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: 

http://perryinitiative.org/programs/student-online-application/.

Free College Application Week Extended!

College Application Week has been extended through 5:00 pm Tuesday, November 22^nd.  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 22^nd.

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. 

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

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

North Carolina College Application Week

Check the CFNC website below to Learn about applying to NC Colleges for free.

CFNC College Application Week

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.

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

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 by: Saturday, November 26
Online Application: Catalyst 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 by: Saturday, 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