Future Center Request

College Application Checklist : Your guide to a successful application process

1. Research Colleges and Universities: Consider factors like location, size, majors offered, extracurricular activities, and financial aid opportunities. Schoolinks is a great resource, and allows you to favorite and add the schools you are interested in to your list.

2. Visit Campuses: If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices. This can give you a feel for the environment and help you decide if it’s a good fit. A lot of times you will “get a feeling” when you are in the right place for you!

3.Ask for Teacher Recommendations: Ask your teachers early for teacher recommendations. We utilize Schoolinks for teachers to submit these. Make sure you give them a Brag Sheet or Resume to help them right your recommendation.

4. Application Time: Create your Common App account and connect it to Schoolinks. Begin filling out all the information that is required. Pay attention to each college’s requirements and deadlines!  It’s a good idea to have all applications ready to submit during Virginia College Application Week in October. (Tip: If you were born in the US, you are a “US Citizen,” not “Legal Resident”

5. Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible (it opens in December). Begin looking for Scholarships and Grants as well. Our local Scholarships begin coming out in late January and finish up at the end of April/beginning of May.

College Enrollment Process

1. Check Personal Email: This isn't just for your parents and teachers anymore! You need to be active on your email. At LEAST once per day!

2. Set up and Check School Email: Make sure you set up and regularly check your school email REGULARLY! You don't want to miss important information.

3. Set up Portal: Make sure you have set up and are checking your new student portal system. This will look different for different schools. Check this regularly for new information!

4. Cancel Other Colleges: Once you know where you are going CANCEL your other colleges by either emailing them or clicking the right buttons in their portals.

5. Financial Aid: Yay, you did your FAFSA and/or CSS, but that's not all. Once you decide on where you are going you need to accept the financial aid, or cancel it.!If you have questions about your aid, reach out to the Financial Aid Offices at your College.

6. Housing Application: 1. Pay attention to deadlines! 2. Most schools have a portal where you can complete info to find a roommate. Also, social media can help as well! 3. You can always go with a Random assignment!

7. College ID Picture: Some schools require you send in a picture go ahead and make your College ID. This will be a "To-Do" item in your portal!

8. Summer Orientation: Choose what date you and your parent(s) will attend summer orientation! This is a HUGE part of the process! Most of the time this is when you choose your classes.

9. Send Scores/Transcripts: 1. We will take care of your final Transcript via Schoolinks. 2. Send your AP scores, if applicable. 3. Send any Dual Enrollment Transcripts (CVCC or UofL) by contacting the school registrar's office.

10. Health Forms and Records: Your Health Insurance forms and immunizations records will need to be sent or shared via your portal.

11. Academic Advising + Registering for Classes: Make your plans for Academic Advising over the summer! This will most likely be done during Orientation.

12. FERPA: You will be asked to sign a FERPA--you decide who has access to your information. If you choose to not give your parent/guardian access, they won't be able to get info on your Financial Aid, Grades, etc.

13. Meal Plan: You will need to submit your meal plan, if your school offers choices. Think about how many meals you actually eat during the week!

14. Technology Plan: Submit your technology and/or printing plan, if applicable.

15. Complete Required Trainings: 1. These might include things like: a. Conduct Philosophy and Rules; b. Alcohol/Drug policy and awareness; c. Sexual Misconduct policies and awareness; d. Technology policies and usage agreements.

16. Required Readings: Some colleges might require some required readings or assignments, make sure your complete these!

17. Watch the Website: Keep an eye on the College's website for Move-In Dates and processes, etc.

18. Pay your Bill: Keep an eye on your email for info on when/how to pay your 1st semester bill.

19. Move-In Time! Label EVERYTHING with your Name, Residence Hall, and Room #! BREATHE! You Did It!

Parents/Guardians: Some schools will have separate portals for you. It depends on the University and the students signing off on FERPA. Stay involved, but be willing to make the transition to a different type of involvement.

Job Force Checklist

THE CHECKLIST FOR GETTING A JOB DURING OR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

If school is NOT your thing, this list is designed to help you land the job you want in the career field that will help you build your future.

Resume 101

• Schoolinks is a great place to start your resume!
• Login and click on your profile and add all your details
• A resume should be one page and highlight the things that make you stand out.
• Try and tailor your resume to the job that you are applying for.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for someone to look over it, or to check out websites for examples.
• Keep it simple!

Cover Letter: Do I need one?

• A cover letter is great if you are applying to a professional position.
• It should explain how you found out about the job, what makes you a great candidate, and what you like about the company.
• Not all positions require a cover letter, so look at the job postings for the jobs you are applying to to see if it is required.
• Each cover letter you write should be specific for the job you are applying for.

Job Fairs

• Dress for success at any and all Job Fair opportunities
• Bring a copy of your resume to leave with potential employers
• Make eye contact, shake hands, and speak clearly to potential employers

Interview Skills

• Practice interview questions with a friend or by yourself by reading and preparing answers.
• Follow up any interviews with a thank you note via email.

Elevator Pitch

• State Who You Are & Who You Help; Express Your Passion Show How You Are Unique; Align Your Skills with the Opportunity; Include a Call to Action
• Work on selling yourself in a quick, succinct manner.

Applications

• Use capitalization and proper grammar.
• Utilize websites like Indeed and LinkedIn, as well as google searches to find entry level jobs that you are interested in.
• Complete Applications as soon as you are able.

Reminder Notes

Utilize the Future Center! Ms. Tyree is here to help you talk through your dreams and come up with a plan. We can work on interview skills, resumes, and that all to important Elevator Pitch!

Join the United States Military

1. Research the Different Branches: Each branch of the military has its own mission, job opportunities, and culture. Spend some time researching the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard to see which one aligns best with your interests and goals.
2. Meet the Basic Requirements: Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 17 years old (with parental consent if under 18), and have a high school diploma. Some branches have additional requirements.
3. Contact a Recruiter: A recruiter can provide detailed information about life in the military, benefits, and the enlistment process. They can also answer any questions you have.
4. Take the ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test that determines your qualifications for enlistment. It also helps identify which military jobs you might be good at.
5. Undergo a Medical Examination: You'll need to pass a physical exam to ensure you're in good health and physically capable of serving.
6. Choose a Military Job: Based on your interests and ASVAB scores, you'll choose a job (also known as a Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS).
7. Sign the Enlistment Contract: This legally binding contract outlines your commitment to the military, including how long you'll serve and your job.
8. Attend Basic Training: Also known as boot camp, this is where you'll learn the basics of being a soldier, including physical training and military customs and courtesies.

Future Pathways: Your Guide to Applying to Community College or Trade School

1. Research schools and programs
   1. Most Community Colleges and Trade Schools don’t have hard and fast deadlines like a lot of four-year schools.
   2. Be sure to look at the websites for any deadlines that they might have.
2. Prepare all application materials
   1. Typically you will need your high school transcript and personal information, such as your social security number.
   2. If you were born in the US, you are not a “Legal Resident” but a “US Citizen”
3. Submit your applications
   1. Some Community Colleges will not send an “Acceptance” Letter. They will typically accept anyone who wants to take classes.
4. Apply for financial aid
   1. The FAFSA opens in October and in order to qualify for Financial Aid you will need to complete this.
5. Follow up on application status
   1. Make sure that you set up your account. If you plan to take summer or fall classes, you should hear from the college by mid-late April to set up your class schedule.
   2. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the college to answer any and all questions that you have.

FAFSA NEXT

Information needed to complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA

Students and their contributors (parents or spouses) might need the following information to successfully file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• StudentAid.gov account (aka FSA ID) - Students and their contributors must create separate accounts to access and complete the form. Don’t have a StudentAid.gov account yet? Create one now at StudentAid.gov/fsa-id.
• Tax returns for 2024
• Records of child support received
• Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
• Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
• List of schools the student is interested in attending

The 2026-2027 FAFSA form is available at StudentAid.gov/FAFSA.

FAF$A Next is part of the  Level Up Virginia initiative, co-sponsored by ECMC and SCHEV. For more information, visit levelupvirginia.org.

After FAFSA Submission: What Happens Next?

Once you submit your FAFSA online:

• You’ll see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email with your Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated eligibility for federal aid.
  • Your SAI is the number used to determine your eligibility for need-based aid. It is calculated using information that the student (and contributors, if required) provides on the FAFSA form.
• Within three to five days, you’ll receive an email letting you know your FAFSA Submission Summary is ready to review in your StudentAid.gov account.
  • Your FAFSA Submission Summary contains a summary of the information you entered on the FAFSA, your SAI, estimated federal aid, and any issues you need to address.
• Review Next Steps section of your summary carefully. Follow directions for making and submitting corrections. Be sure to submit corrections promptly so your colleges have the most up-to-date information.

If your FAFSA is complete:

• Once your FAFSA is processed, the colleges you listed on your application will have access to your information electronically. Depending on their own process and workload, colleges may not retrieve your information immediately.
• Your FAFSA may be selected for a process called verification, which verifies the accuracy of your information. If you are selected for verification, your college will request that you submit additional documents to their office, so check your email frequently.
• Your college will use your FAFSA information to determine the amount of federal and state grants, student loans, work-study, and any available institutional aid for which you may be eligible.
• Check with your college to see if any additional financial aid forms are required.
• Your college will send you a financial aid award offer that details the financial aid you are eligible to receive.
• Once you receive your award notification, you should review your financial aid package and determine which aid you want to accept/decline and respond by the deadline set by the college (if applicable).
• Contact the college financial aid office if you have questions about your financial aid. Information from the U.S. Department of Education’s website studentaid.gov/FAFSA.

FAF$A Next is part of the  Level Up Virginia initiative, co-sponsored by ECMC and SCHEV. For more information, visit levelupvirginia.org.

Scholarships help to make higher education more affordable. We encourage students to find scholarships on their Schoolinks account (https://app.schoolinks.com/login/k12) under "Finances." Students can pick up hard copies of local scholarships outside the Future Center.

This website is designed to be a resource to help parents and students start a scholarship search. However, all students must investigate the original scholarship website for deadlines, details, and other pertinent information.

Big future scholarships

Going merry

Student scholarships

vhsl scholarships