

Almond College & Career Center News
January 12, 2025
Happy New Year!
I hope your family enjoyed the holiday break and are settling nicely into your classes this semester.
JUNIORS:
Course Selection Process for Senior Year
In the coming weeks, on a designated day, Counselors will be meeting with students as a group in English classes and individually during US History to enter course requests for the following school year. Additional information will be forthcoming from Dr. Laura Kirk or see the course selection page.
Start or continue your College/Career Search!
Many students start to focus their energy on searching for colleges and an intended career path.
- Utilize the features of SchooLinks
- See a folder of helpful videos
- Explore the College Search and Admission Stats feature (click on Colleges)
- Take the Would you Rather Assessment (click on Activities)
- Dive into the Career Center (click on Careers)
- Consider taking the ASVAB on February 1st REGISTER
Visiting Colleges On-Campus
- Now is a good time to map out your college visits and get on college campuses if you have not already. Some of our upcoming non-student attendance days or spring break week is a great time to visit colleges since we are not in school, but many colleges are in full session still. To schedule an on-campus visit, schedule on the college's admission website.
Zion-Benton College Fair, 1/30
- Zion-Benton High School is hosting a College Fair on January 30th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in their Fieldhouse. Over 60 college representatives will be in attendance and WTHS families are welcome to join! Click for more information.
SAT/ACT Test and Study Resources
- For all juniors, WTHS has registered our students for the ACT on April 10, 2025 at the Almond Campus. It is an official ACT and graduation requirement. We do advise students to take both an official or practice ACT and SAT for college admissions to see which test reflects a higher overall score. Then plan to take your preferred test at least twice to see where your score progresses.
- See below about a FREE Practice ACT offered at the Warren Newport Library on March 1st!
- There is no guarantee colleges will maintain test-optional admissions as some institutions have with the Class of 2025. Most colleges will not confirm their test admissions policies for the next admissions cycle until later this spring or summer. For a list of those participating in test optional admissions currently for this school year, visit www.fairtest.org or view this article.
- For additional information, see below for a list of free tips, click HERE for a resource folder or view the presentation with Compass Test Prep from October, 2024. For suggestions about test prep resources view suggestions HERE posted to our website.
SENIORS:
Here we go! Your last semester of high school is upon us....aaaaahhhhhh!!!!
Financial Aid to help pay for college
- The '25-'26 FAFSA opened 11/18/24. Click HERE to sign-up for our January 16th or February 13th FAFSA workshops at the Almond Campus CCC.
- If you are planning to apply for financial aid, it is HIGHLY recommended to apply for the FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application by February 1st.
- Click HERE to review the presentation materials from our Senior Paying for College Presentation on 9/12.
- As a reminder, per the Illinois State Board of Education, as a graduation requirement, all HS seniors must file one of these financial aid applications or complete a waiver and upload to SchooLinks. Instructions HERE. Click HERE to reference the latest reminders or click HERE for a helpful FAQ document of the financial aid application process.
Graduation
- The countdown to graduation on Sunday, May18th, 2025 has started! Click HERE for information regarding graduation.
Action Items after being admitted
- Many students feel in a holding pattern right now. Many have applied, some have been accepted (Congratulations!), while others are waiting for an admissions decision.
- Continue to check the college's application portals where you applied and once accepted, pay close attention to additional scholarship opportunities and next steps.
- I would caution to make sure you receive your financial aid award letters (should come in January, February or March) from each school before cutting ties with any school you are not interested in. I know, they are sending you TONS of emails and communication and their institution's next steps to enroll. But you may want to commit to any college (i.e. pay a housing deposit, enrollment deposit, etc...) until you are FOR SURE that is the school you would like to enroll at.
- Once you receive the financial aid award letter, it will break down the costs of attendance from how much scholarship, grant, work-study and loan options they are offering to finance your college education.
- This ISAC Financial Aid Comparison tool will be helpful when comparing the award letters. As always, we as counselors or the financial aid offices at the specific institutions will be helpful in answering questions you may have. You may also want to reference the financial aid FAQ Document
- This Next Steps FAQ or this article will be helpful in answering your initial questions.
Blue Devil Seniors Instagram
- 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!
Scholarships
- Scholarship season is upon us! We will continually be adding more scholarships in SchooLinks (Finances --> Scholarship Matching --> District Posted), so check often! Save the date for our annual iHeart Local Warren Scholarships Workshop for senior students on Friday, February 7th during the "A" portion of all lunch periods (p. 3a-6a). We will discuss our local scholarships available to Warren students and the process of how to apply/receive.
- Other suggestions for scholarships include the colleges you have been admitted to for their university specific scholarships, employers, community organizations, places to eat/shop and national websites like www.goingmerry.com, www.appily.com. Think like this...if you take 1 hour to apply for a $500 scholarship, that is like earning $500/hour! These national scholarships are often stackable with your university specific financial aid, so apply for as many as you can!
Western Illinois University Application Fee Waiver
- Looking to apply to WIU? You can do so on their website. When checking out enter COUNSELOR25 in the promotions code section on the same page that would require payment and it will waive the $30 application fee.
For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:
ASVAB Optional Career Assessment
- WTHS is hosting a computer-based ASVAB test for interested students on Saturday, February 1st at the Almond Campus at 9am in Room 211. Space is limited, so please sign-up in SchooLinks by January 30th. See below for additional information.
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 and stay warm!
Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor
JUNIORS: WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY SPEND YOUR SUMMER
SENIORS: Financial Aid Workshops
First time your family is completing the FAFSA or Illinois Alternative Application? Do you have a unique family circumstance or have questions about the process? Plan to attend one of our financial aid workshops. Click HERE to sign-up and click for financial aid information and resources.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COLLEGE APPLICATION, FINANCIAL AID AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS?
Need to meet with a Counselor?
College Information and Upcoming Events
Are You a First-Generation College Student?
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 1/13 during 3rd period in the Almond CCC. Email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net) if you are first-gen and would like more college/career info, including our upcoming meetings!
CLC: ACT Prep Course for High School Students
Cost is $275.
Register HERE.
Looking for Local Scholarships?
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 Financial Aid Completion Workshops in January & February
Seniors! The FAFSA is open! If you need help completing your FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application to find funds for college, attend an evening family financial aid workshop in the Almond College and Career Center. Our next workshops are on Thursday, January 16th and Thursday, February 13th from 6-8pm. Click HERE to register. Remember completing a FAFSA or submitting a non-participation waiver is required for graduation.
GAP Year Fairs, January 24 or 25
Thinking about taking a break between high school and college?
Join in-person or virtually for the Chicago USA Gap Year Fair to get the most up to date information about gap year basics, advice for researching & planning your gap year, navigating the college deferral process, gap year program application tips & deadlines, and how seniors can earn a $5,000 gap year scholarship!
Register now for the virtual or Chicago area gap year fairs:
10 Suggestions For Making Your College Decision
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!
FREE Study & Test Prep Skills Workshop at Warren Township Youth Services, 1/27
Most of us were never taught how to study properly. Often, it's because we don't know the first place to start. Most students approach studying by "cramming" the day or night before. The good news is these skills can be learned at any time. Learning a variety of study strategies can help students prepare for any class, project, job, and lifelong learning. With active study and test preparation, and enhancing planning skills, a student's test preparation process will be more effective and efficient. Students will learn various techniques that they will be able to apply independently in multiple settings.
Date: January 27, 2025 Grades: 6-8 (5-6 pm) & 9-12 (6-7 pm)
Location: Youth Services (100 S. Greenleaf St. Gurnee, IL 60031)
*This FREE workshop is limited to Warren Township Residents or those currently attending Districts 50, 56, or 121.
To register: REGISTRATION
Questions: 847-244-110 ext. *401 or youthservices@warrentownship.net
FREE Practice ACT or SAT Test at Warren Newport Library on 3/1
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 opens January 31st through their website.
U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria
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
ASVAB Career Exploration Program, Saturday 2/1
Warren Township High School is hosting an administration of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program on Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 a.m. at the Almond Campus for interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors!
What is the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) assesses a student's ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. The program includes eight individual tests covering verbal and math skills, mechanical knowledge, electronics and more. It also produces Career Exploration Scores for verbal, math, science and technical skills. These scores can aid in the exploration of a wide variety of career options.
Who can take it?
Interested Sophomore, Junior or Senior WTHS students can register. This would be a great test to take for students unsure what they’d like to do in the future and those considering the military. Many students take the ASVAB for career exploration only and have no interest in military occupations.
Is the ASVAB mandatory?
No, the ASVAB is an optional assessment offered at no cost. Additionally, there is NO obligation to the Military as a result of taking the ASVAB. Juniors and Seniors CAN however use their scores from the ASVAB to enlist in the Military after graduation. They simply can take their scores to the local military branch recruiting office and complete the enlistment process with the recruiter. The scores are good for two years.
How do I sign up?
Students can sign-up in SchooLinks by January 30th.
Career/Job Opportunities
Lake County JATC now accepting applications
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
Thinking of a Career in Education?
Illinois Tech Virtual Internships
Standout Search
Additional Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program
General Resources
View our Career Guide to learn about the career pathway opportunities at WTHS!
Virtual Career Fair
Support Services are Available
Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?
Mrs. McGahan
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