College Corner

Transitioning to high school is a time in which students begin to develop goals, interests and passions. A strong sense of self paves the way for better understanding of courses/electives to take academically and outside activities to pursue. All students and parents will receive access to Scoir (which features a career interest assessment, among other tools). This is a great time for students to begin understanding their own identity and what makes them fulfilled in a subject matter or even prospective career path. 

Tenth grade is a great time to build on the self-exploration that was started the year prior. Continuing to identify strengths and weaknesses will enable our students to act on their long term goals to further their academic and professional development, whether it is joining applicable clubs, part-time employment, community service, internships and even summer programs.

This is also a time that students will sit down with the College & Career Counselor to discuss their goals and where they are at in their particular journey. Parents are invited to attend virtually. Students will be advised to take a Career Inventory (on Scoir) if they have not done so already. 

Testing: PSAT NMSQT is offered in October and tenth graders are able to register for this, as well as the PreACT, which is offered in January. 

It is now time to start the formal process for post-secondary planning. There are plenty of options after graduation and meeting with a student's School Counselor will help students/families understand what is out there. Whether four-year/two-year universities, trade schools, armed forces or employment, school counselors are available to have every and all conversations regarding our students' futures.

Counselors will outline and discuss the college application process, providing insight regarding programs and helping a family find the right "fit" for the student's individual needs. Working exclusively on Scoir, counselors will collaborate with students/families on list-building and researching various institutions. Much of the research will come in the form of college visits and networking with college representatives at our mini-college fairs in the Fall. Lastly, counselors will introduce the Common Application, which will be home to many of the college applications that seniors will fill out in the Fall. 

Testing: PSAT NMSQT is offered in October, as well as the PreACT, which is offered in January. We offer a plethora of dates for SAT and ACT testing.

The application process will be in full swing come Fall time and we are here to help. In the summer, THS offers an essay writing workshop and counselors are available to review college essays upon request. Continuing with mini-college fairs, students will be able to meet with reps that are most likely reading their applications. It is important to keep deadlines in mind when applying to schools Rolling, Early Action/Decision and Regular Decision. 

The College & Career Counselor is available for meetings or quick questions as well during this process: helping with applications, scholarships and essays are some of the services this professional can provide.