The Community College: A Viable Option. Richmond Hill, M.Ed., Counselor Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus

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Mae Robbins
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1 The Community College: A Viable Option Richmond Hill, M.Ed., Counselor Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus

2 The Community College exists for two main purposes Serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.). 4 out of 10 college-bound, high-school graduates start their college education this way. (College Board, 2009)

3 The Community College exists for two main purposes Prepare students for employment by offering entrylevel career training.

4 Cost effective Why Attend a Community College? Not sure about going away to a 4-yr. college Not sure what to study Concerned about admission requirements Want to undertake a career-oriented degree or certification program Need a flexible schedule

5 Family funds are tight Community Colleges cost significantly less than state or private colleges and universities Living at home for two years can be an effective way to save money to pay for the last two years of a 4-year college or university

6 Your child isn t sure about going to a 4- yr. college or university right away? Taking classes at a community college will give your child an idea of what type of educational setting a 4 yr. college may offer There are many orientation and transition programs available at community colleges to bridge the HS to college transition

7 Not sure what kind of program to pursue At a community college your child can explore many different subjects before making a commitment to a degree program. Community colleges offer extensive academic advising and counseling services to help assess abilities, interests, and educational options

8 Your child s GPA isn t so great Community colleges are open to everyone We offer developmental classes and tutoring to help strengthen basic skills Average class size is much smaller than 4- year institutions

9 Your child would like to pursue a careeroriented degree or certification program Programs like these often not available at 4-year institutions Your child wants to take courses in a specialized area but does not want to spend the time necessary to earn a degree Certificate options also available

10 Interested in pursuing a career-oriented degree or certification program Your child can earn an associate s degree in about two years and a certificate in under one year. -Associate of Arts or Science, A.A. or A.S. -Associate of Applied Arts or Science, A.A.A., A.A.S.

11 Your child works and needs a flexible schedule Class schedules at 4-year institutions are geared toward traditional, full-time students taking courses during the day Community college schedules consider the needs of full-time and part-time students with day, evening, and some weekend and online classes available

12 Student Services Counseling Academic Advising Faculty Advising Transition/Retention Activities First Year College Courses Student Clubs and Activities

13 Why is NOVA a good idea? Guaranteed admission agreements Low tuition Over 150 degree programs Professors focused on teaching Faculty are available to students Free tutoring services Transfers have been tracked to do as well as students who began at the 4 yr. college Six campuses conveniently located in Northern Virginia

14 How do I get started at NVCC? Apply for financial aid Apply for admission online Take English and Math placement tests Attend New Student Orientation OR contact the student services center to meet with a counselor for academic advising Enroll in classes online Pay your tuition Get your textbooks Attend class

15 Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program Designed for students who: Are interested in obtaining a bachelor s (4 year/college) degree May need assistance with the process and Are interested in starting at NOVA and transferring to George Mason or another 4 year college/university Will graduate no later than August of that year Have a strong desire for academic success No minimum GPA is required to apply

16 Pathway Benefits in High School Individual meetings with Pathway counselors in the high schools (meet about college transition issues, major/career planning, etc.) Workshops on the application process Preparation for placement tests Assistance with financial planning including help with applying for financial aid, scholarships and NOVA payment plan Early placement testing and priority course registration

17 Pathway benefits at NOVA Continued academic and career counseling by a Pathway counselor Pathway Counselor now also at GMU Guaranteed admission agreements between NOVA and VA State institutions; special Pathway agreement with George Mason Univ. with necessary GPA and NOVA AA/AS degree Special Pathway sections of your college success skills course Regular academic and social activities and early access to activities and athletic events at GMU

18 Important points: Applying for and participating in the Pathway program does not bind you to NOVA you can still apply/go to a 4 year school Pathway students can transfer to ANY 4 year school, does not have to be GMU You can still go to NOVA and take advantage of the GAAs without being a Pathway student NOVA application and the Pathway application are different

19 What do I do now? Obtain and fill out a Pathway application Return the application to your guidance counselor before NOVEMBER 16, 2012 Acceptance decisions will be mailed out prior to winter break. For additional information please contact Susan Nieves-Campos, snievescampos@nvcc.edu, or see your high school counselor

20 Community College IS a Viable Option Richmond Hill, M.Ed., Counselor Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus rihill@nvcc.edu

Centreville High School

Centreville High School Centreville High School Student Services Staff David Paganin Dayna Young Claire Leftwich Jill Lawson Director of Student Services Transcript Secretary Career Center Specialist NOVA