College Counseling Corner
HHS's biweekly college counseling newsletter
The back to school edition
College Reps to Visit HHS
Seniors: Sign-Up for the October SAT!
We will offer help in registering students all day in the cafeteria on Sep. 16th.
Senior College & Career Assemblies!
Counselors will be providing important information to seniors during our upcoming College & Career Planning Assemblies. Seniors must sign-up to attend the assembly/assemblies that apply to them (students are encouraged to attend more than one).
College Assembly: Students planning to apply to 4 year colleges
- Thurs, Sep. 15th, 9:30am, auditorium
Military Assembly: Students who may be interested in military service after high school
- Tues, Oct. 4th, 12:30pm, studio
Community College Assembly: Students who may be interested in attending community college (HCC, STCC) after high school
- Tues, Oct. 18th, 9:30am, auditorium
Workforce Assembly: Students interested in entering a job/career or job training program after high school
- Thurs, Nov. 3rd, 9:30am, auditorium
College Assembly: Students planning to apply to 4 year colleges (a follow-up session; students are encouraged to attend both)
- Thurs, Dec. 1st, 12:30pm, auditorium
Sign-Up for your assemblies HERE
Financial Aid Night: October 18th
October 18th, 6:30pm
HHS
Auditorium: English
Cafeteria: Spanish
PAST YEARS
April 29
SENIORS: Pick a college by May 1!
If your are planning to attend HCC or STCC, you do not have a May 1st deadline. However, you should follow they steps they have emailed you about placement testing, online orientation and enrolling in classes.
SENIORS: Complete the FAFSA by May 1st!
Students should complete this online form with their parent by May 1st to maximize their financial aid. Students completing after May 1st can still receive financial aid, but they will not be eligible to receive a Mass Grant.
seniors: get help with hcc enrollment
- May 4th, Studio, get signed up for your placement test (help also available for applications and FAFSA
- May 11th, cafeteria, Get logged into your HCC online services (help also available for applications, placement testing, and FAFSA)
Grades 10/11: UMASS Dual Enrollment Classes Summer & Fall
UMASS Amherst is offering summer and fall dual enrollment classes for rising 11th and 12th graders. There are online and in-person classes. These classes are completely free, even the books are paid for. Students who choose to take a class on the UMASS campus must provide their own transportation.
Dual Enrollment and Early College for next year
Early College (HCC Early College & Westfield Promise)
Future Teachers Club!
- May 5th: Dual Language Elementary Teacher
- May 12th
- May 19th: Mental Health Counselor
- May 26th
- June 2nd
We will be having Masshire come on one Thursday to talk about paid summer internships that work with youth! We will also be scheduling other speakers based on student interest! Students in all grades are welcome! Hosted by Ms. Rigali and Ms. Holder.
Junior Future Planning
Here is the slideshow shared with students which has many great links and resources!
We encourage parents and guardians to take an active role in college & career planning with their juniors over the course of summer so that juniors come in ready to apply to college or jump into a career!
Youth Job Fairs
May 4th: Holyoke City Hall, 3:30-5:30, hosted by MassHire
May 5th: Holyoke Mall, 3-6pm, Macy's Court/Lower Level
Students grades 9-12 looking for summer or permanent employment are encouraged to attend!
week of april 4
UMASS Dual Enrollment Classes!!! FREE to HHS students!
- Requirments: going to be a junior or senior next year, 3.2 GPA
- Summer Session 1 (May 19-July 1): Child Development, online. Deadline to enroll: April 28
- Summer Session 2 (July 11-August 19): Ethnic Studies & Education, via Zoom (supported by in-person tutor). Deadline to apply: June 1st
- All Fall Classes run late August-mid December. Deadline to enroll June 1st
- Young Children in Famlies & Schools, online
- Hip Hop Nation & Literacy Practices, Wednesday 1-3:30pm
- There is one more class listed but the times will not work with the HHS schedule, do not sign-up for it
Once you have the form ready to submit, meet with your school counselor or Ms. Rigali to submit and to let your counselor know you plan to take the classes (we will attempt to alter your fall schedule to accommodate your UMASS class).
Decision day! Seniors...finalize those plans!
May 1st is National College Decision Day. Four year colleges require that students commit to one college by this date, and send in an enrollment deposit. HHS would like to support students in choosing a college by this date. We ALSO want to encourage all seniors to work to finalize their future plans by May 1st! Here are some supportive and celebratory events to help students reach Decision Day!
Workshops: Understanding your Financial Aid Packages and Choosing a College Tuesday, April 12, B block, 8:53-9:51 a.m., HHS cafeteria: Students only; bring your financial aid award letters. Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., HHS cafeteria: Students and families; bring your financial aid award letters. Celebrate Future Decisions! During the week of April 25th, seniors can join the fun in a lunch-time photo booth that features the future decisions of high school seniors. FAFSA Completion HHS has many resources to help students finish their financial aid applications (FAFSA). Please email Ms. Rigali at arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us if you have not yet completed a FAFSAand would like an appointment to complete your FAFSA with one of our FAFSA specialists
Supporting Students going to HCC
Week of February 28th
HCC Squad Sessions!
HCC Squad Sessions are in the studio on the following dates:
- February 16
- March 9, 16
- April 6, 13
- May 4
All seniors planning to attend HCC are encouraged to attend!
Students who have applied to 4 year colleges must commit to one college on or before May 1st (usually this involves filling out a form and sending a desposit). Seniors are advisied NOT to make a decision until they have received financial aid packages from ALL of the colleges they have been accepted to. They can compare financial aid packages and college costs with their family to make sure they are making the best possible decision!
The MA Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) offers virtual events to help families compare financial aid packages and make an informed decision. View these events here: https://www.mefa.org/events
FREE College Readiness Bootcamp at Bay Path!
Who: Current 11th and 12th grade female students (EVEN if you are unsure about college)
Where: Bay Path University in Longmeadow (transportation is provided)
Perks: The program is FREE, transportation is provided and you get a $350 stipend just for participating
Important Dates:
- Dates of program: April 18-22
- Deadline to apply: March 25
https://www.baypath.edu/academics/academic-resources/college-readiness-bootcamp/
FREE Pre-College Summer Program at Carnegie Mellon
https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/ai4all-at-carnegie-mellon.html
Summer pre-college programs!
Grade 9: 3k2ruwh
Grade 10: qhqntwk
Grade 11: 66bej3c
Grade 12: lixrahe
Week of February 14th
FAFSA Night (in person)!
Pizza will be served! HHS Cafeteria
St. Patrick's Day Theme...wear your green! Bring social security number of student and parent, as well as income information for 2020 (all needed to complete FAFSA).
Students who attend will be entered into a raffle to win FREE tickets to the Junior/Senior prom on March 18th!
Tuesday, Mar 1, 2022, 06:30 PM
500 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
RACE to the FAFSA Finishline
1. Complete FAFSA on your own and email your FAFSA confirmation page to arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us (if you already completed FAFSA; just forward the email)
2. Come to FAFSA Night on March 1st to automatically be entered (see event details above)
Course selections due Friday 2/18!
Read the last newssletter for tips on picking classes that will help you get into college (scroll below)!
Week of February 2nd
Choosing high schools classes that will get you into college!
HHS North 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be choosing their classes for the next school year this month!
Counselors are visiting classes between February 2nd-9th and then students will enter thier courses online before February 18th!
When choosing classes, students should keep in mind that colleges have specific criteria they are looking for when admitting students. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Many colleges look for students to have taken 3-4 years of a world language (in the same language). Minimum for any 4 year college is 2 years of a language.
- Competitive colleges encourage students to take 4 years of all of the core academics (English, math, science, social studies/history, languages)
- Many colleges like to see students take science in all of the 3 core science areas: Biology, Chemisty, and Physics.
- Science, engineering, health science and nursing majors often require or encourage students to take AT LEAST through precalculus.
- Engineering programs require that you have taken physics.
- Each school year should be AS rigorous or MORE rigorous than the previous year. Colleges don't like to see students "taking it easy" their senior year.
Check out these college admissions webpages to get more information (ALL colleges have an admissions page where you can learn more):
Questions? Email arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us
HCC is coming to HHS
HCC staff will be coming to HHS twice monthly during Squad (7:40-8:25am on Wednesdays).
During these sessions, seniors planning on attending HCC next year can get help with all of the steps to register for HCC (apply, placement testing, FAFSA, course registration and more). They'll also have the opportunity to connect with HCC staff!
The 1st session is February 16th during Squad. Seniors should sign-up here if they plan to participate.
Financial Aid Help Continues!
- March 1st at 7pm IN PERSON: HHS CAFETERIA
Individual meetings during the school day-HHS
- Jazzmun Baez: jbaez@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Anna Rigali: arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Jack Decker: jdecker@valleyopp.com
After-school on Thursdays-HHS
- We are after-school on Thursdays in room 109 for college and FAFSA help
Virtual FAFSA Pop-Up Saturdays (click link to view dates and register)
FAFSA text support from uAspire
- Text 978-216-5109 to ask questions or request FAFSA help. They will answer via text and can set-up a phone call or zoom meeting
CSS/PROFILE
If you are applying to any of the colleges on this list, ensure that you fill out the CSS/PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA
past editions
week of january 10
Interested in the building trades?
Info Session Sign-Up & Details: https://communityworks.umasscreate.net/community-works/info-sessions/
About this Program: https://communityworks.umasscreate.net/community-works/
**FYI that although students must be 18 to participate in the classes, students who are not 18 can still attend the info session! They can enroll in the classes once they turn 18
Financial Aid Help for Seniors
- January 11th at 7pm
- February 1st at 7pm
- March 1st at 7pm
- Zoom link to join: https://bit.ly/3G6gKhx
Individual meetings during the school day-HHS
- Jazzmun Baez: jbaez@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Anna Rigali: arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Jack Decker: jdecker@valleyopp.com
After-school on Thursdays-HHS
- We are after-school on Thursdays in room 109 for college and FAFSA help
Virtual FAFSA Pop-Up Saturdays (click link to view dates and register)
FAFSA text support from uAspire
- Text 978-216-5109 to ask questions or request FAFSA help. They will answer via text and can set-up a phone call or zoom meeting
uAspire FAFSA Walk-Through
- January 27th, 6-7pm, via zoom
- Register here
CSS/PROFILE
If you are applying to any of the colleges on this list, ensure that you fill out the CSS/PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA
Horatio Alger Scholarship for Juniors
Eligible students:
- Have a family income of $55,000 or less
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Plan to pursue a Bachelor's Degree
- Have overcome adversity in life
- Are involved in extracurricular activities and/or volunteering
Visit the website for more information
May 1st: national college reply deadline
May 1st is the National College Reply Deadline.
This means you MUST commit to one college and send in you deposit by this deadline.
What you need to know:
- You do NOT need to reply earlier, even if a college is encouraging you to
- NEVER commit to one college before you know how much financial aid you are getting from them
- ALL colleges to which you apply will send you a financial aid award (a list of scholarships, grants, and other funds they are offering you). Compare financial aid awards before committing to a college.
- If you are wondering when you will get your financial aid award: call the financial aid office of the college and ask!
past editions
week of december 13
Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines!!!
Applying to 4 year colleges?
Consult the websites of the colleges you are applying to find out their deadline
Many deadlines are in January!
Send your applications by deadline and arrange to send your letters of recommendation and transcripts by the deadline!
Financial Aid deadlines are usually around the same time. Keep reading if you need help with financial aid!
FAFSA/Financial Aid Help
- January 11th at 7pm
- February 1st at 7pm
- March 1st at 7pm
- Zoom link to join: https://bit.ly/3G6gKhx
Individual meetings during the school day-HHS
- Jazzmun Baez: jbaez@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Anna Rigali: arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us
- Jack Decker: jdecker@valleyopp.com
After-school on Thursdays-HHS
- We are after-school on Thursdays in room 109 for college and FAFSA help
MEFA webinars
Virtual FAFSA Pop-Up Saturdays (click link to view dates and register)
FAFSA text support from uAspire
- Text 978-216-5109 to ask questions or request FAFSA help. They will answer via text and can set-up a phone call or zoom meeting
CSS/PROFILE
If you are applying to any of the colleges on this list, ensure that you fill out the CSS/PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA
Learn about apprenticeships
Week of November 29
Celebrating College Acceptances!
Time to apply for financial aid!
Seniors who will attend college next year should begin to apply for financial aid. Two common financial aid applications are:
If you would like help filling out these applications, please contact one of the following people to make an appointment:
Anna Rigali: arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us (English/Spanish), 514-534-2020, ext. 1134
Jazzmun Baez: jbaez@hpa.holyoke.ma.us
Virtual FAFSA Pop-Up Saturdays
Virtual FAFSA Help on Saturdays (several dates to choose from). Help available in several languages, including Spanish. View more information and register HERE.
Military Informational Sessions
11th and 12th grade students who are interested in learning about the different military branches (including educational benefits that they offer, jobs within that branch, commitment and more) should sign-up to attend the visits.
Calendar of Visits (check back often, more will be added)
Week of November 8th
Upcoming College Info Session for ALL students!
Graduate students in the UMASS School Counseling Program are offering a wonderful upcoming informational session for our students in grades 9-12. Here is the information:
FAFSA & The College Application Process
November 15th
Offered at 2 different times:
3:30-4:45pm (Zoom link)
7-8:15pm (Zoom link)
Starting planning for college early!
MCAC for seniors!
1. Work on completing applications to the colleges that you plan to visit with. Ideally, you will complete and submit these applications before November 11th (if you do not finish by the 11th, still aim to submit prior to the event on Nov. 18th and 19th).
2. Continuously review your email to be on the lookout for an email from Jazzmun Baez or Mary Colon (Gear Up staff) for your appointment days, times, and locations!
3. On November 18th and 19th, go to your specified location at the time of your appointment. Be ready to talk to the college reps.
If you did not sign-up but want to participate, please email Jazzmun at jbaez@hps.holyoke.ma.us
Need Help with college stuff?!
There is always someone in room 109 after-school on Thursdays from 2:40pm-4pm ready to help you with anything college/career related. Don't be shy...stop by!
Missed Financial Aid Info Night?
No worries! Here are the slides (with a video linked on the last slide)
College and Military Rep Visits
College Visits are coming to a close and Militar Rep Visits will begin in December. Students interested in visiting with these college and military reps can stop by guidance to sign-up or they can sign-up online in the School Counseling Google Classroom!
PAST EDITION: week of october 26
SENIORS: MA College Application Celebration is Coming Up!
On Nov, 18th and 19th, many local colleges will be at HHS (virtually) to meet with our seniors, review their applications, and (in some cases) offer ON-THE-SPOT admissions decisions!
Imagine?! Getting your first college acceptance right away!
How to participate:
Sign-up to visit with your top 3 colleges using this form BY November 1st!!!
Complete the applications for the colleges you selected (be sure to submit by November 10th)
Check your email daily for your appointment times
Show-up to your appointment on November 18th and 19th! Appointments will be via zoom in the cafeteria or the studio. We will provide chromebooks
Participating Colleges: Westfield, AIC, Western New England, MCLA, STCC, Anna Maria, Keene State, Framingham State, Springfield College, Bay Path, UMASS Dartmouth, HCC, Elms , Mass Art
week of october 12
Financial Aid Info Night
HHS will offer Virtual Financial Aid Information Sessions for seniors at all campuses (and graduates!). This session will talk about what financial aid is and how to apply. Register HERE.
Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30pm (Spanish)
Thursday, October 21st at 7:30pm (English)
Zoom links will be sent after you register
Applying to college for seniors
Link your Common App with your Xello Account so that HHS can send letters of recommendation and transcripts (you already have a Xello account, no need to create one. See below for how to log-in)
HERE is how to link Common App and Xello
Xello...making applying to college easy!
Common App colleges will automaticallly appear once a student links their Common App with Xello. Other colleges must be added by the student.
Students can access their Xello Accounts by clicking the Google apps icon (see image below) and scrolling all the way down and clicking Xe (Xello). They will automatically be logged in.
College/career office hours
Examples of what we can help with:
Linking Common App with Xello
Addiing colleges to your Xello account
Making a resume
Asking how to research colleges
Questions about financial aid
...and more!
Week of September 27
PSAT Forms due October 1st
Forms were distributed to students in their English classes on Monday and Tuesday. Students who lost a form can visit the school counseling office.
10th graders who plan to take the test must pay $18 (cash only) to register.
Student taking the PSAT must be in school on time on the following 3 dates:
- October 5th, 7th, and 13th
Questions? Email arigali@hps.holyoke.ma.us
Seniors: sign-up for mandatory assemblies by Friday, October 1st
The dates and times of the workshops are:
- 4 year colleges: Oct. 4th, 9:45am
- 2 year colleges: Oct. 6th, 9:45am
- Military: Oct. 5th, 9:45am
- Work/Career: Oct. 7th, 10am
Students can sign-up for these sessions here: https://calendly.com/kfennhhs
SAT October 2nd
- Arrive at HHS no later than 7:45am
- Bring a photo ID (see Ms. Rigali ahead of time if you do not have one)
- Bring #2 pencils
- Bring a calculator (ask your math teacher to borrow one if you do not have one)
- Bring water and a snack
College Rep Visits continue!
Representatives from different colleges continue to visit HHS. Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to attend these visits!
Here is how to attend:
1. Look at the calendar (it is linked here, but you can also access it in the School Counseling Google Classroom, on paper in the School Counseling Office, and on the HHS college counseling website)--check out which reps you are interested in talking to
2. Sign-up! You can use the electronic sign-up sheet in the School Counseling Google Classroom OR you can sign-up on paper in the School Counseling Office. To attend, show your teacher your pass or your email confirmation.
3. Report to the media room (near the 1st floor girls bathroom) for the visit--some visits may be moved to the cafeteria if many students sign-up
College Visit Calendar (check back often as more colleges will sign-up)
**Students in grades 11 and 12 are able to attend college rep visits
weeks of sep. 7 & Sep. 14
PSAT for grade 10-11 students
HHS will be hosting the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) on October 13th. Pretty soon, you will see a video about the PSAT in your English class and you'll receive a sign-up sheet (this will happen on Sep. 27th). You will turn the sheet in the school counseling office if you wish to take the test.
What is the PSAT?
A preliminary SAT--a test that prepares you for what to expect in the real SAT (The SAT is a test required to apply to some colleges. College-bound students usually take the SAT in grades 11 and 12). The PSAT is a little shorter than the SAT and happens during the school day. It consists of math and ELA questions.
Why take the PSAT?
- It will help you know what to expect for the SAT
- It helps you prepare for the expectations for college
- It can qualify you to win a National Merit Scholarship
- You can use your scores to study for the SAT
Links:
the benefits of taking the PSAT and how to practice for the PSAT!
Cost:
- The PSAT is free for 11th grade students
- The PSAT costs $18 for 10th grade students (cash only)
- Space is limited, so if you want to take the test, make sure to sign-up right after registration forms become available
College Office Hours
Senior Future Planning Meetings
4 year colleges: Oct. 4th
2 year colleges: Oct. 6th
Military: Oct. 5th
Work/Career: Oct. 7th
ALL seniors must attend at LEAST one session. Students are encouraged to attend more than one session. Sign-up sheets will be provided to students in the coming weeks.
Students can sign-up here: https://calendly.com/kfennhhs
College Application Support for seniors, by Siena College
College Reps visit HHS!
College reps will be starting to visit HHS (in-person as well as virtually) to talk with you about their colleges! This is a great way to learn more about different colleges and to connect with reps of colleges that you are interested in. Even if you don't know which colleges you are interested in, hearing from some colleges will start to get you thinking.
Here is how to attend:
1. Look at the calendar (it is linked here, but you can also access it in the School Counseling Google Classroom, on paper in the School Counseling Office, and on the HHS college counseling website)--check out which reps you are interested in talking to
2. Sign-up! You can use the electronic sign-up sheet in the School Counseling Google Classroom OR you can sign-up on paper in the School Counseling Office. To attend, show your teacher your pass or your email confirmation.
3. Report to the media room (near the 1st floor girls bathroom) for the visit--some visits may be moved to the cafeteria if many students sign-up
College Visit Calendar (check back often as more colleges will sign-up)
**Students in grades 11 and 12 are able to attend college rep visits
Join the School Counseling Google Classrooms for your grade!
Grade 9
3k2ruwh
Grade 10
qhqntwk
Grade 11
66bej3c
Grade 12
lixrahe
Apply to Upward Bound!
Upward Bound provides FREE support to low-income and/or first generation students (neither parent holds a bachelor's degree) in their pursuit of going to college! We provide academic advising, tutoring, test prep, college prep, and more! We are currently recruiting ALL GRADES! So if you’re serious about going to college and would like our assistance, reach out to the academic advisor Yahima Perez through email perezy@gcc.mass.edu or call/text (239)986-9648 OR apply online!
**GCC Upward Bound was formerly NMH Upward Bound
Connecting with your School Counselor is EASY!
Counselor contact information
This document has counselor emails and phone numbers. It also has counselor appointment links!
Students are encouraged to sign-up for an appointment with their counselor by using these links! An email and text reminder will be sent to the student before thier appointment.
past editions
Week of August 23rd
SAT Registration Deadline September 3rd!
The SAT is a standardized test required for admission to SOME colleges. Due to the pandemic, many colleges are not requiring the SAT for the Class of 2022. To find out if your colleges are requiring the SAT, visit www.fairtest.org for a list of SAT optional colleges.
The SAT is still required for consideration for some merit scholarships. We encourage college-bound seniors to take the SAT at least one time.
Applying to College? Start NOW!
Common Application (www.commonapp.org) is one application that many colleges will accept. This year Westfield State and Worcester State are accepting the Common App! Start a Common App Account and then link it to your Xello account. HERE is how you can link Common App and Xello.
All college applications and deadlines are found on the websites of specific colleges.