Almond College & Career Center News

Wow, that was a fast month!

We are just four Fridays from spring break and approaching the halfway point of 2nd semester. Now is the time to focus your inner energy to finishing this semester strong!

JUNIORS:

Junior Seminar during Course Selection

• Counselors have wrapped up meeting with U.S. History classes and will be following up individually in the coming weeks with students who were not seen during their assigned class day. Families can view the course selection timeline for next steps.
• Click HERE to view the Junior Seminar slides to help onboard our Juniors to SchooLinks.

College Knowledge Summer Workshop for Class of 2026

• Curious about how to apply to college?
• Want to know how to request a transcript or letter of recommendation?
• How about tips about the Common App college essay?
• Or maybe apply to Illinois State University for free?
• Learn more and register for College Knowledge soon!
• Space is limited to 160 rising Seniors from the Class of 2026.

ACT changes/tips and Test-optional admissions

• Slowly more institutions are announcing their test-optional admission policies for the Class of 2026.
• Some are beginning to reverse back towards either requiring test scores for admission (i.e. Purdue, all Florida, Tennessee & Georgia public schools) or preferring for scholarships. Others are continuing their test-optional policies.
• With test-optional, students can apply for admission without needing to submit an ACT or SAT test score.
• We advise students to put forth their best effort with their test preparation for the upcoming DIGITAL ACT on April 10th for all Juniors at the Almond Campus. You want to set yourself up for success going into the fall of your Senior year in regards to your college applications.
• Test-Prep Suggestions:
• 3/1: Free, Practice ACT or SAT at the Warren Newport Library
• Free, Practice ACT through Compass; enter PRESENTATION25
• ACT website
• WTHS website
• To help your family navigate these changes, Compass Educational Group has written a comprehensive ACT changes blog post. It's packed with digestible takeaways for students and parents, including succinct answers to FAQs. Also included in the post are:
• An invitation to a special parent-focused webinar led by Compass on March 4th at 1pm. They will delve deeper into how these changes impact a student's college preparation.
• Access to a free ACT practice test with insightful reporting to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.
• For additional college-specific announcements and policies, visit the Admissions website of the school and visit www.fairtest.org for the most up-to-date information. Also, Compass Educational Group has fantastic resources regarding all aspects of standardized testing and trends.

SENIORS:

Less than 3 months to graduation for the Class of 2025! As always, if you need assistance, stop into the College and Career Center or email your counselor or myself.

Scholarships

• Looking for local, FREE money to help pay for college? You will want to see the EMAIL sent. Lots of great scholarship opportunities for our seniors and more have been added to SchooLinks since our workshop a couple of weeks ago! Application deadline is March 7th for our WTHS specific scholarships!

Financial Aid Award Letter Workshop

• Save the Date for 3/18 where we will unpack your financial aid award letters and help clarify the language. Senior students are welcome to attend during their lunch periods in the CCC.

Blue Devil Seniors Instagram

• Seniors! We need your help for our May 1st festivities to celebrate you! When you are ready to commit or finalize your plans for after high school, send a DM @bluedevilseniors or email Mrs. McGahan cmcgahan@wths.net with your first & last name, photo, intended college & major or career plan, or other plans you have after high school. We look forward to celebrating you!

For BOTH Juniors and Seniors

Visiting Colleges at WTHS

• Several colleges are coming to visit our campuses in the coming weeks! Please note, most of our reps in the spring will be meeting with our O'Plaine Campus students and will be livestreaming to Almond simultaneously. To see the list and sign-up, log into SchooLinks and view under Events.

College Tour

• The College Tour is a TV series brought to you by multi-award winning producers. The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.​ Each episode of The College Tour focuses on a single college or university. From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university. Check it out HERE!

National Hispanic College Fair Field Trip

• WTHS has been invited to participate in the annual Waukegan High School National Hispanic College Fair on March 11th. See below for details and pick-up a permission form from student services.

Looking for a Job?

• See the Opportunities Board (under Careers) in SchooLinks or check our previous Job Board.

We are here to help answer your questions, so students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Mrs. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to help!

Here is the contact information for Student Services.

Have a great couple of weeks!

Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor

If you would like to make an appointment to meet with your Almond Campus Counselor please email them or stop down to Student Services in the main office to submit a request form. If you would like to meet with Mrs. McGahan, please scan the QR code to the right or click HERE. Book an appointment during your free period.

Did your child complete a financial aid application for college and now you're wondering about their eligibility and the required follow up steps? Join ISAC on Thursday, February 27th from 5:30-6:00 p.m. for a YouTube Live session where ISAC's Parent Outreach Coordinator, Claudia Aly, will discuss financial aid offers, also known as award letters, and explain what they are and when to expect them.

This session will provide guidance on understanding the different types of financial aid your student may qualify for, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Whether your child has already submitted their financial aid application or you’re just starting to explore options, this is a great opportunity to ask questions.

Click to access: https://www.youtube.com/@ISACvid/streams

¿Su estudiante completó la solicitud de ayuda financiera para la universidad y ahora se pregunta sobre su elegibilidad y los pasos siguientes? Acompáñenos en una sesión de YouTube donde la Coordinadora de Enlace Familiar de ISAC, Claudia Aly, hablará sobre las Ofertas de Ayuda Financiera, explicará qué son y cuándo esperarlas.

Esta sesión brindará orientación para comprender los diferentes tipos de ayuda financiera para los que su estudiante pudiera ser elegible, incluyendo becas, subvenciones y préstamos. Ya sea que su estudiante ya haya enviado su solicitud de ayuda financiera o que usted recién esté comenzando a explorar opciones, esta es una gran oportunidad para hacer preguntas.

haga clic para acceder: https://www.youtube.com/@ISACvid/streams

Warren Newport Library Card holders are welcome to take a Practice ACT or SAT Test on Saturday, March 1st at 9:30 a.m. The test is proctored and offered through Huntington Learning Center. Test results will be provided on Monday, March 3rd. Registration is open through their website.

With the recent ISBE contract change from SAT to ACT, Illinois students will now be preparing for the ACT. Get ready to achieve your best score on the ACT! Engage in practice tests and cover the four topic areas of Reading, Mathematics, English and Science. Practice algebra, geometry, advanced algebra and basic mathematical refreshers to polish your math skills. Discover helpful ways to remember grammatical rules and effective strategies to help you approach reading passages and questions confidently. Be prepared for the upcoming 2025 ACT test dates of April 5, June 14 and July 12.

Cost is $275.

Register HERE.

We are starting to receive regular scholarship opportunities in our inbox each week. To access the growing list, log onto SchooLinks. Under Finances --> Scholarship Matching --> District Posted. The list will continue to grow throughout this semester, so check often!

If you need to request a transcript for a scholarship, please complete this FORM. You may pick-up transcripts from Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services in the main office.

College Reps are continuing to meet with our students this semester! All reps for general college visits will be meeting in-person with our O'Plaine students in the spring semester and we will livestream to Almond simultaneously. Meeting with these reps is an excellent way to gather information about your college of interest, answer questions you may have and make that personal connection. Juniors and Seniors are welcome to attend in the College and Career Center!

Students can view the upcoming college visits in SchooLinks --> Events.

Students are expected to sign-up in SchooLinks for the visit by clicking on the events --> Register for the Event.

**Students are allowed to attend 3 college visits per semester if they are missing an academic class. Students attending during a lunch or study hall period will not count towards the 3 visits. If you are not able to attend, but would like the information from the institution, please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net).

Tuesday, March 4th

• Period 3: Lake Forest College
• Period 5: Northern Illinois University
• Period 7: Illinois Wesleyan University

Thursday, March 6th

• Period 4: Illinois State University
• Period 7: Illinois State University for Admitted Seniors in the Almond CCC

Tuesday, March 11th

• Period 5: Augustana College

Thursday, March 13th

• Period 7: DePaul University

If you're planning to attend college and neither of your parents completed Bachelor's degree in college, then YOU are considered First-Generation or First-Gen! Did you know many of our Warren teachers are first-gen? Nationwide, about half of all college students are first-gen.

All first-gen Almond students are invited to attend our next I'm First Workshop on 3/10 during 5th period in the Almond PE Classroom. Email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net) if you are first-gen and would like more college/career info, including our upcoming meetings!

As seniors receive their college acceptances, many students look for means to help narrow their list. Here are a few suggestions to help! Especially if your family is not able to visit the campus this winter. As always, contact your counselor or a post-secondary counselor for assistance!

Seniors! We need your help to honor you for our National Declaration Day festivities on May 1st! When you are ready to commit or finalize your plans for after high school, send a DM @bluedevilseniors or email Mrs. McGahan cmcgahan@wths.net with your first & last name, photo, intended college & major or career plan, or other plans you have after high school. We look forward to celebrating you! Click HERE for the growing list of declarations!

High school and middle school students are invited to an upcoming Admissions Forum; a unique opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Naval Academy and Navy ROTC program. Attendees will meet their Regional Director of Admissions, Admission Counselor, Blue & Gold Officers, Congressional Staff members, and Midshipmen.

Chicago, IL Admissions Forum

Saturday, March 15, 2025

10 AM - 12 PM

Carver Military Academy - Auditorium

13100 S. Doty Ave, Chicago, IL 60827

RSVP: https://forms.gle/paX6jsmzegU4WWAD7

For students interested in learning more about the U.S. Military, representatives from the following branches will be located at the front of the Almond Cafeteria. Stop by their table to receive additional information!

Air Force -- 4th Thursday of the month

Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month

Army National Guard -- 1st Tuesday of the month

Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month

Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month

Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month

Attention high school students! If you're eager to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities, mark your calendars for the upcoming Artis Yancey HBCU Tour from March 22 – March 29, 2025. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to visit various campuses throughout Louisiana like: Xavier University, Dillard University, Grambling State University, to name a few! Information sessions are available on March 5 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Patricia A. Jones Office (414 S. Lewis Ave. in Waukegan). Applications & payments are due in-person by early March! See their website for additional information: https://www.waukegantownship.com/206/Artis-Yancey-HBCU-Tour

The Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) is proud to offer the Illinois National College Fair (INCF)! The South Suburbs will host a college fair that brings in 200+ colleges and universities from across the globe to meet with our students.

When: April 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Moraine Valley Community College

FREE!

Register at www.strivefair.com and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of two $500 scholarships!

Then plan to register and attend College Knowledge this summer, 2025!

• This comprehensive, 2 day, 2 1/2 hour workshop in the Almond Campus College and Career Center will walk you through the entire process and you will leave feel relieved about how simplistic the process is!
• A binder of information will be distributed to each student including information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, college search, SchooLinks, Common App and more!
• We will host Illinois State University to complete a live application to see what the applications are all about.
• An English teacher will provide an introduction to the Common App essay prompts and essay writing in general.
• A college-student panel of WTHS alumni will return to share their insight about the process and college life.
• All for FREE!
• Sign-up for one of our 4 sessions starting on 1/27 to lock in your spot!
• Session 1: June 9-10...9:45-12:15
• Session 2: June 9-10...12:45-3:15
• Session 3: June 11-12...9:45-12:15
• Session 4: June 11-12...12:45-3:15

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS/index.php

The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar, often referred to as NASS, program offers the opportunity for approximately 2,550 rising high school seniors to visit the Naval Academy for one week during the month of June. Summer Seminar introduces students to life at the Academy, where they will experience first-class academic, athletic, and professional training at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.

This program is highly recommended for any student who may be thinking about attending the Naval Academy.

• Session 1 (Saturday - Thursday) May 31 - June 5
• Session 2 (Saturday - Thursday) June 7 - June 12
• Session 3 (Saturday - Thursday) June 14 - June 19

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php#fndtn-panel1-Attending

The Summer STEM Program offers the opportunity for rising 9th through 11th grade students to participate in a week long program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Campers will create, build, and explore in world-class lab facilities and experience real-life applications.

• Rising 9TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 2 - 7
• Rising 10TH Graders (Monday - Saturday) June 9 - 14
• Rising 11TH Graders (Monday - Friday) June 16 – 20

Click below for additional information and learn more about this all expenses paid conference sponsored by the Gurnee Rotary Club!

Brochure

Application

Agenda and page 2

CTE Month is a public awareness campaign that takes place in February to celebrate CTE, the accomplishments of CTE programs, and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages.

"Make it in Illinois" is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Illinois Innovation Network to connect more people to rewarding careers in manufacturing. The purpose is to grow CTE and apprenticeship programs across the state through a $5 million project to rebrand manufacturing in Illinois as a rewarding, high-wage, family-sustaining career where individuals can realize their best selves. Follow "Make it in Illinois" on social media and visit the Make it in Illinois website to see the people, facilities, and exciting opportunities in this field.

Beginning October 1, through February 28, the Lake County Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee will begin accepting applications for both the five-year electrical construction and the four-year telecommunication apprenticeship programs.

· Students must be 18 by June 30, 2025

· High school graduate

· One full-year HS algebra

· Valid driver's license by 1/31/2025

· Minimum score of 4 on NJATC Aptitude Test

· Pass physical exam, background check & drug screen (hair follicle)

https://lakecountyjatc.org/howtoapply/

Electrical Construction Apprenticeship Program - Inside Wireman

· Five-year program

· $17.72+ per hour to start

o Raises at specified times throughout 5-year program

· Journeyman pay rate upon graduation approximately $44.30+ per hour

Telecommunication & Data Apprenticeship Program

· Four-year program

· $18.54+ per hour to start

o Raises at specified times throughout 4-year program

· Journeyman pay rate is approximately $41.20+ per hour

The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2025 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Final deadline is April 1, 2025. See flier for more information.

This program is open to any 14 to 21-year-old interested in learning more about law enforcement careers. Students will help the community as well as learn about careers in law enforcement and learn foundational policing skills. For additional information see their website.

Click HERE to access and explore 170+ careers with videos and information. By participating, you will gain a better understanding of the variety of industries and positions. Some employers may also have possible internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and/or employment opportunities for our students! For those of you who may not know what you want to do, there’s a career assessment included that will help you narrow down a career cluster to further research. At the end, please complete the exit survey to reflect and provide feedback so we can continue to assist you with your post-high school plans.

WTHS has in-person Study Tables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00 p.m. in the Almond Campus Library for English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Students who need bus transportation home are able to take the shuttle from Almond to O'Plaine and take the O'Plaine busses home.

To date, www.fairtest.org as published over 1,800 colleges and universities which are allowing Fall 2025 applicants to apply test-optional. Many institutions are stating students are at no disadvantage of applying test-optional. But it is good diligence on your part to verify the institution will still distribute merit, academic scholarships, be considered for direct-entry, competitive majors and Honors College consideration.

Almond Post-Secondary Counselor

Instagram @wthsccc

(847) 548-6709

Email: cmcgahan@wths.net
Website: https://www.d121.org/Page/313
Phone: (847) 548-6709
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wthsccc