How to Apply
Click here for an Application
Join the Virginia College Advising Corps (formerly the College Guide Program)
The Virginia College Advising Corps seeks service-minded, motivated undergraduates in their last semesters to serve as College Advisers in our partner high schools and community colleges. The term of service is two years; this includes a 6-week training program the summer before service begins. As compensation, Advisers receive a stipend of $21,000 per school year plus health insurance. College Advisers are eligible to receive a $11,000 education award to use toward the repayment of undergraduate loans or toward future education once the two-year term of service is completed. As AmeriCorps members, Advisers have the ability to defer the repayment of any undergraduate loans while participating in the Virginia College Advising Corps. Additionally, as AmeriCorps members, participants are also eligible to have the future education award matched by one of the specified AmeriCorps partner institutions. Information on AmeriCorps Partner institutions can be found on the AmeriCorps website. Information sessions or Recruitment Nights are held once during both the fall and spring semesters. See the Selection Process timeline below.
Life after the Virginia College Advising Corps
The University graduates who choose to become a part of the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC) have a wide range of interests and varying undergraduate degrees. The list of what College Advisers have gone on to, from starting graduate school to entering the workforce, is as diverse as the undergraduate majors of the program participants.
Although it may not have been their original design, some past Advisers have used their experience in the program directly through pursuing careers in student affairs, counseling, and education. VCAC alumni are working towards graduate degrees at schools all across the country, furthering their education in everything from law to biomedical engineering. Work with VCAC has given graduates a glimpse of the working world and an opportunity to make a difference. It provides valuable experience and skills that can be applied to any field from consulting to accounting.
Selection Process Timeline
November: Recruitment Night
January: Recruitment Night
Application Deadline: For the 2012-2014 Service Term - February 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
Application (PDF format).
Early February: If selected to interview, applicants will have an interview on Grounds with the VCAC Selection Committee. If selected for the second round, candidates will have a follow-up interview with the VCAC Program Coordinator or VCAC Program Director. The second interview will be conducted at the VCAC office located at 2400 Old Ivy Road.
Late February to Mid-March: If selected for the third round, candidates will interview with the on-site coordinator and school administration of a tentative placement site. If selected, candidates will have an offer by the end of March.
Late March to Mid-April: Placements confirmed and offers signed. New College Advisers will receive an information packet regarding the summer training program (June 17-July 25, 2012). Room and board are provided.
To get started, or if you still have questions, feel free to contact Program Coordinator Cathy Ames. If you want perspective on the position from a current adviser or have questions about a specific placement, please contact the current Adviser at that school.
