HRHS Senior Newsletter
October 2019
I hope you had a smooth start to the school year. Throughout the fall I will continue to meet with seniors to help you with your plans for after high school. Feel free to come in whenever you have questions.
Keep reading to find information about upcoming events for students interested in two-year colleges and the military as well as information pertaining to four-year college applications. Make sure to scroll down to the end of the newsletter to read the "Career Spotlight" and learn about some of the fastest growing careers.
-Ms. Scully
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Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Night
Do You Have a Financial Safety School on Your List?
As you narrow down your list of safety, target and reach schools don't forget to make sure you have a financial safety school on your list.
Each college has a Net Price Calculator on the financial aid page of their website. The Net Price Calculator will give an estimate of what your family will pay at that college based on your income and family size. Many schools can also estimate merit aid based on your GPA and test scores. It is highly recommended that you take a few minutes to fill out the Net Price Calculator for each school on your list.
Financial Aid Workshops Coming in December
When:
December - dates TBDWho should attend: Any student going to a two or four-year college. We will review the financial aid application process, discuss loans, and learn how to review financial aid packages.
Two-Year College Applicants
Two-Year College Workshops
When: Mid-November
Who should attend: All students applying to (or thinking about applying to) GCC, HCC or STCC (or any other two-year college). Students who checked the 2-year college box on the senior questionnaire will automatically be signed up for one of these workshops. Any student applying to four-year colleges who would like HCC, GCC or STCC to be a back up, please sign up for a workshop in the guidance office.
What will be covered: the application process, placement testing, field trips to HCC and STCC, transferring to four-year colleges.
Interested in a Career in the Medical Field?
STCC is holding a Health Care Career Exploration Series. Click here to learn more if you are interested in any of the following careers:
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Surgical Technician
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistant
Medical Lab Technician
Radiology Technician
Medical Diagnostic Sonographer
Medical Assistant
Open Houses/Campus Tours at HCC, GCC, STCC
Holyoke Community College
HCC will be at Hampshire on Oct 11th at 8:45. Sign up in the counseling office if you would like to attend.
HCC offers Welcome Wednesdays held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. in KC 205. These information sessions offer prospective students the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor in order to learn about the admissions, financial aid, and transfer processes. Attendees will also take a personalized tour of the HCC campus. It's a wonderful opportunity meet current HCC students and faculty, ask questions, and discover what makes HCC the community's college.
Springfield Technical Community College
STCC will be at Hampshire on November 13th at 10:00. Sign up in the counseling office if you would like to attend.
STCC Fall Open House 2019
October 17, 2019 from 4pm-6:30pm in the Student Learning Commons (Building 19), First Floor Welcome Center entrance.
Talk to professors, advisors, admissions, and more
Learn how STCC can help you reach your goals!
Greenfield Community College
GCC visited HRHS this past month. GCC offers campus tours at the following times. Click below to register for a tour.
- Tuesday October 1 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday October 8 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday October 15 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday October 22 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday October 29 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday November 5 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday November 12 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday November 19 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday November 26 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday December 3 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
- Tuesday December 10 – 4:00pm – RSVP »
Decision Days with HCC, STCC and GCC
In December, admissions representatives from HCC, GCC and STCC will come to HRHS for Decisions Days. During Decision Days, students will formally be accepted into the colleges. Prior to the Decisions Days, students will complete their applications.
Military Information
Military Workshop
When: Thursday, Nov 14th– Advisory and Period 5
Who should attend: Students interested in joining the military should attend this panel of speakers from the Air National Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines. Students who checked the military box on the senior questionnaire will automatically be signed up for this workshop. All other students must sign up in the guidance office.
ASVAB Testing
Each branch of the military requires potential recruits to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in order to match people with career paths within the military. Students have the opportunity to take the ASVAB at HRHS in November (date TBD). This is a low stakes testing opportunity as the scores are not sent to any branch of the military.
If you are interested in taking the ASVAB please sign up in the guidance office.
Four-Year College Information
Counselor Letters of Recommendation - Important Deadlines
Most four-year colleges require a counselor letter of recommendation. Please check to see if you need a letter from a counselor. Below are the deadlines to turn in the required Brag Sheet which is needed to request a letter. If you miss these deadlines, Ms. Pietrzak and Ms. Scully will not be able to write the letter.
For November 1st college deadlines - Brag Sheet deadline is 10/4
For November 15th college deadlines - Brag Sheet deadline is 10/18
For December 1st college deadlines - Brag Sheet deadline is 11/1
For December 15th college deadlines - Brag Sheet deadline is 11/15
For January 1st college deadline - Brag Sheet deadline is 12/2
College Application Checklist
Common Application and Naviance Matching
Common Application Workshops
If you would like help with your Common Application, sign up for one of the following Common Application workshops. Please avoid signing up for a workshop during a core academic class when possible. More workshops will be scheduled in November for students who are not ready to fill out their applications.
October 17th during advisory and period 2
October 21st during advisory and period 7
GPA Calculations for College
Your PowerSchool GPA is not the same as the one colleges will use when making their admission's decision.
- College GPAs include only core classes (math, science, English, social studies and foreign language) and one elective (art, chorus, band, business, etc.) for each year. Some electives may not be included if a college deems it to not be a true college prep course.
- Colleges expect that students are taking a minimum of four core classes (or four credits of core subjects) each year.
- Colleges convert numerical grades to a 4.0 scale. Most will use a the MA Board of Higher Education scale or a similar scale. (See pages 14 and 15 of this document).
- Colleges add .5 points to each Honors grade and 1 point to each AP grade (this happens after the GPA is converted to a 4.0 scale).
- All state colleges and universities require a minimum GPA of 2.0. If a student's GPA is between a 2.0 and a 3.0, there are certain SAT scores that students must reach in order to be eligible for acceptance. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission.
Naviance Scattergrams
SAT, ACT and AP Scores
Reminder: Students must request to have their SAT, ACT, and AP scores sent to colleges directly from the testing agency. The guidance office will not send out test scores.
Use Khan Academy to Study for the SAT
SAT and ACT Dates
There is still time to register....
November 2nd SAT - Registration Deadline is October 3rd
October 26th ACT - Late Registration Deadline is October 4th (late fee required)
College Board Opportunity Scholarships
College Representatives Visiting HRHS
If interested in meeting with one of the representatives, students should sign up in the guidance office or on Naviance and ask their teacher for permission to miss class.
Here is the schedule of visits for October & November.
Check Naviance for updates.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (MCPHS) will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 at 7:45 am
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Lesley University will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 at 1:30
United States Air Force Academy will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 at 10:00 am
University of Massachusetts, Boston will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 at 12:30 pm
University of Massachusetts, Boston will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Sarah Lawrence College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 4th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Elms College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 4th, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Saint Anselm College will be visiting your school on Monday, October 7th, 2019 at 7:45 am
Bay Path University will be visiting your school on Monday, October 7th, 2019 at 8:45 am
Lasell University will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at 7:45 am
University of Bridgeport will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at 10:00 am
University of Massachusetts, Amherst will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 at 1:30 pm
University of New England will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at 7:45 am
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at 8:45 am
New England Institute of Technology will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at 10:00 am
University of Hartford will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Niagara University will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 10th, 2019 at 1:30
- Holyoke Community College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 11th, 2019 at 8:45 am
Worcester Polytechnic Institute will be visiting your school on Friday, October 11th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Simmons University will be visiting your school on Friday, October 11th, 2019 at 12:30
Providence College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 11th, 2019 at 1:30 pm
The New School - All Divisions will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 at 8:45 am
University of Southern Maine will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Springfield College will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 at 1:30
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 7:45 am
Western New England University will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Keene State College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 18th, 2019 at 10:00 a
Eckerd College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 18th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Boston University will be visiting your school on Friday, October 18th, 2019 at 1:30 pm
University of Vermont will be visiting your school on Monday, October 21st, 2019 at 7:45
Montserrat College of Art will be visiting your school on Monday, October 21st, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Wellesley College will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 24th, 2019 at 12:30
Framingham State University will be visiting your school on Friday, October 25th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Merrimack College will be visiting your school on Friday, October 25th, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be visiting your school on Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Sacred Heart University will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 31st, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Fisher College will be visiting your school on Thursday, October 31st, 2019 at 1:30 pm
New England Institute of Technology will be visiting your school on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Springfield Technical Community College will be visiting your school on Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Plymouth State University will be visiting your school on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Scholarships
SMART Scholarship for STEM Students
Planning to major in science, technology, engineering, or math in college? You could get paid to earn a degree – and then get hired at graduation by the Department of Defense. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program offer scholarships (full tuition and related expenses, paid summer internships, and up to $38,000 in cash) for undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarships assist any students seeking a degree in any of the STEM disciplines, including chemistry, computer science, oceanography, mechanical engineering, and behavioral science.
Sound interesting? Applications are due December 3, 2019 at 5pm. Visit the SMART website for more information.
Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program
The Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students in the State of Massachusetts who have exhibited integrity and who aspire to pursue higher education. Ten $7,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must:
1) Be a US citizen and be enrolled full-time as a senior in the US with plans to enter a college and pursue bachelor’s degree at a non-profit public or private institution in the US no later than the fall following 2019 graduation.
2) Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income).
3) Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities and display integrity and perseverance in overcoming diversity.
4) Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Click here for more information. The application deadline is October 25, 2019.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities. Up to 40 students will become Jack Kent Cooke Scholars and have access to funding for up to four years for undergraduate studies.
This highly competitive scholarship includes:
- Up to $40,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school
- Ability to pursue any area of study
- Personal advising about selecting a college and navigating financial aid
- Multifaceted advising about how to transition to college and maximize the college student experience
Selection Process
A rigorous application review includes analysis of grades, standardized test scores, participation in available advanced courses, student essays, letters of recommendation, and family finances. Each year 30-40 students will be selected into the program.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
At a minimum, applicants must:
1) Plan to graduate from high school in spring 2019.
2) Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2019.
3) Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
4) Receive standardized test scores in the top 15%: SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 (old SAT scores) or above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above.
5) Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000.
Click here to apply. This application is now open with a deadline of November 13, 2019.
Career Spotlight
Top Ten Jobs for the Next Ten Years
Advanced medical technologies, aging baby boomers, demand for higher quality child-care, advanced medicines and rapidly changing technology will contribute to the increase of the growth of the following careers.
Computer Programmer– In the past, companies within a wide variety of fields would use the same exact software programs to conduct their business. The current trend is for companies to create their own custom software to solve problems and create products. Technology is ever changing and businesses need fresh minds to create ways to keep up.
Day Care Provider– Quality day care is in high demand and therefore people are willing to pay more for day care centers with great reputations. Day Care Providers with a background in early childhood education and special education will be earning more money in the years to come.
Elder Care Specialist– The fast growing senior communities that are designed to house and assist the “Baby Boomers” will need a variety of healthcare specialists to care for the residents.
Employment Specialists– Employment specialist work for employment agencies matching employees who are looking for short-term jobs or jobs with flexible schedules with employers looking for qualified workers.
Environmental Engineers– Engineers are needed to help solve problems as our population continues to grow. They need to juggle the task of create new water, sewer, and electrical systems while also protecting natural resources.
Home Health Aide– Many baby boomers wish to live at home or be cared for at home while recuperating from injuries or illnesses. Home health aides can be nurses or adults without a specific training that help adults care for themselves in their homes.
Management Consultant– Companies often look outside their staff when trying to solve problems or challenges. Consultants can work with companies all over the world while working in their home offices or they can travel the country to meet with business executives.
Network Specialists– Network specialists are in charge of creating and maintain technology systems within companies. They control company’s servers, trouble shoot hardware and software challenges and give IT support to employees.
Physician’s Assistant– People hoping to pursue a career in medicine often choose the PA track since it requires less education than that need to become a doctor. Physician’s Assistants can do many of the tasks that doctors can do including prescribing medication, performing simple surgeries, and acting as a primary care provider.
Social Services Coordinator– Coordinators monitor the safety and wellness of groups of people and make sure that clients have access to a variety of assistance programs. Social Services Coordinators work with people of all ages and work within a variety of organizations.
Information taken from www.worldwidelearn.com