College Planning

A: Every student’s plan for post-high school is different and unique.  Try not to get stressed out if you have not yet determined your path.  If you are going to a 2-year or 4-year college, your counselors will work with you to find the right fit for you, academically and financially.  If you are taking a gap year, seeking employment, entering trade school or the military, your counselors are here to help you meet that goal!  Do not worry if you are undecided. You are not alone!

• College (2-year or 4-year) 
  • Virtual SUNY College Fair
• Military
• Adult Trade Programs
• Erie 1 BOCES
  • Adult Career Training
• Northland Workforce Training Center 
  • Northland.pdf
  • About - Northland Workforce Training Center

A:  Visit a college campus!  Taking the time to visit a campus and speak to a college representative is vital to finding the right fit for you!If you are unable to visit a college campus in person, you can also take a virtual tour on the school's website or by going to campustours.com

A:  Set up a meeting with your counselor!  We are available to help and guide you!  

• • Senior Seminar:  This will take place in the beginning of the school year in English 12 classes.  Counselors will provide a general overview of the college process, timelines and next steps
  • Senior meeting:  Counselors will meet individually with EVERY SENIOR to discuss post-high school plans and create an individualized plan, to-do lists and as many follow-up appointments as needed to help you meet your goal!

A: Naviance is a software program that is used to electronically submit all documents to the colleges you apply to (letters of recommendation and official transcripts).  Your counselor will help you with Naviance, don’t worry!  There are also many helpful college search tools available for you to use.  Log-in to your account using CLEVER on any school-issued device.  You do not need a username or password.

A:  An official transcript is a signed and sealed document that summarizes your high school academic history, including GPA, class rank, exam scores, final course grades and senior year in-progress courses.  Every college application will require an official transcript and this must be sent by your school counselor.  You will need to email your counselor to request an official transcript.

A:  Your GPA is your cumulative average of all the courses you took in high school (this includes any high school credit you may have received in 8th grade; language, Algebra, Living Environment, etc.)  Your official GPA will be available to you in the Fall (usually early October) before you start applying to colleges.  This figure is hand-calculated by the Counseling Office according to specific criteria. 

A:  There are many college applications available to you. You and your counselor can discuss which application to use. Do not start the application process until you have met with your counselor to discuss the application that best meets your needs. So, if you are interested in applying to college early, make an appointment for your senior meeting early in September.

A:  Depending on the deadlines for the schools to which you are applying, the general rule is to have your applications and other documents submitted to colleges by Thanksgiving/December 1st. Again, you will meet with your counselor as much as necessary to determine your deadlines! COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR COUNSELOR IS KEY TO MAKING AND MEETING IMPORTANT DEADLINES!

A:  Letters of recommendation are a very important piece of the college application! These letters not only allow college admissions committees an opportunity to read about your potential to succeed in college, academic successes, contributions and strengths, they also provide some valuable insight into your character and personality. Letters of recommendation can provide important information about many things that may not be on your official transcript or anywhere else in your application, like personal anecdotes, community service, leadership, extra-curricular activities, honors, awards, etc.  All of these things make your application stronger!  

You and your counselor will discuss specific procedures to request letters of recommendation in your senior meetings. For now, start thinking about who you would like to ask to write on your behalf.  Remember, you do not have to ask only teachers.  Coaches and employers can provide valuable information about YOU as well!

A:  Be sure to attend Financial Aid Night in the fall to get some great information about FAFSA and TAP. Check your email and the Counseling Center website often for scholarship opportunities and the Scholarship Bulletin.