Friday, December 16, 2016

PSAT Scores and Score Reports Available

PSAT score reports are available in the counseling office for students who took the PSAT at Voyager in October. Students may also view their scores through their individual College Board accounts.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The Brooks Scholarship


The Brooks Scholarship is open to High School seniors, from 14 qualifying counties, attending college in Fall 2017.  It is for students planning to attend NCSU, UNC-Chapel Hill, or UNC-Greensboro.  The deadline for submission is January 31, 2017 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A BROCHURE.

The application and more information can be accessed online at www.cfnc.org/brooks.
Should you have any questions, please contact Rashonn Albritton (ralbritton@ncseaa.edu).

Description
Established in 1955 by a Trust endowed by the late Aubrey Lee Brooks, these scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors from a 14-county area of North Carolina. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority provides central administration for the Brooks Foundation.

Eligibility
Awards are made annually to seventeen (17) graduating high school seniors who meet all of the following criteria:
  • Complete an Aubrey Lee Brooks Scholarship Application
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Plan to enroll as full-time students in a degree-granting program at N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, or UNC-Greensboro
  • Permanently reside and attend high school in one of the following counties: Alamance, Bertie, Caswell, Durham, Forsyth, Granville, Guilford, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Swain, or Warren

Of the 17 scholarships, one is awarded to a student from the areas of Greensboro and High Point and to a senior at the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics who is from an eligible county. Additional criteria include merit, leadership, character, and the desire of the recipient to prepare for a career as a useful and informed citizen.

Value
The scholarship provides for an award of about one-half the cost of an undergraduate education. The maximum award for the 2015-2016 academic year was $12,000.

Brooks Scholars may receive additional funding for summer internships, research or travel abroad, and a one-time computer stipend of $2,500. The scholarship is renewable, provided the recipient has continued financial need, remains enrolled full-time at an eligible institution, and maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average and good citizenship.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Free Online ACT Test Prep Event

All 11th grade students will take the ACT at VAHS on February  28, 2017.

Students can sign up to attend a free online event to help prepare for the ACT– a live session covering all four subject areas on the ACT test.

Expert instructors will outline the most commonly tested concepts on the ACT and provide an overview of the powerful interactive instruction available through ACT®Kaplan® Online Prep Live.


Kaplan Online ACT Test Prep

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Aveda Institute Scholarship




The AVEDA Institute Chapel Hill will be hosting our annual Horst Scholarship competition for high school seniors this spring. This is an opportunity for students who are interested in a career in the beauty industry to have the chance to win $10,000 toward their education. Attached are details regarding the scholarship. Please get this information out to your seniors. See below for more information.




Aveda Institute

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Pre-ACT Score Reports Available

All 10th grade students took the Pre-ACT on October 25 at VAHS.

The Pre-ACT Student Report shows relative strengths and weaknesses in four subject areas important for success in college. It also provides a predicted ACT composite score. Score reports are now available. Ms. O'Kane will begin returning and reviewing score reports with students during the week of December 5-9.  A booklet that explains how to interpret results will  also be provided. Students will be instructed to provide the reports and booklets to parents. Parents: Please review these reports with your students. For more information contact Ms. O'Kane or visit the ACT website listed below.  

*Notes
Only students who completed the online ACT Profile prior to the test administration will have results for the Career Map and Interest-Career Fit on page 2 of their score reports.

It is highly recommended for  ALL students to create an account with the ACT in order to have access to important ACT information.    

ACT

           

PSAT/NMSQT Scores Will Be Available Soon


On December 12, students who provided their email address on their PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet will receive an email reminder from the College Board explaining where and how to view their scores. Students can set up a free College Board account at any time.


CAD Design/Drafting Competion

The Durham Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in partnership with the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) is sponsoring a CAD Design Drafting Awards competition for high school students for the 2016‐2017 school years. The contest provides recognition to students for creative design, successful problem solving, and craftsmanship in preparing architectural drawings and renderings. Drawings may be submitted for Regional Competition. Regional winners will be submitted for NEF National Competition.

See Ms. O'Kane in A-128 for more infromation



Summer Ventures

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As a rising high school junior or senior, you live on a college campus for four weeks in the summer and conduct research around topics of your interest — while enjoying the company of like-minded peers.  

Additional Information and applications can be found here:

NCSSM Summer Ventures




Wednesday, November 30, 2016

FAFSA Support

If you missed out on getting assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on October 29th – FAFSA Day, additional help is on the way.  State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) will be offering its support to college-bound students and families the week of December 5th – 9th during normal business hours in all 257 offices statewide.  Branch personnel will be available throughout the week to answer questions and help with the completion and electronic filing of the FAFSA for the 2017-2018 college academic year.

The annual FAFSA event is a program offered by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NCASFAA) and State Employees’ Credit Union.  SECU’s seven-year partnership with CFNC and NCASFAA to offer free volunteer assistance continues to be successful in raising community awareness, providing access and the opportunity for student families to complete the FAFSA, a required document to be considered for all federal and most state financial aid for college, career school or graduate school.


Duke University Perry Outreach Program (encouraging young women to explore Medicine & Engineering)

We’re very excited to announce an upcoming Perry Outreach Program on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Duke University in Durham, NC. The Perry Outreach Program is a free, one-day, hands-on experience for high school and college-aged women who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine and engineering. Students will hear from women leaders in these fields and try it for themselves by performing mock orthopaedic surgeries and biomechanics experiments.

We are now seeking applicants for our Durham, NC program. Participants should be women in grades 10 and up with an expressed interest in science, medicine and/or engineering.  Applicants should be directed to fill out our online application in advance of the January 25, 2017 application deadline.

Additional information can be found on our website: www.perryinitiative.org.

The application may be accessed directly using the following link: 

Friday, November 18, 2016

Free College Application Week Extended!

College Application Week has been extended through 5:00 pm Tuesday, November 22nd.  Due to the high volume of applications, CFNC experienced some technical difficulties in the first part of the CAW week, however, these have been addressed and entering information should be faster now.  We feel it is important to extend CAW in order for your students to complete applications that have been started or begin new applications. The extension will include this coming weekend through 5:00 pm Tuesday, November 22nd.

All colleges have extended fee waivers and information has been posted at Participating Colleges and Universities All students who started an application since Monday morning, but had not submitted will receive an email announcing the extension and encouraging them to complete their applications through the CFNC Application Hub. The CAW extension information can also be found at CFNC. org. I wanted to alert all of you directly so you can assist your students with their applications. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Extra Help: College Admissions

Applications deadlines are approaching.

Read this informative bulletin from U.S. News to learn about:

Deciding where to go to college
Tips for adding Safety Schools
Applying for scholarships
College Rankings
Finding the right college fit

US News College Report

Monday, November 14, 2016

Senior Parent Night Infomation

VAHS had a great turn out for the Senior Parent Night last Wednesday! If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information that was presented by Dr. Nolan and Ms. O'Kane, the power point presentations are available below. The presentation by funding consultant, Anthony To Hong is not available, but the information that he presented  can be found on
the CFC website

Ms. O'Kane also has packets of information in her office for anyone who wants one.

Graduation Requirements

College Application Information




   

What Parents and Students Need to Know About The New SAT

The new SAT is under way! Read below to learn about the new scoring, changes to the number of sections and more. Tips on how to prepare and take the test are also provided.

New SAT Information

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Virginia Tech, Admissions Visit

A representative from Virginia Tech will be on campus Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 12:00-12:30 to meet with students who would like to learn more about undergraduate programs and the application process. Come to room A-149 during lunch to learn more about what Hokie Life is all about!    

Students with Disabilities Preparing for PostSecondary Education

More and more high school students with disabilities are planning to continue their education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges, and universities. As a student with a disability, you need to be well informed about your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you. Being well informed will help ensure you have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience without confusion or delay. 

US Dept Of Education Information about Post secondary Info.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Senior Parent Night 11/9/2016

Don't miss senior parent night on Weds. Nov, 9 from 6:00-8:00.
We will gather in the gym for a brief welcome, then move by assigned groups through three different information sessions. See the link below for details.

VAHS Senior Parent Night Agenda

Expert College Admissions Advice

Parents: 
Your child may need help juggling high school classes and extracurriculars while researching and applying to colleges. Keep your teen on track with expert college admissions advice from U.S. News delivered to your email inbox twice a month. 

Sign up for the US News College Admissions email Newsletter to receive expert advice for you and your senior.

Sign Up Here

Read the May newsletter as a sample. This issue has great advice on how to pay for college.   

Sample US News Article

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

UNC Catalyst Conference

Every year, the Catalyst Conference brings a select group of 100 high school students from across North Carolina to UNC-CH for a weekend-long exploration of social justice issues affecting both America and the larger world. Through leadership and personal development sessions, participants are empowered to serve as catalysts for positive change in their own communities.
When: Friday, February 17 - Sunday, February 19
Where: UNC campus in Chapel Hill, NC
Cost : $50 registration fee to help with some of the costs of food and housing for the weekend. Please let us know if you have an interested student with financial need as we may be able to offer a scholarship.
Apply bySaturday, November 26
Online ApplicationCatalyst Application

The Catalyst Conference is part of a larger UNC-CH umbrella service organization known as Campus Y. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Catalyst Conference website at unccatalyst.wordpress.com. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Catalyst-Co-Chairs Brianna Torres and Kirsten Bubak at unccatalyst@gmail.com.
We hope that your students will take advantage of these upcoming opportunities, and we thank you for your assistance in letting students know about them.

Splash UNC


Intellectually curious high school students are invited to Splash UNC, an annual event on UNC campus featuring unique classes taught by UNC students. From college admissions to self-defense to DNA, and beyond, students have over 100 classes from which to choose.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 
Where: UNC campus in Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: $15 program fee to cover the cost of course materials and lunch. Financial assistance is provided to students with need. A student may request financial assistance by emailing splashunc@gmail.com
Register bySaturday, November 5
Online registration: To view the course catalog, enroll in the program, and find a list of FAQs, students should visit the Splash UNC website at splash.web.unc.edu.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship


 The application period is now open!

Current high school seniors are eligible for our College Scholarship Program. Recipients are awarded up to $40,000 per year to complete their bachelor's degree, in addition to opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding.




Information and Application

Monday, October 31, 2016

Summer at Duke

Use your summer to prepare for college, learn from renowned professors, and experience a truly international program.  Last Summer over 500 lucky high school students spent the month of July at Duke University taking classes, going on excursions, enjoying great residential activities, and making friends from around the world!  


Visit our website to review the 2017 programs dates and details:

If you are currently in Grades 10 or  11, you can take classes with Duke Professors and earn college credit through Summer College. 
 
If you are currently in grades 9 -12, you can enjoy personal enrichment classes with a global perspective through Summer Academy.

Acne Scholarship


Facing Acne’s first annual scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year. Our scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Are US Citizens
  • Currently enrolled as either a high school senior OR a college student at an accredited US based college or University
  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or expect to receive their high school diploma before the 2017-2018 school year begins
  • Have and maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA





Applications are due by March 31, 2017, and the winner of the $2,000 scholarship will be notified in April of 2017. For more details about how to apply, please see our website: http://www.facingacne.com/scholarships/

Durham YouthWorks Summitt

Durham youth, ages 14 to 24, and their parents/guardians are invited to register for the 2016 Durham YouthWork Summit, a free event designed to help youth explore and learn about various careers, community resources, and educational opportunities. Youth attending the Summit will get priority consideration for summer internships. Youth can also win prizes including gift cards and one larger prize. Participants should dress in business casual attire.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

College Application Work Sessions

Starting Tuesday Nov. 1 all seniors are encouraged to attend College Application Work Session in room A-149 during lunch. The school counselor will be available to assist with all application questions and needs.

 


College Application Work Sessions
Tuesdays in Room A-149

Seniors!
  • Complete your college applications
  • Bring your laptops
  • Work on college essays
  • Explore colleges and admission requirements
  • Learn how/when to register for entrance exams
  • Get advice and inspiration from other students   

  



UNCG Admissions Representative Visit

A Representative form UNCG will be on campus Tuesday, November 1 during lunch in room A-129.
Come and find out more about what it's like to be a Spartan!

About the freshman class

  • Here is the profile of UNCG's average admitted freshman (Fall 2015)*:
    • Average HS GPA: 3.66 (weighted)
    • SAT middle 50% ranges:
    • 480-580 critical reading
    • 480-570 math
    • Average ACT: 23
  • UNCG received 10,567 freshman applications for the Fall 2015 semester; fifty-nine percent of these applicants were admitted. The Fall 2015 freshman class included 2,744 students.
*Please note that the numbers above are averages, so many admitted students will have higher or lower profiles.

http://www.uncg.edu/ 



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Senior Parent Night

LendEDU Finalcial Aid Video Course





FINANCIAL AID, SCHOLARSHIPS, & STUDENT LOANS 101 COURSE




LENDEDU Financial aid video course

LEND EDU Financial Aid Hotline





LendEDU has launched a new tool to help students and families navigate financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans. The tool, known as LendEDU Financial Aid Hotline , is a free text-in service designed to quickly answer any question related to financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Simply text-in your financial aid questions to the hotline at (302) 278-4037, and you will receive a detailed response from our team within 15 minutes!

During non-business hours, students and families can receive detailed responses within 24 hours. The LendEDU Financial Aid Hotline is a free service paid for and managed by the LendEDU team.
Give it a try!

LENDEDU website

Monday, October 24, 2016

Don't miss FAFSA Day Oct. 29



College-bound NC students can get free help with financial aid forms. 

Each year, financial aid administrators volunteer their time to help students at the FAFSA Day event, which this year happens on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in most locations. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a document that is required when college-bound students seek grants or loans to cover the cost of college.
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article110239397.html#storylink=cpy


In the Triangle, sessions will be held at Wake Technical Community College, William Peace University, N.C. Central University and the Orange County campus of Durham Technical Community College. 

Don't miss this t fantastic opportunity for all Voyager students and families!

FAFSA Day Information



Voyager HS Cap and Gown Orders

Seniors met today during Advisory with a representative from Herff Jones. Each student received a packet with an order form for their Caps and Gowns. The packets include a wide range of  optional items and pricing options. Please review the information carefully before completing the  2017 Senior Order Form provided. Sections 1,4,5 are required for cap and gown orders. A representative from Herff Jones will be back at Voyager on Monday 10/31/2016 during lunch to collect the orders and answer any questions.    

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Student Athlete Information

Are you a HS student who wants to play college sports? Learn what it takes to reach the top of your game!

NCAA Eligibility Center  

Friday, October 21, 2016

NCHSSA Awards, Recognition & Student Scholarships

For Students

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Summer Ventures in Science and Math

Summer Ventures in Science and Math (SVSM)

Attention Juniors: 

SVSM provides an opportunity for students to foster identified interests in science and math with its enriched program in a university research setting. SVSM is competitive entry by application only. Selected students participate in a rigorous, four week academic program intended to reward and stimulate students who have already demonstrated their commitment to academic growth and development in science and mathematics. The admissions committee evaluates both your academic record and your motivation to pursue science and math activities beyond the classroom.

SVSM is a state-supported initiative and there are no costs for participants.Students who are selected will live on campus for the duration of the program and will be assigned to one of the following schools: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, or UNC-Charlotte.

Applications are to be completed online and can be accessed at www.summerventures.org. The application deadline is January 15th.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

CFNC College Planning For Parents




It's time to discover useful tools to help your child plan, apply and pay for college!

CFNC.org


Governor's School Information and Deadlines

Who can be nominated for Governor’s School?
For eligibility, a student must be a legal North Carolina resident enrolled in eleventh grade in a North Carolina school. There are some exceptions made for tenth grade students in certain nomination areas. Also, the student must have a qualifying score on an approved achievement test. See page 7 for more details.

How is a student nominated for Governor’s School?
Students are nominated only by their school/school system, not by a parent or any other individual. The nomination process has multiple steps at the school and district levels. Teachers, principals, and counselors nominate students to the local public school superintendent, charter school director, or private school headmaster. (If a discipline studied at Governor’s School is not offered in an individual high school, a student still may request to be nominated in that discipline. All nominees must meet the criteria established for the N.C. Governor’s School.) The school/school system determines which of its nominees will be sent for final selection at the state level. NOTE: These schools/school systems are allowed and may elect to use additional methods (e.g., aptitude tests, other measures, local auditions, interviews, etc.) to determine these nominees.

2017 Session Deadlines: All nominations must be submitted by November 15, 2016 

Monday, October 17, 2016

VAHS Class Ring Orders

A representative from Herff Jones was on campus today and provided information for Juniors and Seniors who wish to order class rings. They will be back at Voyager on Monday October 24 during lunch and after school to assist with ring orders and explain payment options. Be sure to review the booklets that were  provided for all the information and options.

Parents and students can also find the information below

Herff Jones website  

Friday, October 14, 2016

Washington and Lee Univ. Info. Session

Washington and Lee University would like to announce an upcoming information session in your area. There will be a short presentation by an admissions counselor, who will be joined by W&L alumni to answer any questions you may have concerning the university.

Sunday, October 23rd 
3:00-5:00

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley
4500 Marriott Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27612


Please visit https://access.wlu.edu/register/Raleigh to sign up.

UNC-Asheville Info. Session

UNC-Asheville will host an information session on October 18th at 7pm. The purpose of the event is to provide more detailed information regarding the admissions process, academics, and university life at UNC-Asheville. It will be held at...

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel
2515 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713

To rsvp, e-mail Andrew Johnson at aajohnso@unca.edu.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Discover Textiles at NC State

College of Textiles Fall Open House

Oct. 15, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We invite you and your family to explore the College of Textiles during our annual Open House. Come enjoy a full day of events and presentations designed to introduce you to the exciting world of textiles and the many opportunities available to textiles students at NC State.
Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to talk with the our faculty, staff and students as you tour the College.
  • Tour our high-tech labs and classrooms, observe demonstrations and get hands-on experience with textiles
  • Learn how our scholarship program can make college more affordable
  • Discover internships, career and research opportunities
  • Where will textiles take you? Hear about Study Abroad
  • Visit Hunt Library – one of the most technologically advanced libraries in the world
  • No pre-registration required
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2016
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Location: College of Textiles – Centennial Campus, 1020 Main Campus Dr Raleigh, NC 27695

Monday, October 3, 2016

Financial Aid For College

               FAFSA Day - Saturday, October 29, 2016

If you're going to college in the 2017-18 academic year and need help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we'll make it easy. College Foundation of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and State Employees' Credit Union are offering free programs to help you complete and submit this important form. 


Friday, September 30, 2016

Scholarship Program Open!

 The application period opened today for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program. This is the largest undergraduate scholarship in the nation, providing up to $40,000 per year for four years of study for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.

The application period will remain open until Nov. 30.



Tuesday, September 27, 2016

CFNC College Application Week



College Application Week will be held beginning at 7am on November 14 through November 18th at 5pm. During this time, the following colleges/universities will waive their application fees for any North Carolina senior who applies using cfnc.org...

Barton College
Bennett College
Belmont Abbey College
Brevard College
Catawba College
Chowan University
Davidson College
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
Greensboro College
Guilford College
Johnson C. Smith University
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Livingstone College
Mars Hill University
Meredith College
Methodist College
Montreat College
NC A&T State University
NC Central University
NC Wesleyan College
Salem College
St. Andrew's University
University of Mount Olive
Warren Wilson College
William Peace University
Wingate University
Winston Salem State University

NC State Open House

NC State Open House

Interested in NC State University? If so, attend their Open House which will be held on October 15th from 9:00-2:00. Visit ncsu.edu/openhouse to learn more.