CRC Connection

Many colleges ask that you submit your mid-year transcript as they continue to evaluate your application. Mid-year transcripts will be sent to colleges starting January 20th.

Three things to know:

1. Counselors will be completing the mid-year report for all students who submitted applications using the Common App--there is nothing seniors need to do to "ask" that their transcript to Common App schools be sent.
2. If you did NOT use the Common App for a college that has asked for your mid-year transcript, please email your counselor to let them know you need your mid-year transcript sent to that college.
3. Some colleges will ask students to update their self-reported grades with mid-year grades, while others may ask students to upload a copy of their mid-year transcript in their portals. Read over each college's instructions carefully. On January 20th, your updated transcript will be available for you to download in SchooLinks. Click here for Directions on How to Download Your Transcript.

As always, be sure to check both SchooLinks and your college portals to ensure the college has received your mid-year transcript.

Visit the CRC 1st-3rd Periods on Feb. 5 with any financial aid questions--our ISAC Financial Aid Expert will be on hand to answer all questions.

Vernon Hills High School offers 12 different scholarships that will be awarded ONLY to graduating VHHS seniors. Apply to one or all scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria. To learn more about each scholarship and find information on how to apply, visit our VHHS Scholarship Program Guide.

PART 1: Complete ONCE

PART 1 asks general information about you and your high school career. You will complete Part I only once!

PART 2: Complete for EACH Scholarship

PART 2 allows you to select the specific scholarship to which you want to apply. Locate the ones that apply to you and fill out the specific, supplementary information for that scholarship. You can apply to as many scholarships as you like, but you will need to complete PART 2 for each one.

Most scholarships will be announced at the VHHS Honors Day Assembly on May 18, 2026.

We receive information about local scholarships (that have been awarded to VHHS students in the past) from now through the spring. You can find these scholarships highlighted in our VHHS Scholarship Program Guide under the D128 Scholarship Database overview section. Currently, one local Scholarship is featured that selects graduating VHHS seniors for awards: the Sports Lodge B'nai B'rith Scholarship--this separate application is due by Feb. 6! Please note, these are NOT considered VHHS-specific Scholarships as students from other local high schools can apply, however, we work closely with these organizations and they have awarded our graduating seniors scholarships annually. Students will need to submit a separate application linked in our Scholarship Guide, plus any required supplemental materials. For details, please see the VHHS Scholarship Program Guide.

Visit the CRC during your free period on January 28 for our Snacks & Scholarships days. We'll provide the snacks while you listen to our presentation on scholarships and work on your applications!

Juniors who would like to meet with Mrs. Bellito to talk about anything regarding their plans post-high school should use her online scheduler to book an appointment. Meetings should be scheduled during a free period (lunch or study hall), and parents/trusted adults are welcome to attend.

All juniors should sign up to join the Class of 2027 Remind group. Text @vhhscrc27 to 81010 or click on this link. We will share important announcements in this group.

Be sure to join the CRC Class of 2027 Google Classroom if you have not already. The code to join is afjcjdp. We will use Google Classroom to post announcements and opportunities/ resources related to your postsecondary planning.

Vernon Hills High School is able to nominate two members of the Class of 2027 for the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University. The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university.

Dates of Program: June 29, 2026 - August 7, 2026

Cost: There are no tuition charges/fees; however participants are responsible for their own transportation/dining costs (commuters) and/or residential costs (if dorming on campus).
FAQ can be found here.

**Please note that admissions into the Simons Summer Research Program is highly selective and they receive far more applications from qualified students than they can accommodate (approx. 5% of nominated applicants are admitted). Being chosen as a VHHS Nominee does not guarantee you will be chosen for the Simons Summer Research Program**

Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program. (No exceptions.)

If you feel you would be a competitive candidate for VHHS's Simons Summer Research Program Nomination, please complete please complete the application form by January 12, 2026 at 11:59pm to be considered.

Please contact Mrs. Bellito or Mrs. Carson in the CRC if you have any questions.

All sophomores should sign up to join the Class of 2028 Remind group. Text @vhhscrc28 to 81010 or click on this link. We will share important announcements in this group.

Be sure to join the CRC Class of 2028 Google Classroom if you have not already. The code to join is ob5rc33o. We will use Google Classroom to post announcements and opportunities/resources related to your postsecondary planning.

Space is limited and spots fill quickly for this popular event only offered every few years. REGISTER NOW!

VHHS Families are welcome to attend Zion-Benton Township High School's upcoming College & Career Fair.

DATE: March 11, 2026

TIME: 6:30-7:30 PM

LOCATION: VIRTUAL

Join us for a webinar that covers the topic of college admissions testing. Hear from the experts at Compass Education Group as they lead a thoughtful and pragmatic discussion of college admission testing. Register now using the link below.

All Juniors will take the ACT at school on Tuesday, April 7th. Sophomores will take the PreACT on the same day; Freshman will take the PreACT on Wednesday, April 8. VHHS has already registered all Juniors to take the School Day tests. If students would like to register to take any additional tests (SAT or ACT), you must register yourself via College Board/SAT or ACT. D128 is offering an ACT Prep Class for VHHS Students in February. Register by January 9. For dates, cost and details, see ACT Prep Class information.

As you plan courses for the remainder of your high school career, we encourage you to think about the types of colleges you may apply to. If you already have a college in mind, check their academic requirements to be considered for admission. For example, google "University of Illinois admission requirements" -- you'll find this list.

The University of California and California State are two systems that have very specific academic requirements. If you have ANY interest in applying to a public university in California, your counselors and CRC highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with their admission requirements, especially as it relates to English and fine arts.

For full detail, read over the University of California requirements here and read over the California State University requirements here.

Here are the highlights:

• Students must complete one year of a Visual and Performing art course from the same discipline. Note: Our VHHS Dance courses meet this requirement, even though we consider them PE credit.

• AP Seminar counts toward the four years of high school English required at any UC or Cal State campus. However, AP Research does not.

• Argument and Debate, Speech, and Journalistic Writing do not meet the English requirement at any of these campuses.

If you are considering applying to a University of California or California State school, let your counselor know this when registering for classes so they can help you best prepare for the application process.

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Time: 6-7 PM CST

RSVP HERE

Find out why more students are taking a Gap Year between high school and college. Many teens want to increase college and workplace readiness by exploring interests, traveling, improving professional skills, and engaging in other experiences that increase confidence, independence, and maturity.

Join Katherine Stievater, founder of Gap Year Solutions, for a presentation and Q&A about why students choose to take a Gap Year, and how to plan transformational and purposeful Gap time on any budget.

Interested in applying to a United States Service Academy? The application process begins in your JUNIOR YEAR. See the VHHS Guide to the United States Service Academies for more information.

Join us in the CRC on January 21 during 3rd period to learn more about all facets of the military, including ROTC, Enlistment, and Reserves from VHHS Alum, James McDonald. James spent a year at college in ROTC, then enlisted in the Army's Special Ops unit (Ranger Regiment) and is now completing his undergrad degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Register for the visit in SchooLinks and have your teacher sign a permission slip if you'll be missing class to attend.

DATE: Thursday, March 5

TIME: 4:00-6:00 PM

LOCATION: Stevenson High School, Wood Commons, Park in Lot B or D

Meet with employers, explore community colleges certificates and associate degrees, and connect with military recruiters.

STUDENTS: Students looking for jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities can research, favorite and apply for positions through SchooLinks! See Directions for Students on How to Search, Favorite and Apply for Opportunities in SchooLinks.

LOCAL PARTNERS: If you have an opportunity for VHHS Students, please consider posting it in SchooLinks. See Directions for D128 Partners on How to Sign-up for SchooLinks and Post Opportunities.