Who is ready for college? This question is one that haunts many Fluvanna County High School Students, either due to a dreading of the future or simple fear of the unknown. But this year, Fluvanna High’s new college advisor, Sabrey Garling, has made it her personal mission to prepare every single Fluvanna student for college.

Garling is a recent English major graduate of UVA. She admits to know much more about college then many advisors prior, and is willing to offer her help to anyone that needs it.

“I was talking to a class yesterday about the college application process and I was stunned to see seniors surprised that they didn’t know anything about it,” Garling said. So it appears that many FCHS juniors, and even seniors, may know little to nothing about the college application process. Garling has made it her goal this year to speak to every senior and junior in the school to prepare them for college.

She speaks about the application process, how to sign up and practice for the SAT and ACT, advice on recommendation letters, college essays, early application, and Common App essays. She also makes recommendations for schools to apply to based on certain GPAs and SAT scores. While Garling does make class recommendations, she encourages students to come and see her in the Career Center in order to receive a more personal talk about the future.

According to Garling, one of the most important things a student can do is to start thinking about college as a junior. Here is a checklist she recommends for juniors before they become seniors:

• Take the SAT or ACT in your junior year so you have an idea of where you stand score-wise, then retake it as a senior if you need to improve your scores.
• Talk to your family about college. For some families, this may be difficult, but it is necessary to talk to them about it during your junior year.
• Make a list of possible colleges you are interested in attending. Go on the internet and find out costs, programs of study, and required SAT and GPA scores.
• Take College Tours. Visiting a college and taking a campus tour is the best way to realize if you are interested in going there. Also, be sure to talk to students that attend that college in order to get an idea of the student life there.
• Take AP or PVCC classes. This applies for sophomores as well. Taking AP classes not only looks good on a resume, but the credits achieved from a good score on the AP test can help a lot. Alternatively, if you think you’ll be applying to PVCC, you can shorten your time there — save hundreds of dollars — by taking PVCC classes for free at FCHS.
• Evaluate Financial Aid. Look at which schools accept certain types of financial aid. Discuss filling out a FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) if you don’t think your family can afford college. Also, look at scholarship options – a short list can be found of the Fluvanna guidance website.

Be sure to set up an appointment with Ms. Garling if you have any questions about college. She can be found in the Career Center in the 3200s hallway.