Post secondary planning: A snapshot of what’s ahead

How to Start the Process:

Naviance:

  • Develop a list of colleges. 10-12 schools are a good starting point. Create a mix of target, reach, and safety schools based on historical data in Naviance.
  • List colleges you are interested in under Colleges I’m Thinking About.
  • Share your password with parents.
  • Complete Counselor Form and Parent Brag Sheet no later than May 1st.

Visit Colleges/Attend College Fairs: What to look for/Questions to ask.

Meet w/ Guidance Counselor: Indicate in the appt book if a parent/guardian is coming

Teacher Recommendations: Dr. Gwin supervises this process

  • Junior class assembly in May
  • Teacher sign-up sheets must be turned in to Guidance before the last day of school

Transcript/GPA:

  • Course selection: Senior year courses
  • Mailing in late summer
  • Check transcript for accuracy – questions/issues contact your guidance counselor.

Testing:

Most four-year colleges (and some two-year colleges) require applicants to submit results of at least one admissions test. It is extremely important for students to check each college’s specific testing requirements to be certain to take the right test for each college.

  • SAT and Subject Tests vs. ACT
  • Students with documented disabilities who are seeking accommodations on either the SAT or ACT must apply for accommodations with the respective testing authority (Collegeboard for SAT and ACT for ACT). See Post-Secondary Planning packet for additional information)
  • TOEFL: For students whose native language is not English should consider taking this exam. Visit for information and test center locations.

Social Media:

  • Impact of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. on potential candidates.
  • Privacy settings
  • Establish a professional email account which clearly states your name for use on all applications and school communications.

CLASS OF 2015

COLLEGE NIGHT PROGRAM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

WHS AUDITORIUM

7-8:30PM

Members of the class of 2015 and their parents are invited to join members of the guidance staff and guest speakers from area colleges to begin learning about the college search and admissions process.

Topics will include:

  • Starting your school search
  • Do’s and Don’ts for Applications
  • General information about Essays
  • Interviews
  • Application trends

And will conclude with a Q&A featuring our panel.

  • MerrimackCollege
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst