2020 NC Governor's School Information

The North Carolina Governors School is a 5½-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades.

The North Carolina Governor's School is the nation's oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 335 students each: Governor's School West at High Point University in High Point, and Governor's School East at Meredith College in Raleigh. The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Exceptional Children Division. A Board of Governors, appointed by the State Board of Education, acts as an advisory body.

Interested Juniors can see Ms. O'Kane or check the link below. 

Nomination and Selection Process.

Interested in Applying to UNC Chapel Hill?

Below is a link provided to counselors across North Carolina to provide updates on the new application cycle and to show how we review applications to get to know students. This is a helpful resource for anyone interested in applying to Carolina. 



https://youtu.be/Au25i-BY9tY

CFNC Scholarship List

List of Scholarships

Featured Webinar - How To Find Scholarships    

General Scholarships 
Scholarships for Students with Special Needs 
Programs for Military and Their Dependents 
Programs for Graduates and Professional Students 
Forgivable Loans for Service 





https://www.cfnc.org/paying/schol/all_schols.jsp#professional

CFNC Webinar: How To Find Scholarships

THE FAFSA OPENS OCT 1!!

The College Foundation of North Carolina prepared a webinar on how to find scholarships and grants. We'll talk about . The different types of scholarships, both need and merit based . Federal and state financial aid programs . Financial aid basics . Where to find scholarships . Where to find private scholarships . What to put on private scholarship applications and interview tips . Plus, CFNC.org tools and website information If you have any questions about scholarships and grants, call CFNC.org at 866-866-2362.


https://youtu.be/8AzG57S-liQ

The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to College

Extra Help: College Admissions

Helping parents get their teen to college

Sept. 24, 2019

• Complete the FAFSA
• Fill Out the Common App
• Write a Standout College Essay
• Ask for Recommendation Letters
• Learn the Ins and Outs of Financial Aid
• Decipher College Tuition Costs
• Find Scholarships to Pay for College

NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program Click it or Ticket Scholar-Athlete Essay Contest

DEADLINE: Monday, September 30 at 11:59 pm

Student-Athletes can write a 400-word or less essay for a chance to win prizes from the NCHSAA! Here is the prompt: As a scholar athlete, describe the misconceptions teens have about seatbelt usage. As their peer, what are some practical ways you could encourage them to wear their seatbelt every time they get into a vehicle?

Click here for the Scholar-Athlete Essay Competition application !

Learn more about the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program Scholar-Athlete Program here! 

NC Governor's School

The North Carolina Governors School is a 5½-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades.

The North Carolina Governor's School is the nation's oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 335 students each: Governor's School West at High Point University in High Point, and Governor's School East at Meredith College in Raleigh. The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Exceptional Children Division. A Board of Governors, appointed by the State Board of Education, acts as an advisory body.

• "It's a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and focus on learning in an area you care about, living in an environment in which learning is not required, but encouraged and enjoyed. While school's strict expectations and rigid nature can be suffocating, the Governor's School atmosphere is light and elicits natural growth." — Governor's School East student, 2019
• "Governor's School is the best venture I have ever taken part in. You're surrounded by wonderful and intelligent people and staff who make you strive to be a better and more complete person. The curriculum is challenging and will give you even more of a thirst for knowledge." — Governor's School West student, 2019

Governor's School offers amazing educational opportunities to selected students in eleven different academics and arts disciplines. Each student's chosen discipline becomes their Area I class. See the Area I descriptions below and then review the associated pages (i.e., Areas II and III; Electives & Seminars; Speakers & Convocations; Student Life & Daily Schedule) to understand the fullness of this robust and unique program, profoundly impacting the lives and education of hundreds of North Carolina's brightest high school students every summer.

Nomination Packets for the summer of 2020 will be available soon.!

http://www.ncgovschool.org/

Durham College Fair 9/29

Students and parents are encouraged to attend the Durham College Fair!

Sunday, September 29 at the Durham Convention Center. 

Go to meet representatives  from over 75 colleges and universities without leaving Durham!

This is a great chance to figure  out which college is right for you.

 To register, log on to GoToCollegeFairs.Com.

EVENT MATERIALS

1. A complete listing of participating institutions | http://bit.ly/DPSDurhamCollegeFair2019
2. Event flyer | Click Here

Helpful ACT Resources

The ACT is a standardized test used by almost all of the colleges in the United States to assess a student’s success in college. It was first introduced back in 1959 and all colleges and universities in the United States now accept the ACT for students applying for admission. 

The ACT is administered free of charge to all VAHS Juniors in the spring as part of our State Testing Program. Scores from this test can be submitted for college applications. Often times student will re-take the ACT  a second time through a National Test Center in order to improve their scores  or "Superscore" their subtests to enhance their college admission chances.      

Because of how many students are taking the ACT every year, some of the best colleges and universities in the country require applicants to have scores of over 27 or within the 10% of those who took the test. The minimum composite score  all of the UNC System colleges is 17.  As such, students  need to know how to do well on the ACT in order to conquer the exam . One way of doing so is to take note of the  ACT tips and test taking strategies listed below. 

 (by the way, if you’d prefer to read our list of SAT tips, you check them out here).

Conqueryourexam.com/act-tips

See ACT National Test Center dates for registration and additional study prep at

http://www.act.org/

A Great Career in Less than a Year

The Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program, sponsored by Duke University School of Medicine, is an affordable 51-week accelerated certificate program with tremendous advantages and career advancement opportunities.

High school graduates interested in an allied health career are encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits Certificate from Duke University School of Medicine Clinic rotations after 3 months of classroom time Hands on experience in a fast-paced environment at a top ranked eye center Outstanding career advancement opportunities More than 90% of our graduates placed within one month of graduation

Please visit the website or contact me with questions about the program. I look forward to hearing from you and your interested students!

Durham College Fair sept 29, 2019 1-3

Sunday, September 29 at the Durham Convention Center for the Durham College Fair.
Come and meet representatives from over 75 colleges and universities without leaving Durham! This is a great chance to figure out which college is right for you. To register, log on to GoToCollegeFairs.Com.

EVENT MATERIALS

1. A complete listing of participating institutions | http://bit.ly/DPSDurhamCollegeFair2019
2. Event flyer | Click Here

9 Days to a Less Stressed You

Are you feeling stressed? Check out these small steps to help find some peace: 



9 Days to a Less Stressed You

Resources for Re-taking the ACT

If a student is  taking the test again because something didn’t go quite right and they want different results, students need to focus on all aspects of the testing experience. This means evaluating their previous preparation–academically, strategically, mentally, and physically–and knowing which areas they need to improve to get a better score.

They may need to focus on one area more than another, but by assessing all of the key areas, they'll have a much better chance of giving the ACT the one-two (three-four) punch on their retake and avoid the frustration of the same old result.

For a firsthand account of several successful ACT retake strategies, watch the embedded video below!

How to Study for an ACT Re-Take

Sallie mae: Paying for College Resource

Use this resource to learn about how to responsibly pay for college. Explore important, timely topics find answers to your questions about planning for college.

Students could win $1,000 for college simply by registering for our college planning tools. 1

Register now

Paying For College Resources

UNC Charlotte Levine Scholars Program

The Levine Scholars Program seeks outstanding high school seniors who are eager to embark on a transformative college experience. Requirements include:

• Students must be applicants for freshman enrollment at UNC Charlotte in an undergraduate program for the fall term immediately following their high school graduation. Note: Students must be admitted to UNC Charlotte to receive a Levine Scholarship.
   
• Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
   
• Students must demonstrate a commitment to community service, hold an academic record that reflects a sustained passion for knowledge, and possess a capacity for ethical leadership that elevates fellow students to a higher standard.
   
• While there are no minimum SAT, ACT or grade point averages to apply for the Levine Scholarship, students must excel academically and show evidence of experience, motivation and commitment toward the ideals of the program. 

https://levinescholars.uncc.edu/apply

College Foundation of NC College Fairs

Chapel Hill College Fair
September 17, 2019
6:30pm - 8:30pm
UNC Chapel Hill - Dean Smith Center
300 Skipper Bowles Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 



Durham County Schools College Fair
September 29, 2019
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Durham Convention Center
301 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701 

Triangle Kickoff to College & Career in collaboration with Art of Cool Fest 2019

Saturday, September 28, 2019. 9 am. Durham Armory.

COLLEGE & SCHOLARSHIP FAIR. CAREER & MILITARY EXPO. EDUCATION RESOURCE SHOWCASE.

Learn what it takes to get into college, about different careers and how to get involved in your community via service opportunities! Parents and students can attend and learn what it takes to get into college, about different careers, and how to get involved in the community via service opportunities! Attendees can attend multiple breakout sessions to learn about college admissions, financial aid, and more. Colleges and universities will be represented at a college fair and available to speak with students about opportunities at their institutions. Student athletes will have access to recruitment professionals who can answer questions about eligibility for scholarships. Find out about applying for college scholarships. A host of community organizations will be available to discuss volunteer and service opportunities that can help students explore different career paths and build resumes that demonstrate their gifts outside the classroom. 

Extra Help: College Admissions

College Application Season Is Here

A new school year is upon us. As your family continues to narrow down your teen's list of school options, check out the 2020 Best Colleges rankings - released today. See which schools comprise the top ranks of National Universities and National Liberal Arts Colleges.

With the Common App open, students would be wise to wrangle letters of recommendation from trusted teachers and sharpen their resume before college. Here’s a look at how students can get started on soliciting letters of recommendation. Hot tip: They should start asking soon.

Assistance with the FAFSA

The FAFSA launches on October 1. The NC campus financial aid offices are holding multiple events, including FAFSA Day on October 26, 2019, to assist students and families with FAFSA completion. Attached is a flyer where students/families can receive assistance with financial aid/FAFSA completion. The flyer includes a link asking students/families to complete a VERY short form – name, email, county of residence, and how they wish to be contacted. Once they  receive a request, they will reach out to the financial aid office on the campuses of the designated counties. The financial aid office will then send information on the events in the family’s area.

FAFSA Assistance

Free Annual HBCU College Fair

Free Annual HBCU College Fair September 21:  Raleigh-Broughton High School

The Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair will be 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, September 21, at the Holiday Gymnasium at Broughton High School, 723 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC. 

This free event is open to the public and sponsored by the Sigma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

An informal “meet and greet” session with light continental breakfast will be held at 8:30 AM. 

For more information and to RSVP, contact Stephanie Davenport, at 919-210-7606 or Stepd65@gmail.com or Linda Simmons-Henry, at 919-889-8212 or lshenry25@gmail.com

PSAT for Juniors

VAHS will be offering the PSAT to interested 11th grade students.  The PSAT test will take place on Wednesday, October 16th, beginning at 8:00am in the High School Commons. The test will only be offered once and there is no make-up date. Students who choose to take the PSAT will be excused for that portion of the school day. Parents may register their student at https://forms.gle/tVACLzay2aabfoCz7 . The cost of the exam is $16.

The PSAT is a practice test that prepares students for success on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Additional information for students and parents about the PSAT can be found at https://www.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt. 

Additionally, Juniors who do very well on the PSAT may qualify for the NMSQT Scholarship Competition. Test results are usually received in December. Students will receive their test book back as well as a score report that gives specific information about their correct/incorrect answers, difficulty level of questions and content each question assessed. VAHS counselor, Jill O'Kane will make arrangements to distribute and explain results to students.

Questions regarding the PSAT administration, should go to Laura Howell, VA Testing/Accountability Coordinator.

(click here for printable version)

Davidson College Scholarships

THE BELK SCHOLARSHIP

The John M. Belk Scholarship, Davidson’s flagship merit program, covers the comprehensive costs of attending Davidson (room, board, tuition and fees) – valued in 2019-2020 at over $67,000.

Belk Scholars are game changers – recognized for outstanding intellectual ability, leadership skill, commitment to service, personal vigor, and potential for impact.

• Nomination Deadline (your school may nominate one or two students) – November 1, 2019.
• Nominees’ Admission Application Deadline –November 22, 2019.

THE BRYAN SCHOLARSHIP

The Lowell Bryan Scholarships are offered to two scholar-athletes (one woman and one man) in each entering class and valued at $35,000 annually.

Bryan Scholars are chosen on the basis of academic and personal excellence and potential for impact in their sport in Davidson’s NCAA Division I athletic program.

• Nomination Deadline (your school may nominate up to three students) – September 27, 2019.
• Nominees’ Admission Application Deadline – must be completed and received in our office no later than 5:00 p.m., October 15, 2019.
• Finalists will participate in selection interviews on campus on November 3, 2019.

2019 Annual Health Careers Symposium

A Symposium for High School Students, Counselors, and Educators

The Volunteer Association of UNC Health Care is pleased to offer the Health Careers Symposium again this year as a unique opportunity to high school students interested in pursuing a health career. Neonatal Critical Care will be the morning topic, followed by a tour of our many hospitals and departments, as well as hands-on experience with our patient simulators.

Registration

To register, fill out and return the registration form. If you have questions or would like to have information sent directly to you, please contact us at volsvcs@unch.unc.edu or by telephone (984) 974-4793.

• Confidentiality Statement
• Patient Photograph/video & Information Release Authorization Forms

During the Symposium

The symposium will be held Thursday, October 17, 2019. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. in Carrington Hall, UNC School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The program will include:

• Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m.
• Lunch provided by Chick-fil-A
• Afternoon hospital tours
• The program will be completed by 2:30 p.m.

Residency Determination Required for College Applications

Residency

To be eligible for in-state tuition, state grants, and certain financial aid, you must show that you are a resident of North Carolina. Go to www.ncresidency.org to complete your residency determination, also known as RDS. This is important regardless of what college or university you may attend in North Carolina. You will use the same username and password for www.ncresidency.org and www.CFNC.org.

Visit NC Residency Site

Comparison of RDS and FAFSA

The 2019 National College Match application is due on September 26, 2019.

The National College Match

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach? The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship from the college. Watch our video to learn more:

Why apply through QuestBridge? The National College Match application gives you extra space to tell your unique story as a student who has excelled academically despite financial hardship. Our college partners are actively seeking students like you. If admitted to a college partner through the Match or QuestBridge Regular Decision, you will join a supportive community of thousands of other QuestBridge Scholars currently attending our college partners.