The Plan

• See your counselor as soon as possible at the beginning of senior year to discuss your post-secondary options - 4 year college, 2-year college, military options, employment
• If you are planning to attend a 2-year college, discuss NOVA's Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program with your counselor.  This program provides a supportive environment for a smooth transition for students from high school through Northern Virginia Community College to George Mason University or other 4-year colleges
• If you are applying to a 4-year college or need a counselor recommendation for a scholarship,  you must complete the mandatory Counselor Recommendation Packet.  If you need a teacher recommendation, you must talk with your teacher and complete any information, he/she requests.  Don't wait until the last minute to request recommendations
• Complete student activity resume or career resume
• Take appropriate college entrance exams and make sure you send test results to colleges
• Write personal essays
• Complete applications
• Spend time in the career center researching post-secondary school options
• Talk with college representatives and visit college campuses.  Meet with college representatives that come to Herndon from September through November.   
• Attend college information programs
• Attend local job fairs
• Attend a financial aid workshop
• Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year
• Complete and return CSS Profile application in the fall if applying to a college using this system
• Apply for scholarships - Examine information available on individual college websites regarding financial aid, scholarships, and other payment options
• Keep Senior year grades up!  Mid-year grades are used by college for admission