THE GUIDANCE CORNER FOR THE CLASS OF 2011

Welcome back to all of our students and parents...get ready for an eventful and exciting year.  In our spring meeting we covered the college admission and application process and will continue to provide updates, information and expectations for this busy time.

SATs and/or ACTs
At this time, all seniors should have taken the SAT and/or ACT at least one time.  Please check test dates and deadlines if your child needs to re-take either test.  The deadlines are as follows:

SAT:  Test date - Oct 9           Deadline -  Sept 10                   Late Deadline – Sept 24
Test date - Nov 6           Deadline  - Oct 8            Late Deadline – Oct 22
ACT:  Test date – Oct 24                   Deadline - Sept 18          Late Deadline – Oct 2

SAT II:  Deadlines are the same as SATs.  If colleges you are applying to require or recommend this test, you should be aware of this and be sure to allow yourself time to meet college deadlines.
**Remember, students can apply online or pick up a registration packet in guidance.
SCHOOL CODE - 221770 (also called CEEB code)
COLLEGE VISITS
Hopefully, you were able to visit some campuses over the summer and begin to narrow your college choices.  If you are still looking to tour campuses, there is information posted in senior and junior hallways regarding dates for many College Open Houses.  When you are planning a college visit, you should inform both the Guidance Office and Mrs. Enright in the Attendance Office. 
There is also a large list posted in guidance of Admission Counselors planning to visit St. Joseph - Parents -please encourage your student to sign up for colleges they are interested in.

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
In the first few weeks of school all seniors will meet with a guidance counselor to review the college application process.  If you need to meet for any reason, stop into guidance, do not wait for an appointment.

Letters of recommendation:  You should ask for letters of recommendation from teachers as soon as possible - approach people early.  Ask at least two teachers for letters.  Make sure to give them a list of your college choices and a list of high school activities, so they may write an accurate letter.  Remember to give your teachers or counselor any forms that come with individual applications.  Your guidance counselor will also provide a letter and you can include letters from coaches, clergy, employers, etc.  All letters must be handed in to Guidance. 

***If you have decided to apply early action or early decision to any college - see your Guidance Counselor as soon as possible,

 

Applications:  ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO COLLEGES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY STUDENTS TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE FOR MAILING.

We will attach a transcript and all relevant documentation (for example, copies of recommendation letters, activity sheet, school profile, transcript, essay).  This process is done to ensure that all material will be mailed at the same time and that applications are reviewed and complete prior to mailing.  Four transcripts will be given to each student free of charge.  All succeeding transcripts are $1.00 apiece.  PLEASE NOTE:  transcripts may not be copied by students, they are sealed, legal documents and it is illegal to copy them.  As many schools have early January deadlines, we strongly recommend students bring applications to Guidance by December 10th.  This allows sufficient time to ensure mailing prior to Christmas vacation.  Prior to mailing, your Guidance Counselor will go over your applications and double check to ensure all sections are complete, neat and accurate.

Online applications are becoming more common - if you apply online to a college you should let your guidance counselor know immediately - there should be an attachment to the online application that you can print out and bring in to guidance.

Guidance fees:  a record will be kept of transcripts, copies made and postage - students will verify this list with their Guidance Counselor in the spring and pay guidance fees prior to graduation.

Remember:   read all applications carefully.  
LOOK FOR:  number of letters of recommendation needed, where is parent signature required, where is your signature required, application fee, are SAT II tests required, DEADLINES

This is a stressful but wonderful time, enjoy it.  Feel free to call Ms. Walton or Mrs. Dunham in the guidance office with any questions, 442-6559.

 

OCTOBER NEWS

Western New England College will host the NEACC College Fair on September 9/19
Berkshire Community College will host the NEACC College Fair on September 9/23