News from the Homefront:
Seniors Attending PVCC Next Year:
Seniors whose post-high school plans include attending PVCC next year are invited to attend a meeting on April 21, where
you will have the opportunity to sit with an admissions officer and create your actual schedule for next year. This is an amazing opportunity that you do not want to pass up, as you will have first choice of classes, and class TIMES, so that you can create the most effective schedule that works for you! Prior to this meeting, you will be required to sit with a PVCC representative to get some information that will aid in the schedule making process in April. Please be sure to meet with your counselor so that we can schedule you for that initial meeting, which will take place in March.
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
Better Together T-Shirts
If you would like to order an Always Better Together Shirt, please fill out this form. Please fill out one form per shirt. Shirts are $12 (S-XL) $14 (2XL) $16 (3XL-6XL). Special thanks to Zora who was our designer and winner of the t-shirt contest! We can take cash or check made out to WAHS, or we can bill you with MySchoolBucks. Let Ms. Padrón or Ms. Curry know which you'd prefer.
Seniors whose post-high school plans include attending PVCC next year are invited to attend a meeting on April 21, where
you will have the opportunity to sit with an admissions officer and create your actual schedule for next year. This is an amazing opportunity that you do not want to pass up, as you will have first choice of classes, and class TIMES, so that you can create the most effective schedule that works for you! Prior to this meeting, you will be required to sit with a PVCC representative to get some information that will aid in the schedule making process in April. Please be sure to meet with your counselor so that we can schedule you for that initial meeting, which will take place in March.
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
Better Together T-Shirts
If you would like to order an Always Better Together Shirt, please fill out this form. Please fill out one form per shirt. Shirts are $12 (S-XL) $14 (2XL) $16 (3XL-6XL). Special thanks to Zora who was our designer and winner of the t-shirt contest! We can take cash or check made out to WAHS, or we can bill you with MySchoolBucks. Let Ms. Padrón or Ms. Curry know which you'd prefer.
Interfaith Youth Group
Western students have organized a panel discussion on 28 March.
Western students have organized a panel discussion on 28 March.
In School SAT Day
Western will be giving the SAT to juniors on 24 March. There is no need to sign up or to pay for this. We will register students and there is no cost to take it. Looking to practice before the big day? Link your PSAT to Khan Academy and review material you missed. There's no cost for that either!
Western will be giving the SAT to juniors on 24 March. There is no need to sign up or to pay for this. We will register students and there is no cost to take it. Looking to practice before the big day? Link your PSAT to Khan Academy and review material you missed. There's no cost for that either!
Tomorrow is a(n) No School day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 19 March – Snow Make Up Day
- 20 March – Teacher Work Day, No School for Students
- 24 March – In School SAT Day
- 27 March – Arts Fest in the West
- 30 March – WAHS with a Cause
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 20 April – Model Congress
- 21 April – No School (Election Day)
- 23 April – Post High Planning Night
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 1 May – PVCC Final
- 2 May – Prom
- 4 May – AP Testing Begins
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by SATUVISION Digital Agency on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesThe Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is open and taking submissions. Submit your poem for a chance at a $2,000 Scholarship. Due 1 April
The Listen to a Story Contest invites you to connect with a senior citizen and have a meaningful dialog. The contest is open to people 8-18. Cash prize! Due 17 April April is Poetry Month so get ready for the Dear Poet Project! Write a letter to a poet in response to their work. The project is open to students grades 5-12. Americans Against Gun Violence has an essay contest. Respond to a prompt and submit your essay for scholarship money. Essays are due 18 April. Open to 9-12. Submit your haiku to the Haiku and Senryu Poetry Contest. Submissions are due on 20 March. Visual and Performing ArtsThe Thespian Society has a series of scholarships open right now.
The Young American Patriotic Art Contest is open to people in grades 9-12. Submit your work by 31 March Does a new laptop sound good? Submit your work to the 2026 NAGYN Art Contest. Open to students in grades 9-12. Submit by 31 March Submit your work to the Fine Art Contest! Winners get $1,000. Submit by 23 March Project Yellow Light invites you to create a video or radio PSA about distracted driving. It's worth up to $8,000. Due 1 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMThe Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April
ANS has a scholarship for incoming freshman planning to pursue a degree in STEM. Apply by 1 April The Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships to women planning to go into engineering. Apply by 31 March Designers and engineers, can you use aluminum to solve problems? the 2026 Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Contest offers up to $5,000 for a winning design. Apply by 30 March Microsoft offers two scholarships to encourage under represented people to go into a STEM Field. Black at Microsoft offers $5,000. Apply by 16 March. Women at Microsoft has $5,000 for you. Apply by 27 March 
Photo by PITTI EDU on Unsplash
Skilled TradesANS has a scholarship for students interested in pursuing nuclear engineering beyond high school. Apply by 1 April.
The National Farmers Union offers $1,000 scholarships for education beyond high school for those who plan to work in agriculture. Apply by 1 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April Home Depot offers $2,500 to students planning a career in the trades. Apply by 31 March SEMA offers scholarship money to pay off student loans to those who are pursuing a career in Skilled Trades. Apply by 3 April Dairy Shrine offers scholarships to youth of all ages who plan to pursue a career in dairy farming. There are multiple options to choose from. Submit by 15 April |
Scholarships for Seniors
Crozet Baptist Church awards 2 scholarships yearly named for Hallie and Paul Cale. Awards in the past have been a one time payment of $2,500 for the 1st semester and $2,500 for the 2nd semester paid directly to the university. Selection is based on Character, Academic Record, Financial Need, and Leadership. These awards are for WAHS only and the application is easy!!
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
Alternatively, students may choose to:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
- An up-to-date transcript
- A copy of their college acceptance letter
- A brief description of why they chose their college and whether they plan to return to Charlottesville after their studies
Alternatively, students may choose to:
- Email their application and materials to [email protected], or
- Mail them to the following address, ensuring they are received by March 31st.:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
Scholarships for Juniors!
ATTENTION JUNIORS: Applications for the impact-driven, four-year, full-tuition Cameron Impact Scholarship are officially open for the CLASS OF 2027.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
- 15 scholarships awarded per annum
- Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
- Freedom in choice of school and area of study
- Accepting applications for the Class of 2027 - JUNIORS;
- have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher;
- be a citizen of the United States.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
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Self Care:
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Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
1st place prize for the Science Saves contest is $10,000. Submit your 20-30 second video about how science has saved you or someone you know. Submit by 4 May.
The All Star College Scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who were adopted or left foster care after the age of 13 or later. It's worth up to $40,000. Apply by 1 May The Let Grow group offers a Think for Yourself Essay Contest for high school seniors. It's worth up to $8,000. Apply by 30 April The Anne Ford Scholarship awards $10,000 for a student with a learning disability who will be attending college in the fall. Apply by 26 April The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has a spring deadline as well. Apply by 15 April for a chance at a $10,000. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund offers up to $10,000 to students with demonstrated need. Apply by 1 April The American Water Impact Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for students engaged in environmental work and planning to major in a non-medical STEM field. Apply by 31 March Create Real Impact invites you to submit a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Register to compete by 30 March. Win up to $10,000 Do Good Things for PeopleSupport the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society with Trivia Night at Michie Tavern tonight
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Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further!
And also don't skip this!
And also don't skip this!
Work for the Department of Technology this summer! This is a paid internship. You will earn $15/hour doing things like re-imaging computers, fixing hardware, and working in a team. Apply by 1 June.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
- When? July 27 – July 31, Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm each day
- Who? rising 9th through 12th grades
- Where? UVA Engineering, Thornton Hall, Charlottesville, VA
- How much? Free
- What next? Those who are interested need to complete an application by April 15th (references must be received by April 29th). We will start reviewing applications immediately and accept on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
UVA Advance is a summer program for high school students at UVA. Take two classes (one of the 4 core classes and then an elective) and get college credit. This is a residential program.
The Oliver Hill/Sam Tucker Pre-Law Institute runs for a week in Richmond in the summer. This is a great way to learn about what it is to be a lawyer and the steps necessary for pursuing a future in law.
Hit the James River this summer for some excellent time learning about our waterways! The program for high school students is an excellent way to explore an interest in conservation while gaining leadership skills.
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
The Virginia Discovery Museum has a Museum Teen Internship Program.
Are you interested in education, STEAM, the arts, or just getting involved with their local community? Each year the Museum hosts 40+ select interns who help in our galleries, with Summer Camps, and more, all while gaining valuable job training and forging working relationships with staff and guests. Many interns continue to volunteer throughout the year, earning hundreds of service hours, and establishing their place in our community.
In addition to training and job experience, completion of the program will also come with a letter of recommendation for job or college applications. To apply, all applicants must
Applications are open now and will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis. We also have the link posted on School Links for those that use that.
The Oliver Hill/Sam Tucker Pre-Law Institute runs for a week in Richmond in the summer. This is a great way to learn about what it is to be a lawyer and the steps necessary for pursuing a future in law.
Hit the James River this summer for some excellent time learning about our waterways! The program for high school students is an excellent way to explore an interest in conservation while gaining leadership skills.
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
- Introduction to Law & the United States Legal System
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and the Law
- Introduction to Search and Seizure
The Virginia Discovery Museum has a Museum Teen Internship Program.
Are you interested in education, STEAM, the arts, or just getting involved with their local community? Each year the Museum hosts 40+ select interns who help in our galleries, with Summer Camps, and more, all while gaining valuable job training and forging working relationships with staff and guests. Many interns continue to volunteer throughout the year, earning hundreds of service hours, and establishing their place in our community.
In addition to training and job experience, completion of the program will also come with a letter of recommendation for job or college applications. To apply, all applicants must
- Be High School Students (this includes rising 9th graders and graduating 12th graders)
- Attend an interview and orientation
- Commit to At Least 25 Service Hours
- Submit Applications no later than April 30th.
Applications are open now and will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis. We also have the link posted on School Links for those that use that.
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"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
The Importance of Where You Go to College
As the price of college rises, (private schools are around $95K and out of state public schools are around $65K) it’s becoming harder and harder for families to afford choices they might have made a decade or two ago. It’s easy to say “Well if you get into Harvard, we’ll find a way to pay for it.” What’s a lot harder is, well, paying for it.
So it’s time to emphasize a fact that is easily overlooked. Where you go to college is a lot less important than what you do when you’re there.
I have students that have attended all kinds of colleges. But the ones who are the most successful after college are not always the ones who went to the “best” named school. A student I had who went to Princeton did indeed go to Harvard Medical School. But so did a student who went to JMU.
Recently a WAHS grad turned down a pretty big name school. They knew that what they most wanted to study couldn’t be done at that school. It also couldn’t be done at the public school they chose. But the difference was that four years at that public school cost about what 1 ½ semesters at the private big name school cost. And with that savings the student would have so much more in terms of opportunities. Indeed, they have seized all of them. Honors Program? Check. Money to study away in January? Check. A place on Student Council? Check. What they have done at the university they chose has made them an absolute star there, and done it in a way that it would not likely be possible at the big name private place.
My daughter did something similar. She chose to attend a small liberal arts college that was less selective than the big name school she was also accepted at (and which we could not afford in 2017). There she was offered so many opportunities she might not have had at the other school. She was invited to do research her first semester, was recruited to be a TA to a class, offered a job working in the library archives, and even given the opportunity to attend a study away program that changed the trajectory of her life as well as a post graduate scholarship and program to attend. Would she have had this at the other school? Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn’t hurt to be a big fish in a smaller pond.
So what to focus on as you make your decisions about or begin your research into a school? Focus on what you can do or accomplish there. Is there a team you can join? A program that fits you? A living learning community you want to participate in? Arts programming you want to take advantage of? Are you offered a place in the honors program? Are there research opportunities? Are you guaranteed money for study away? These are the things that make us whole people. Academics are the main aspect of college, but you also live there so remember you are more than the classes you take.
Don’t be swayed by what people are posting on social media, what you see on ESPN, or what someone says in ACAC. Your best choices are your own. They are right for you. Maybe that means a small school in which you can take center stage. Maybe it’s in an honors program in a large school where the opportunities presented to you are rich and varied. Maybe it’s a price you can afford because you’ve been recruited for sports. Maybe they have a institute just perfect for you. The common denominator here: you.
At a time when we are bombarded with information from all sides, choosing a college still needs to be something that you do yourself based on your needs. Don’t choose a school because your friends go. Don’t choose as school to make mom or dad or Great Aunt Mona happy. Don’t choose a school to please anyone but yourself. Because if you do, you might lose out on an experience that will be better for you in the long run.
When people are happy in school they are much more productive, more successful, and more content than when they are not. And the difference between the education you can get at any of the top 100 schools is not so different. But the experience you have there can be. A former student of mine who very very much wanted to attend an Ivy, ended up at UVA. It was the right cost for him and he hadn’t gotten into the Ivy he wanted to go to. But at UVA he left a sizable impact. He is graduating from the University of Chicago Law School where he attended on a full scholarship. Could he have done this if he had gotten into an Ivy, probavly. But the confidence he gained in himself at UVA was probably not something that he’d have had there.
Don’t underestimate the value of that aspect of the college experience as well. High school at a competitive school like WAHS can be a marathon on the hamster wheel. Stepping off that for college gives us space to grow, develop, and learn. Coming out of college with confidence, poise, and high self esteem is valuable beyond measure.
So it’s time to emphasize a fact that is easily overlooked. Where you go to college is a lot less important than what you do when you’re there.
I have students that have attended all kinds of colleges. But the ones who are the most successful after college are not always the ones who went to the “best” named school. A student I had who went to Princeton did indeed go to Harvard Medical School. But so did a student who went to JMU.
Recently a WAHS grad turned down a pretty big name school. They knew that what they most wanted to study couldn’t be done at that school. It also couldn’t be done at the public school they chose. But the difference was that four years at that public school cost about what 1 ½ semesters at the private big name school cost. And with that savings the student would have so much more in terms of opportunities. Indeed, they have seized all of them. Honors Program? Check. Money to study away in January? Check. A place on Student Council? Check. What they have done at the university they chose has made them an absolute star there, and done it in a way that it would not likely be possible at the big name private place.
My daughter did something similar. She chose to attend a small liberal arts college that was less selective than the big name school she was also accepted at (and which we could not afford in 2017). There she was offered so many opportunities she might not have had at the other school. She was invited to do research her first semester, was recruited to be a TA to a class, offered a job working in the library archives, and even given the opportunity to attend a study away program that changed the trajectory of her life as well as a post graduate scholarship and program to attend. Would she have had this at the other school? Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn’t hurt to be a big fish in a smaller pond.
So what to focus on as you make your decisions about or begin your research into a school? Focus on what you can do or accomplish there. Is there a team you can join? A program that fits you? A living learning community you want to participate in? Arts programming you want to take advantage of? Are you offered a place in the honors program? Are there research opportunities? Are you guaranteed money for study away? These are the things that make us whole people. Academics are the main aspect of college, but you also live there so remember you are more than the classes you take.
Don’t be swayed by what people are posting on social media, what you see on ESPN, or what someone says in ACAC. Your best choices are your own. They are right for you. Maybe that means a small school in which you can take center stage. Maybe it’s in an honors program in a large school where the opportunities presented to you are rich and varied. Maybe it’s a price you can afford because you’ve been recruited for sports. Maybe they have a institute just perfect for you. The common denominator here: you.
At a time when we are bombarded with information from all sides, choosing a college still needs to be something that you do yourself based on your needs. Don’t choose a school because your friends go. Don’t choose as school to make mom or dad or Great Aunt Mona happy. Don’t choose a school to please anyone but yourself. Because if you do, you might lose out on an experience that will be better for you in the long run.
When people are happy in school they are much more productive, more successful, and more content than when they are not. And the difference between the education you can get at any of the top 100 schools is not so different. But the experience you have there can be. A former student of mine who very very much wanted to attend an Ivy, ended up at UVA. It was the right cost for him and he hadn’t gotten into the Ivy he wanted to go to. But at UVA he left a sizable impact. He is graduating from the University of Chicago Law School where he attended on a full scholarship. Could he have done this if he had gotten into an Ivy, probavly. But the confidence he gained in himself at UVA was probably not something that he’d have had there.
Don’t underestimate the value of that aspect of the college experience as well. High school at a competitive school like WAHS can be a marathon on the hamster wheel. Stepping off that for college gives us space to grow, develop, and learn. Coming out of college with confidence, poise, and high self esteem is valuable beyond measure.
On the Town
- Today you can hear Heifetz "Bach" at the Stage
- There will be a poetry reading by Diana Khoi Nguyen this evening
- Tonight is a chance to hear Voices of Adult Learners
- Chris Funk the Wonderist performs tonight
- Tonight Pat Metheny performs
- UVA's Latin American Studies Presents Kadencia tonight
- The Virginia Festival of the Book kicks off this week!
- It's also the Indie Short Festival this weekend
- Emma continues its run
- The Hound of the Baskervilles continues its run
- Sweeny Todd continues this week
- Twelfth Night continues its run
- Friday the Peking Acrobats perform
- The Norms are at Offbeat Roadhouse Friday
- Attend a Cinematography Workshop on Saturday
- Saturday take a Spring Habitat Walk
- How about a Songwriting Workshop Saturday?
- Saturday is Archaeology Day
- Enjoy a free Performance Concentration Recital Saturday
- Saturday the Saami Brothers are at the Front Porch
- Joe Newberry performs on Saturday
- Saturday the Charlottesville Symphony performs Gershwin and again on Sunday
- Real Companion performs on Saturday
- The Nettle Shirts is at PVCC on Sunday
- Sunday take a guided walk at Walnut Creek
- Diana Krall performs Sunday
- Sunday there is a conversation/lecture: Telling the Truth: Stories of Courage, Conflict, and Connection
- Monday is a talk on Leftovers: Rethinking Waste in Design
- Enjoy the Tuesday Evening Concert Series
- Wednesday is the Picture Project
