Junior Counseling Corner
Brighton High School Counseling Office
April 8, 2021
Juniors,
Thanks for checking out this weekly newsletter as your "virtual seminar"!
We hope you all had a great break! Remember, end of quarter is NEXT FRIDAY so be sure to end strongly!
- 2021 Junior Family Night- incase you missed it, a recording of the presentation is included in this newsletter. You can also find it, along with a copy of the powerpoint slides, on our website under "Newsletters/Events".
- Check out the website and videos from the Rochester Area Colleges!
- Are you a potential first generation college student? If yes, please see below about a great FREE college exploration opportunity from St. John Fisher College!
- Continue to read our MONTHLY 9-12 Counseling Newsletter. We will be posting information about colleges, fairs and career exploration opportunities that are available.
- Don't forget to check out our BHS Counseling Website. This will be your go-to spot for all things related to post-secondary planning.
- Join Mrs. Stern for Office hours!! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11-3 in the Career Center.
Stay in touch and we'll see you soon!
Best,
BHS Counseling Office
(585) 242-5000 x4526
Junior Seminar 8
Colleges typically look at a wide variety of components when reviewing a student’s application. Most colleges agree that the strength of a student’s transcript is the most important factor in the admissions decision, though. Students should research each college’s criteria, as it does vary. For example, a liberal arts college may greatly value the application essay, whereas a large university of 20,000 students may rely primarily on a student’s transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
Check out the table below that includes the top factors (in order of importance) that they consider when reviewing an application according to a survey given out to admissions counselors across the country.
In addition, below is a great video about the college admissions process. Journalist Jeff Selingo discusses his new book "Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions," in which he details the inside look he got at three selective college admissions offices. He also discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the admissions process and what aspects could remain long-term.
The bottom line is, that there is no ONE thing that will get you in or denied from a college. Colleges take a holistic view of you as a person. There are a lot of factors that go into these decisions, some of which are totally out of your control (based on the college's needs). Concentrate on you and what you have within your control when looking for a good fit.
NCAA Webinar for College-Bound Athletes
Do you want to compete in college sports? Join the NCAA Eligibility Center for their spring
webinar for college-bound student-athletes and your families on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at
6:30 p.m. Eastern. This webinar will teach you about the initial-eligibility requirements you must
meet in order to study and play sports at an NCAA Division I or II school. Click here to register: https://pub.s1.exacttarget.com/txgw3ulvaay
Get to know the Rochester Area Colleges!
Each college within RAC has put together a video discussing information about their respective school including current visit opportunities, application and scholarship information, and any other pertinent information.
All of the videos can be found by following the link here: http://www.rochesterareacolleges.org/members.
Spring/Summer Junior Timeline
Spring 2021
- Begin compiling a list of potential post secondary options. Mrs. Stern has open office hours every Tuesday & Thursday, or feel free to schedule an appointment with your counselor for support.
- Have honest family conversations about your options- consider locations, financial impact, academic reach/match/safety, etc.
- VISIT (virtually for now) & RESEARCH each of your options.
- If thinking of college, sign up to take the SAT and/or ACT in May/June.
- Talk with family, friends, counselors and teachers- they have a wealth of experiences to tap into.
- When opportunities open back up…schedule guided tours to make the most of your college/program visit. Getting a feel for the environment is an essential piece of the puzzle.
- Don’t be afraid to call admissions or job offices with any questions.
- Find alumni in the area- they are often willing to engage in conversations with you about their thoughts and experiences.
- Use social networking to your advantage (appropriately). Check out what students are doing on campus.
- Make plans for your summer- do you want/have a job? Internship? Camps? College programs? Career exploration?
- NCAA Eligibility? Make sure you double check with your counselor to ensure your senior year classes are NCAA approved if you are planning to play a D I or II sport in college and complete
- HELP US HELP YOU- SEE BELOW and complete your resume & Junior Survey in Naviance
Summer 2021
- Continue to research your options, visit campuses/places of employment and speak with recruiters.
- Write your college essay- Brighton Continuing Ed. offers a class to help you get this done in one week!
- Possibly retake ACT (July) or SAT (August)
- Start Common App - it doesn't take long to enter your demographic info, and that's most of the application!
- Attend College and Career Office Hours- Mrs. Stern will host hours over the summer.
- Narrow down your options- we will quickly jump into the application/planning process in the fall.
- HAVE FUN!! This is your last summer as a HS student. Make sure to leave time for friends, family, etc!
Help us help you!
Over the summer and into the fall we will be writing letters of recommendation on your behalf. We are also given the opportunity to nominate you for scholarships. In order to do so, we want to have the most updated information and feedback from YOU! Please take these few steps so we are well informed on your interests, future plans, etc.
- Log into Naviance to complete the Junior Survey and update your Resume. This is EXTREMELY helpful in writing your letters of recommendation.
- Have your parents complete the Parent Brag Sheet! They know you best, so we love to hear what they have to say about you. Please see the link below to fill this out.
Parent brag sheet:
St. John Fisher College- College Bound Program
Note: There is no fee for participating in this program.
Program Dates: July 11-15, 2021
Nomination and Application
In order to be considered for this program, students must first be nominated by a school official, meeting specific criteria outlined in the nomination form. The student will then be asked to complete a student application. Enrollment in this program is limited to 36 students.
**IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEE MRS. STERN BY APRIL 9th TO BE NOMINATED**
About College Bound
To assist students in negotiating the college admission process, St. John Fisher College will offer an intensive five-day residential program of college guidance conducted by experienced college admission professionals.
The College Bound Program is intended to familiarize students with the various aspects of the college admission and application process; and provide them with the knowledge and skills to successfully search, apply, and select a college. The program is designed for students who are between their junior and senior years of high school.
The objectives of the program are to:
- Help students discover their interests and explore potential career options.
- Enable students to develop a consideration set of colleges and determine the aspects of a college that are most important.
- Offer information and help students understand the admissions application process, including completing an application, admissions interviews, and the college essay.
- Allow students to experience other college campuses in the Rochester area.
- Develop an action plan for their college admissions process.
- Offer ongoing assistance to students and their families throughout their senior year of high school.
Choosing a college is a process that should begin with an assessment of each student's needs as an individual. Through the College Bound Program, we offer our assistance to you in that task. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Office of Freshman Admissions at (585) 385-8064.
More info can be found here: https://www.sjfc.edu/admissions-aid/college-bound/
“It’s a match to be made, not a prize to be won.”
This is your future we’re talking about. It’s all about FIT, and which opportunity will give YOU the best chance at being successful in life beyond BHS.
When thinking about what to do after high school, there are many things to consider. We recommend having honest conversations with your family to help make the right choices. To keep it simple, start by considering the following 5 factors:
- Academics (what am I good at? what has been a struggle? how can I best utilize my strengths?)
- Finances (what is affordable for my family? loans vs. grants and debts to pursue my plans?)
- Location (is moving across the country an option? do I want to stay close to home?)
- Circumstances (will COVID still impose restrictions on my options?)
- Services & Programs (will I have access to counseling or tutoring?)
Now how do we narrow down all of the options available to you? It's helpful to categorize them as follows:
Reach- Options that might be a little out of “reach”
Ex- your GPA may be a little below the median, the cost might include personal loans, the location may be out of state, might struggle academically without supports, COVID considerations-quarantine, online learning.
Match- Options that match who you are and what you are looking for
Ex- your GPA is in median, the cost is affordable for your family, you are just far enough away, offers needed academic/social-emotional supports, COVID considerations-you are comfortable with these options if things were not to change.
Safety- Options that exceed what you are looking for, will meet your needs and then some
Ex- your GPA is above the median, the cost is affordable/offers scholarships, location is a preferable, COVID considerations- you might need to take this option if things do not change.
There are MANY matches out there. There are MANY good fits! WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU SORT THIS OUT! Join Mrs. Stern at office hours or schedule an appointment with your counselor to help us help you!
College & Career Office Hours
Mrs. Stern is available to support you in your post-secondary planning!
HYBRID STUDENTS:
Stop in the Career Center from FLEX through 8th period:
- Please come to the Career Center prepared with questions if you can. I want to be sure I can best support you! I hope that you will leave with questions answered and a plan for next steps (which could include another meeting with myself or your School Counselor).
- If you don't know where to start, no worries! I'm here to help you with that.
- Don't forget your lap top!
- Check out our Virtual Reality headsets!!
- Not sure what you want to do, no worries! We can work together to figure that out!!
REMOTE STUDENTS- please use my Calendly link to schedule a Zoom appointment!
https://calendly.com/courtney_stern
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I hope to see you all soon!
Brighton Continuing Ed- SAT & ACT Prep courses starting now!
Registered to take the SAT exam this spring? Want to feel as confident as possible before you sit down to take the exam? Need a quick refresher before you take the exam a second time? This class will help you become comfortable with the exam's format and style and provide tips for achieving your most successful outcome. You will practice the three sections of the exam; Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. The optional essay will also be addressed. Take a full practice exam over the course of this four-day class.
Ms. Mary Jo Jepson, a retired BHS teacher who has led PSAT, SAT, and ACT Exam Prep classes in-person at Brighton High School for more than 20 years, will teach this class remotely using ZOOM.
Class Fee: $99; students purchase their own SAT Study Guide
Financial assistance is available; see Ms. Jane Ingle in the BHS Counseling Center for info. Questions? Contact Brighton Community Education at mona_zamiarski@bcsd.orgor 585-242-5200, Ext. 5595
For more information and to sign up, visit brightonschools.revtrak.net
How to make the most out of your visits
Whether you are able to visit programs in person or virtually, here are some tips on how to make the most out of your time:
- Take notes and pictures. It's hard to remember everything so take note of what you enjoyed and did not like about your visit. If schools are not allowing in person visits at this time, take the opportunity to drive around campus if it's nearby or some schools are even offering self-guided tours.
- Visit a class, if possible. This is a great way for you to get a sense of what it would be like to be a student. You may be able to sit in on a virtual class- just ask!
- Visit the student union. This is the heart of the campus, so if you are able to get in there, do it!
- Pick up a school news paper. This will give you a great sense of what is going on outside of the classroom and the vibe of the campus.
- Talk with a current student. Social media makes this pretty easy! We can also try to connect you with recent Brighton graduates who may be attending a program of interest.
- Set up an interview or group information session. Most colleges and trades programs all have opportunities to talk with an admissions rep., even if via Zoom. They can answer questions about the school and you can get a personalized idea of what life would be like there.
- Ask about fly In Opportunities- visit campus FOR FREE! If eligible, some colleges will PAY for you to visit their campus.
- Virtual Tours are a great option at this time. So many schools and programs are updating their opportunities for you to visit online, so check them out! Utilize our virtual reality headsets if they have that capability- you can "be on campus" while staying right in the counseling office!
Virtual College Experiences
Ways to get "on campus"
Although you may not be able to physically get on campus right now, this is a great time to take a virtual trip! Check out these resources:
- Individual college websites
- Naviance (many of the colleges have videos and interactive information posted there)
- www.campusreel.org - over 15,000 real videos, tours and experiences from 300+ college campuses, created by current students
- Come use our NEW Virtual reality headsets!!
- Thanks to an incredible colleague in a College Admissions Counselor group who put together this working excel file. Including demographic data from College Board, she lists colleges in the US and Canada who offer virtual tours, youtube channels, etc. UK coming soon! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sO7pVos0EvK0BvXoMbnyg00K6r7hXbOQE0HNXF4N4eM/htmlview
New England Association of College Admissions Counselors- Spring College Fairs
Student registration for the NEACAC Spring College Fairs is OPEN!
The NEACAC Spring College Fairs will be held on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, April 14th from 7-8:30 pm EST
- Sunday, May 16th from 1-3:00 pm EST
There are over 180 colleges that are registered to participate in the program. Registration for students is required, but FREE!
To register and for helpful resources, please visit: https://www.neacac.org/virtual-spring-college-fair-student---school-counselor-registration-2021.
We recommend registering ahead of the LIVE events. The booths will also be available through May 31, 2021. Please feel free to use the attached social media image and NEACAC letter to market these college fairs to your students.
Thank you in advance for your participation in the NEACAC Spring College fairs! If you have any questions, please contact NEACAC at admin@neacac.org.
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Encourage your students to register for free at virtualcollegefairs.org.
At each virtual fair, students attend college presentations, learn about their options, ask questions, and demonstrate interest... all without leaving home.
Here is a short how-to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbym4J6Ptvw
Spring 2021 Schedule
Students may attend as many fairs as they wish! Click to see a list of colleges that will share information about their programs, majors, financial aid, and more on each fair date. Additional colleges will be added throughout the spring.
- March 21
- April 10- Western US
- April 20- Southeastern US
- May 2
The Commission on Independent Colleges & University in New York- College Access Fair
On November 19, 2020 Fair, CICU hosted a College Access Fair. Check out this page for a wealth of resources and links to the recordings of all the workshops that took place during the Fair. You'll find contact information (emails and/or websites) for all the colleges and universities at the Fair and contact information (emails and/or websites) for the college advisement and youth support organizations.
Check here for resources for students, parents, and school counselors: https://cicu.org/CAF2020Event
College Rep Visits to BHS
STAY TUNED! Just a few visits as of today, but we have opened up the ability for colleges to "visit" us through spring break. We are hoping to host as many opportunities as possible!
SUNY College at Potsdam
Thu April 8, 2021 1:13 PM
Curry College
Mon April 12, 2021 10:16 AM
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Wed April 21, 2021 12:24 PM
Check out Naviance & the College Visits page on the BHS Counseling Website for a complete list of ALL visits this season.
In order to "attend", please follow the steps below:
- Sign up for as many visits as you'd like through Naviance (Log in using Class Link- formerly CLEVER)
- The URL link to the virtual meeting will be available in Naviance 15 minutes prior to the start of the visit.
- If you are at home or in school at the time of the visit, you can be excused from class to attend the rep visit. Please let your teacher know ahead of time.
- If you are in school at the time of the visit, you may go to room 262 to join the visit. Please bring in headphones to listen so you don't disturb other students.
SAT vs. ACT
Standardized exams have traditionally been a part of the college application. This year, due to COVID, many schools allowed students the option of submitting test scores or not. We aren't 100% sure what next year's admissions process/testing policies will look like and many schools are extending their test-optional policies for next year already. But, it's safe to say it's a good idea to get an exam or two under your belt if you are thinking of applying to a four-year college. Below is some brief information about the two exams and the website to check out to get more information/sign up for the exams.
SAT
Collegeboard.org
- Designed to measure academic aptitude in verbal and numerical reasoning.
- Test Content: Reading, Math and Writing.
- Cost $49.50 (w/o writing)
ACT
Actstudent.org
- Designed to measure academic achievement.
- Test Content: English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning.
- Cost $55.00 (w/o writing)
- Cost $70.00 (with writing)
Visit www.fairtest.org for a list of colleges that do not require standardized tests. Check in with your counselor about a Fee Waiver , if needed, to help cover the costs of the exams.
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FREE Online Proctored SAT & ACT Exams
Our friends at Chariot Learning will be running free online practice tests every Saturday until we can go back to in-person testing. All the details will be on their calendar: https://chariotlearning.com/events/
SAT & ACT- IMPORTANT Updates
As of today, all upcoming SAT & ACT exams are on track to happen at BHS
Students must bring a copy of the Health Screening Form (https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2086) with them or they will not be allowed into the test. Temperatures will be taken and students MUST WEAR a MASK for the entire test.
If you have any questions moving forward, please contact Kristin Haughey at 242-5000 ext. 4537 or Kristin_haughey@bcsd.org.
As things are changing so often, please refer to the testing sites for updated information:
ACT- www.actstudent.org
SAT- www.collegeboard.org
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STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (504s & IEPS)
SAT- your test mods were applied for prior to the PSAT. These will apply to all future SAT & AP Exams
ACT- you MUST REGISTER FOR AN ACT EXAM before we can apply for your test mods. Be sure to sign up early, indicate you will be requesting accommodations, and let your counselor know ASAP so we can get them processed before the test date. This typically takes 6-8 weeks.
Remember- both College Board and ACT are private companies. They have the right to approve or deny any test modifications you may have. If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor or College Board/ACT for more information.
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UPDATES FROM SAT- no more subject tests or essay portion
SAT Subject Tests:
As part of our ongoing effort to simplify our work and reduce our demands on students, we have decided to stop administering SAT Subject Tests in the United States (including all US Territories) as well as sovereign nations covered under the Compact of Free Association with the United States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau), effective immediately. SAT Subject Tests will stop being administered internationally after the June 2021 test administration.
We will automatically convert your SAT Subject Test capacity to SAT capacity for May 2021 and June 2021 (if offered), with no action required on your end. If you would like to make any additional adjustments to your capacity, please contact TAS directly at 866-502-6384 or +1-212-520-8570, or by email at tas@ets.org.
Students who are registered for Subject Tests in May 2021 or June 2021 in the United States or other states and sovereign nations listed above will have their registrations canceled and refunded automatically.
SAT with Essay:
We will be discontinuing the Essay portion of the SAT after the June 2021 test administration (both within the United States and internationally). No action is required on your part, as students can still take the SAT with Essay through the June 2021 test administration if offered.
Students who are registered for the SAT with Essay in Spring 2021 can cancel the Essay portion at any time, free of charge.
For more information on these updates, please visit https://allaccess.collegeboard.org/update-simplifying-our-work-and-reducing-demands-students
Brighton High School Counseling Department
Email: courtney_stern@bcsd.org
Website: https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2063
Location: 1150 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 242-5000