This document provides information to help seniors at West Potomac High School plan for life after graduation. It outlines various post-secondary options including 4-year universities, 2-year community colleges, career and technical schools, the military, employment, apprenticeships, and gap years. It provides details on the application process, testing, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resources for researching colleges and financial aid. Over 87% of West Potomac graduates go on to higher education with the majority attending 4-year institutions. The document concludes with an upcoming senior timeline and important application dates.

1. Class of 2018
Senior Presentation
West Potomac High School
Student Services Team

2. Planning for Life After
High School
• 4-Year Schools
• Bachelors Degree
• In State vs. Out of State
• 2-Year Schools
• Associates Degree
• NOVA Pathways
• Career and Technical School
• Career Specific Certifications
• Culinary, Cyber Security, Truck Driving

3. Planning for Life After
High School Cont.
• Military
• Enlisting, ROTC, and Service Academies
• ASVAB November and March
• Employment
• Entry Level Careers, Internships etc..
• Apprenticeship
• Classroom Instruction and on the job training
• Gap Year
• Service learning experience or program completed
after high school.

4. 87% of WPHS graduates go
onto higher education
(54% go onto four year colleges
and 33% two year colleges).
OP E N IN G O F YEAR EDUCATO R R ALLY
College Success

5. SENIORS!
PATHWAY TO THE BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM
could be a Great Idea for you if you are:
•Thinking about college but are confused about the
process
•Interested in Guaranteed Admission to participating
Virginia colleges, including George Mason University
•Planning to complete a Bachelor’s Degree
•Want to start out at NOVA and transfer to a four year
university
Applications will be available after September 14
www.nvcc.edu/pathway

6. Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program
 Individual meetings and monthly workshops with
Pathway Counselor on college transition issues,
including choosing a major, the application process,
and preparation for placement tests
 Assistance applying for and processing financial aid,
scholarships, and NOVA payment plan
 Early placement testing and priority course
registration for your first semester at NOVA
 Pathway activities/events at NOVA and George Mason
University

7. PATHWAY COUNSELOR
Name: Mrs. Zuaso
Day at West Potomac: Wednesdays
Time available: 8:30 am-3:30pm
Application Due:
November 9, 2017

8. 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

9. West Potomac University Checklist
Application
Application Fee
Test Scores
Official High School Transcript
Personal Statement/Essay/Resume
Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Teacher Letter of Recommendation

10. Testing
• SAT and SAT Subject Tests
– www.collegeboard.org
• October 1st, November 4th
• ACT
– www.actstudent.org
• September 9th, October 28th
• It’s the students responsibility to send all
required test scores through testing website

12. Requesting a Transcript
Step 1: Obtain a Transcript Request Form –
download off the WPHS website 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. Mail

13. Edocs vs Common App vs Mail
Family Connection will tell you how we submit
transcripts to each school.

14. Requesting a Transcript
Step 3: Bring Transcript Request Form to
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.

15. Letters of Recommendation
• Counselor Letter of Recommendation
– Forms needed: Student and Parent Input forms in
Senior Handbook
• Teacher Letter of Recommendation
– Ask ahead of time and be sure to write a thank
you note!

16. Resources
• Your counselor!
• Family Connections
– 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

17. 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
• 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 web site
• SAT/ACT Waivers for students on free and reduced lunch

18. Lunch ‘n Learns in the Career Center
Sessions will be on Thursdays
Using Family Connection to Find the Right Fit
Completing WPHS Transcript Request Form
Common Application
The Essay - College Essay Workshop September 21st 3:15-4:00pm
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)

19. Financial Aid Champion
• Dale Schmidt
• drschmidt@fcps.edu
• College and Career Center
• About two lunch hours per week
• Starting in October
• By appointment before October

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

21. Important Upcoming Dates
• September 18th – 21st: Individual Senior Meetings
with Counselors through Government classes
• October 4th: Financial Aid Night 7:00PM @ Lee
High School
• October 5th: Transcript request DEADLINE for
November 1st applications
• October 15th: FCPS College Fair 7:30PM @ Fair
Oaks Mall
• October 16th: FCPS College Night 7:00PM @
Hayfield Secondary School