West Potomac High School Class of 2020 presentation

1. Class of 2020
Senior Presentation
West Potomac High School
Student Services Team

2. Planning for Life After
High School
2020 FCPS GAP YEAR FAIR

3. How to find the right pathway…
Finding the Right Fit
• Discuss options with your
family, counselor, friends,
and stop by the CCC!
• Academics
• Financial
• Campus Culture
• Location
Ways for Students to Find the
Right Fit
• College rep visits and
presentations at WP
• Naviance – Supermatch,
Scattergrams
• Visit college campuses
• Build and reflect on your
resume.
• Job Fairs
• Internships

4. 78% of WPHS graduates go
onto higher education
(50% go onto four year colleges
and 28% two year colleges).
College Stats at West Potomac

5. Northern Virginia Community
College
• 6 locations in addition to on-line options
• Areas of study include: Business &
Hospitality Management; Mathematics &
Computer Science; Physical & Life
Sciences; Liberal Arts, Languages and
Social Sciences; Fine Arts, Digital Media &
Design; Engineering & Applied
Technology; Education & Public Service;
Information Technology; Nursing & Health
Sciences.

6. NOVA Opportunities
• GPS for Success Program
• Connects students with a first year advisor to assist you in goal setting,
degree selection, academic planning, accessing student services and more.
• Alexandra Williams (GPS Outreach Specialist) at WP on the 2nd Tuesday of
each month.
• Pathway to the Baccalaureate:
• Increases access to higher education for selected, underrepresented
students from participating Northern Virginia high schools.
• Supports students who have both the motivation and capacity to earn a
bachelor’s degree.
• One-on-one meetings with a Pathway Counselor at participating high
schools to develop an individualized plan for college transition.
• Monique Peterson (Pathways Counselor) at WP on Wednesdays
throughout the year. Applications available soon!

7. Types of
Applications &
Decisions
• Methods of Applying:
• Early Decision (Binding) = 1
school
• Early Action (Non-Binding)
• Priority (Merit-Scholarships)
• Regular
• Rolling
• Early Applications may be:
• Accepted, Deferred,
Waitlisted or Denied to
General Admission
Applicant Pool

8. West
Potomac
College
Application
Checklist
 Application
 Application Fee
 Test Scores
 Official High School Transcript
 Personal Statement/Essay/Resume
 Counselor Letter of Recommendation
(if required)
 Teacher Letter of Recommendation (if
required)

9. Testing
• SAT and SAT Subject Tests –
Fall testing dates: 10/5*, 11/2, 12/7
– www.collegeboard.org
• ACT –
Fall testing dates: 9/14*, 10/26, 12/14
– www.actstudent.org
*Last dates to take exam before most EA Admission
Deadlines
• It is the student’s responsibility to send ALL
required test scores.

12. Requesting a Transcript
Step 1: Obtain a Transcript Request Form –
download off the WPHS website, google
classroom, or pick up one in Student Services
Step 2: Fill out the form completely
– Name of school you are applying to
– Application deadline
– How you are applying (ED, EA, RD, Rolling)
– How is the transcript sent?
• Edocs vs. Common App vs. Coalition vs. Mail

13. Requesting a Transcript
Step 3: Bring Transcript Request Form to school
counselor to clarify any questions and obtain
signature
Step 4: Bring Transcript Request Form and
Payment (if required) to Transcript Assistant, Ms.
Hofmann. She will provide you with a receipt for
payment (Office Hours M-Th, 8:30-1:30)

14. Letters of Recommendation
(if required)
• Counselor Letter of Recommendation
– Forms needed: Student and Parent/Guardian
Input forms
– Resume
• Teacher Letter of Recommendation
– Ask ahead of time and be sure to write a thank
you note!

15. Resources
• Your counselor!
• Naviance Student
– Sign up for college visits at WPHS
– College information
– Videos
– Scattergrams with data on college
admissions
– College searches
– Search for Scholarships
• College and Career Center

16. College and Career Center
• Go see Ms. Carter!
• College & Career Center Hours
– Monday - Friday 8:00 am-3:30 pm
– Seniors are welcome to eat lunch in the Center
• College information/Assistance with Admissions Process
• Testing information and study guides
• Scholarship and Financial Aid information
• Computers available for college/career exploration
• College Visits throughout the fall & spring
• Scholarship and Career Center information will be available on our
website
• SAT/ACT Fee Waivers for students on free and reduced lunch

17. Lunch ‘n Learn in the Career Center
Sessions will be on Thursdays during ALL lunch blocks!
Admissions Application Process
Using Naviance Student to Find the Right Fit
Completing WPHS Transcript Request Form
Common Application Workshop
The Essay - College Essay Workshop
How do I check the Status of my Admissions Application
Navigating College Website
Applying for Financial Aid
Scholarship Information
Cost of Attendance “How do I determine?”
ZeeMee (create a 2-3 minute video)

18. Financial Aid
Champion
Katrina Rowsey
khrowsey@fcps.edu
College and Career Center
Lunch Blocks
Starting in October
• Completing FAFSA
• CSS Profile

19. Senior Year - Timeline
• September:
– Register for SAT/ACT tests
– Narrow down choices to 4-6 schools
• October:
– Prepare applications for Early Action & Decision schools
– College Admissions Representative Visits to WPHS
– Visit Schools
• November/December:
– Keep grades up! 7th Semester issued early February
– Pay attention to application & transcript deadlines

20. Important Upcoming Dates
• September 16th-19th: Individual Senior
Meetings with Counselors through
Government classes
• September 26th: Region 3 Financial Aid
Information Night
• October 20th and 21st: FCPS College
Fair (Fair Oaks Mall) and FCPS College
Info Night (Hayfield Secondary)