College Resources
Welcome to the Valor Student Portal. Here you will find special announcements, links, forms and other resources to help you stay up-to-date with your Valor community.
These resources were put together by the College Counseling team to help guide you and your family through the College Application Process. Please read everything carefully and do your best to follow the recommended deadlines.
College Application Resources
- College Application Timeline – To help you stay organized, use this timeline we have created. Please refer to this document to know what you should be working on between now and graduation.
- Conservatory Timeline - Are you a conservatory student? Please see this specialized timeline for your college application process.
- College Application Packet – This packet gives you step-by-step action items to help you navigate the application process. It also includes details about the class of 2023 to help you fill out your college applications.
- Letter of Recommendation Process – This document contains details on obtaining your teacher and counselor letters of recommendation.
- Parent or Guardian Response Form – Parents, please complete this form. It will be used to assist your student’s counselor in writing their recommendation letter.
- Reference Form – If you have someone who knows you well in your extracurricular activities and would like them as a reference to enhance the counselor letter of recommendation, please use this form.
Beyond the Application
Paying for College
As you think about paying for college, consider visiting FAFSA Forecaster, Fastweb.com, or Scholarsnapp.org for more information regarding financial aid, financial planning and scholarships. We also recommend that you research each individual college’s website for financial aid and scholarships resources.
Want to Play a Sport in College?
All athletes who hope to play in the NCAA or NAIA should be sure to create an account on the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA Eligibility Center. This is a required first step in the process of meeting eligibility requirements. Please email Bill Bufton with any questions.
Other Questions?
Your Academic & College Counselor is here to help, regardless of what you need. So please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions.
Resources
College Resources
Hey students! We know it can be stressful thinking about college. We’ve compiled some resources to help you along the way. You can also come talk to us anytime — we’re located behind the front desk of the Academic Building.
COVID-19 Impact
Valor took COVID-19 very seriously. We understand people are in different places regarding the virus and still want to provide resources for students and parents alike. Use this list of resources to track updates to the college application process due to COVID-19:
Virtual College Day Series
Each Thursday in October, Academic and College Counselors will host panel discussions with college and university representatives from around the country.
October 8 – Navigating College Admissions in a COVID World
Understand the admissions process, virtual opportunities, and learn how test-optional applications are reviewed with Mr. Chad VanSoest and Baylor University, Samford University, and Colorado State University.
October 15 – Show Me the Money!
Affording college, financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarships with Ms. Laura Vallen and Denver University and The University of Alabama.
October 22 – CollegeMatch.com: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Narrow down and create a solid college application list based on values and passions, and learn about different types of schools with Ms. Sheila Beckie and Vanderbilt University, The University of Oklahoma, and Colorado Mesa University.
October 29 – Keep the Faith
Learn about the benefits and differences of attending a Christian school with Mr. Todd Pulliam and Belmont University, Colorado Christian University, John Brown University, and Westmont College.
Service Academies & ROTC
Valor has a lot of pride supporting our academies and ROTC programs. If military school and a career serving your country sounds fun to you, start here! We have provided a list of links for both potential academies students can pursue and ROTC links.
Academies
- Air Force Academy »
- Naval Academy »
- Military Academy at West Point »
- Coast Guard Academy »
- Merchant Marine Academy »
ROTC
Self-Discovery
You’re a teenager — you don’t have to have all the answers about your future! Here’s an idea … spend some time on YOUScience. It’s a great way for you to explore your interests and potential careers and get ideas about what you might want to study in college.
Search Sites
Here are some tools you can use to figure out where you might be interested in attending:
Naviance Student – Your Personal College Portal
Big Future – College Search Engine through College Board (SAT)
College Xpress – College Search Engine
College Application Guide
Ready to apply but not sure where to begin? Here is a helpful overview of the College Application Process created by the University of Oklahoma.
Gap Year
A gap year is an experiential semester or year, typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional and personal awareness.