College & Career Center

Mrs. Colon– Career Specialist

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Welcome to the Land O’ Lakes High School College & Career Page!

This page is designed to support students as they plan for life after high school. Whether you’re interested in attending college, entering the workforce, or exploring other pathways, our Career Specialist is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Here, you’ll find resources and support for:

• Career Planning – Explore your interests, identify career options, and create a plan to reach your goals.
• College Planning – Learn about the college and training options after high school, the requirements for each and steps to apply.
• Financial Aid & Scholarships – Get guidance on FAFSA, Bright Futures, and other scholarship opportunities to help fund your education.
• Workforce Readiness – Discover job opportunities, resume building tips, and interview preparation.

Your future starts here! Take advantage of the tools, resources, and personalized guidance available to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Career Planning

Xello: Pasco County Schools has partnered with Xello, a comprehensive K-12 career exploration tool. Every student has access to their personalized account by using the Xello icon found on the myPascoConnect dashboard.

 College Planning (University, Community/State College, Technical/Vocational)

              University: SUS Matrix, Links to Common Application, General steps to apply

Community/State Colleges: 2+2 Transfer Programs (A.A. degree); Short term degree (A.S.) and certificates
https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/colleges.stml

Technical/Vocational: Short-term, career specific programs and certifications.

Marchman Technical College: https://mtec.pasco.k12.fl.us/

 College Entrance Exams: SAT, ACT, CLT

College-bound students will want to begin taking college entrance exams beginning their junior year. Students will complete their own registration on the test’s website. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

Register here:

              SAT: www.collegeboard.org

              ACT: www.act.org

              CLT: www.cltexam.com

 Financial Aid/Scholarships

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid will open fall of a student’s senior year: www.studentaid.gov

State Aid (Bright Futures and more): www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org; Bright Futures eligibility handout (link to PDF)

              Private Scholarships: Info, links to some search sites, Xello Scholarship Search

 College & Career Planning Timeline

https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/mycoalition-counselor-all/the-college-planning-timeline        

9^th Grade:

Speak with your counselor about the right courses to take.

Practice and develop your study skills (goal setting, note taking, asking for help, time management, etc.).

Get involved outside of the classroom. Participate in activities and clubs that match your interests and passions.

Begin learning more about yourself by taking the Matchmaker and Personality quizzes on Xello.

Do as well as you can in your classes and have good behavior and attendance.

10^th Grade

Take rigorous courses and aim to do your best.

Learn about standardized tests, like the SAT & ACT.

Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) for practice.

Stay involved outside of the classroom doing things that spark joy.

Attend college fairs.

Continue researching careers and colleges.

Take virtual and in-person college tours.

Research summer experiences like camps, internships, volunteer/community service.

11^th Grade

Fall: Continue to research post-secondary options that fit your personal, academic and financial needs.

Take rigorous courses available to you such as honors, AP, IB or dual enrollment courses. 

Take the PSAT in the fall for National Merit Scholarship program

Study for and/or begin taking the SAT and/or ACT

Spring: Continue researching college/post-secondary options.

Take or retake the SAT or ACT (fee waivers are available for eligible students).

Attend student and family college and financial aid events.

Plan how you’ll spend your summer (classes, volunteering, camps, employment, etc.)

Summer: Visit colleges in-person or virtually.

You can take the SAT/ACT again, generally through the fall to try to improve your scores.

Note admissions and financial aid deadlines. 

Draft your personal statement/college essay and get feedback.

Research college supplements and begin working on completing them.

Ask teachers for letters of recommendation ONLY if your selected college requires one.       

Research and apply for scholarships. Use Xello and Big Future to help search.

12^th Grade

Fall: Fill out college applications using EITHER the Common Application (www.commonapplication.com) or the college’s own institutional application on their website.

Submit early action and/or early decision applications (deadlines generally fall between October 15^th – November 1^st)

Fill out financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile, State applications, and school specific applications) beginning on/around October 1^st

Continue to research and apply for scholarships.

Winter & Spring: Complete and submit regular decision applications (usually January 1^st)

Check your email for communications from colleges.

Review your acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.

Attend admitted student events.

By May 1, decide on which college to attend and submit your deposit.

Keep your grades up and celebrate your hard work.

Click on the link for to see the presentation about Senior College Planning and Financial Aid.

Senior College Planning Seminar Financial Aid 101