Information

In 8th grade…

• Start to learn about high school class opportunities
• Explore college information on bigfuture.collegeboard.com
• Explore careers on mynextmove.org
• Manage your time wisely
  • Download a daily schedule sheet here
  • Use study halls to get extra help from teachers and get homework done
• Keep track of assignments in your planner
• Study a little bit each day
  • Break down each subject into smaller, manageable pieces
• Arrive on time and be in attendance regularly
• Keep your backpack and locker organized
• Resource for Parents

In 9th grade…

• Practice good study habits
• Have good school attendance and good school behavior
• Start exploring colleges and majors on collegeboard.org
• Utilize your lunch period for homework time, tutoring time, research, computer time, etc.
• Get involved in extra-curricular activities and start recording what you’re involved in on a resume
• Discuss educational and career plans with your parents, counselor and teachers
• Begin to map out a 4-year plan of courses to guide you through high school
• Talk to your counselor if you need additional help in a subject to arrange a peer tutor
• Resource for Parents

In 10th grade…

• Sign up in December/January to take the Pre-ACT in February/March. For more information about the Pre-ACT, click here.
• Start learning more about the college search process. Attend College Day in October at the arena and try to visit a college campus this year. Learn more about colleges and majors at bigfuture.collegeboard.org
• If you’re aiming to play college athletics, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Make sure you’re taking courses that are on the approved list.
• Resources for Parents: Click here for a checklist for sophomore year.

In 11th grade…

• Regularly meet with your school counselor to discuss your plans and steps to reach your next steps after high school.
• Attend College Admission Counselor Visits in the Guidance Office in the fall & spring. Even if you’re not sure where you want to go, this is a great way to learn about what is available.
• Take the PSAT in October.
• In December, review your PSAT Scores and link them to Khan Academy for guided practice.
• Interested in applying for the BOCES New Visions Program? Attend an information session in December and complete application in January/February.
• Sign up to take the SAT or ACT in the spring. Students are responsible for signing up for standardized tests on their own. Learn about the differences between the tests here.
• If you are a looking at specific schools and programs, see if SAT Subject Tests are required. Make plans for when you will take them if required. For more information on subject tests, click here.
• Resource for Parents: Click here for an action plan for juniors.

In 12th grade…

• Create an account on the Common Application. Students can apply to over 700 different colleges through this one site.
• Planning on applying to SUNY Broome? Complete your application here and notify your counselor.
• If you haven’t done so already, narrow down your list of colleges you plan to apply to. Aim for around 6 schools. Need help searching? Visit here.
• Attend Greater Binghamton College Day at the arena in October.
• Attend College Admission Counselor visits in the Guidance Office. Visits occur from September to December. A schedule is posted on the portal calendar and outside the Counseling Office.
• Only applying to SUNY schools? You can use the SUNY Application.
• Make note of various deadlines and requirements for each application.
• Decide whether or not you want your standardized test scores reported on your transcript. Turn in your SAT/ACT Release Form.
• Think about who you would like to write you a letter of recommendation. Select at least one core subject-area teacher.
• Complete the FAFSA in early October.
• Apply for scholarships. Visit the Counseling office or the listing on our website.
• Maintain good grades – your midyear report will include 1st & 2nd quarter grades of senior year.

College Application Information

Student Responsibilities:

• Develop a list of prospective colleges and/or universities
• Determine due dates of applications (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Admission, Rolling Admission)
• Meet with your School Counselor for your “Senior Meeting” in late September or early October
• Complete a resume and give it to your Counselor
• Begin online application and ALL supporting documents
• Ask teachers, counselors, employers, etc. for recommendation letters at least 1 to 2 months prior to the application due date
  • Write a Thank You note to each person who writes a letter for you
• Submit SAT and/or ACT scores to each college as required.
• Students who took college level courses while enrolled at SCC are responsible for requesting an official transcript from the college/university and have it sent to each college/university that requires it for the application.
• Attend College Day at the Arena in October
• Keep your counselor informed
• See your counselor with any questions

Resource for Parents

Click here for a senior year checklist.