Preparing High School Seniors with successfully transitioning to and through their first year of college.
The Senior Year Experience (SYE) is an initiative of the Pre-College University to increase the number of students who successfully enter college and complete their undergraduate degree within the first six years of high school graduation. The long-term goal of the SYE is to provide its members with the skills and access necessary to enhance their academic preparation, while at the same time assisting them with developing and maintaining a comprehensive and targeted strategic plan for their college and career. As a result, students will be better equipped to enter and complete college within the first six years of admittance.
The SYE is comprised of monthly sessions aimed at preparing high school seniors for the out-of-classroom college experience. From financial aid and financial management, to developing and maintaining healthy relationships, we will walk the student through each component found vital for successful transition to college.
Program Components
The SYE will begin with an orientation session where participants and their parents or guardians will be provided with an overview of the program and a breakdown of the anticipated timeline. Following the orientation, participants will participate in monthly sessions all with specific objectives and deliverables. Each deliverable will be combined to fill out a binder, that at the completion of the program will provide a personalized targeted roadmap created by the student participant. Additionally, each quarter participants will participate in either a college tour or college fair These outings are provided not necessarily for college selection purposes, but to further the learning of the sessions in which the students participate.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be rising high school seniors attending school in Prince William, Fairfax, Louden, or Fauquier Counties.
- Applicants must be planning to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university immediately following graduation; and
- Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 on a 4.00 grading scale.
Application Requirements
- Personal Information – This includes Name, Date of Birth, Demographic Information, Address, Phone Numbers, email address, social media profiles, Career Interest, etc.
- School and community clubs/organizations – This includes all clubs and organizations, years participated and positions held.
- Work/Volunteer Experience – This includes Employer, Employer City and State. Title/Position, Start/End Year and Type of Opportunity.
- Additional Information – This section includes any additional information you would like to provide to assist with the acceptance decision.
- Academic Transcript – The applicant will be requested to provide an unofficial transcript from the current high school.
- Resume – The applicant will be requested to provide a current resume.
- Recommendations – The applicant will be required to two letters of recommendation (Note: In the online application, please identify two recommenders to submit letters electronically.)