Class of 2026 - College & Career Planning Resources

Seniors and Families,

Having recently navigated the start of the college search journey with my own daughter, I know firsthand how exciting — and at times overwhelming — the college application process can feel. There is so much to consider, and it can be hard to know where to begin.

At Annandale High School, our goal is to ensure that every student and family has the tools, resources, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about life after high school. To support you, I wanted to share a series of recorded sessions from FCPS that cover key topics — from exploring college options and financial aid to understanding testing, applications, and alternative pathways. 

Whether you are just getting started or looking for guidance on specific parts of the process, the recordings below are a great resource to guide you along the way.

In addition, I have listed the many ways Annandale High School partners with both students and families — offering resources, events, and personalized assistance to help you navigate the college planning and application process with confidence.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Viri Acosta, College and Career Center Specialist. She will return to work on August 11.

Shawn DeRose,

Principal

Preparing for College Videos

Paying for College: Overview of the financial aid process (Bonnie Horowitz, College Access Fairfax)

Exploring Naviance Student: How Naviance helps with goal setting, college/career planning (Mary Lewis and Steve Myers, FCPS Academic & Career Planning Specialists)

Considerations for Students with Disabilities: Differences in accommodations between high school and college (Naomi Martinez-Jones, Disability Services Director at George Mason & Sarah Bake, FCPS Career and Transition Specialist)

Standardized Testing: Role of ACT/SAT in college admissions (Susan Rexford, Director of College Guidance at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School)

Scholarship 101: How to find and apply for scholarships (Bonnie Horowitz, College Access Fairfax)

NOVA: The Community College Option: Benefits, application process, transfer pathways (Collyn Alford, NOVA Recruitment Coordinator)

Are You Common App Ready?: Guidance on using the Common App effectively (Jameia Tennie, Common App Director of Student Engagement Programs)

NOVA: La Opción del Colegio Comunitario: NOVA overview in Spanish (Sandra Delgado, NOVA Coordinadore de Acercamiento y Reclutamiento)

NOVA Certificates & Workforce Development: Alternative career pathways, certifications, and financial aid options (Jennifer Merrill, NOVA Student Services Manager)

College & Career Events at Annandale HS

Beginning September 9 - College Visits: Our College & Career Center will host visits from representatives for colleges and universities throughout the country. Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to hear from college admissions representatives to learn what makes their institution unique, admission requirements, financial aid, and more.

September 10 - Exploring Life After High School, 6-8pm: As senior year begins, it's the perfect time for students to start planning for life after high school. Join us on Wednesday, September 10, in Clausen Hall for an informative evening dedicated to exploring a variety of postsecondary pathways. Whether you're considering a four-year university, community college, trade school, or the military, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn more about your options and begin shaping your future. You'll hear from representatives of each path, get your questions answered, and gain insights to help guide your next steps. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.

October 8 - SAT Day at Annandale: Annandale High School will offer seniors the opportunity to take the SAT for free during the school day on October 8. Students must sign up in advance. Stay tuned for more information. General information about the SAT School Day test format is available on the College Board webpage. More details, including registration information, will be shared in August.

October 19 - FCPS College Fair, 4-6pm: The annual FCPS College Fair is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, and will take place at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This highly anticipated event brings together representatives from approximately 200 colleges and universities from across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of institutions, including two-year and four-year colleges, public and private universities, and U.S. Service Academies. More information can be found here.

October 20-21 - FCPS Virtual Postsecondary Night: FCPS will be offering a series of virtual workshops designed to support students and families as they navigate the college admissions process. Thesessions will cover a wide range of important topics, including how to prepare and apply for college, understanding and securing financial aid, and exploring various postsecondary educational pathways such as community college, vocational training programs, and military options.

October 20-24 - Virginia College Application Week (VCAW): During the week of October 20–24, students will have an opportunity to take advantage of College Application Week. Throughout this week, students can receive college application fee waivers for most Virginia colleges and universities, helping to reduce the financial burden of applying to multiple schools. In addition to the fee waivers, support will be available in the Career Center during all lunch periods, where counselors will be on hand to answer questions, review application materials, and guide students through the submission process. Please remember that fee waivers are only valid if your application is submitted during this designated week.

December 2 - Paying for College Night, 6-8pm: Join us for an information session at Annandale High School, designed specifically for seniors and their families. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the financial aid process to help you navigate the steps with confidence. Whether you're just getting started or have questions about the process, this session is a valuable opportunity to get the guidance and support you need.

Senior Pictures

Senior Pictures: Class of 2026 students should have received an email from our photography company, Legacy Studios, with instructions on how to schedule an appointment for senior pictures on August 18. Pictures will be during school hours in Clausen Hall. If you have any questions, please contact the Legacy Studios Senior Portraits Assistance for Parents/Students line at 716-512-6336.

If you haven’t received an email, don’t worry! You can still register for your senior pictures by going to Legacy's Scheduling Website. Details of each sitting level are there for you to review. Once selected, scroll down the page to make your selection. Choose "set time zone," select the date and times you prefer, then click "continue." Enter your name and payment information (if applicable - note, there is no fee for a yearbook picture). Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email.