The College Counseling Office unites with the entire school in carrying out the vision of The Vanguard School.  Primarily this office works closely with the Administration and teachers to assist students in making their college choices.

Students are encouraged to perform well within the college-preparatory curriculum and to choose the most rigorous courses Vanguard offers.  From 9th grade upward, students are given the opportunity to monitor their yearly progress.

In order that all students become aware of the value of a college preparatory program, every student is given a clear explanation of Vanguard graduation requirements.  Having this knowledge, they become cognizant of the importance of their school achievement in relation to their future choices.

In consort with the testing policy at Vanguard, the College Counseling Department administers, coordinates and informs students of the dates of pre-tests and college testing both at Vanguard and other sites in the city.  Both parents and students are provided with the interpretation of testing results in specific subject areas and to review the results of the career information.

The College Counseling Department places emphasis on college discovery, starting in the Freshman year.  Both Freshmen and Sophomores are scheduled each year to attend a local college fair and are expected to compare and contrast the information they have acquired.  Upperclassmen, on the other hand, participate in college sessions each month to obtain the knowledge needed to search for colleges and scholarships; to learn about themselves as individuals; and to narrow their college searches in preparation for their college applications.

Our policy is to welcome all students to the college office to answer questions.  We encourage parents to participate in the meetings provided to assist their students with their individual college plan.

For more information on college counseling at The Vanguard School, please contact Mrs. Jill Custer, College Counselor by E-Mail at jill.custer@cmca12.com.

One of the many factors colleges consider in making their final decision for admission is the scores from the college entrance exams. Generally, these scores are used to determine academic potential and educational placement.

The college entrance tests may be retaken for the purpose of improving scores. Colleges and university test requirements may differ in the acceptable score ranges and types of admission tests.

The testing sequence adopted by The Vanguard School begins with the Explore Plan Act System (EPAS).  EPAS testing consists of (1) a battery of four tests of educational development, (2) an interest inventory, (3) study skills assessment, and (4) a questionnaire about students’ educational and career plans, background and special educational needs.

The three tests are administered at the school in Grades 9, 10 and 11.

 

Grade 9 - EXPLORE
Identifies skills that need improvement, prepares for style and content of ACT, predicts performance on PLAN, and inventories interest and career possibilities.

 

Grade 10 - PLAN
Offers practice for the ACT (American College Test) and a view of whether students are on target for reaching predicted EPAS benchmarks.

 

Grade 11 - ACT
An achievement-oriented test, measuring acquired skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning. The Vanguard School administers the test annually in April according to the State testing date. Students are encouraged to take the nationally administered test, offered at various locations, to include the writing portion required by some colleges.

In addition, The Vanguard School offers student preparation for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

 

Sophomores and Juniors take the practice PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) prior to the PSAT test day to help themselves become familiar with the style and content of the PSAT, and to practice for the actual PSAT test.  The PSAT is administered at The Vanguard School, on a scheduled date, to both Sophomores and Juniors. The PSAT measures critical reading, quantitative math and writing ability.  Juniors must take the scheduled PSAT in order to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship and recognition.

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) measures critical reading, quantitative math and writing ability. The Vanguard School encourages students to plan for these tests given throughout the year in various locations.

SAT Subject Tests measure knowledge and skills in a particular subject and the ability to apply that knowledge. Some colleges require particular subject tests.

AP (Advanced Placement).  A college may permit a new student to skip or even receive credit for an introductory course if he/she demonstrates readiness for an advanced course. The tests are graded from 1 (low) to 5 (high), and many colleges grant advanced placement and/or credit for a score of 3 or better. The Vanguard School currently offers AP courses.

Extended Time SAT and ACT.  Extended time is available for students with documented learning disabilities. Students need to apply well ahead of test registration deadlines.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).  Some colleges require the TOEFL of students whose first or native language is not English. This test, either alone or in combination with the ACT/SAT, will give colleges information needed to make admissions decisions.

PSAT/NMSQT

Dear Students and Parents,

On Wednesday, October 13, the sophomores and juniors will be taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This is the qualifying test that students must take to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition for college scholarships that will be awarded in 2012. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT will also help prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test by giving each student personal feedback on his test performance, including suggestions on how to improve specific academic skills, plus complete answer explanations so students can learn from their mistakes. Please note, however, that taking the PSAT/NMSQT as sophomores does not enter students into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Each student has received an Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT which contains information about the National Merit Scholarship Program and also has test-taking helps. Please review this guide before Wednesday’s test. Calculators are recommended for the mathematics section of the test, but only those that are approved for school use.

The Vanguard School is committed to preparing students for admittance to and success in the college of their choice. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT initiates the college planning process. Please make sure students get adequate rest the night before and eat breakfast the morning of the test. Please do hesitate to call me if you have any questions. Thank you.

Jill Custer
College Advisor
The Vanguard School 471-1999, X 256

The Vanguard School is using a college counseling software program, "Naviance," to keep track of our students as they progress through our high school and continue on to college. Through the Family Connection Center of Naviance, students are able to search for and compare colleges that meet their requirements, track scholarships, and take the necessary steps to meet the milestones set by The Vanguard School such as creating a resume and requesting transcripts and recommendations. Parents have access to this information as well and can see the steps their students have taken to prepare for college. Please access The Vanguard School’s Family Connection website at http://connection.naviance.com/vanguard.
Freshmen (September/October)
The College Advisor introduces individual Freshmen in the College Counseling Center to the College Planning Process. During the interview, each Freshman is given an overview of his/her present courses in relation to the 4 year plan required by The Vanguard School. Emphasis is placed on the quality and effort of their academic performance. A discussion on their subject and career interests, learning style, and activity involvement is geared toward self-reflection and self- knowledge. Students are encouraged to share their talents and out-of-school experiences.

Sophomores (October/November)
Each Sophomore is re-acquainted with the College Plan in the College Counseling Center. An overview of the 4-year course plan is discussed in relation to their past performance. Sophomores are encouraged to increase their level of academic achievement and further investigate their future careers. In addition, information given out by the College Department on colleges, college fairs, college testing is to take on more meaning and consequently affect their future college plans. Both the PSAT and PLAN test are administered to the sophomores in the Fall.

Juniors (September/April)
All Juniors begin serious work with the College Advisor. Their school performance, college testing results and college searches take center stage. They take the PSAT test in the Fall and the SAT, ACT and AP test in the Spring. College sessions are set up with juniors to systematically search for scholarships and colleges with a “good fit”. This researched information is shared individually with each parent during the junior interview in January.

Seniors

• (September/October) Each Senior meets with the college advisor to review in detail: individual college choices, the college deadlines, testing, essays, teacher recommendations and college fee requirements. Regular communication is established between students, parents and the College Advisor regarding the progress and status of students’ pending applications.
• (November/December) During this time period, the College Counseling Office informs seniors of specific deadlines, i.e., testing, applications, etc., through regular postings and direct communication or email. Updating their Naviance accounts quarterly assists seniors and the College Office of their progress in the application process.
• (January/February) Beginning with the second semester, all Senior college applications are complete and the financial aid information is due. The College Counseling Office submits to the colleges the mid-year academic reports of the college applicants.
• (March/April) Seniors begin finalizing their college choices and completing the final data to the colleges of their choice.

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Name Web Address	What You Can Do Here	Number of Online Applications Available
College Board www.collegeboard.com	- Register for SAT-I and SAT-II - College Search - Apply Online - CSS/PROFILE Online - Scholarship Search - Test Preparation Information	500 undergraduate
The ACT www.actstudent.org	- Register for ACT - College Search - Test Preparation	N/A
CollegeInColorado.org www.collegeincolorado.org	- Research In-State Schools - Apply Online - Complete Application for College Opportunity Fund	N/A
CollegeNET www.collegenet.com	- College Search - Apply Online - Scholarship Search	500+ undergraduate
Peterson's www.petersons.com/ugchannel	- College Search - Apply Online - Scholarship Search	1,000 undergraduate
The Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com	- College Search - Apply for Financial Aid - Apply Online - Link to Scholarship Search - Test Preparation Information	950+ undergraduate
Careers and Colleges www.careersandcolleges.com	- College Search - Apply Online - Link to Scholarship Search	700 undergraduate
XAP www.xap.com	- College Search - Apply Online	500+ undergraduate
USNews.com http://www.usnews.com/ sections/education/index.html	- College Search - Information on US News College Rankings - Financial Aid Search - Scholarship Search - Compare Colleges (up to 4 side-by-side)	N/A