Our Vision
We have created a public high school with a classically based,
college-preparatory curriculum designed to develop
academic excellence, virtue, and leadership.
Students will benefit by being fully equipped
to gain admittance to and enjoy success in the college of their choice.
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.
College Testing
**Vanguard School students should utilize
CEEB Code "060-249" for all college testing.**
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 - State ACT
An achievement-oriented test, measuring acquired skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning. The Vanguard School administers the test annually in April on the date specified by the State of Coloardo. 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.
The Vanguard School uses Naviance, a college and career readiness program that provides students with college research and matching tools. Through Naviance’s Family Connection, 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. Parents have access to this information and can see the steps their students have taken to prepare for college. Additionally, Naviance’s integration with The Common Application facilitates the submission of college applications, as well as online submission of transcripts, school forms, and recommendations through Naviance eDocs. To access Naviance click here http://connection.naviance.com/vanguard.
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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.
Useful Web Links
Multiple Use Sites
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 |
Scholarship Search Databases Online
Name
Web Site Address |
Attributes |
FastWeb
www.fastweb.com |
- National Database
- Widely Used
- Updated Quarterly
- Very Reputable |
ACT Preparation
Career/Major Search Online
Name
Web Site Address |
Description |
The Princeton Review
www.princetonreview.com/cte/default.asp |
Complete Birkman Career Questionaire and/or Find-o-Rama For Career Information On Site Princeton Review |
College Board
www.collegeboard.com/apps/careers/index |
Match Careers with Interests and Abilities |
Keirsey.com
www.keirsey.com |
Take Keirsey Temperament and
Personality Sorter |
Holland Code Quiz
http://www.roguecc.edu/counseling/HollandCodes/test.asp |
Opportunity for students to describe the kinds of things they as a person can do, might like to do or the action that most fits...helps determine what career path(s) work(s) best for them |
Careers.org
www.careers.org |
Click on 'Career Gems' at the Bottom of the Page to Link to Best Career Sites |
Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/OCO/home.htm |
The Occupational Handbook is a Great Source for Career Information. It Describes What Workers Do On the Job, Training and Education Needed, Earnings, and Expected Job Prospects In a Wide Range of Occupations |
Other Useful Websites
Name
Web Site Address |
Description |
Western Undergraduate Exchange
http://wue.wiche.edu/ |
Western State Schools That Allow Students to Enroll for Less Than Out-of-State Tuition |
NCAA Eligibility Center Online
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/ |
Information on Athletic Eligibility Requirements for Division I and II Colleges, Recruiting Policies, Clearinghouse Information, and What Colleges Offer Specific Sports |
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
www.naia.org |
Information on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics |
Historically Black Colleges & Universities
http://www.edonline.com/cq/hbcu/ |
Profiles and Links to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) |
U.S. Universities by State
http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state/ |
Links to All Colleges and Universities by State |