: Making a spreadsheet will make all the ways a college doesn’t meet your needs (or all the ways it surpasses them) totally clear.
- Finalize Your College List With These 7 Expert Tips: Sometimes narrowing down your college options is about asking the right questions about a school, and sometimes it’s about asking yourself the right questions.
- How to Narrow Down Your College Choices to a Top Handful: Planning and organizing really help put your needs into perspective when you narrow down your college list.
- How to Know When Your College List Is Final: Finalizing a list of colleges to apply to is a lot of pressure! Here's how to make sure you end up with a list you're proud of with schools that suit all your needs.
Step 11: Fill out and send your college applications—on time
Name, address, date of birth: this is the easy part. Just make sure you meet all your deadlines!
- How to Motivate Yourself to Start College Applications: The first step to anyone’s college application process is just finding the energy and time to do it. You got this!
- The Top 5 College Application Deadlines You Need to Know About: Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision! There are so many choices for college application deadlines. Here's a breakdown of the top five you should know.
- 11 Steps to Finalizing and Submitting Your College Apps: Take the stress out of finishing up your college applications with these helpful tips on what to do and review before hitting submit!
- Top 10 College Admission Mistakes: There's nothing worse than sending in a college application only to find out later it had errors. Use this advice to nail your applications every time!
Step 12: Begin the financial aid process
This is the part that often provides students the most stress, but that’s why we have all the advice for you!
- The Best Advice and Resources for Filling Out the FAFSA: A link to another article of links? We know. But the FAFSA is its own beast to tackle, and we have all the best advice here.
- How to Get the Most Financial Aid Possible for Your College Education: Use these tips to maximize your funding opportunities for college!
- Financial Aid Application Mistakes Can Cost You: The financial aid process is complicated. You have to complete forms, meet deadlines, and include important details. Here's how to avoid making mistakes.
- Understanding (and Maximizing) Your College Financial Aid Package: Scholarships, loans, and grants...oh my. Here's how to decipher exactly what's in your financial aid package and how to maximize it to the fullest.
EARLY ONLINE COLLEGE FALL 2023
Earn community college course credits concurrently while an LCPS student. For your college transcript only, not for LCPS credit.
SUMMER CHECKLIST FOR RISING JUNIORS
Junior year of high school is a pivotal year for college planning and the admission process. It can be challenging to focus on getting good grades in challenging classes and prepping for the ACT and/or SAT.
Intensive summer test prep will set juniors up for success.
- With intensive summer prep, rising juniors can make big strides during the summer and then ease back on test prep when school starts. This strikes the perfect balance between maximizing test scores and ensuring strong grades.
- All juniors should plan to take the SAT between August and December.
- Ideally, students taking AP courses can finalize their SAT or ACT scores by the winter test dates so that they can focus on AP exam prep in the spring.
This summer is also the ideal time for rising juniors to engage with college admissions teams and demonstrate their interest in their goal colleges.
- Plan campus visits. Visiting several college campuses helps students to make informed college decisions. Taking an official tour also demonstrates interest in the school. Learn more about the value of demonstrated interest here.
- Research and attend virtual and local admissions events and college fairs.
- Contact admissions offices with meaningful questions about programs and campus life.
- Sign up for mailing lists and/or request information from schools of interest.
SUMMER CHECKLIST FOR RISING SOPHOMORES
For rising sophomores, this is the time to look ahead at college and career possibilities. By establishing a preliminary college list now, students can set and achieve the goals that will help them earn admission at their dream colleges.
For students who already have a dream school in mind:
- Research and create a list of five to seven additional schools based on the most attractive features of that dream school. For example, if the dream school has a prestigious business program, look into additional schools with strong business programs. Pay attention to size, location, campus life, specific major programs, and any other distinguishing characteristics.
- Fill in gaps on the school list. If, for example, the list is made up of mostly reach schools, it’s time to start exploring target and safety schools. Learn more about creating a balanced college list here.
For students who do not yet have specific goal schools in mind:
- Start researching schools using online resources, including school websites, virtual campus tours, and student reviews. Take notes about what seems appealing about the schools, like big vs. small, near vs. far, or online vs. in-person.
- Tour local school campuses. Even if there is no initial desire to attend one of the local colleges, touring the campus provides valuable insight into the things a student wants and needs in a school. Make campus visits count with these 5 things to do on every college visit.
Prepare for sophomore classes by reviewing performance in last year’s classes.
- Evaluate end of year grades to identify any gaps, especially in cumulative courses (math, science, foreign languages).
- Preview material for upcoming classes, especially any AP classes.
- Create a rigorous test-prep plan. Starting SAT prep now will allow rising sophomores to finalize their scores in 2023 before the transition to an entirely new Digital SAT test format in 2024.
Heritage High School
Email: carlina.chirufekel@lcps.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/hhscounseling
Location: 520 Evergreen Mill Road SE Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 571-252-2800
Facebook: facebook.com/HeritageHighSchoolVA
Twitter: @RoarPride