Class of 2016
Senior Handbook
Potomac Senior High School
A Guide from the Counseling Department
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PLAN FOR LIFE
AFTER HIGH SCHOOL…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
People to Know
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3
Terms to Know
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4
Timeline of Senior Year
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6
Basic Necessities to Apply to College
Applications, Essays, and Letters of Recommendation
Resume
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Testing, Transcript
Naviance
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8
9
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10
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11
College Fairs
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Pathways to the Baccalaureate Program
12
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13
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14
Financial Aid Opportunities…………………………………
15
Post-Secondary Options
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16
Where are the Jobs?
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17
Interview Questions
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18
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20
Other Things You Need to Keep In Mind
Websites
PEOPLE TO KNOW
ADMINISTRATION
Michael Wright
Lorraine Sadler
Regina Nash
Stacy Norwood
Michelle DeLoach
Natalie Wright
Bill Stearns
Principal
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Assistant Principal
Cambridge Coordinator
Counseling Director
Activities Director
SCHOOL COUNSELING STAFF
Natalie Wright
Kim Bryson
Michelle Applebaum
Melanie Deal
Mark Williams
Michelle Williamson
Rainoa Figueroa
Ramona Clark
Counseling Director
A-Ch
Ci-Hal
Ham-McC
McD-Sal
Sam-Z
Secretary
Registrar
IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO KNOW
Senior Class Sponsors
Senior Class President
SCA Sponsors
SCA President
Ms. Jenkins
Justin Jimenez
Mrs. Wortham
Jean Resklau
Graduation Information
Yearbook
Herff-Jones (Rings, Gowns, etc.)
Life Touch (Pictures)
School Website
School Phone
School Address
Mrs. Norwood
Ms. Golmek
(703) 594-3982
(800) 445-1191
www.potomacpanthers.org
(703) 441-4200
3401 Panther Pride Drive
Dumfries, VA 22026
TERMS TO KNOW
WHEN SPEAKING WITH YOUR COUNSELOR:
GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA): The grades used to determine class rank are all year-end marks for
one credit courses or semester grades for ½ credit classes, night school grades, and summer school
grades. In computing grade point average, failing as well as passing marks are included.
CLASS RANK: According to the calculated grade point average (GPA), this determines the numerical
position of a student in his or her class.
PREREQUISITE: A requirement added to particular courses that mandate successful completion of
courses prior to registration.
TRANSCRIPT: The official compilation of your courses, grades, credits, etc.
APPLICATIONS AND TYPES OF ADMISSIONS:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: A bona fide deadline. Example: January 15, NOT January 16 or 17. Get
your applications in early!!
COMMON APPLICATION: An application form that has been standardized to ease the workload of
students and high school counseling personnel. The application form is accepted by over 300 colleges.
It includes a Secondary School Report form that should be given to your counselor, and a Teacher
Recommendation form. www.commonapp.org
EARLY DECISION: An admissions plan for students who have a clear college preference. This is a
binding agreement and the student must attend the college. There are two types:
SINGLE CHOICE: Students can only apply to one college until they have been notified of the application
result.
FIRST CHOICE: Student may also apply to other colleges. If they have been accepted to the college
under the early decision option, all other applications to other colleges must be withdrawn.
EARLY ACTION: Early action plans are nonbinding—students receive an early response to their
application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date.
OPEN ADMISSIONS POLICY: Almost all applicants who are high school graduates are accepted
regardless of standardized test scores, grade average, or class rank. Ex: NVCC
ROLLING ADMISSION: “First come, first served” process. Admission decisions are made as soon as an
applicant’s admission folder is complete (usually three weeks).
REGULAR DECISION: Applications and test scores must be submitted by a specific date, after which
decisions of acceptance are made.
TYPES OF DEGREES:
ASSOCIATE DEGREE: Degree awarded after either a two year college program or a terminal, one to
three year program providing training in a specific occupation.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE: Degree resulting from liberal arts, science, professional, or pre-professional
program normally lasting four years.
TYPES OF ADMISSIONS DECISIONS:
WAIT-LISTED: You have not been denied! The college has finished reviewing your file and put you on a
list for possible admission. It’s as if you have been asked to stay in the waiting room in a doctor’s office,
pending an ultimate decision. The admissions committee may or may not admit students from this list.
You can usually find out what has been done in the past. Either way, it is wise to deposit to another
institution and ensure that you have a place somewhere else.
DEFERRED ADMISSION: An accepted candidate may be allowed by the school to postpone enrollment,
generally for an academic term, but possibly for an entire year.
REJECTION: A college’s decision is not to accept a student as a candidate. A student can apply again
later on and attend another school and reapply as a transfer student.
REPLY DATE: Date by which an accepted student must indicate whether he/she will attend the college
that has accepted him/her. Failure to reply will mean that the acceptance will be withdrawn from the
college. May 1 is the reply date for most colleges.
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID:
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is required in order to apply for any financial aid
from an institution as well as many scholarships and grants. The FAFSA is only available online and
should be completed as soon after January 1 as possible.
APPRENTICESHIP: To work for another for a specific amount of time in return for instruction in a trade,
art or business.
CO-OP: A work-study program that may be available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in college.
This gives one the opportunity to pay for one’s education plus gain work experience.
Throughout Senior Year
 Save your money for Senior Year activities! The following are estimates of some
activities and their costs:
Transcripts: $5*
Cap and Gown: $35
Senior Picnic: $25
Homecoming Dance: $25
Yearbook: $75
Senior Trip: $100
Prom: $50
Grad Night: $50
*The first 3 transcripts are free, which include those required for college applications and
NCAA eligibility. The final total will be due in June, before graduation.
September
 Be sure you have the courses and credits you need for graduation. Counselors are human
too, and we do make mistakes! It’s your responsibility to make sure those mistakes are
corrected!
 Register for the SAT, SAT Subject Test, and/or ACT tests that are required for the
colleges you are applying to. Don’t wait too long as deadlines are often 4 to 6 weeks
before the test date!
 Ask your teachers, counselors, employers, and others who know you well for letters of
recommendation. The more time they have to write, the better the letter!
 Prepare you college applications and essays. Keep track of deadlines!
 Order your cap and gown!
 Attend college fairs and open houses. Some college representatives also visit Potomac;
you must sign up for these visits through your Naviance account. Space is limited so sign
up early!
October
 SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests held at Potomac on October 3rd.
 Students will meet with their counselor individually to review their graduation
requirements, credits, and post-graduation plans. Make sure that the information on your
transcript is correct!
 Continue to work on college applications and deadlines, especially for EARLY
DECISION and EARLY ACTION!
November
 Submit your college applications for Early Decision and Early Action. Many deadlines
are November 1st or November 15th.
 Remind those that are writing your recommendation letters of the deadlines you need to
meet.
 Start looking for scholarships online and on the Scholarship Board in the School
Counseling Office.
 SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests held at Potomac on November 7th.
December
 Be aware that some deadlines for Regular Admission may be December 1st, December
15th, or January 1st. Make sure your admissions materials are completed/mailed before
Christmas!
 Any transcripts that need to be received by colleges by January 1st must be requested
through your Naviance account by DECEMBER 4th.
 All colleges you apply to will receive mid-year grades. Avoid senior slump!
 ACT test held at Potomac on December 12th.
January
 Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online as soon as possible
after January 1st.
 Check for January and early February application deadlines.
 Study for mid-terms. Remember these grades will be on your transcripts that are sent to
the colleges you have applied to!
February / March
 Any applications that have not been submitted should be completed as soon as possible,
if the deadline allows.
 Notify your counselor of all application results, including rejections and wait-list
 Scholarships! Scholarships! Scholarships! Search and apply! There are scholarships for
everyone. Check on the scholarship board in the counseling department, the county
website, as well as other websites such as FastWeb.com and Scholarships.com.
April / May
 If you have not ordered your cap and gown yet, go to www.HJgraduation.com AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE!!!
 Make final decisions about colleges. Submit the necessary deposits, including housing!
 Study for exams such as SOLs, Cambridge, and AP.
 Notify your counselor of which college you will attend.
 Report all scholarships, grants, and awards that you receive to your counselor — even if
you are not attending the schools that you received them from.
 ACT test held at Potomac on April 9th.
 SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests held at Potomac on May 7th.
June
 Make sure you have met all deadlines to ensure your place at the college of your choice.
 Confirm your college plans with your counselor. Let us know if you change your mind –
Your final transcript is only sent to ONE school!
 Student-athletes: Remind your counselor to send a final transcript with proof of
graduation to the eligibility center.
 Graduation: TBA
THE BASIC NECESSITIES TO APPLY TO
COLLEGE:
It is your responsibility to check the admissions requirements for each college.
Class Rand and GPA are computed during the first part of October, at the end of the
first semester, and at the end of the year. At the end of the first semester, your new
GPA and Class Rank are sent to all of the colleges to which you have applied.
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College Applications
Colleges prefer if you apply online. However, you can request an application from the
college that you are interested in.
Start a folder for each college.
Apply to at least 3-6 colleges.
It is your responsibility to submit the application directly to the college or university.
It is your responsibility to submit the transcript request form through Naviance.
Otherwise, your transcript will NOT be sent and your application will not be incomplete.

College Essays
The essay is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s admissions committee. It
helps them “see” you as a person, rather than simply a set of impersonal statistics. It is
your only chance to share your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your
accomplishments; and to convey your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college
essay in this way, then it is clearly worth the effort to put some extra time, thought, and
energy into writing it.
Do’s
Do think “small” and write about something that you know about
Do reveal yourself in your writing.
Do show rather than tell. Giving examples and illustrating your topic helps bring it to life.
Do write in your own “voice” and style.
Don’ts
Don’t write what you think others want to read.
Don’t exaggerate or write to impress.
Don’t use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style.
Don’t neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure).
Don’t ramble – say what you have to say and conclude.

Letters of Recommendations
Allow teachers at least 10 school days to write your letter. It is helpful if you give them a
resume when requesting your letter.
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Resume
Below is an example of what a resume may look like. If you do not have an activity in one of these
categories, leave it out! It is unwise to point out to a college or employer what you have NOT done!
Your Name
165 Telegraph Road ∙ Dumfries, VA, 22025
Home (703)-555-5555 ∙ Cell (571)-555-5555
Email: Name@mail.com
EDUCATION
Potomac Senior High School, Advance Diploma, 2012-2016
LANGUAGES
First language is Spanish; speak and write fluently
VOLUNTEER WORK
Southbridge Community Center: To help clean up the neighborhood
ACTS Thrift Store: Sorting donated clothes
Habitat For Humanity: Answered phone calls and filed paper work
SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS
Future Business Leaders Of America: Member, 2012-2014
Vice-President, 2013-2014
Varsity Lacrosse: 2013- present
Junior Varsity Football: 2012-2013
Key Club: 2012-2014
AWARDS
Varsity Lacrosse Coach’s Award, 2014
Academic Honor Roll, 2013-Present
WORK EXPERIENCE
Wegmans Food Markets
05/28 – Present
Provide customer service
Operate computerized cash register system
Work with Bilingual customers and co-workers
REFERENCES
Steven Brown (Youth Minister)
13000 Victory Ridge PL.
Manassas VA, 20112 (703)943-6606
Kim Bryson (School Consoler)
Potomac High School
3401 Panther Pride Drive
Dumfries, VA, 22191 (703) 441-4200
Several job search engines have resume-building pages on their websites that will give you step-by-step
guidelines to writing a resume. Some popular sites to check out include:
Monster Jobs: www.monster.com
CareerBuilder: www.careerbuilder.com
JobWeb: www.jobweb.com
Yahoo! HotJobs: www.hotjobs.yahoo.com
MSN Careers: www.careers.msn.com
JobSniper: www.jobsniper.com

Testing! Testing!
Many schools only accept official scores. This means they must be sent directly to the
college/university from the testing organization.
To ensure your score is sent, enter the college’s testing code when registering.
Potomac’s CEEB Code: 472464 This is the same for both tests!
SAT Test Dates
Register at www.collegeboard.org
2015-2016 Test Dates
Regular Deadline
October 3, 2015 (PSHS)
September 3, 2015
Late Deadline
Fee Applies
September 22, 2015
November 7, 2015 (PSHS)
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
March 23, 2016
May 7, 2016 (PSHS)
April 8, 2016
April 26, 2016
June 4, 2016
May 5, 2016
May 23, 2016
ACT Test Dates
Register at www.actstudent.org
2015-2016 Test Dates
Regular Deadline
September 12, 2015
August 7, 2015
Late Deadline
Fee Applies
August 21, 2015
October 24, 2015
September 18, 2015
October 2, 2015
December 12, 2015 (PSHS)
November 6, 2015
November 20, 2015
February 6, 2016
January 8, 2016
January 15, 2016
April 9, 2016 (PSHS)
March 4, 2016
March 18, 2016
June 11, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 20, 2016

Transcript
If the application is due by:
Your transcript request form should be submitted by:
October 15
November 1
November 15
December 15
January 1
February 1
March 1
March 15
September 29
October 16
October 29
November 25
December 4
January 15
February 12
February 29
Naviance Instructions
To login to Naviance
Go to the PSHS website. Click School Counseling on the top of the page. Then click on the link
for Family Connections/Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/potomacsenior
 Your User ID is your student number
 The password is your date of birth with no spaces, ie. if your birthday is January 22, 1995
your password is 012295)
 After you login in the first time, change your password and keep it in a safe place.
 You must use the Naviance program to request transcripts and to sign up for college
visits at PSHS
Requesting a Transcript (Only request a transcript once you have applied to
the college)
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Login to the Naviance website
Select the Colleges tab at the top of the page
Click the Transcript tab on the left side of the page
Select the type of transcript you are requesting (college/scholarships/athletics)
For college requests, select the type of application (Regular, Early Action, etc.)
Select lookup and search for the name of the college you have applied to
Click Request Transcript
Print a copy of the transcript status page for your records
1st three transcripts are free, $5.00 thereafter
ALLOW TWO WEEKS TO PROCESS A TRANSCRIPT REQUEST!!
Signing Up for a College Visit
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Login to the Naviance website
Select the Colleges tab at the top of the page
You will see a list of upcoming College Visits. Click View all upcoming visits to see all
scheduled visits.
Click Sign Up next to the name of the College Visit you would like to attend.
You will get a confirmation screen indicating you are signed up. Print this screen to
serve as your pass to be dismissed from class.
Not sure which college is right for you?
Need to find more options?
Attend one of these
COLLEGE FAIRS
to speak with a representative.
September 28
Osbourn High School
6pm-8:00pm
October 15
C.D. Hylton High School
6pm – 8pm.
October 18 (Sunday)
Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks, Fairfax, VA
7:30-9:30pm
October 19
Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Pathways to the Baccalaureate
Are you the first in your family to go to college?
Need help in the college application process?
Need help in the financial aid process?
Then you may be interested in this program!
This is a partnership between Northern Virginia Community College and Prince
William County Schools. However, it is not limited only to students that plan to
attend NoVa.
Benefits while in high school:
 A NoVa counselor comes to Potomac to meet with students throughout
senior year to discuss common areas of concern such as economic
difficulties and financial aid.
 Students facing disadvantages are given help, including those that may be
undocumented residents and those facing academic probation due to poor
high school grades.
 There are scholarships to NoVa that only Pathways students are eligible to
apply for
Benefits while at NoVa:
 Students work with a mentor and receive academic advisement to ensure that
they receive their Associate’s degree in two years. This guarantees that you
will not waste your time and money on classes you don’t need.
 As a student in the Pathways program, students gain a community feel.
Often students who don’t live on a college campus can feel isolated.
 Students also receive career advisement to help them create a plan for after
they graduate.
 If a student does well in the program and meets specified criteria, they are
guaranteed admission to 25-30 four-year schools.
The application is available from your School Counselor.
Applications are due no later than November 7th
YOU must fill out the application. If someone else fills out the application, i.e.
mom or dad, it will be thrown out and you will not be able to reapply for the
program.
Other Things You Need to Keep In Mind!
ASVAB – Will be given November 2015 and again in March 2016. This is the best career interest
inventory available and there is no charge for this test. Sign up through your Naviance account.
MILITARY RECRUITERS – Will be available in the cafeteria for students to speak with:
Navy
Marines
Air Force
Army
US Coast Guard
VA National Guard
(703) 494-4818
(703) 494-1616
(703) 494-9669
(703) 494-9570
(703) 960-5923
(703) 369-2407
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE – You must now register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. if you
are planning to play a sport in college.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AREA – in the Counseling department on the wall by the office;
contains scholarship applications. www.pwcs.edu/scholarships Scholarship notifications are also
emailed to students through their Naviance accounts.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FINANCIAL AID NIGHTS – TBA
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS – It is your responsibility to be aware of all requirements for
graduation. Also, you will not be allowed to march at graduation if you have not met all of the
requirements by the date of graduation!
FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES
There are many kinds of financial aid programs to help pay for your education after high school. Financial
aid is available from federal and state government, banks, and civic, labor and profession organizations
and foundations. Aid can range from a small scholarship to a financial aid package, which provides full
tuition and expense.
There are three general types of financial aid available to students:
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Grants and scholarship, which do not have to be re-paid
Loans, which must be re-paid
Work-study jobs which enable student to earn a portion of their school costs
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
Scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic record, leadership ability, particular
talents or need for financial assistance. Since colleges give many scholarships, students should apply to
the college directly for information and application form. Other sources of scholarship are your parent’s
employers, labor union, civic and religious organization, professional association and other private
groups. For most scholarship, there are continuing eligibility requirement, such ass maintaining a certain
level of academic or athletic performance, or showing evidence of continue financial need. Our Career
Center offers local, state, national scholarship opportunities.
FEDERAL/ STATE PROGRAMS
Apply by filling the free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) form
Examples of Federal Loans include the following:
 Pell Grant, Supplementary Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
 National Direct Student Loans—Perkins Loan
 Guaranteed Student Loan—Stafford Loan
 College Work Study Programs.
 Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
 Carl D. Perkins Scholarship Programs
Examples of State Loans include the following:
 Virginia College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)
 Virginia Scholars Program
 Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAGP)
Post-Secondary Options
On the Job Training- Many jobs will provide training as you work, allowing you to improve your skills and
advance to more responsible, better-paying jobs.
Vocational Apprenticeships: As apprentices, you are trained over a period of time before becoming
“masters” in your field. Training is conducted under the supervision of a “master” craftsman.
Apprenticeship regulations vary from trade to trade and from state to state. For more information, you
may contact:
Apprenticeship
Fairfax Country Public Schools
Room 18
5775 Spindle Court
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 227-2300
ROTC
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs are offered at certain colleges in conjunction with the Air
Force, Army, and Navy. ROTC scholarships are limited number and are awarded on a highly competitive
basis, which includes academics, athletics, activities, and physical fitness. (Student seeking a ROTC
scholarship needs to meet with their counselor early in September to begin the application process.)
Tuition, books, and fees are subsidized by the military and the student also receives stipend to cover
personal expenses. Upon graduation, students are given the rank of second lieutenant. Students accept
the obligation to serve a specific number of years in the military after graduation.
Business, Technical, and Trade Schools
Students who are considering one of these post-secondary institutions should use as much care in
making decisions as students applying to four-year colleges. Some of the things you need to clarify are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What skills or training are you seeking?
How long will this education take?
Are you willing to leave your local area to attend this institution?
How will you finance this education?
Have you checked the Career Center for lists of schools which are available?
Are you sure the schools that interest you are accredited?
Have you checked on admission requirements and deadlines for applications?
Does the school have a placement serviced with a good history of employment?
Have you talked with your parents and your counselor about your plans?
ENLISTED MILITARY
The military provides job training to all new service members. While most job training is in a classroom
setting, for some occupations, military training is provided on the job.
Military personnel in all five services are paid according to the same pay scale and receive the same basic
benefits. They also provide many of life’s necessities, such as housing. There are also opportunities to earn
college credit after military service, called the GI Bill, which can be used for any educational opportunities you
may want to pursue. The National Guard is also an excellent source of money, skills and opportunity. The
National Guard is part time service in the armed forces and members receive similar benefits to the active
service.
Where Are The Jobs?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Ask friends and relatives. Begin networking.
Check the want ads in several newspapers
Look for Help Wanted signs in windows of stores and other places of business.
Attend Career Job Fairs at local schools and colleges.
Apply at the Virginia Employment Commission (Woodbridge Branch).
Register with private employment agencies. Be sure to check first to find out who pays the
fee. (Most employers pick up that cost.)
Industrial and Craft Unions
Office of Personnel Management (Federal).
Book Stores have federal and private job announcements.
THE JOB PROCESS:
Whether you plan to join the work force on a temporary or permanent basis after high school, the process
is similar. The following are a few tools of the job-hunting trade that you will need to get together:
 Your social security number
 Identification (driver’s license combined with social security number)
 Proof of graduation from high school
 A map that includes public transportation routes
 A resume
 A sample employment application.
 This will be helpful to have as you complete specific applications.
Letter For Job Application
At times, it is appropriate to make a telephone request for an interview. However, most interview
requests are made by letter. When writing a letter of application, always:
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Type the letter or write it in ink
Use 8-1/2”x 11” white or cream paper
Write to a specific individual when possible
State the types of positions that interest you
Be clear, brief, and businesslike
Have someone proofread your letter for mistakes, proper grammar, and clarity.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
These are good for job AND college interviews!
The following questions are frequently asked during job interviews. Think about how you might answer
them as you prepare for your job interview.
Tell me about yourself. Be prepared to briefly outline your education and employment history,
emphasizing your experiences, knowledge, and good work qualities.
What are your strengths? Describe your strengths, citing specific examples. For instance, a wellorganized person might describe that characteristics, indicating the use of the agenda in high school,
setting priorities, color coding, working on major products over a period of time to meet deadlines, etc.
What experiences have you had in the job that you are applying for? If you have no direct experience,
talk about the experiences that you have had that may relate to the one that you want. Emphasize your
willingness and ability to learn. If you have had direct experience, describe what you have done and the
results of your efforts. Use success stories, if you have some.
Why did you leave your last job? Answer this one carefully. Be honest! If you were fired, say so, then
explain what you learned from the experience. Be positive. Refrain from making negative comments
about your previous employer. Focus on the knowledge and skills you hope to gain from this new job.
What are your weaknesses? Again, be honest. If you have trouble getting to work in the morning, you
may want to ask if there are any options on scheduling, such as flex-time. Describe what you are doing
to improve yourself in specific terms. Instead of saying “I am trying to get to work on time”, say “I am
getting up a half hour earlier to make sure that I am at work on time”.
What would you do if…? The employer will ask you about a job-related situation and evaluate your
response to assess how well you might perform on the job. Often there is no right or wrong answer.
Since this is a difficult question to prepare for, you will want to brainstorm possible questions and answers
based on what you know about the job. Remember that you can ask for clarification and that you can ask
for a few minutes to think about the question before answering.
INTERVIEWING TIPS
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Learn something about the company
Have a specific job(s) in mind
Review, in your mind, your qualifications
Anticipate and be prepared for questions
Be well-groomed and appropriately dressed
Be prompt
Offer a firm, friendly handshake
Answer questions directly and truthfully
Maintain eye contact with interviewer
Use proper grammar and good diction
Be enthusiastic and cooperative
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer based on your pre-interview research about the
company
FYI: Most Wanted Skills For the 21st Century
1.
Analytical Thinking- the ability to generate and weight a number of alternative solutions and to
make a sound decision regarding a plan of action.
2.
Researching- the ability to recognize when more detail needed and to obtain appropriate
information.
3.
Organizing- the ability to order and install systems and routines to maintain order.
4.
Speaking- the ability to express yourself fluently and intelligently both one to one and in front
of groups.
5.
Writing- the ability to use proper spelling and grammar to express ideas.
6.
Human Relations and Interpersonal- abilities to relate well to persons from varied backgrounds
particularly to appreciate cultural differences.
7.
Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning- an understanding of the basic concepts and principles
of mathematical and scientific process.
8.
Ethical Applications- the ability to understand the historical roots of ethics, to apply moral
standards, and to appreciate values in the work setting.
9.
Understanding of Technology- ability to apply basic principles of technology including
keyboarding and data manipulation.
LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST….
9. Career Planning- the cultivation of a personal sense of direction and desire for improvement
which includes a willingness to learn
Moving On
As you enter your senior year, it is important that you have a source of reference to help clarify
procedures, relieve anxious moments, and answer questions that are crucial to your future. This
handbook was designed to provide you with the necessary information to assist you through this year and
possibly years to come.
This handbook, along with your parents, counselors, and a few visits to the career center will help you
sort out information and customize a plan to meet your goals. The final decision rests with you. Enjoy
the Challenge!
We wish you success as you move on to your new endeavors.
Your Guidance Counselors and Staff
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Educational Web Sites
http://www.collegenet.com – apply to college over the web
http://www.embark.com – helps make decisions about higher education
http://www.petersons.com
http://www.collegeboard.org - SAT registration and information providing data
o about U.S. educational institutions and opportunities
http://www.finaid.org – comprehensive information on financial aid
http://www.scholarships.com / - assist parents and students in obtaining
o scholarships
http://www.salliemae.com – nations leading provider of educational funding,
o tools for aid and forms
http://www.fastweb.com – one-stop financial aid and career site for students
http://www.vaview.vt.edu -- college and career information
http://www.collegeparents.org – only national association helping parents
o prepare their students for college, economically and safely
http://www.Fasfa.ed.gov – free application for federal student aid, takes three to
o four weeks to process
www.nelliemae.com – provides information on paying for college and managing
 debt
www.studentloanfunding.com – comprehensive financial information for parents
 and students
www.march2success.com – ASVAB prep, SAT Prep, Occupational exploration
SCHOLARSHIPS
http://www.fastweb.com - one of the largest databases for scholarships and federal aid
http://www.collegeaid.net/ - all students are eligible for some type of financial aid
http://www.fastaid.com – largest private sector scholarship database in the world –
from authors of “the Scholarship Book”
http://www.college-scholarships.com – information on criteria to qualify for college
scholarships
ATHLETICS/ATHLETES
http://www.ncaa.org – National Collegiate Athletic Association information on
colleges
http://www.collegecoach.com – help students search for scholarships and colleges
http://www.collegrecruiting.com/home.php – connects high school students with
educational, financial aid and scholarships