RRHS: College/Career News 10/02/26

Our weekly newsletter is published every Friday at 7 PM. This newsletter is packed with valuable resources and opportunities to help families navigate the path after high school. Whether your student is pursuing college, military service, or entering the workforce, you'll find information, tools, and updates to support informed decision-making. We’ll also highlight summer programs, internships, and enrichment opportunities as they become available.

For any questions, feel free to email Mrs. Marchante at tiziana.marchante@lcps.org or schedule a meeting using this link.

- October 6 | Deadline - 2027 National Arts Competition - (Grade 10-12)
🕒 8:00 PM Learn More

- October 7 | FAFSA Application assistance
🕒 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Briar Woods High School

- October 9 | Deadline for Senior interested in the Electrical pre-Apprenticeship See application
- October 4 | LCPS College Fair
🕒 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM | Riverside High School - Sensory Friendly

🕒 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Riverside High School Register here

- October 11 | Montclair State University Open House
🕒 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Register Here
- October 12 | George Mason University Fall Visit Day & Open House Register Early
- October 14 | PSAT at RRHS
🕓 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- October 14 | ASVAB Test at RRHS (Seniors Only)
🕓 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Register here!

- October 17 | Christopher Newport University

🕓 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Register Early
- October 18 | Fairfax County College Fair
🕓 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Learn More

- October 18 | Society of Women Engineers - Engineering Futures Day at UVA

🕓 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Learn More

- October 21 | NACAC National College Fair
🕘 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🕕 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Baltimore Convention Center Learn More

- October 21 | Deadline JOB FOR A DAY Deadline (10th & 11th graders only) - Register here!

- October 24 | High Point University Open Houses
🕓 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Register here!

- October 25 I Virginia Space Grant Consortium programs deadline

- November 7 | HBCU College Fair @ Tuscarora High School

- November 11 - Deadline: Jefferson & Walentas Scholarship for all seniors applying to UVA. See Seniors section.

High school students interested in pursuing medical careers are invited to learn more about Washington & Jefferson College's Pre-Health Programs during upcoming virtual information sessions. These programs offer direct pathways to medical school through partnerships with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (BA/MD) and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

Students and families can attend a virtual session on October 14 at 6:30pm EST to hear from program directors, learn about admission pathways, and ask questions about these unique opportunities.

The Counseling office is excited to share with you some insight into how we will be helping Senior Students with their post-graduation plans.

Mandatory Senior Advisement Meeting

Students may now schedule their mandatory Senior Advisement Meeting with their assigned School Counselor. Meetings will run from September 10th-October 9th. You may schedule your appointment via this link: Rock Ridge Senior Booking

Students may have a different assigned School Counselor this year; please see the breakdown below.

Mrs. Domingues (A-Bri)

Mrs. Rodas (Bro-F)

Ms. Gardner (G-Kau)

Ms. Erestain (Kav-Moh)

Ms. Leach (Mol-P)

Ms. Buck (R-Sri)

Ms. Bryan (Sro-Z)

What to Expect from the Senior Meeting

Based on each student's interests and goals after High School, Counselors will outline the process for applying to colleges and/or provide information regarding military opportunities, community college, gap year, etc. In addition, counselors will review websites, forms, and items needed.

Students Applying to College

Transcript Checklist forms are available in the school counseling office OR via this link: 2026-27 Transcript Checklist Form. Only one transcript checklist form is needed.

A Note about Transcript Request Forms

As a reminder, the Counselors follow College & University application deadlines only. That is, if you submit a transcript request form "much" earlier than the college deadline, the Counselors will still abide by the College/University deadlines. The Counseling office provides internal department submission deadlines for all forms that students will be required to follow. These deadlines allow Counselors enough time to prepare forms and send a completed packet to each College by the College & University application deadline.

For Senior students who may have an October 15th college application deadline; the deadline for submitting your Transcript Checklist form to the Counseling office is September 24, 2026. These students should also set up their Senior meeting as soon as they can.

Please see the following screenshot about adding any DE classes taken in high school.

You will add the college (Richard Bland, NOVA, ect..) and click Dual Enrollment with high school.

Read the article from Johns Hopkins University about Letters of Recommendation.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced that the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® form) will be available to all students on October 1.

Deadline to complete it varies per universities. Generally, it is better to have it completed as soon as a college application has been submitted or by March 1, the latest.

For more information, the following information sessions & workshops have been set up for students and parents:

1. September 23, 2026 - Family Financial Aid Night -6pm-8pm at Briar Woods High School
2. October 7, 2026 - FAFSA Application Assistance at Briar Woods High School
3. January 8, 2027 - RRHS Virtual Parents' Coffee - 8:30am- 9:15am Scholarships & Financial Aid - Registration coming soon!
4. February 27, 2027 - RRHS FAFSA Workshop - 1pm- 3pm - Open to all LCPS - Register here!

In the meantime, to complete the FAFSA, create your FSA ID, if you don't have one already. This unique username and password will help parents and students access their portion of the FAFSA. ONE FSA ID per person (Student and parents/guardians). If you already have one due to another child or yourself in college, you do not need to create one.

Documents should not be needed as the FAFSA connects directly with the IRS. In case the connection does not work, you will need to bring your taxes from 2025.

Mrs. Marchante is always available to guide you with the FAFSA completion and can sit with you and families.

You can log into LCPSGO>Schoolinks and click College>Scholarship Matching on the left hand side. You can filter by district-posted and by upcoming deadlines. Deadlines go as far as June.

It is recommended to dedicate at least one hour each weekend to apply to as many as possible.

Students can start applying now!

In addition, I will share specific RRHS Scholarships or specific college scholarships that require the school nomination.

This website sends out monthly scholarships availability. I highly encourage to sign up for their newsletter or bookmark this link.

In addition, students are highly encouraged to apply to their foundation scholarships. University foundation scholarships are funded by philanthropic organizations and alumni and awarded to students based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, and field of study. These are found by doing a search on the university website or under their financial and scholarships department.

Deadline to submit the form is Nov 11, 2026

Please see the interest form.

Deadline to submit the form is Nov 11, 2026

LCPS has officially partnered with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC) to offer a pre-apprenticeship program for seniors interested in pursuing a career in the electrical field after graduation.

ion.

Program summary:

The 160 hour program provides lab skills, basic hand tool knowledge and classroom instruction. Allowing participants to enter full-time employment as an Electrical Helper and enter formal training to become an Electrician or low voltage technician. IECC Contractor Members visit pre-apprenticeship students throughout the program to help guide them on the many avenues you can take in the electrical industry.

The program will run from January through May 2027, Monday through Thursday from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation.

Participants will:

• Receive industry-recognized credentials; OSHA-10, CPR and First Aid.

• Demonstrate an understanding of various wiring methods and installation techniques

• Define 26-30 electrical terms and identify common symbols on an electrical schematic.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and career pathways for the electrical trades.

• Develop a resume, cover letter and other soft skills

Participants must:

• Be on track to graduate high school.

• Provide their own means of transportation

In case you missed it, we have included a link to the Student Information Session Recording.

If you are interested in participating, the next step is to complete the application:

Apply to the IECC Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Application Link

📅 Application Deadline: October 9, 2026

Please be sure to submit your application by the deadline. Completing an application does not guarantee placement in the program.

Junior Year (The Crucial Year)

• Take SAT/ACT:

  Complete these standardized tests in your junior year to get them out of the way
• Apply for Nominations: By the spring of your junior year, contact your congressional representatives (U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators) to apply for a nomination.
• Start the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire found in each academy website: Begin the preliminary steps by filling out the pre-candidate questionnaire (PCQ), which opens in the spring of your junior year and remains open through your senior year.
• Visit the Academies: Visit the academies to see firsthand what life is like.

Senior Year (Applying & Finalizing)

• Finalize Applications: Complete the full application, including your high school transcript, recommendations, and essays, by the various fall or early winter deadlines.

• Submit Full Application: The deadline for submitting the full application is generally around December 31st or early January of your senior year.

If you are a current sophomore or junior in Loudoun County Public Schools looking for a once in a lifetime summer experience you are in the right place! The Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School (SRGS) programs cover a huge range of interests! Dip your toe into the college-life as you explore your chosen field in depth. Spend a few weeks on a Virginia college campus with students from around the state that share your interests and make life-long memories and connections through this prestigious experience. Another great thing - these programs are (mostly) FREE! Explore this website to discover what this opportunity has to offer, how to apply, and tips to make your application stand out in the selection process. The information on this site is also in our Schoology group if you prefer that platform. Join info is below:

Go to Schoology, Groups (top), My Groups (upper right), Join Group (right).

Enter access Code: NWDS-XSN2-2N9VT

Registration is completed through SchooLinks (on the students account).

***PLEASE know that Work-Based Learning department is currently having issues with parents permissions. For any questions, please use this email wbl@lcps.org***

Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a FREE program for high school sophomores.

Application is from August 15 - October 26

This one-week pre-college musical theatre intensive is designed for passionate high school students who dream of pursuing musical theatre at the collegiate or professional level.

Under the guidance of Montclair State University’s experienced theatre professionals and teaching artists, students will receive daily training in acting, voice, and dance, with master classes focused on audition preparation, song interpretation, and ensemble performance.

More information! *New dates updated in January 2027*

Begin volunteering and explore summer programs for your upcoming grade. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about what you want to do in the future and where you’d like to work or attend college. Be sure to review the job and volunteering opportunities listed below.

Freshmen are encouraged to complete all the SchooLinks assessments to evaluate their strengths, skills, and potential college and career pathways. Take a personality test to better understand your abilities and areas for growth, then meet with Mrs. Marchante to review and interpret your results: 16 Personalities Test.

How to search?

Go on Indeed.com with key words "HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT" & "ASHBURN, VA"

Visit job postings on Loudoun Workforce Center Jobs

Did you know you can develop your resume with SchooLinks?

Check this link and come to the career center to make it even more professional!

Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to learn how to build their resume and look for jobs!

Check out below the volunteer database for Loudoun County

Students can see me at any time during school time and parents can schedule a meeting with me using the link below.

Book an appointment

Email: tiziana.marchante@lcps.org

LinkedIn