During the week of October 23rd, the MVHS Career Center, with the support of our Student Services Team, hosted a variety of events to support this year’s Virginia College Application Week (VCAW). For the past ten years, the VCAW has dedicated a week for seniors and any qualified students to submit their application for college. Participating schools offered our students the opportunity to receive reduced or in some instances, completely waive their application fees during this period allowing many to apply without financial restrictions.

Led by our Career Center Specialist, Lauren MacGregor, students at all grade levels were able to sign up for targeted workshops focused on preparing students for collegiate life after MVHS. However, most activities were designed to support our seniors in the Class of 2024. 

Monday kicked the week off with opportunities to learn about searching and applying for scholarships. For students who needed additional information about colleges, an overview of the types of colleges (four and two year, predominantly white institutions, historically black colleges & universities and Hispanic serving institutions) was provided. For added perspective, attending students also received details about the impact of taking advanced academics now and how these courses support life in college. Students looking to compete athletically at the collegiate level were also given NCAA eligibility requirements.

Tuesday was all about the application process. Students received daylong support for the completion of individual school applications along with the College Common Application (Common App) which allows students to apply to over 1,000 higher education institutions (public and private) from across the United States and in 20 countries. Attending students received application fee waiver codes to over 30 VCAW participating schools during the day’s activities.

Wednesday’s conversations surrounded steps for paying for college. Financial Aid and Scholarship workshops shared strategies which could provide some students the chance to attend their preferred institution at no additional cost. The day’s activities also included an additional session about next steps students should consider. Sessions focused on creating application portals, scholarship searches and securing housing.

To close out the week, MVHS hosted a College Fair for all grade levels on Thursday and Friday. Teachers were able to bring their Major Time classes to the fair to chat with representatives and, if eligible, complete the on-site admissions process. Over 30 of our students were accepted over the course of the two days.

The planning phase for next year’s Virginia College Application Week will be ramping up with the goal to increase participation by members of the Class of 2025!