Naviance is a college and career readiness tool/software that allows students to research and prepare for careers, college, personal life goals, and most importantly, to manage and send college application documents. Seniors, beginning in the 2022-2023 SY, will use Naviance to do virtual tours, research colleges, request transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Students will access their Naviance account through the student portal.  Please reference the Quick Guide for specific directions as you navigate the college application process.* Not all college applications require letters of Recommendation.

NOTE: Letters of recommendation are considered confidential student records and are meant to be sent (from PRHS) directly to the institution to be considered official. 

Naviance Quick Guide

College planning begins as soon as you step foot in the door freshman year, arguably even before then. Every class counts, as you will learn through the Freshman Four-Year Plan, so take it seriously. The counselors meet with all Seniors in the Fall and all Juniors in the Spring to discuss post secondary planning. It is never too soon to plan for your future! Start by making sure you've completed the basic steps to preparing for college. Be sure to check out the PowerPoint relevant to each grade level:

• Beginning Freshman year, students should consider taking Honors and AP level courses where appropriate. Many colleges will be looking for academic rigor (the level of difficulty in each class) as a means to determine admissions, particularly Emory, Georgia Tech, UGA, Georgia State and many out of state institutions.
  
  
• Create an account on https://www.gafutures.org/ and begin to familiarize yourself with the site’s layout. Those students who plan to attend college in Georgia will need an account with GAfutures in order to apply to various Georgia colleges/universities, check HOPE/Zell Miller GPA and send official transcripts electronically.
  
  
• Students interested in out-of-state institutions and general post-secondary planning are encouraged to familiarize themselves with CollegeBoard's Big Future website.
  
  
• Students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT during their Sophomore year (free of charge). The PSAT is a good indicator of what subject areas you’re best in for the SAT, as well as areas for improvement.
  
  
• By Junior year, students should be actively researching colleges and majors. Juniors should also consider taking the PSAT during the October administration for a chance to qualify for National Merit. All Juniors are strongly encouraged to take the SAT and ACT in the Spring. It is a good idea to begin visiting campuses and contacting the college for information if you've not already done so. Can't make it to your college of choice? Visit E-campus Tours for a comprehensive list of virtual tours of colleges all over the nation. College Week Live is a resourceful place for students to view live admission sessions and college open houses nationwide online.

Register for the SAT: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat

Register for the ACT: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

FREE SAT practice:  Practice the SAT

• Senior year should be a time of making final preparations for college. When students should begin applying will depend on the college's application deadline, but the earlier the better. Your SAT and ACT scores will need to be submitted electronically from the testing agency to your college of choice; if you are planning to attend a two-year or technical college inquire about the COMPASS placement exam

Please click on this document for important websites and a senior timeline. 

Learn about the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship Program here: HOPE Program 2020-2021

HOPE Rigor Requirements: Students must have 4 rigor courses to meet HOPE/Zell Miller eligibility requirements. 

**View the listing of courses possessing acaemic rigor to meet the HOPE rigor requirement here: HOPE Rigor Course List

**Please note that many of the above listed courses are already required for a diploma within GCPS. If you have questions, please contact your school counselor for clarity.

• For information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) go to: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 
• Seniors, if you have questions feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office at the college/university you are applying to and/or check the GA Futures website for more specific questions regarding financial aid & scholarships.

Websites for Scholarship Searches

SVGS Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Experts 

National Database of Scholarships 

Department of Education - Federal Financial Aid

College Scholarships

Fastweb Scholarship Site

Scholarships.com

Gwinnett Co. Public Schools Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships *Make sure the current scholarship year has been updated by the organization.  If not, check back at a later date!

Two Common Scholarship Types:

(1) Service-Based:

• Bonner Scholarship
• Coca-Cola Scholars
• Posse Scholars

(2) Economic Need-Based:

• QuestBridge Scholarship
• Gates Scholarship
• Horatio Alger Scholarships