Your school counselor is one of your most important resources. She or he can help you schedule your courses, balance your workload, and plan for college. Don't know your counselor very well? Make an appointment.
Here are some basic questions to get your conversation started. It always helps to think ahead about what you want to ask or talk about. They're busy and you're busy.
What are the required and recommended courses -- for graduation and for college prep?
How should I work my schedule so I'll complete them?
When is the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) exam going to be given here?
Is this school a testing center for the SAT or ACT, or will I need to go somewhere nearby?
Do you have any after school or evening sessions available for college planning, or for taking the SAT or ACT?
Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow? Do you have a copy of the free Taking the SAT booklet, which has a practice test in it? Or a test booklet to prepare me for the ACT?
What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
What kinds of grades do different colleges require?
Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?
Where do other kids from this school go?
Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to colleges on my wish list?
Do you have information about colleges far away, or do you favor schools nearby?
If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal?
What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?
Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?
Can I see my transcript as it stands now, to see if everything is as I think it should be?
Do you have any forms I would need to apply for financial aid?
How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores?
It’s new. It’s different. It can be frustrating. It’s probably how you’re experiencing school these days. It’s online education. The coronavirus has rapidly expanded the adoption of online, virtual and distance learning, from college all the way down to elementary school. As a relatively new practice, schools, students and staff have all had to make adjustments to their curriculums and their expectations. Students may be wondering – how can I be successful in online school? How can I make it work for me? Our new Online Education section has the answers to all of your online learning questions. [...]
Facebook is returning to its roots with the launch of Facebook Campus, a college-only space designed to help students connect with fellow classmates over shared interests, according to the press release. The social media giant, which had originally started its life as a networking site for college students, is now refocusing its efforts on connecting students, particularly in the wake of COVID, even if they are away from college. Here's what you can expect from the new Facebook Campus platform if you are a college student: [...]
Today marks the 19th anniversary of the devastating September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States of America. We honor those who lost their lives in the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, as well as the first responders who gave their lives rescuing survivors, and the passengers of Flight 93 who thwarted the hijacker’s plans. The events of September 11, 2001 touched the lives of all Americans and redefined a generation. Now, even in the midst of another national crisis, we feel it is appropriate to take the time to remember this tragedy. [...]
