The SAT and ACT are valuable tools that can open doors to educational and financial opportunities; while also helping you gauge your preparedness for the next step in your academic journey. The best time to take the SAT or ACT is in the spring of your junior year.

Taking the SAT and ACT is an important step in the college admissions process for several reasons:

1. College Admissions: Many colleges and universities use SAT and ACT scores as part of their admissions criteria. High scores can enhance your application and increase your chances of being accepted into your preferred schools.

2. Scholarship Opportunities: Good performance on these tests can qualify you for various scholarships and financial aid programs, helping to reduce the cost of college education.

3. Academic Readiness: These standardized tests assess your readiness for college-level work. They provide a benchmark for your academic skills in areas like math, reading, and writing.

4. Comparison Across Schools: SAT and ACT scores offer a standardized measure to compare students from different high schools and educational backgrounds, providing colleges with a common metric.

The 2024-25 FAFSA form will be released on December 31st this year, not October 1st. BIG CHANGES are coming!! Get ready for a revamped FAFSA experience and a smoother application process! Click below to learn about more updates to the FAFSA form.

Thinking about college? NACAC hosts MULTIPLE VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON College Fairs throughout the school year!!! Hundreds of college and university representatives participate in these fairs. College Fairs are an excellent opportunity for you to find out more information about colleges that interest you!!! Visit their website frequently to find out when and where future NACAC College Fairs will be scheduled!!!

Colleges, universities and trade schools will offer open houses in the fall. This is a perfect opportunity to explore advantages each school has to offer, meet faculty, students and talk to admission counselors. Also, seniors, it is a good time to contact an admissions counselor from the school you have chosen to attend; to answer any questions you may have about the classes you need to take for your particular major.

Maryland Colleges & Universities

• Bowie State University - Undergraduate Open House | Bowie State
• Allegany College of Maryland - November 9th and November 15th at 9:00 am Open Houses | Allegany College of Maryland
• University of Maryland College Park - Office of Undergraduate Admissions | Visit (umd.edu)
• University of Maryland Baltimore County - October 5th Open House - Undergraduate Admissions - UMBC
• Morgan State University - Explore Morgan Day Program Explore Morgan Day Program
• McDaniel College - November 2nd Day at McDaniel Visit McDaniel College
• Towson University - September 28th Undergraduate Open House (towson.edu)
• Salisbury University - November 9th Salisbury University - Salisbury University Open House
• Frostburg State University - November 9th Campus Visit Day (frostburg.edu)
• Loyola University Maryland - November 9th Fall Open Houses (loyola.edu)
• St. Mary's College of Maryland - November 16th St. Mary's College of Maryland - Open House (smcm.edu)
• Washington College - November 9th Washington College - Open House Events

Virginia Colleges & Universities

• James Madison University - November 16th Explore JMU: Academic Open Houses - JMU
• Hampton University - November 9th Fall Open House - HU Admissions Office (hamptonu.edu)
• University of Virginia - Plan Your Visit | The University of Virginia
• Virginia Tech - November 2nd or 3rd Virginia Tech Open House | Virginia Tech (vt.edu)
• George Mason University - September 21st & October 20th Visit Us and Open Houses | College of Visual and Performing Arts (gmu.edu)
• Virginia Commonwealth University - Visit - Admissions - Virginia Commonwealth University (vcu.edu)
• Virginia State University - November 9th Open House | Virginia State University

If you plan to join the Military, you will be required to take the ASVAB test. You may not know this, but the ASVAB is also a CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM. (CEP). ASVAB CEP's approach to career exploration helps you identify your skills and interests and encourages you to explore all the pathways credentialing, licensure and apprenticeship programs and the Military.

La Plata High School offers the ASVAB twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring at no charge to the student. Our upcoming ASVAB test date is Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 am in the library. This will be a digital test. There are only 40 spots available. We will begin sign up on September 16th.

In addition, Charles County will provide the ASVAB test November 16th. More information will be sent out as time gets closer.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is a vocational school dedicated to preparing students for successful careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. The school’s apprentice program is registered with U.S. Department of Labor. There is no cost for tuition or room and board, though there are other costs associated with the program.

Minor Work Permit: Information you need to know

Work permits are required for all minors under the age of 18 to work in the State of Maryland.

How to Obtain a Work Permit:

• The minor applies for a permit online and prints permit.
• The minor signs the permit.
• The minor's parent or guardian signs the permit.
• The employer signs the permit.

Want to Compete at an NCAA School?

If you want to compete in NCAA college sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org.