Brooke Point High School
Senior Handbook
2015-2016
“As One”
Presented by:
The Counseling Department
1
Brooke Point High School
Senior Handbook
Table of Contents
Welcome Seniors and Introduction…………………………………..………….. 1
Tips & Tidbits …………………………………………………………………… 2
Naviance Instructions……………………………………………………………… 3
The World of Work …………………………………………………………....... 4
Requesting a job interview / The Resume ………………………………………. 5
The Job interview ………..………………………………………………………. 6
Common interview questions… …………………………………………………. 7
Local Military Recruiters …………………………………………………………. 8
Technical/Trade & Business schools ……………………………………………. 9
Community Colleges. ……………………………………………………………. 11
Guaranteed Admissions program…. …………………………………………….. 13
Four year colleges/universities …………………………………………………… 14
When should I apply?............................................................................................... 15
SAT vs. ACT……………………………………………………………………... 16
Internet Resources………………. ………………………………………………. 17
NCAA student athlete information ………………………………………………. 1
Mark your calendars!

College Fair at Spotsylvania Towne Centre Mall October 21, 2015 6:30 – 8:30 pm

ASVAB test date: November 19, 2015.
Be sure to check out the counseling pages on Brooke Point’s website,
http://stafford.brooke.schoolfusion.us/,
on a regular basis. Follow us on Twitter @BPHScounseling.
You will find counseling news
and scholarship information, updated weekly.
Follow us on Twitter @BPHSCounseling
ACT Test Dates for 2015-2016
SAT Test Dates & SAT Subject Tests for 2015-2016
Register on-line at www.actstudent.org
Fee is $39.50 (Non Writing) or $56.50 (ACT plus Writing)
Late registration has an additional fee
Register on-line at www.sat.org/register
Fee is $54.50 for regular registration
Late Registration or change of test date/location have additional fees.
*New Format
Test Date
Oct. 24
Dec. 12
Feb. 6
Apr. 9
June 11
Register by
Sept. 18
Nov. 6
Jan. 8
March 4
May 6
Test Date
October 3
Nov. 7
December 5
January 23
March 5*
May 7
Register by
Sept. 3
Oct. 9
November 5
December 28
February 5
April 8
2
Welcome Class of 2016!
Congratulations Seniors! After three years of hard work and dedication,
you are finally in your last year of high school. However, it’s not time to
celebrate just yet- now is the time to start thinking seriously about your
plans after high school. It’s almost time to spread your Black Hawk
wings!
This is a very exciting time in your life. Many of your decisions will have long-range impact
on your life; some will not. Enjoy the challenge and share it with us.
Best of Luck!
The Counseling Department of Brooke Point High School
Ms. Holly Williman
Mrs. Levette Hull
Mrs. Bethany Falk
Mrs. Barbara Smiley-Ingalls
Dr. Marialena Bridges
Mrs. Karen Gosé
Ms. Janie Berry
Mrs. Lori Thompson
A-Cl
Co-Haq
Har-Me
Mi-Sa
Sc-Z
Secretary (Transcripts)
Registrar
Testing Coordinator
ext. 4289
ext. 4278
ext. 4288
ext. 4287
ext. 4284
ext. 4261
ext. 4282
ext. 4281
1
Senior Year (Tips and Tidbits)
1. Transcript requests require a fee of $4.00 per transcript. Transcripts will not be sent until the fee is paid. This fee
covers mailing, paper, copying, envelopes, etc.
2. Minimum of 1-2 letters of recommendation is highly suggested to accompany each transcript request, even if the school
says they are not necessary. Please give your teachers at least a two-week notice when asking for recommendation
letters. Our hope is all recommendation letters can be submitted electronically through Naviance.
3. Scholarship information is provided through announcements, electronic newsletters, and on the Counseling Department
webpage online at http://stafford.brooke.schoolfusion.us/. It is important to be proactive regarding scholarships as
many are available that only receive a handful of applications. In addition, you may register with www.fastweb.com
for free scholarship information.
4. Names on diplomas will be listed as first name, middle initial, and last name as school records indicate. If you want
any variance on this, you must fill out a form in counseling requesting a change. A parent or guardian must approve
the change by signing the diploma name request form.
5. Colleges often visit BPHS to speak with seniors interested in attending their school. Announcements will be made as
to the dates and times, as they become known, and seniors may sign up with Mrs. Gosé in Counseling. Please note that
missing class to attend a college visit is at the discretion of the teacher.
6. SOL test results can affect graduation status. A student on a Standard diploma must have passed 2 English SOLs, 1
Math SOL, 1 Science SOL, 1 Social Studies SOL, and 1 additional. A student on the Advanced Studies diploma needs
to pass 2 English, 2 Math, 2 Science, 2 Social Studies and 1 additional. Any student transferring from an out-of-state
or private school during 10th, 11th, or 12th grade may have an adjustment to the number of SOLs required. Please see
your counselor regarding this adjustment.
7. Retakes for the 11th grade English Writing test will be given on October 19th- 30th. If you have completed English 11
but have not received a verified credit in the writing portion due to an unsuccessful previous attempt, or because you
are new to Virginia, please make sure Mrs. Thompson in the Counseling office is aware of this so you may be given
this October testing opportunity. If you are new to BPHS but were in another Virginia school, make sure Mrs.
Thompson has your scores from that school. The second attempt for the Writing SOL is November 16th-December 11t,
and any retakes for non-Writing SOLs is November 30-December 18. Released test items from previous SOLs may be
found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/released_tests/index.shtml. They provide wonderful tools for
preparing for an SOL test, remediation, and information for students new to Virginia that must take an SOL test in a
course completed at a previous school. Additional information can be found on the BPHS website under the SOL
Testing tab.
8. Any student that will be a summer graduate should make his/her counselor aware of this plan. There is a new rule
about summer graduates. Students who do not meet graduation requirements, for whatever reason, by the last day of
school, will not be participating in the graduation service. Students who complete graduation requirements over the
summer will be invited to participate in a county-wide graduation ceremony.
9. Senior dues are $75, which include cap & gown, prom, and senior picnic; $40 if participating in graduation only.
10. Be sure to bring a copy of your college/military acceptance letter to Counseling when you have made your final
decision. We will post your name under the college/university/military branch pendent in Counseling in your honor
and include this information in the graduation program. Please bring us notification of any scholarship you receive as
well so that we may honor you at Senior Awards Night!
11. Use a professional email address, i.e. jsmith@aol.com, on your college applications, and be sure to check it often.
Colleges will contact you if they are missing any important documents, such as SAT scores.
12. Clean up any social media accounts- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Colleges, the military, and potential employers
can and do check your profiles, even if they are set to private… Trust us!
2
Naviance Instructions
1.
Student Log In
a. BPHS homepage, then Counseling Center Tab on left-hand side
b. Click Naviance Family Connections
c. Username= Student ID # or Lunch #
d. Password= 6 digit birthdate (i.e. 101414)
2.
Colleges Tab
a. Colleges I’m Thinking about
i. Go to College tab at top of Naviance homepage & click Colleges I’m Thinking about.
ii. For those students interested in 4 year schools, this is where they’ll want to add any schools they are
thinking about applying to during senior year.
iii. Once a school(s) is added, students can see this school’s application deadline, send an email to an
admissions’ rep., and click on their website.
iv. As a senior, students can use this same list & merely click if they want to “Add to application List” without
having to add these schools to their Colleges I’m applying to list.
b. Supermatch
i. Go to College tab at top of Naviance homepage & click Supermatch
ii. Great tool for students who want to pursue a degree and they aren’t sure about what schools they want to
apply to. Also useful to students who want to compare schools they are interested in.
1. Using the tabs on the left hand side, students can select what areas are of importance to them when
thinking of a college/university.
2. Supermatch takes all of their selections & shows which schools fit that criteria.
a. If the school doesn’t match the student’s selections 100%, it will show what areas it
does/doesn’t match according to the student’s criteria.
3. Students can save/pin the colleges they are interested in & add them to colleges they are thinking
about.
c. Other tools in Colleges tab
i. College lookup: Look up colleges by state or country
ii. College Search: Another way to look up colleges by certain criteria
iii. College Resources: Offers a plethora of websites for various information (Financial Aid, SAT/ACT,
Military)
iv. College Maps: Shows schools based on geographical location
3.
Careers
a. Explore Career & Clusters: Student can search various career fields, look up credentials for those careers, related
majors & related careers.
b. Personality Type: Similar to Myers Briggs testing, students will answer a series of questions & at the end of the
assessment, will show their personality traits & projected career fields for them to study and pursue.
c. Career Interest Profiler: Students answer 180 questions based on work activities for various careers. The focus of
the student should be if they would or wouldn’t like the work activities they are being asked.
d. Roadtrip Nation Interview Archive: Allows students to view interviews with numerous people (famous & nonfamous) about their career paths, struggles, triumphs, etc. in their profession. Can watch videos based on themes,
interests, and leaders.
4.
About Me
a. This section is a culmination of the Colleges & Careers tabs, but it also offers new features, such as Goals & To-Do
lists.
i. Goals (also in My Planner tab): Students can compile and list short or long term goals they have set for
themselves.
ii. To-Do (also in My Planner tab): Able to list tasks that need to be completed & set due dates for those
tasks.
iii. Resume: It’s not too early to begin working on a resume, especially since these students may begin asking
for letter of recommendations at the end of the school year. This free resume builder can help guide
students in what information should be listed in their professional resume.
3
The World of Work
If college isn’t an option or you need extra time to earn money for tuition, going directly into the work force
offers many choices and benefits, such as health insurance and tuition reimbursement programs. The first thing
to consider is if you will be satisfied with a “job” or if you want to work towards a “career.”
Career
A career is the pursuit of a
lifelong ambition or the
general course of progression
towards lifelong goals.
Job
A job is an activity through
which an individual can earn
money. It is a regular activity
in exchange for payment.
Requires:
Usually requires special
training
Education or Special training
may or may not be required.
Time:
Long term
Short term
About:
Getting a job immediately after high school can definitely be a good choice. Teens who go through this route
need to learn how to search for employment, write a resume and develop interviewing skills.
Many companies reimburse their employees for continuing education in areas related to their employment. You
should ask about this potential benefit through the human resources departments of potential employers.
Another option is an apprenticeship or internship. Either one of these opportunities allows you to learn “on the
job.” Generally the term “apprentice” applies to the trades, or physical work. You might think of apprenticeships
for mechanics or carpenters. There are, however, also positions in less-common trades like chefs, morticians,
piano tuners, dental technicians, etc. “Internship” generally applies to office-type professions and the choices are
just as broad.
How do I find an apprenticeship or internship?
You can start by checking out Brooke Point’s website. As information comes in, throughout the year, it is posted
in the “Counseling News and Information” section. Trade unions and organizations may also be helpful
resources. You can, also, directly approach a business you would like to work with. Treat it just like a job
interview – take it seriously!
You may or may not be paid, but don’t expect a full salary as an apprentice or intern.
4
Requesting a Job Interview
At times, it is appropriate to make a telephone request for an interview. Most interview requests, however, are made by
letter. When writing your letter, be sure to…








Type the letter
Use 8 ½” X 11” white or cream paper
Address the letter to a specific individual, whenever possible
State the type(s) of position(s) that interest you
Be clear, brief, and businesslike
Have someone proofread your letter for spelling mistakes, proper grammar, and clarity
Be sure to mention you will be contacting the company to set up an interview
Contact the company approximately 5 days later to schedule the interview (Don’t forget!)
The Resume
Each of these headings need not appear on every resume. Include them only if they apply to your situation and give
emphasis to those items which clearly support your career objectives. Remember, your resume is your calling card…this
is how you present yourself to your potential employer! Naviance is a great tool to help you write your resume.
Name (in BOLD type)
Address (include zip code)
Telephone number
Career Objective:
A brief description of the type of position you wish to be considered for. This
can be stated (1) by job title, (2) by level or type of responsibility, (3) in terms of
skills you wish to use or develop, or (4) a combination of all three. Example:
(1) Sales Representative, (2) with responsibility for identifying and building a
client base, and (3) utilizing my skills in organization and communications. Avoid being overly restrictive or
vague.
Education:
Field of study or specific vocational skills
Work Experience:
List position title, description of responsibilities, tasks performed and dates covered. This section may include
full and part-time work experience, summer jobs, volunteer experiences, and extracurricular activities that
involved tasks performed.
Organizations:
List memberships and offices held, description of responsibilities and tasks performed.
Honors and Awards:
List any honors and awards you have received.
Additional Skills:
Computer (hardware and software), foreign language proficiency, for example
Extracurricular activities:
List all activities in or out of school
References:
“References available upon request” is sufficient. It is not always necessary to list your references on your
resume. Type them neatly on a separate sheet that you can provide to the interviewer when requested.
5
The Job Interview
Preparation:
 Make certain you know exactly where the interview will be held and what you are expected to bring
with you. Find out for whom you should ask and the name of the person who will interview you.
Remember those names! Inquire about parking or public transportation.
 Be familiar with the company or agency. You may be asked why you want to work for them.
 Dress properly. Conservative business clothing should be worn for any job interview. Limit your
application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies. Hairstyles and make-up
should also be conservative.
Arrival:
 Be prompt. Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
 Be pleasant in greeting your interviewer and other personnel with a firm handshake.
 While you should be relaxed, it is also important that you sit straight and don’t chew gum or smoke.
Interview:
 Introduce yourself. Wait for the interviewer to invite you to be seated.
 State your purpose and give the interviewer your resume.
 Maintain comfortable eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview.
 Supply brief, accurate answers but not limited to “yes” and “no” answers. Give specific examples from
your life when possible.
 Be prepared to answer some broad, general questions such as “Why do you want to work for the
organization?” and “Where do you plan to be in your career in five years?”
 Ask questions! You don’t want to start the interview with salary discussions, but it is important that you
know what the job pays, what benefits are included, and what the work hours will be.
 Be attentive, alert, and interested. Be a good listener.
 If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people
with your gaze and return your attention to the person who asked you the question.
 Display confidence
 Before you leave, make certain you understand if there are any further actions you should take and when
you will be notified of your status.
 Thank the interviewer.
Follow up:
 Send a written thank-you note to the interviewer.
For more interviewing tips, go to: www.jobinterviewquestions.org
6
The 45 Most Common Interview Questions
1. How did you learn about this job?
2. What can I do for you?
3. Why are you interested in joining our organization?
4. Is there anything you would like to explain or change on your job application form?
5. What makes you believe that you are qualified for the job?
6. What do you think you can do for us?
7. Have you ever worked as a (name of job) before?
8. What made you become a (name of job)?
9. What do you think would be the best job for you?
10. What would you like to be doing five years from now? Ten years from now?
11. Tell me about yourself.
12. Tell me about your education.
13. What was your grade point average?
14. What subjects did you like best?
15. What subjects did you like least?
16. What activities did you take part in when you were in school?
17. How many days of school did you miss?
18. Have you had any special training for this job?
19. Tell me about your jobs you have had.
20. Which job duties did you like the best?
21. Which job duties did you like the least?
22. Why should I hire you?
23. How do you fit the requirements for this job?
24. What are your three greatest strengths for this job?
25. What are your three greatest limitations for this job?
26. Do you have any physical conditions that may limit your ability to do this work?
27. Which of your job supervisors did you like the best? Why?
28. Which of your job supervisors did you like the least? Why?
29. How do you get along with people?
30. What kind of people do you like to work with the most?
31. What kind of people do you like to work with least?
32. What machines or equipment can you operate?
33. How many days of work did you miss at (name of employer)?
34. Why have you changed jobs so many times?
35. Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
36. Why have you been out of work so long?
37. Why did you leave your previous job?
38. Is there anything else about your work record you would like to tell me about?
39. Is there anything else in your personal life that you think I should know about?
40. Have you ever been convicted of a felony crime?
41. What salary do you have in mind?
42. What is the lowest salary you would accept?
43. Are you still interested in working for us?
44. How do you plan to get to and from work if you are hired?
45. When would you be able to start work if you are hired?
7
LOCAL MILITARY RECRUITERS
Updated 9/10/15
SSgt. Danielle Beasley
Army National Guard Recruiter
1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 899-4022
(540) 899-4032 (Fax)
(434) 480-0337 (Cell)
danielle.l.beasley.mil@mail.mil
Staff Sergeant Dennis Jones
U.S. Air Force Recruiting Office
Potomac Festival, Suite 1
317 Air Force Recruiting Squadron
Potomac Mills Road
Woodbridge, VA 22191
(703)494-9669(571) 327-9555
(703) 494-1046 (Fax)
(703) 200-8148 (Cell)
dennis.jones@us.af.mil
SSgt. Bradrick Bennett
U.S. Army Recruiting Station
1515 Stafford Market Place Ste. 107
Stafford, VA 22556
(540) 720-7296
(540) 720-7496 (Fax)
(443) 306-0926 (Cell)
Bradrick.L.Bennett.mil@mail.mil
HS1 Scott Sammler
U.S. Coast Guard Recruiter
USCG Potomac Mills
2721 Potomac Mills Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 490-5021
(703) 490-5089 (Fax)
Scott.T.Sammler@uscg.mil
SSgt Bradley Wertz
U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter
4300 Plank Road Suite 250A
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 785-0445
(540) 785-0002 (Fax)
(540) 303-3818 (Cell)
bradley.wertz@marines.usmc.mil
8
Technical/Trade Schools & Business Schools
For many high school graduates, the choice between trade schools and college can be difficult. Sometimes our
talents lie in a specific course of study, i.e. computers, so it might make more sense to focus solely on that
curriculum. Technical, trade and business programs allow students to focus on a specific subject. College
students, on the other hand, focus on a variety of different subjects before choosing their “major.”
So what makes these postsecondary programs so appealing to students and employers?
1. Hands on training
By focusing on hands-on training, vocational schools produce a breed of graduates who are industryrelevant. The emphasis on gaining experience ensures that trade school graduates can literally walk into
their chosen industry and be successful!
2. Up-to-date Curriculum
Technical schools constantly revise their curricula to meet the demands of the work world. Most
professors, being from the workplace themselves, are able to provide practical knowledge to their
students.
3. Cost and Time Savings
Courses in trade schools are of much shorter duration than universities, so you spend less time and
money and time studying. Also, the shorter duration allows you to start earning much sooner, perhaps
2-3 years ahead of your university counterparts. Please be aware that technical, trade and business
schools also offer scholarships and financial aid as well.
4. Personalized Learning Atmosphere
Trade schools are comprised of small batches of students who are extremely focused on their career
paths. This focused group is a great way to build meaningful networks that will last throughout your
career. Smaller groups of students in your classes also means that you will get individualized attention
and can spend more time being “coached.”
5. Flexible classes
Trade schools are student friendly. Students can either attend full-time or opt to study online, enroll in
evening classes or study part-time. Flexible enrollment options make it feasible for students to work as
they study.
6. Apprenticeship programs
Many trade schools offer apprenticeship programs. Others offer internship programs, which give
students hand-on-experience in a real-world setting.
*Adapted from AACC.NCHE.edu
9
Technical Schools
technology
computers
software
Trade Schools
carpentry
automotive
electricity
Business Schools
business management
finance
Art Institute of Washington www.aiw.artinstitutes.edu: Associate in Arts degrees in Culinary Arts, Graphic
Design, and Interactive Media Design
ATI (Advanced Technology Institute) www.auto.edu: Based in Virginia Beach, ATI offers degree and diploma
programs in automotive, diesel/ heavy vehicle technology, HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Program)
Career Training Solutions www.careertrainingsolutions.com: provides students training in nursing, phlebotomy,
medical assistant, medical billing and coding, esthetics and medical massage therapy.
DeVry University www.devry.edu: focus on business and technical, such as accounting technology, electronics,
network systems administration
ECPI College of Technology www.ecpi.edu: Wide array of career programs with associates degrees and
certificates. Some examples: wireless communications, biomedical equipment technology, medical imaging,
massage therapy, dental assisting, game programming, criminal justice technology, physical therapy assisting
Everest www.everest.edu: Career training is available at Everest College is these and other popular areas:
accounting, business, criminal justice, dental assistant, massage therapy, medical assistant, medical administrative
assistant, medical insurance billing and coding, nursing, paralegal, pharmacy technician, trades.
Full Sail www.fullsail.com: Located in Orlando, FL, the school offers Associate’s Degrees for creative minds
include Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Development, Recording
Arts, and Show Production & Touring
ITT Technical Institute www.itttech.edu: offers a wide variety of programs, including software and web
development, criminal justice, health information technology, business management
Strayer University www.strayer.edu: many local campuses that offer programs in computer information systems,
marketing, economics, contract management, accounting, etc.
UTI (Universal Technical Institute) www.uti.edu: training offered in automotive technology, diesel/industrial
technology, collision repair and refinishing technology, NASCAR technology, motorcycle technician training and
marine mechanics training.
Wyotech www.wyotech.edu/: offers programs in automotive technology and collision, motorcycle and marine
technology, Residential HVAC, plumbing and electricity.
Check out www.rwm.org, which provides a directory of trade/technical & business schools by state and by
area of interest.
10
Thinking about going to a Community College after High School?
What exactly is a Community College?
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Examples are Germanna Community College and NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College)
Public college that’s close to home
Offers 2-year associate’s degrees, certificate programs and career training
An economical (cheap!) way to begin a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with built-in transfer programs
Has classes at all different times of the day and several locations
How much does it cost?
Tuition and fees for community colleges are based on the number of credits that you take. One class is
typically 3-4 credits. If you figure in the cost of tuition, student fees, and books, you can expect to pay about
$3,000 per year for either NOVA or Germanna if you attend full-time.
What programs are offered at Community College? Get out your magnifying glasses, there’s a lot!
Germanna Community College
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Business Management
Dental Hygiene
Information Systems Technology
Nursing
Police Science
Associate in Arts & Sciences Degrees:
(easily transfer to a 4-year college)
Business Administration
Education
General Studies
Liberal Arts
Science
Certificates (non-degree):
Early Childhood Development
Fine Arts
Fire Science Technology
Graphic Communications
Engineering Technology
Police Science
Practical Nursing
Career Studies Certificates (non-degree)
Accounting
Networking
Automotive Diagnostician/ Technician
Nurses Aide
Banking
Phlebotomy
Corrections
Small Business Management
E-Commerce
Surgical Scrub Nurse
Legal Assisting
Engineering Technology
American Sign Language
Police Science
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Programs offered at Woodbridge Campus:
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Accounting
Administration of Justice
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Business Management
Information Systems Technology
Associate in Art or Science Degrees:
(easily transfer to a 4-year college)
Business Administration
Computer Science
Fine Arts (includes Photography)
General Studies
Information Technology
Liberal Arts
Science
Certificates (non-degree):
Bookkeeping
Administration of Justice
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Information Processing
Public Management
Small Business Management
Professional Writing for Business/Gov’t
Career Studies Certificates (non-degree)
Accounting
Desktop Publishing
Forensic Investigation
Information Processing
Security Management
Fitness
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Help Desk Support
Business Information Technology
Network Security
Business Management
Massage Therapy
Web Developer
11
Ok, I’m convinced. Now how do I sign up?
Step 1
Apply Online! Click on Admissions from the homepage:
www.nvcc.edu
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
www.germanna.edu
Germanna Community College
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
April/May
Be sure to also complete the application for in-state tuition rates.
After you apply, the college will give you a Student Identification Number. Keep this handy!
When should I apply?
Plan to apply in the Spring of your senior year, sometime in April or May. Leave time to be sure that you
have completed all the necessary paperwork and placement testing!
Step 2
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
www.fafsa.ed.gov
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
Step 3
This is the form that determines if you qualify for financial aid
You will need your parents/guardians’ help to complete all the information
Complete the form ASAP! You can do it all online, and your information will be saved for next year.
Make an Appointment with an Admissions Counselor


Step 4
anytime after
Jan 1
April/May
Just like your School Guidance Counselor in high school, College Admissions Counselors will help you figure out the
best course of study for your future goals.
Especially important if you plan to transfer to a 4-year College to be sure that your classes will transfer.
Take the necessary Placement Tests



May
You may have to take placement tests in Reading, Writing, and Math
If you have taken the SAT and scored high enough, you may not need to take the placement tests.
These tests determine if you need a developmental course before you begin college classes.
Step 5
Request a Transcript from your High School to be sent to the Community College
May/June
Step 6
Register for Classes for the following Fall semester
Early June
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
Step 7
Check the colleges’ websites for the Registration dates!
The earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to take the classes you want at the times and places that you
want. If you snooze, you lose!
Registration can be done online, in person, and sometimes over the telephone. Be sure to have your log-in information
if you plan to register online.
Settle your Bill


June/July
Finalize any financial aid paperwork
Work out a payment plan with the College
How do I get there from here?
Germanna Community College currently has 4 campuses:
Fredericksburg Area Campus
(near the new Massaponax South Point shopping area)
Locust Grove Campus
(Rt. 3 West past Lake of the Woods Neighborhood)
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) currently has
5 campuses and a Medical Center:
Woodbridge
Loudoun
Annandale
Manassas
Medical Center (Springfield)
Culpepper Center for Advanced Technology
(Rt. 3 West in Culpepper)
Stafford County Center
(Aquia Towne Center)
www.germanna.edu
(540) 891-3000
www.nvcc.edu
(703) 323-3000
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Guaranteed Admission Agreements
Many 2-year colleges have partnerships with 4-year schools that allow students to transfer easily. The
Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has guaranteed admission agreements with both public
and many private 4-year colleges in Virginia. Students must meet certain requirements set forth by
the 4-year institution, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and be enrolled in a transfer degree
program. If the requirements are met, the student is guaranteed admission to the 4-year college.
Germanna Community College and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offer transfer
degree programs that can guarantee admission to the colleges and universities listed below.
Virginia’s Public Colleges and Universities:
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Christopher Newport University
College of William and Mary
George Mason University
Longwood University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
University of Mary Washington
University of Virginia
UVA - Engineering
University of Virginia College at Wise
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia State University
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech – College of Agriculture and Life Science
Virginia Tech – College of Engineering
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Art Institute of Washington
Bluefield College
Bluefield College (nursing)
Emory and Henry College
Ferrum College
Hollins University
Liberty University
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg College (nursing)
Mary Baldwin College
Randolph College
Regent University
Shenandoah University
Sweet Briar College
Virginia Union University
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia’s Private Colleges and Universities:
For additional schools and admission requirements, visit http://www.vccs.edu/.
It is strongly recommended that you meet with a counselor at the 2-year college to
determine what courses will transfer to 4-year schools. Do not assume that every class
is transferable!
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PLANNING TO ATTEND A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
What can you do to start planning for college?
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Research different schools through use of the internet, and speaking with graduates who are
attending different colleges. You can also attend the college visitations to BPHS. Many
schools send their representatives to us to make it easier for our students to receive
information. See Mrs. Gose’, in Counseling, for the current visitation schedule.
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Try to decide what factors are important to you:
o Does the college have the program you want to major in?
o What is the distance from home?
o Should you stay in-state or go out-of-state?
o What is the cost?
o What is the average class size?
o What admissions tests are required? (SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests,
ACT)
o Does the college offer the activities that you enjoy?
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Set up several campus visitations
o Call ahead to schedule a tour, visit classes and dorms.
o Have a meal in the dining hall.
o Talk with students, ask why they chose the college.
o Talk to professors, if possible.
o Decide if you feel comfortable there.
o Wander around the campus by yourself.
o Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus.
o Participate in a group information session at the admissions office.
o Browse in the college bookstore.
What do colleges look for?
Most admissions officers will consider the following factors in the admissions process.
Individual colleges, however, will differ in how this information is weighted and evaluated.
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Difficulty of Curriculum
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Class Rank
SAT and/or ACT Scores
Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work
Honors and Awards
Recommendations
Personal Essays
Interviews and/or Auditions
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How do I know when I should apply?
By visiting colleges, you will be able to narrow down the number of schools to which you
will apply. Application fees can be costly, so you don’t want to apply to too many schools.
If you find one college that you know you would like to attend, then you can apply early to
that school. There are two ways that colleges will handle their early admissions decisions:
Early decision: Applications are usually due in early November or December of your senior year.
The colleges are usually looking for highly qualified applicants during this time period. You sign
on your application that this is the only college to which you are applying early decision and you
agree to attend there if the school offers you admittance. This decision is binding by both parties
(college and applicant)!
By applying early decision, you will receive one of three possible responses: (1) accept, (2) defer
(your application will be rolled over to regular decision and be considered again at that time) or (3)
deny (your application will not be reviewed again).
Early action: Applications are due early as well. If the college offers you admittance, however, it
is bound to take you, BUT you are not bound to attend there. You can apply to several early action
schools and then decide which one you would like to attend.
If you don’t have a particular school in mind as your first choice, you may apply to several and
then decide where you would like to attend. In that case you would apply…
Regular decision: Students apply by a date that is determined by the college. Your application
and all supplementary materials (i.e. transcript, teacher recommendation letters, essay, etc.) must
be submitted by that date. The school’s decision will be sent to you several months later.
OR
Rolling admissions: Students may apply at any time (as long as it is prior to the school’s
deadline). Decisions will then be made by the college on a first-come, first-serve basis and sent to
applicants within several weeks.
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Additional notes:
A school that has “open admissions” will accept virtually any student who applies.
A student that is placed on a “waiting list” by a college may be offered acceptance after May
1st when the school knows how many students are actually planning to enroll.
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SAT vs. ACT
Should you take the SAT or the ACT? This is a common dilemma for many high school students. The easy
answer to this question is to talk to your college or university of choice and see if they have a preference.
Take into consideration:
 Most schools do not have a preference or one that they would require over the other.
 Many Ivy League schools want students to take the SAT.
 Some colleges require a student to take SAT Subject tests for placement into college courses or for
college admission.
 Students can take both exams. See the chart below for how they differ in format. Some students
find that they do better on one than the other.
 Ask the colleges that you are applying to if they will combine scores from different test dates to
come up with a highest possible composite score. Some schools will take your highest math, critical
reading, and writing scores from several test attempts. You are always expected to take all sections
when you test.
 Keep in mind that people tend to have a “ceiling” as far as how high they can score on the SAT or
ACT. You are not likely to see a dramatic increase in your score after taking the test 2-3 times.
 A new trend in college admissions is to have your SAT or ACT score exempt from the decision
process. However, you usually have to apply for this waiver and have a minimum GPA to qualify.
 Students with disabilities can apply for testing accommodations. This process tends to be lengthy,
and requires approval from the SAT or ACT. Receiving accommodations for tests in high school
does NOT automatically make you eligible for accommodations during the SAT/ACT.
Test structure
Test content
Penalty for wrong answers?
How is the test scored?
Are all scores sent to
schools?
SAT
ACT
Ten-section exam: Three Critical
Reading, three Math, three Writing,
and one Experimental. The
Experimental section is masked to
look like a regular section.
Four-section exam: English, Math,
Reading, and Science Reasoning.
An Experimental section is added
to tests on certain dates only, and
is clearly experimental.
Math: up to 9th grade basic
geometry and Algebra II.
Science: none.
Reading: sentence completions,
short and long critical reading
passages, reading comprehension.
Writing: an essay, and questions
testing grammar, usage, and word
choice.
Math: up to trigonometry.
Science: charts, experiments.
Reading: four passages, one each
of Prose Fiction, Social Science,
Humanities, and Natural Science.
English: stresses grammar.
Yes
No
200-800 per section, added
together for a combined score. A
2400 is the highest possible
combined score.
Yes. If a student requests a score
report be sent to specific colleges,
the report will include the scores
the student received on every SAT
taken.
Except: if you choose the Score
Choice option, you can select
scores to send to colleges by Test
Date.
1-36 for each subject, averaged for
a composite score. A 36 is the
highest possible composite score.
No. There is a "Score Choice"
option. Students can choose which
schools will receive their scores
AND which scores the schools will
see.
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Internet Resources
http://stafford.brooke.schoolfusion.us
Career Searches
www.snagajob.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.monster.com
College Searches
www.connection.naviance.com/brookepoint
 Naviance: Supermatch College Search- search colleges by name, major, location, size,
extracurricular activities, SAT scores, GPA, etc.
www.collegeboard.org
 College Matchmaker: search colleges by name, major, locations, size, degree of admission
difficulty, etc. This site covers every aspect of the college process.
www.EssayEdge.com
 Help with college essays
www.campustours.com
www.collegeview.com
www.studyabroad.com
www.nacacnet.org
 National Association for College Admission Counseling
Financial Aid Information
www.fafsa.ed.gov
 Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
www.finaid.org
www.salliemae.com
Scholarships
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
www.collegefunds.net
College Resources for Minorities
www.phef.net Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation
www.hispanicfund.org Hispanic College Fund
www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
www.uncf.org United Negro College Fund
www.blackexcel.org Resource for all minorities
Test Prep
www.collegeboard.com SAT, SAT subject tests, AP, PSAT, CLEP
www.actstudent.org Register for the ACT test
www.vawizard.org Customized test prep for SAT and ACT
www.freerice.com, Vocabulary building
www.khanacademy.org SAT preparation
www.princetonreview.com SAT, ACT preparation
Military
www.asvabprogram.com
http://official-asvab.com
www.military.com
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