DEEP RUN HIGH SCHOOL
GUIDEBOOK
4801 Twin Hickory Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Counseling Telephone: (804)364-8020
School Code: 470952
Counseling Director: Bea McLeod (CIT)
School Counselors:
JamieJackson A-Do
Lindsay Bien Dr-Kr
Stephanie McGuire Ku-Re
Lisa Kaplan Rh-Z
Registrar: Mrs. Susan Leonard
Secretary: Mrs. PaigeFletcher
Dear Wildcat,
You are in high school. Whether it is your first or last year, a lot of the
information you need to know is contained in this guidebook. You have worked
hard to get where you are today, and we are very proud of your accomplishments
so far.
During this journey, start creating a spreadsheet of your activities (if you
have already not begun this task): clubs, awards, community service, employment,
etc. You will be using this information to create a resume for your after high
school plans. As you embark on this journey, you will be driving the course of
decision-making and self-exploration.
You will make sound and informed
decisions that will impact the rest of your life. It is okay if your interests and goals
change. Keep remembering the goal - graduation. You are the leader of this
journey, but you are not alone. Your support team includes your parents, school
resources, family, and friends.
The School Counseling Department, in addition to this guidebook, will
offer workshops, individual and group sessions to help you along the way. This
resource is by no means all-inclusive; it is just a roadmap to assist with the journey.
Read and use this information, listen to the announcements, attend the
workshops, ask questions and enjoy the ride.
Deep Run High School
Counseling Department
Tips for Freshmen
- Make sure you are enrolled in classes designed to prepare you for college
- Meet your School Counselor, they will likely be writing a college recommendation for you
- Talk about careers, professions, and/or studies that interest you
- Visit a the website VA Education Wizard- www.vawizard.org and take Career Assessments
- Join service organizations in high school and in your community that may expose you to new
interests and possible careers
- Look for opportunities to work or volunteer with people who are professionals in careers that
interest you. Visit our Community Service link on the DRHS webpage to understand how to
make your hours count.
- Look for enriching summer programs that you can participate in during the summer
- Read your school's Newspaper and stay informed as to what is going on at Deep Run
- Talk with your parents or relatives about your options, ambitions, and aspirations
-There have been increasing concerns about how students' social media image could be
affecting their college and employment prospects. See counseling website for more details.
- If you start to feel overwhelmed, talk to someone! Tell your parents, counselor, or teachers
- Enjoy being a WILDCAT!!!
Tips for Sophomores
- See Tips for Freshmen
- Talk to your School Counselor about college and career planning
- Maintain and improve grades during your sophomore year
- Read about college opportunities and talk to college representatives when they visit
- Attend College Programs (College & Career Night)
- Look into Technical Center programs to apply for in your Junior or Senior Year at Hermitage or
Highland Springs Tech Center
- If you start to feel overwhelmed, talk to your parents, counselor, or teacher don’t wait!
- Get involved!!
Tips for Juniors
-See tips for Freshmen and Sophomores
- Consider taking an AP class
- Maintain and improve grades during your junior year. Grades can make the difference in
whether or not you receive scholarships and grants.
- Review the admissions requirements for the colleges that interest you and make sure you are
taking the appropriate courses to meet their entrance requirements
- Discuss your family's financial resources and review plans for financial aid. Attend
Financial Aid Programs
- Attend College Programs (College & Career Night)
- Sign up for ACT and SAT tests (recommended in the Spring of Junior Year)
-There have been increasing concerns about how students' social media image could be
affecting their college and employment prospects. See counseling website for more information
- Think about people who might write you a letter of recommendation; start with teachers,
counselors, and employers
- Visit college campuses; talk to current students about their experiences at college
- Make sure you are getting to know your counselor, they are a huge wealth of college and
career information
- Stay involved!!
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Tips for Seniors
- See Tips for Freshmen, Sophomores, & Juniors
- Constantly watch the Deep Run and the School Counseling Websites
Don't let social media be the reason for a college rejection!
There have been increasing concerns about how students' social media image could be
affecting their college and employment prospects. Check out the considerations and tips on the
school counseling website to be more social media savvy!
Calendar of Senior Events- see website
Applying for College Presentation
In early September school counselors presented the College Application Process (and other
post high school options) to seniors through their English classes in the Auditorium.
Parent Brag Sheet
Due to your school counselor by early October and assists counselors with writing letters of
recommendation. Please provide as much information as possible.
Transcript Request Forms
To request an official or unofficial transcript, please complete a Transcript Request Form.
Transcript Request Forms are needed for sending transcripts to colleges, scholarships, or for
personal use
 After 2 free transcripts, please include $5.00 for each additional transcript.
 Transcript Request Forms must be turned in at least 10 school days in advance.
Many colleges have a Secondary School Report, which must be filled out by a counselor and
turned in with your Transcript Request Form.
Scholarship Letters
Seniors- If you are offered a scholarship, please submit a copy of your letter to the School
Counseling Office so that you are invited to attend our Senior Scholarship Breakfast. Please
write whether you accepted or declined the scholarship at the top of the letter and make sure
the amount of the scholarship is clearly defined.
Senior Privileges- more details in your first senior class meeting
Financial Aid Workshop Presentation- usually held in November.
Mid-Year Transcript Request
Seniors must complete a Mid-Term Transcript Request Form in January for each school that
you are still considering. Colleges will be sent your semester grades. Mid-Year Reports are free.
Final Transcript Request
Students MUST complete a Final Transcript Request Form to send to the school that you will be
attending before graduation. Most schools will not let you register for classes without having
proof that you graduated (the transcript). The first Final Transcript is free, you must pay $5 for
each additional Final Transcript sent (NCAA Clearinghouse or schools you are waitlisted for,
you must pay $5 to have them sent).
Senior Train
Let us what you are doing after you graduate from Deep Run. Fill out a train so that we know
where your next stop will be, whether it is college, military, or work.
Senior/AP Exam Exemption
The following guidelines must be met:
1) The senior must have a cumulative course average of at least 80 when grades and other
specified criteria are compiled to determine exam exemption near the close of the fourth
nine weeks.
2) The senior cannot be absent from the class more than 10 times during the school year
(semester class= not more than 5 times). Religious holidays and school related
absences (field trips, SODA, documented college visits, athletics) do not count within
those absences.
3) Three unexcused tardies to class equals one absence as related to the exam exemption
criteria. Six unexcused tardies to school immediately removes the senior from the
eligibility. Six unexcused tardies to an individual class eliminates the student from exam
exemption eligibility in that class.
4) The senior must attend at least 75% of a class in order to be counted present in that
class as related to exam exemption eligibility.
5) Any integrity violation which results in disciplinary action removes the student from
eligibility
Underclass students wishing to be exempt from final exams if taking an AP class must take the
AP exam in May and meet all guidelines for senior exam exemption.
College Visits during Lunch
Listen to the announcements and check the TV announcements for information about college
representative visits during lunch. Many VA colleges and universities are already scheduled to
visit Deep Run throughout the fall. This is your chance to hear directly from an admissions
counselor and to make personal contact with a professional from the schools that interest you.
Immunization Records
College enrollment requires proof of immunizations. Please begin gathering immunization
records from your physician to ensure you have the proper documents for Freshman
Orientation. All of these forms should be gathered BEFORE you graduate. Please contact the
school nurse before the end of the school year if your doctor does not have these records
College Bound Athletes: NCAA Clearinghouse
Before a student can participate in Division I or II college sports he/she
must meet the NCAA requirements. These include a minimum GPA,
minimum SAT I or ACT scores and he/she must meet specific course
requirements set by the NCAA. The GPA calculation for NCAA
participation is based on the thirteen core academic courses required by
the NCAA, and not the overall cumulative GPA.
The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse forms are available online. There is also a fee
associated with completing these forms. The forms should be completed at the end of the junior
year or the beginning of the senior year. The sooner the form is complete the earlier the athlete
can begin seriously communicating with colleges.
For more information about the NCAA go to www.ncaa.org
Graduation Requirements
1) ALL Students should know the Graduation Requirements that apply to them. These
requirements start when you enter the 9th grade and you must decide which diploma you
are working towards. See pages 8-14 of the Henrico County Planning Guide. Copies
of the Planning Guide are available in the School Counseling Office.
2) Graduation Requirements are also listed on the county website @ henricoschool.us.
3) Your counselor will meet with you yearly to discuss your diploma requirements and
share your credit check sheet with you. See your school counselor if you or your parents
have any questions about graduation requirements.
TAKING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS
Although there seems to be a trend toward minimizing the importance of admissions tests, nearly
all colleges still require them. Here, we will describe the tests that must be taken for college
admissions, discuss how to register for them and review tips for doing well on them.
The SAT (new March, 2016): The new SAT is a two part test measuring Math and EvidenceBased Reading and Writing. The new test draws heavily from the Common Core — math and
reading benchmarks adopted by most states. Those standards emphasize evidence-based
interpretations of texts, vocabulary used in college and careers, and depth-over-breadth math
skills. The new test will be similar to the ACT. Scores range from 200-800 on each part. For
more information on the SAT go to www.collegeboard.org.
The ACT: The ACT is designed as an assessment program to test skills in four areas: English,
math, science reasoning, and reading. Scores range from 1 – 36 and the composite score is an
average of the subtests. No penalty for guessing is imposed. The national average composite
score is 21. The ACT also includes a biographical/educational questionnaire and a career
interest inventory whose results can help the student, the high school counselor and the college
advisor with academic and career planning. Preparing for the ACT Assessment is a free
publication containing a practice test and tips. For more information on the ACT go to
www.actstudent.org
The SAT Subject Tests: The SAT Subject Tests (formerly the SAT II’s) measure knowledge
and skills in a particular subject and the ability to apply that knowledge. Colleges use scores to
predict readiness for college studies and to make decisions about class placement. SAT Subject
Tests are normally required by selective colleges and by many liberal arts colleges. SAT Subject
Tests are given in the following subjects: Literature, American History and Social Studies,
World History, Mathematics Level I, IC and TIC, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and Chinese,
French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin and Spanish. The tests last one hour each and
as many as three tests can be taken on the same day.
It is recommended that SAT Subject Tests be taken as soon after the completion of the
corresponding course as possible. Check college catalogs or websites to see which require SAT
Subject Tests. Although SAT Subject Tests are administered on the same day as the SAT
Reasoning Test, both tests cannot be taken on the same day.
The College Board provides a free publication called Taking the SAT Subject Tests. It is
available with registration materials and should assist students in deciding which tests to take and
in preparing for those tests. Other publications with practice tests are available in bookstores and
in the Career Center.
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Registration materials for the ACT, the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests are available
online. Tests are given several times a year on Saturday mornings in area high schools
and colleges. Testing dates, fees and registration deadlines appear on the registration
material.
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Students should register about six weeks prior to the tests to avoid paying a late fee and
to assure a seat in the testing site they desire. Students who miss both the regular and the
late registration deadlines may attempt to register as a walk-in.
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Students are responsible for sending test results to colleges and may do so in two ways:
1.
2.
By designating the colleges to which scores should be sent on the test registration form.
By designating the colleges on an Additional Score Report Form after taking the test and
by paying an additional fee.
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Testing should be completed by January of your senior year. You should register for
any of the three fall test dates (October, November, December), so the schools will have
your scores as part of your application. A school may put off reviewing your application
until they receive your SAT or ACT scores.
Students may send test reports to four different colleges as part of the test registration fee.
Remember also that although colleges usually take the highest score of multiple test
administrations, the test companies will send all scores to the colleges. For these reasons, the
first option above is most cost effective and efficient.
This brings us to a consideration of the advisability of taking a test multiple times. Most
important to remember is that a test score will not improve unless you do something to improve
it. Unquestionably, the best preparation for a college admissions test is strong academic
preparation. A strong correlation also exists between high test scores and avid reading.
TIPS FOR TAKING THE SAT Reasoning Test or ACT
(these tips also apply to any other standardized test)
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Become mentally prepared to take the test. It is lengthy with few breaks. Answering the
questions requires total concentration.
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Get a good night’s sleep. Avoid any activities the night before that could cause anxiety
or fatigue.
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Wear layered clothing in case the room is too cold or too hot.
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Eat a good breakfast. No eating is allowed during the test.
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Bring a watch to pace yourself and two sharp #2 pencils.
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Do not bring unauthorized testing aids to the test. Students who do will be dismissed and
their scores cancelled.
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Students must know their Social Security Number and High School Code (470952).
They will need to enter them on their answer documents.
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Ignore noise made by students who finish early. Don’t assume that because they finished
first, they knew more; maybe they knew less, or were less careful.
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Try taking a deep, measured breath to alleviate anxiety.
SAT Dates
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
October 3, 2015
September 3, 2015
September 22, 2015
November 7, 2015
October 9. 2015
October 27, 2015
December 5, 2015
November 5, 2015
November 23, 2015
January 23, 2016
December 28, 2015
January 12, 2016
March 5, 2016
February 5, 2016
February 23, 2016
May 7, 2016
April 8, 2016
April 26, 2016
June 4, 2016
May 5, 2016
May 25, 2016
ACT Dates
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration Deadline
September 12, 2015
August 7, 2015
August 8-21, 2015
October 24, 2015
September 18, 2015
September 19-Oct. 2, 2015
December 12, 2015
November 6, 2015
November 7-20, 2015
February 6, 2016
January 8, 2016
January 9-15, 2016
April 9, 2016
March 4, 2016
March 5-18, 2016
June 11, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 7-20, 2016
AP Calendar (DRHS)
Week 1
Test Date
Morning (8 AM)
Afternoon (12 PM)
Monday
May 2
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Psychology
Tuesday
May 3
Computer Science A
Physics 1
Wednesday
English Literature
Spanish Language
Physics 2
May 4
Thursday
Calculus AB
May 5
Calculus BC
Friday
US History
European History
May 6
Week 2
Test Date
Morning (8 AM)
Afternoon (12 PM)
Monday
May 9
Biology
Physics C Mechanics
Tuesday
United States Government
Physics C Elect/Mag (2:00 PM)
May 10
Wednesday
English Language
May 11
Thursday
May 12
Statistics
CAREER PLANNING
CAREER AWARENESS
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How does this career fit into the work world?
What opportunities are available within the scope of this career area?
What are the kinds of work, locations, hours, wages and working conditions of a
particular career?
SELF-AWARENESS AND ASSESSMENT
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Do my skills meet the needs of the career?
Are my personality traits compatible with those that are required for the career?
Are my work habits desirable in this career?
CAREER EXPLORATION
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What are the projected labor trends?
What new and emerging changes in career opportunities are envisioned?
CAREER PLANNING
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What preparation (academic, extracurricular and work experience) is needed at the
secondary and post-secondary levels?
So you’re checking out a college…
When you’re on your college visit, remember to include these important
elements, whenever possible; and always ask anyone you see these
questions – not just the counselor or tour guide:
√ A campus tour – regardless of what else your visit includes, you should
arrange to do a formal campus tour (and group information session, if
that’s the alternative to a personal interview.) Is the campus easy to get around? What is the mix of old
buildings/new construction? Are the older buildings in good shape? Is the campus clean? Do you go in
a lot of buildings or does the tour guide just point out things?
√ Visiting a class – the reason you are going to college (presumably) is to be a student. Sitting in on a
class in an area of interest will tell you a lot. Are most classes small or large lectures? How interested
are the students in the class? How prepared are they? Does the professor (assuming it is a professor
and not a teaching assistant) seem to know the students? Do students remain after class to ask
questions?
√ See the dorms – are the dormitories coed or single sex? How many students per room, and are they
organized by suites? Do most students live on-campus, and is housing on-campus available/required?
Are the dorms quiet enough to study in? Are they clean? Do they have laundry and kitchen facilities?
√ Eat a meal – food is very important to most college students. Is the food edible and/or plentiful?
What options are available under the meal plan? Are special diets available? Does the faculty eat with
students?
√ Check out the library – because the library is one of the most valuable tools available to a college
student, you should look it over carefully. Does the library maintain open stacks? What are the library
hours? (Seeing how late the library stays open on Friday and Saturday nights is a good indication of how
serious the academic program is.) How extensive are the journal and periodical collections? Is the
library on-line with other libraries? Are students studying in the middle of the day, and at night is the
library quiet or a social center?
√ Go by the student union/campus center – do students hang out in the middle of the day? What kinds
of souvenirs/personal items/books other than textbooks are available in the bookstore? What kinds of
posters for clubs, organizations and events are there?
√ Athletic facilities – how extensive are the athletic/fitness facilities for students who are not varsity
athletes?
√ Other – depending on your particular needs and interests, you might also arrange to meet with
individuals such as the financial aid director, a coach, the pre-med advisor, or a professor in your area of
academic interest.
√ After – as soon as you finish your visit, take some time to make some notes. Collect them with any
pictures you’ve taken too. What did you like, or not like, and why? What are your parents’ reactions?
Name of College
College Application
Deadline
DRHS Application
Deadline
Application Fee
Tests Required
(SAT Reasoning, ACT, SAT
Subject Tests etc.)
Test Registration Date
Recommendation
Required (yes/no)
Date Recommendation
Requested
Teacher Reviewed Essay
Date Completed
Application sent or
completed on-line
Date Transcript
Requested (form must be
completed)
College Reply Date
Financial Aid Deadline
Interview Required
(yes/no)
Other Information
Reminder: Request Letters of Recommendation 10 business days in advance of
Deep Run High School deadline.
IMPORTANT: Please adhere to ALL deadlines!
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

When asking a teacher or counselor for a letter of recommendation, please allow them at
least ten school/business days to develop and write a good letter of recommendation. Last
minute requests mean that your teachers will not have all the time they need to make sure
they are submitting a letter that captures everything they may want to say about you!

Provide your teacher or counselor a resume or list of your extracurricular activities,
hobbies, achievements, awards, honors, career goals, and so forth. Your teachers and
counselors see a great snapshot of you at school, but they may not know everything else
that you are involved with. The Student Information for Teacher/Counselor
Recommendation Form (below) is a great way to make sure your recommender has the
information they need to write you a great letter.

Parents have the opportunity to submit to your school counselor a Brag Sheet on your
behalf in addition to the Student Information for Teacher/Counselor Recommendation
form. Your parents or guardians often have very helpful insights about your character that
your school counselor will find very helpful in writing a well-rounded letter about your
and your achievements. School Counseling recommends that this form just be submitted
to your school counselor so your teachers and counselor don’t end up writing the same
letter for you.
PAYING FOR SCHOOL
There are four kinds of financial aid:
1.)
Grants are funds that do not have to be repaid. Grant money is usually awarded on the
basis of financial need alone.
2.)
Scholarships are funds that do not have to be repaid. Scholarships can be awarded on
the basis of need and/or an infinite number of other criteria such as: academic
achievement, church affiliation, heritage, ethnic background, intended major, etc.
3.)
Loans must be repaid. Repayment is generally not requested until after you have
graduated. The interest rate on these loans is usually lower than personal loans.
4.)
Work-study programs involve earning money from a job, usually on campus, which
will help defray some of your college expenses.
If you receive financial aid, chances are that you will get a package that is a combination of these
different types of aid from a variety of sources.
“Need” is the difference between what it costs to attend a particular college and what the
government determines you and your family can afford to pay toward those costs. Since the
amount you can pay stays the same whether the costs are high or low, you would be eligible for
different amounts of aid at different colleges. You could end up paying the same amount at a
high-cost college as you would at a low-cost college.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Most colleges provide financial aid to students who demonstrate need. The following steps
should be followed in applying for financial aid:
1) Contact the financial aid officers of the colleges or schools in which you are
interested to ascertain information about financial aid they offer and about procedures
and deadlines for applying for financial aid.
2) All students applying for financial aid should complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The College Scholarship Service (CSS) sends your
FAFSA information to the colleges you list on the application. There is no charge for
this service.
3) The FAFSA form will be available in the counseling office in December. You will
not be able to send in the FAFSA until after January 1st. Some schools have
deadlines for this information, but in general, you should plan on sending in the
FAFSA by the end of February
4) Some aid applicants should complete the CSS/Financial Aid Profile only if it is a
requirement from the college to which you are applying. There is a charge for the
CSS Profile.
5) Remember to apply for the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) if you are considering a
private school in the State of Virginia. TAG’s are awarded without regard to
financial need and no repayment is required.
6) Deep Run High School will be sponsoring a Financial Aid Information night in January with
a financial aid officer from a local university. The date and more information will be
announced at school and advertised on the website. Bring your parents!
7) Meet with our representative from GRASP (Greater Richmond Area Scholarship Program).
You can sign up for an appointment with him/her in the school counseling office. We
encourage you to bring your parents to this appointment too.
8) Explore opportunities offered by the Armed Services. The guidance office has
information about the military academies and various ROTC programs.
9) Students and parents should check other sources of financial aid, such as religious affiliations,
community organizations, clubs, colleges, and employers, etc.
10) Students are encouraged to read the Scholarship Newsletters, read morning announcements,
check the Scholarship File Drawer, and check the Senior Bulletin Board throughout the year
for financial aid opportunities/scholarships.
OTHER HELPFUL SCHOLARSHIP HINTS:
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Start early. Finding and applying for scholarships takes time, energy and persistence.
Do not rule out private schools until you have seen their financial packages.
Apply for local scholarships.
Be organized. Meet all scholarship deadlines. Know what materials need to be included in the
scholarship packet.
Prepare a resume indicating your school and community activities, leadership opportunities, and
honors.
Type or use black ink when filling out scholarship applications. Be thorough and accurate.
Obtain all teacher and/or other recommendations. This is YOUR responsibility.
Allow adequate time (two weeks, or ten business days) for transcript/letter of recommendation
requests.
Scholarship searches that charge a fee are very seldom worth the money and may be scams.
The Deep Run School Counseling Scholarship page can be found at this address:
http://deepruncounseling.weebly.com/scholarships.html
ADMISSIONS GLOSSARY:
Rolling Admission – Applications are reviewed and candidates are notified as soon as their
files are complete and until the freshman class is full. This plan is common in state universities.
Regular Admission – Each college has a specific deadline for regular admission. Consult the
college for further information.
Early Decision – A special agreement between applicant and a college. In return for the
applicant’s commitment to attend the college if accepted, the college provides notice well in
advance of standard notification dates. Admitted students are expected to withdraw
applications to other colleges. Dates may vary from college to college. Often the application is
due by November and notification is December 1. If you have strong credentials, using this
option may be in your favor as it clearly communicates your serious intent. Some candidates
may be deferred to the regular “pool”.
Early Action – Some colleges do not require commitment to attend under this plan. If you wish
to apply under the early action plan, you are encouraged to contact the college to determine its
requirement for early action. Colleges differ in their requirements for early action. If accepted
under Early Action, you have until May 1 to reply and make a deposit. Typically, you must apply
by November 1 and will hear by January 1. This plan communicates a keen interest in the
college. It gives the applicant a chance to compete in a smaller pool and relieves “admission
anxiety”, although many decisions are deferred to regular notification date.
Waitlist – You may be placed in a college waitlist if you meet its admission criteria but the
school has already offered admission to the number of applicants that it has room for. If a spot
becomes available later, you could be offered admission. This usually does not occur until after
the May 1 decision deadline, when the initial admitted students either accept or decline their
offers of admission. Some schools have a priority or ranking of students on their waitlist, and
you may contact the admissions office to find out your chance of being accepted off the waitlist.
Deferred Enrollment – Many colleges allow an accepted candidate to defer enrollment for a
year if he/she plans to work, travel, perform military service, or develop programs of
independent study or community service. Generally, a student may not defer in order to
become a full-time student at another college.
Articulation Agreement – Students who attend and earn an associate’s degree with a
designated minimum grade point average at one of Virginia’s 23 community colleges may obtain
guaranteed admission to more than 20 of Virginia’s four-year colleges and universities.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA: WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR?
Most admissions offices will consider the following factors in the admissions process. Individual
colleges, however, will differ in how this information is weighted and evaluated. Often colleges publish
“profiles” by which you can compare yourself with students accepted and enrolled in previous years.
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Grade Point Average (GPA)
Class Rank
Difficulty of curriculum
SAT I or ACT scores
Curricular & extracurricular activities
Honors and awards
Recommendations
Personal statements or essay(s)
Interview(s) and/or auditions(s)
Every college is different. Unfortunately, the admissions offices at the larger colleges will
probably have less time to spend on the application. But smaller schools may look past weak
grades or low test scores if something special about you jumps out of the application.
If you are aiming for admission to a top school, keep these factors in mind:
1)
As the pool of applicants gets more competitive and the geographical fields enlarge, the
competition is keener and the chances of success are statistically more difficult.
2)
High school counselors and college admissions directors stress “intensity of commitment,”
a common success factor after grades and test scores are taken into consideration.
3)
The top schools are looking for a student who has exhibited a passionate interest in one or
more areas and has excelled in those arenas. They would prefer to see a candidate
demonstrate depth and excellence in those areas, rather than a long list of membership in
clubs and activities. Significant follow-through is the key.
4)
Admissions officers look for applicants who handle responsibility and have moved ahead
in the chosen field of interest to positions of leadership and/or responsibility. Dedication,
responsibility, and advancement are a must.
5)
If a top college is your goal, start early to excel in academics, school and community
activities. Select an area of genuine interest and become passionately involved. Take
challenging classes and keep your grades up.
If the top is your goal, the challenge is worth the time and effort.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE AS AN OPTION
Many students start their college studies at one of Virginia’s many community colleges and
technical schools which offer several educational options.

Transfer degree program: Attending community college for two years may allow you
to transfer to a four-year college or university. Your community college credits will
transfer, you will enter your four-year college as a junior, and you will graduate with that
college’s diploma.
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Articulation Agreement program: Students who attend and earn an associate’s degree
with a designated minimum grade point average at one of Virginia’s 23 community
colleges may obtain guaranteed admission to more than 20 of Virginia’s four-year
colleges and universities.

Associate’s degree: You may choose to earn a two-year Associate’s degree in a
particular field of study. Examples include Accounting, Culinary Arts, Nursing,
Information Systems Technology, Computer and Electronics Technology. A two-year
degree may be all that is needed for your chosen career field.

Non-curricular courses: Even if you do not plan on earning a degree, you may take
some courses at a community college to enrich your personal or professional life.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN VIRGINIA
College
Location
Website
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave
www.brcc.edu
Bryant & Stratton College
Richmond
www.bryantstratton.edu
Central Virginia Community College
Lynchburg
www.cvcc.vccs.edu
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College
Clifton Forge
www.dslcc.edu
Danville Community College
Danville
www.dcc.vccs.edu
Eastern Shore Community College
Melfa
www.es.vccs.edu
ECPI College of Technology
Richmond
www.ecpi.edu
Germanna Community College
Fredericksburg
www.germanna.edu
ITT Technical Institute
Richmond
www.itt-tech.edu
J. Sargeant Reynolds
Richmond
www.reynolds.edu
John Tyler Community College
Chester
www.jtcc.edu
Lord Fairfax Community College
Middletown
www.lfcc.edu
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap
www.me.vccs.edu
New River Community College
Dublin
www.nr.edu
Northern Virginia Community College
Springfield
www.nvcc.edu
Patrick Henry Community College
Martinsville
www.ph.vccs.edu
Paul D. Camp Community College
Franklin
www.pdc.edu
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville
www.pvcc.edu
Rappahannock Community College
Saluda
www.rappahannock.edu
Richard Bland College
Petersburg
www.rbc.edu
Southside Virginia Community College
Alberta
www.southside.edu
Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff
www.sw.edu
Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton
www.tncc.edu
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk
www.tcc.edu
Virginia Highlands Community College
Abingdon
www.vhcc.edu
Virginia Western Community
Roanoke
Wytheville Community College
College
Wytheville
www.virginiawestern.edu
www.wcc.vccs.edu
FOUR YEAR COLLEGES IN VIRGINIA
School
Main Web Address
Application Online?
Averett College
Bluefield College
Bridgewater College
Christendom College
Eastern Mennonite University
Emory and Henry College
Ferrum College
George Mason University
Hampden-Sydney
Hampton University
Hollins College
J. Sargeant Reynolds CC
James Madison University
John Tyler CC
Liberty University
Longwood College
Lynchburg College
Mary Baldwin College
Mary Washington
Marymount University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Richard Bland College
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
St. Paul’s College
Sweet Briar
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
Univ. of Virginia at Wise
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Intermont College
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia State University
Virginia Tech
Virginia Union University
Virginia Wesleyan College
Washington and Lee
William and Mary
www.averett.edu
www.bluefield.edu
www.bridgewater.edu
www.christendom.edu
www.emu.edu
www.ehc.edu
www.ferrum.edu
www.gmu.edu
www.hsc.edu
www.hamptonu.edu
www.hollins.edu
www.reynolds.edu
www.jmu.edu
www.jtcc.edu
www.liberty.edu
www.lwc.edu
www.lynchburg.edu
www.mbc.edu
www.mwc.edu
www.marymount.edu
www.nsu.edu
www.odu.edu
www.radford.edu
www.randolphcollege.edu
www.rmc.edu
www.rbc.edu
www.roanoke.edu
www.su.edu
www.saintpauls.edu
www.sbc.edu
www.richmond.edu
www.uva.edu
www.wise.virginia.edu
www.vcu.edu
www.vic.edu
www.vmi.edu
www.vsu.edu
www.vt.edu
www.vuu.edu
www.vwc.edu
www.wlu.edu
www.wm.edu
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Military Opportunities:
Virginia National Guard
The Virginia National Guard is a community based part-time organization that offers “no cost”
resources for students and schools.
Some benefits include:
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$13,000 average pay during enlistment
$7,000 for college or Vocational Tech. Expenses
Tuition assistance
Academic credit for training
Income tax breaks
Personal & leadership development
Retirement
Much more
National Guard
To join the National Guard without prior service, you must meet these mandatory requirements:
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Be between the ages of 17 and 35
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Be a at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
Meet medical, physical and moral requirements
http://vko.va.ngb.army.mil/VirginiaGuard/
http://www.nationalguard.com/
The United States Armed Forces
You can obtain training and paid work experience in the United States Armed Forces. Many
occupational opportunities exist for both officers and enlisted personnel. To locate your local
armed services recruiters, call these toll free numbers:
ARMY – 1-800-USA-ARMY
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
AIR FORCE – 1-800-423-USAF
* Leadership
COAST GUARD – 1-800-GET-USC
* Teamwork Development
MARINES – 1-800-MAR-INES
* Travel Opportunities
NAVY – 1-800-USA-NAVY
* Patriotic Service to Community, State and
Country!
YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING A JOB
Finding the right job can be a difficult and trying experience, especially if you are unsure about where to begin.
Whether you are seeking out your first job or transitioning through the job market, following these seven steps
may help to put you on the right track.
1. CHOOSE AN OCCUPATION THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU…Deciding on which career is right for you is the first
step in any successful job search. Consider things such as your interests and abilities when choosing a career. You
may consider trying some of the interest inventories found in the “Career Planning” section of the Virginia VIEW
home page. A career counselor may also be able to help you with your decision and the Virginia VIEW Career
Information Line Specialists will be able to provide you with background information on a wide variety of
occupations.
2. GATHER PERSONAL INFORMATION…Most employers will need to see some pertinent information from
you when you fill out job applications or create your resume. Make sure you have these things on hand: 1) your
name, permanent address and phone number; 2) Documents for identification (driver’s license, social security card,
passport, etc.); 3) References, including names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of 3 people who have known
you for at least one year; and 4) Your educational and employment history, including dates.
3.
LOOK FOR JOB LEADS…Once you have decided on the right occupation, you’ll need to start your job
search. Keep in mind that not all job openings are listed in the newspaper classified ads. Some other sources of job
leads are: 1) Friends, relatives and neighbors; 2) Virginia’s VIEW’s web site and jobline numbers; 3) Employment
agencies; 4) Your local Virginia Employment Commission office.
4. RESEARCH POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS…Before you apply to a particular company or agency, make sure you
learn a little bit about their organization. This will help you in developing your resume, your cover letter, and in your
job interview. You may learn about potential employers from several sources: 1) Newspaper, trade journals, and
business magazines; 2) Read in-house newsletters or speak with current employees; 3) Many companies have pages
on the Internet. You can perform a Net Search to find information; 4) Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the
company’s town.
5. REFINE YOUR RESUME… When creating a resume, be sure to include only the facts which create the most
favorable impression of you and which are related to the job for which you are applying. Most resumes follow these
basic guidelines: 1) should give a single goal or objective; 2) should be no more than one page in length; 3) should
list your education, work experience and skills; 4) should be eye-catching and easy to read; 5) should be well-written
with no spelling or grammatical errors. It is a good idea to have someone else proofread your resume and cover
letter.
6. PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB INTERVIEW…Before the interview: Know yourself and the company. Bring to
the interview: Resume, references, and samples of your work, if necessary. During the interview: be yourself, be
positive, be well rested, and thank your interviewer before leaving. After the interview, send a thank you letter and
follow up with a phone call after two weeks.
7. START YOUR NEW JOB…OR DEAL WITH REJECTION…. Some skills that may help you succeed in your
new job are: 1) completing work on time; 2) sticking with a task, keeping busy; 3) being flexible; 4) being precise and
accurate. If you didn’t get the job, consider some of the possible reasons so that you may avoid similar mistakes: 1)
lack of clear career goals or purpose; 2) failure to make eye-contact with interviewer; 3) poor personal appearance;
4) arriving late for the interview
DECISION MAKING AND CAREER OPTIONS
The following checklists are general guidelines for students pursuing career paths after graduation.
EMPLOYMENT
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Compose a resume.
Look for positions in the newspaper and attend job fairs.
Contact potential employers by letter or phone. Send your resume.
Obtain applications from prospective employers if necessary.
Schedule job interviews.
Dress appropriately and practice interviewing skills.
Follow up interviews with a thank you letter.
Continue job search until a job is offered that you want to accept.
Notify employers of your job selection if more than one job is offered.
Persistence is the key. Don’t give up!!
MILITARY
o
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Contact and talk with the recruiters when they visit the school.
Sign up to take the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) when it is offered
at school. Listen for announcement to sign up.
TECHNICAL OR BUSINESS SCHOOL
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Make a list of schools offering your occupational program of interest. See your counselor, ask a
teacher, and/or search the Internet for information.
Write or call the schools to obtain the necessary application forms and catalogs.
Be aware of deadlines and application requirements such as fees and recommendations.
Compose a resume