College Counseling

The mission of the college counseling program at Valor is to inform, encourage, and prepare students for formal education beyond high school. An important component of the program is the support provided in the college selection and application processes.

Providing students with accurate information regarding educational planning and post-high school opportunities is the foundation of the college counseling program. College representatives visit Valor throughout the year to talk with interested cadets. In addition, students attend College Night programs in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year.

Adding to this base is the goal of helping students gain a clear understanding of their abilities, interests, and personality. Equipped with information on educational opportunities beyond high school and this self-knowledge, students are assisted in finding those schools that make strong matches.

College Acceptances
Beginning in the 9th grade, class meetings are held with the guidance director to discuss such topics as “Making the most of high school” and “How do colleges decide whom to accept?” In all discussions, the personal characteristics of resiliency and self-management are stressed as important keys to a successful transition from high school to college. The VMS College Planning Guide serves as the basis of discussions in the 11th and 12th grades. Careful attention is paid to making wise decisions, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high personal and academic standards.

SAT and ACT Testing
As testing continues to be a component in most college admissions processes, students at Valor prepare for and take the preliminary tests for both ACT and SAT before taking the ACT and SAT. The PLAN is given in the fall of the 10th grade. SAT prep is offered to students who wish assistance in the preparation stage, grade and the PSAT is given in the fall of the 11. Personal Development Valor is rich in opportunities for students to demonstrate talents and interests beyond the classroom. Leadership and service are encouraged in academics, JR OTC, clubs, and everyday living. As character issues have become important questions in the admission process, students who live by the Valor Honor Code clearly demonstrate the level of their character development.

Recommendations From Faculty
Counselor and teacher recommendations are paramount in most college admissions processes. Documenting a student’s successful learning experience prior to college provides added confirmation as to the student’s readiness for college. Having many opportunities to observe the students, the guidance director and teachers are able to portray to the colleges the many accomplishments, talents, and spirit of the students.