Counseling Year by Year
Freshman Year
Challenge yourself. This is the time to hone/learn strong study skills, time management, and organizational attributes. Your GPA starts here!
Get involved. Clubs, sports, service, any activity that interests you! Colleges look for volunteerism and leadership positions as you progress.
Build your vocabulary. Increase language development through reading, particularly nonfiction.
Naviance. An introduction to this college/career Internet program is incorporated throughout the year. Parents can receive account access, when requested.
Individual counseling appointments. These begin in the fall to ensure a smooth transition to Villa. Open door policy continues throughout the school year.
Individualized course selection sessions in the spring. Dialogue with your teachers and counselor regarding future course offerings and selections.
Scholarships. Posted in Canvas. Check links to scholarship information on Website.
Researching Scholarships can be done during all four years. Some are grade level specific. If awarded, scholarships will be applied upon enrollment.
Resumes are created and Learning/Productivity and Strengths Explorer Assessments are completed on Naviance.
College and Career choices are explored through Naviance as students are encouraged to research colleges and majors that align with their career interests.
Sophomore Year
Continue to challenge yourself academically to perform well. The #1 piece of the college application is your transcript. Build a strong one.
Remain involved. Continue to develop your interests and leadership opportunities.
Take the PSAT. Prepare for the SAT by taking the PSAT at Villa. You'll experience standardized testing and receive feedback to develop an effective study plan.
Naviance. Your Naviance account continues to grow as more information, resume highlights, and interests are submitted.
Individual counseling appointments. Meet with your Counselor in the Fall for annual check-in appointment. Open door policy remains in effect throughout the year.
Individualized course selection sessions in the spring. More electives allow for more opportunities during your Junior Year schedule.
Scholarships. Posted in Canvas. Check links to scholarship information on Website.
Researching Scholarships can be done during all four years. Some are grade level specific. If awarded, scholarships will be applied upon enrollment.
Resumes should continue to be updated reflecting all changes in your activities in and outside of Villa.
College and Career focuses on completion of Career and Personality Assessments which guide the student towards career possibilities.
Junior Year
Begin visiting colleges during holiday breaks and on weekends. Columbus Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend, President's Day Weekend, and Easter Break are a few of our extended breaks.
Take the PSAT. The PSAT is administered at Villa in October. Juniors are reviewed for the National Merit Scholar Program.
Register for the SAT/ACT by second semester. Consider taking one or both of these tests twice during Junior Year.
Individual counseling appointments. Meet with your Counselor in the Fall for annual check-in appointment. Open door policy remains in effect throughout the year
College Counseling presentations. Counseling presents during the school year on all aspects of the college process and use of Naviance.
Individualized course selection sessions in the spring. Discuss college course recommendations when choosing Senior Year schedules.
Attend college presentations on campus. More than 100 colleges visit Villa each year.
Request formal teacher recommendations.
Complete Teacher Recommendation form and submit to two teachers.
Prepare your College Essay. Develop and write several drafts of your college essay during summer break.
Scholarships. Posted in Canvas. Check links to scholarship information on our website under Counseling in Resources and Links.
Researching Scholarships can be done during all four years. Some are grade level specific. If awarded, scholarships will be applied upon enrollment.
Resumes should continue to be updated reflecting all changes in your activities in and outside of Villa.
Senior Year
Visit colleges during the summer. Begin your Common Application. Take advantage of APPortunity Week at Villa in August.
Submissions for College. Remember to complete Transcript Authorization Form. (this allows your documents to be sent). Submit Transcript Requests on Naviance.
Financial Aid Planning Night. Parents are encouraged to attend this event in the fall.
Send your standardized test scores. Students are responsible for sending scores from all testing companies to the schools of your choice.
Be aware of all deadlines. Utilize your planner for college information, as well as daily assignments.
Individualized counseling appointments. Meet with your college counselor to discuss college choice, application process, and additional feedback.
Attend college presentations on campus. More than 100 colleges visit Villa each year.
Scholarships. Posted on Canvas. Check links to scholarship information on our website under Counseling in Resources and Links.
Researching Scholarships can be done during all four years. Some are grade level specific. If awarded, scholarship will be applied upon enrollment.
Resumes should continue to be updated reflecting all changes in your activities in and outside of Villa.