Osbourn Park High School
Counseling Department
Senior Breakfast
Class of 2016
Administration
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Mr. Neil Beech………….........................Principal
Mr. Andrew Barton (A-DRO)................Assistant Principal
Mrs. Legal-Brickey (DRU-LA)..………Assistant Principal
Dr. Stefanie Rich (LE-RAM)...................Assistant Principal
Mrs. Artise Gill (RAN-Z).......................Assistant Principal
Ms. Pamela Gardner……………...…..School Counseling Director
Mr. Fernando Montanez……………...Administrative Intern
Mr. Keith Laine……………………….Activities Director
TBA.......................................... …………Biotech Coordinator
School Counseling Staff
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Mrs. Maureen Andrada
Mrs. Suzanne Salvo
Mrs. Shronda Peake
Ms. Lillian Orlich
Mrs. Keisha Mercer
Ms. Taylor Oakley
Mrs. Eleanor Engler
Mrs. Melissa Bach
Mrs. Toni Gibson
Mrs. Hilda Layne
Mrs. Margaret Stielper
Mrs. Tammy Hayter
Counselor (A-BROA)
Counselor (BROB-DRO)
Counselor (DRU-HAW)
Counselor (HAY-LA)
Counselor (LE-MORI)
Counselor (MORJ-RAM)
Counselor (RAN-SO)
Counselor (SP-Z)
Registrar
Secretary
Secretary
Testing Coordinator
Student Services Staff
Mrs. Brenda Miller Dorick SchoolNurse
Mrs. Tami Walberstein Clinic Secretary
Mr. Carlos Rosa School Psychologist
Mrs. Kathleen Bowden Social Worker
Mrs. Laura Cantu Attendance Officer
Mrs. Heather Lontos Transition Specialist
Encouragement -a little bit can go a long
way…
Encourage your child to:
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle- exercise, healthy eating, get
enough sleep, and avoid bad habits
2. Set realistic short term and long term goals
3. Practice routine study habits
4. Learn to problem solve independently
Senior Timeline
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September: Get on Track in the College Application Process
Create a list of at least 4-8 colleges.
Register for SAT or SAT Subject Tests if you want to take them in October,
November.
Talk to your counselor to see if you are eligible to receive
fee waivers for tests and applications.
October: Create Your Smart List
Create a master list or calendar with application fees, deadlines, test dates,
and your school’s application processing deadlines.
Visit College Search and use the search filters to find colleges that match
your academic profile and interests.
Senior Timeline
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November: Finish Your Applications
Application deadlines for most four-year colleges are in November and
December. Take things one step at a time, and you’ll be fine.
Review the application elements to familiarize yourself with the process.
Consider the Common Application — Over 500 colleges use this one form.
Reach out to adults who know you and your achievements well for great
letters of recommendation.
Put the finishing touches on your college essays.
Send your SAT scores and ask your counselor to submit your high school
transcript through Family Connnection/Naviance.
December/January: Find Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA (Jan) to apply for federal and state grants and loans.
Funds are limited, so make sure to file by the financial aid priority deadlines.
Search for scholarships:
Senior Timeline Cont.
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February/March: Find Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal and state grants and loans. Funds
are limited, so make sure to file by the financial aid priority deadlines.
Search for scholarships
April: Evaluate Your Options and Make a Decision
Most colleges will notify you of their acceptance decisions in April. No matter
what happens, don’t forget — you have options.
Get the information you need to make a smart decision about which
college fits you best.
Review your financial aid awards to determine which college is providing
the best award for your needs.
Wait-listed? Here’s what to do.
Even if you didn’t receive any college acceptance letters, you can still go to
college.
May/June:
You did it! Now that your senior year is coming to an end and you’ve decided
which college you’ll be attending in the fall, it’s time to start planning your
transition to college.
GPA and Class Rank
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GPA: A grade point average is a number representing the average value of
the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. More commonly
called a GPA, a student's grade point average is calculated by adding up all
accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades
awarded.
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Class Rank: is a mathematical summary of a student's academic record
compared to those of other students in the class. It usually takes into
account both the degree of difficulty of the courses a student is taking (AP®,
honors, college-preparatory or regular courses) and the grade the student
earns.
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GPA can significantly differ depending on the school a student attends.
Some high schools weigh certain courses and others do not so a 3.7 GPA at
one school may be equivalent to a 4.5 GPA at another school, therefore,
colleges consider GPA and class rank together to see what a student's GPA
means at a particular school. The knowledge that student with a 3.7 is in the
top 5% of her class seems a lot more impressive than if she is in the bottom
20% or if no information on rank is provided. Our transcripts indicate GPA
and Class Rank.
Graduation Requirements
Students entering 9th grade in 2011-12 and 2012-13
Standard Diploma: 22 Credits
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4 Credits of English (9, 10, 11, and 12)
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3 Credits of Math ( Alg. I or Alg. 1 Pt. 2, Geometry, AFDA or Alg. 2)
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3 Credits of Science (i.e. E. Sci., Bio, Chemistry)
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3 Credits of Social Science (World History/Geography, US & VA
History, and US & VA Government)
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1 Credit of Econ and Personal Finance
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2 Credits of Fine Art/CTE/Foreign Language
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2 Credits Health/PE
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4 Electives
Graduation Requirements
Students entering 9th grade in 2011-12 and 2012-13
Advanced Studies Diploma- 26 Credits
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4 Credits of English (9, 10, 11, & 12)
4 Credits of Math ( Alg. 1or Alg.1 Pt 2, Geometry, Alg. II or one higher)
4 Credits of Science (i.e. E. Sci., Bio, Chemistry, and Physics)
4 Credits of Social Science (W. Hist. I, W. Hist. 2 or AP Euro or AP
World, U.S. & VA History, U.S. & VA Government)
1 Credit Economics and Personal Finance
3 Credits of a Foreign Language or 2 years of 2 different languages)
1 Credits of Fine Art/CTE
2 Credits of Health/P.E.
3 Electives
SOL Requirements
Standard: English Reading and Writing,
1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies,
and one additional in any core
course for a total of 6.
Advanced: English Reading and
Writing, 2 Math, 2 Science, 2 Social
Studies, and 1 additional in any core
area for a total of 9.
Guide to College Selection/Decision
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS LIST IS JUST A SUGGESTION AND DOES NOT
REPRESENT ORDER OF IMPORTANCE. THE FINAL SELECTION IS A
PERSONAL DECISION.
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Location
Size
Environment
Cost
Admissions Requirements
Academic
Important Factors in College Admissions
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Grades in college prep classes
Strength of curriculum
Admissions test (SAT and/or ACT)
Grades in all classes
Essay
Students demonstrated interest
Counselor recommendation
Class rank
Teacher recommendation
SAT AP exams
Portfolio
SAT II test scores
Extra-curricular activities
Work
Types of College Application Deadlines:
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Early Action- Usually Nov. 1 or 15th Deadline- Non-binding.
Admission based on end of year grades from junior year and
SAT/ACT received by deadline.
Early Decision- Nov. 1st or 15th as well- Binding
Regular Decision- Ranges depends on the school. Decision
usually includes semester grades from Senior Year.
Priority Deadline- Varies by school…Nov-Dec timeframe to
be considered for scholarships
*Colleges will receive mid year and final transcripts
and reserve the right to rescind acceptance based on
Senior Year performance
Student must indicate in Family Connection/Naviance the
type of admission-Early Decision, Regular Decision
College Application Procedure
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It is the student’s responsibility to check the admission requirements
for each college.
Senior grades are important! Class Rank and GPA are computed during the
first part of Semester 1, at the end of the first semester and at the end of the
year. At the end of the first term, the new GPA and Class Ranking are sent to all
of the colleges to which the student has applied.
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Now is the time to research the application process for each college which may
differ depending on the college. Examples include:
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Common Application
School’s Individual Application
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Apply to at least 3-6 colleges.
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It the student’s responsibility to submit the application directly to the college or
university. Students should complete application prior to requesting a
transcript through Family Connection/Naviance.
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Please allow at least two weeks for counselor and teacher
recommendations to be processed. Do not wait until the day before
or the day of to request a recommendation.
College Application Procedures (cont.)
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In order for students to have their transcripts sent to colleges
of their choice, an authorization for Release of Educational
Record form must be completed. This form also includes
authorization for scholarships and NCAA clearinghouse.
These forms may be obtained in the school counseling office.
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Students request transcripts through Naviance by identifying the
schools to which the forms will be sent. The counselor will
complete any reference forms required and upload along with the
transcript.
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Encourage your student to complete an activity resume and/or
College Planning Questionnaire
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Osbourn Park sends out three free transcripts. Each additional
transcript will cost $5.00. Any unpaid balance is due by June 1.
College Application Procedure (Cont.)
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Please allow 10 school days for the school’s portion to be
processed by your counselor.
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It the student’s responsibility to request teacher
recommendations. Students must discuss recommendation with
teacher in person and then put the request in Family
Connection/Naviance.
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Please allow teachers 5-10 school days to write a letter of
recommendation. It is helpful if one gives a resume when
requesting a letter of recommendation.
Calendar of Events
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College Fair will be hosted
by Osbourn High School on
Monday, Sept. 28th from 6- 8
p.m. and at Hylton HS on
Thursday, Oct. 15th from 68 p.m.
Financial Aid Workshop is
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
at 7:00 p.m. in the OPHS
auditorium
Awards Program- June 2016
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ASVAB TestingNovember 13th 7:30 to
10:30am
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Deadline for Transcript
Requests- DECEMBER 4, 2015
if application is due on January
1, 2016.
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NCAA Clearinghouse- Must
register with the NCAA in
order to be eligible to play
collegiate sports.
SAT TEST DATES 2015-2016
Test Dates
October 3, 2015
Test
SAT &
Subject Tests
U.S. Registration Deadlines (Expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.A.)
Regular
Late
(a fee applies)
September 3, 2015
September 18, 2015(for mailed registrations)
Current SAT
November 7, 2015
September 22, 2015
(for registrations made online or by phone)
SAT &
Subject Tests
October 9, 2015
Current SAT
December 5, 2015
October 27, 2015
(for registrations made online or by phone)
SAT &
Subject Tests
November 5, 2015
Current SAT
January 23, 2016
SAT &
Subject Tests
December 28, 2015
SAT only
February 5, 2016
Redesigned SAT
February 19, 2016 (for mailed registrations)
February 23, 2016
(for registrations made online or by phone)
SAT &
Subject Tests
April 8, 2016
Redesigned SAT
June 4, 2016
January 8, 2016 (for mailed registrations)
January 12, 2016
(for registrations made online or by phone)
Redesigned SAT
May 7, 2016
November 20, 2015 (for mailed registrations)
November 23, 2015
(for registrations made online or by phone)
Current SAT
March 5, 2016
October 23, 2015 (for mailed registrations)
April 22, 2016 (for mailed registrations)
April 26, 2016
(for registrations made online or by phone)
SAT & Subject Tests
May 5, 2016
May 20, 2016 (for mailed registrations)
May 25, 2016
(for registrations made online or by phone)
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ACT TEST DATES
2015-2016
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
September 12, 2015
August 7, 2015
August 8–21, 2015
October 24, 2015
September 18, 2015
September 19–October 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
Technology/Available Resources
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School Fusion
Parent Portal
Email
School Website
Peer Tutoring by the National Honor Society (NHS)
Teacher Tutoring
Activity Bus- Tuesdays and Thursdays
Brown Bag Lunch
College & Career Resources
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BigFuture by Collegeboard (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
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The College Place (http://www.ecmc.org/plan-forcollege/tcp.html)
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Explore Careers, Majors, Financial Aid, etc.
NVCC Woodbridge Campus
15200 Neabsco Mills Road
Room 208T
Woodbridge,VA 22191-4009
Virginia Wizard (https://www.vawizard.org)
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choosing a career, finding the college, paying for college, transfering
from a community college to a university,
Family Connection
Career Planning
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Strength Explorer
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Do what you are
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Discovery your personality
Learning Style Inventory
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Identify your talents
Understand how you learn
MI Advantage
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Uncover your intelligence
profile
Free Application For Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
The area of financial aid is broad in scope and a very important aspect of the total
college admission process.
Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Aid may come
from:
The U.S. federal government
 Grants-financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid
 Loans-Borrowed money for college or career school
 Work-Study-a federal student aid program through which you earn
money to help you pay for school
The college you attend
A nonprofit or private organization
The state where you live
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U.S. Dept. of Education
Financial Aid Information Cont.
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Financial Aid Recommendations:
1. Attend financial aid information sessions.
2. As one applies for admission, inquire about financial aid procedures at each
college
3. Plan to enter the process in December (2015) so that you are ready to file in
January 2016. YOU CANNOT FILE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST OF YOUR
SENIIOR YEAR!
4. Make use of scholarship websites and opportunities. Ex: The Money Tree (At
OP)
5. Apply early!
 Financial Aid Workshops
Seniors/Parents- Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 7 p.m., Osbourn Park HS
Auditorium
Seniors/Parents- “Super Saturday”, Tentative Date: February Stonewall Jackson
High School
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn4OECMTh5w#action=share
Scholarship Opportunities
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The Money Tree-OP generated document that contains
multiple scholarship opportunities. The Money Tree is
updated on a weekly basis and is available in the school
counseling department.
Other sources of scholarship information include:
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Fastweb.com
Scholarships.com
Meritaid.com
Cappex.com
Collegenet.com
Questions?