The College and Career Center's mission is to Engage, Equip, and Empower every student by helping them:
- Build a Competitive Student Profile
- Navigate the College Selection + Application Process
- Brainstorm + Edit College Essays
- Explore Military Options
- Identify School-to-Career Paths
Please use these quick links to navigate to other sections contained on this page.
WORKSHOPS
The CCC hosts a variety of workshops during lunch to help students through the college application process, learn about scholarships, explore military options, and discover career pathways.
Following the CCC Instagram page (@WOHS_CCC) is the best way for students to get information about upcoming workshops.
College Admissions Live!
April 5th, 2022
Download Event PDF Here!
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Are you a local trade or technical career professional?
The CCC is looking for members of our local community to share their experience and insight to our students who choose a career pathway other than college. Please email Brooke Maroth, WOHS College + Career Specialist, if you would be willing to volunteer.
COLLEGE VISITS
Each year, over 100 college representatives will visit the WOHS campus during the school day for informative presentations with our students. Subscribe to the Student Services Newsletter and Follow the CCC Instagram for the most up to date information for on campus college visits.
Click here for more information + college visit schedule.
COLLEGE MATRIX TOOL
The college matrix is a helpful tool for students and parents to make informed decisions on whether a college is an academic fit based on GPA and testing trends from the school's previous year admitted students.
Florida Public Universities -2023-24 FL SUS Guide + Matrix
Florida Private Colleges & Universities -2022 Matrix
Download these helpful resources:
» College Application FAQ
» 2023-24 How To Apply to College Quick Guide
» How To Complete the SSAR
ACT/SAT and College Application Fee Waivers
Students requesting fee waivers for ACT, SAT, or college applications should complete the OCPS Household Economic Survey to determine eligibility. Please contact your Guidance Counselor for more information and questions.
Common App Support
Be Common App ready!
Over 1,000 college and universities use Common App for admissions applications and "how to's" about Common App are some of the most frequently asked questions in the CCC.
The Common App resource site is also an excellent tool to help answer questions and guide students and their families through the process of getting to know Common App and how the application works. The CCC is always open to students for Common App support.
» Click here to be redirected to Common App's resources.
Teacher + Counselor Recommendations
Students should download, print, and complete recommendation profile forms for each teacher and/or guidance counselor they wish to secure a recommendation from. Be sure to make copies for every recommender as well as the student's personal records. It is the student's responsibility to deliver the forms to each recommender.
*Students are strongly encouraged to give teachers and guidance counselors at least 2 weeks advance notice to complete their recommendation letter.
Teacher Profile
Counselor Profile
*Paper copies are also available in the Student Services office.
Essay Information + Resources
The college essay on Common App and institutional applications is an opportunity for students to share who they are and what they will bring to a school's campus.
Students should plan to dedicate a considerable amount of time brainstorming, writing, editing, asking for feedback, making corrections, and fine tuning their essay. Keep in mind most "competitive" colleges will require more than one writing supplement so planning ahead is essential.
FREE Essay Writing Resources
College Essay Guy: How To Write A College Essay Guide
College Essay Guy: FREE Guide to Personal Statement
College Essay Guy: Application Hub Resources
35+ Best College Essay Tips
Military Academy Information
Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. Military Academies. These schools include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. In addition to requesting a nomination from a Member of Congress or another nominating official, an individual seeking appointment to a service academy must separately apply to the service academies to which he or she seeks to be appointed.
Military academy acceptance is a rigorous process and, while not a requirement, students are strongly encouraged to start preparing during early in their junior year.
» Click to read a Guide to US Military Academies
US Naval Academy
Admissions Information
Class of 2024 Admissions Profile
US Air Force Academy
Admissions Information
US Military Academy - West Point
Admissions Information
Looking for a nomination for to a U.S. Service Academy? Contact Congresswoman Val Demings’ office for a nomination to a service academy.
Nomination Guidelines Brochure (pdf)
US Service Academy Nomination Application
FAQ's
How can I get a copy of my transcript or send it to a college?
When applying through Common App, students will submit their guidance counselor's name in the application portal, their guidance counselor will be notified through Common App and then internally attach the student's transcript to their Common App profile.
If a school does not use Common App the student must request their transcript using our "Transcript Request" page or come to Student Services to fill out a paper request form from the Guidance support Staff. Electronic transcript requests can ONLY be sent to Florida Public Colleges/Universities (free of charge). Hard copy transcript requests are $2.00 each; cash not accepted, must pay thru School Pay. (link in side bar or on our "Transcript Request" page).
Visit the WOHS Transcript Request page
How do I submit my SAT/ACT scores to the college(s) I am applying to?
Colleges require official scores be sent directly from CollegeBoard or ACT. This can be done by logging into your CollegeBoard/ACT account and requesting your scores be sent to the colleges/universities of your choice.
Where can I find scholarships + when should I start applying?
There
are many websites with scholarship information. You can start with our
School Website, under Student Services, then Scholarships. You can also utilize Naviance through your LaunchPad account, fastweb.com, raise.me, and myscholly.com.
You should apply for scholarships as soon as they are available and you
are eligible.
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a FREE application annually prepared by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine eligibility for financial aid.
The 2023-24 FAFSA is scheduled to open in DECEMBER!
WOHS recommends all seniors complete this free application for financial aid eligibility as it often required to qualify for need-based AND merit based awards, scholarships, and grants from colleges as well as scholarship foundations.
Students who think they do not qualify for need based financial aid should still consider completing the FAFSA.
*Important!
WOHS does not have access and does not see ANY student or parent financial information provided to complete the FAFSA.
The process is free. Never pay to apply for federal financial aid.
» Click here for more information and to apply for the FAFSA.
What is Bright Futures?
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes lottery-funded scholarships to Florida public colleges and universities to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement regardless of financial need.
» Click here for the Bright Futures Scholarship Handbook
Should I take Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment (DE) courses?
There is no right or wrong choice, there is just what is "better" for each individual student. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students that challenge themselves in their coursework - this can include both AP and DE courses. It is considered best practice to contact the college(s) you are applying to and ask their admissions office what they prefer.
What are the requirements for Dual Enrollment + how to I apply?
Click here for WOHS Dual Enrollment information.
When should I start taking the SAT/ACT?
Students should typically begin taking the SAT/ACT the winter/early spring of their Junior year.
When should I start looking for colleges and visiting them?
Students should start narrowing down their college choice the beginning of their Junior year and start visiting them the following Spring. Visiting a school while it is in session, taking a student led tour, and meeting with an admissions counselor will help a student and their family best determine if the school is a personal fit.