Class of 2016
Post-Secondary Planning Guide
Options After High School
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College
Work
Technical Schools
Trades/Apprentice Programs
Military
Volunteer/Service Programs/Gap Year
Let’s focus on the future!
GUIDANCE STAFF
Department Head of Guidance
Mr. Wright
Secretary, High School Office
Secretary, Student Support
Ms. Emanouil
Ms. Acheson
Counselors
Emerson House
Hawthorne House
Whittier House
Ms. O’Neal (A-K)
Ms. Boudreau (L-Z)
Ms. Leary (A-K)
Ms. Lima (L-Z)
Ms. Orsini (A-K)
Mr. Fanning (L-Z)
Chelmsford High School Code and CEEB No: 220575
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
College Admissions Information
To Do List for Juniors
Top Twelve Strengths and Experiences Colleges Look for in High School Students
What Should Students Look for in a College?
College Fairs
Freshman Admissions Standards for the Massachusetts State Universities
Early Decision and Early Action
II.
3
4
5
6
7-8
9
College Entrance Exams
SAT & ACT Test Dates
10
III.
Options Fair
11
VI.
Forms:
Sample Resume
College Visit Form
Chelmsford High School Transcript Release Form
2
12
13
14
TO DO LIST FOR JUNIORS
 Make sure you know your Naviance user name and password. See your
counselor if you need assistance with this. You can access Naviance on the
CHS Home Page, under “Students”
 Begin exploring colleges through Naviance, Big Future and the many
college search websites as listed on our Guidance web page.
 Attend the National College Fair Field Trip (in Boston) on April 9th. Signups
will begin in March. Be sure to register online at www.gotomyncf.com prior
to the fair, and bring your registration barcode with you.
 Students who took the October PSATs should take advantage of “My
College QuickStart” link on the CollegeBoard website or
quickstart.collegeboard.org, to prepare for future SATs.
 Plan when you will take the SAT Reasoning, ACT, and/or SAT Subject tests.
(see www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org)
 Make “junior” appointment with your guidance counselor.
 Continue to build your resume and bring a copy of it to your junior meeting
– see attached sample on page 12
 Tour college campuses; be sure to complete College Visit Form (page 13)
 Check out the Common Application AFTER August 1st at
www.commonapp.org. Note: DO NOT begin the Common Application
before August 1st when the 2015-16 application is available. Any prior
drafts of the Common App will be deleted.
 Politely request two teacher recommendations in person.
 Begin Student Recommendation Questionnaire on Naviance, which can be
found at the “About Me” tab, in the left hand margin.
 Student Athletes considering D1 or D2 schools should register with the
NCAA Clearinghouse at http://web1.ncaa.org/
3
Top Twelve Strengths & Experiences
Colleges Look for in High School Students
1.
A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include AP or IB
classes.
2.
Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower
grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.
3.
Solid scores on standardized tests (ACT, SAT). These should be consistent with high
school performance.
4.
A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values,
and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal. It should
demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
5.
Passionate involvement in a few in or out of school activities. Commitment and depth
are valued over minimal involvement in a large number of activities.
6.
Demonstrated leadership and initiative in extra-curricular activities. Students who arrive
on campus prepared to lead clubs and activities are highly desirable.
7.
Personal characteristics that will contribute to a diverse and interesting student body.
Many colleges seek to develop a freshman class that is diverse: geographically,
culturally, ethnically, economically and politically.
8.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school, leisure pursuits, and more.
9.
Demonstrated enthusiasm to attend, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview,
showing an interest toward attending the college if offered admission.
10.
Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselors that give evidence
of integrity, special skills, positive character traits, and an interest in learning.
11.
Special talents that will contribute to the college’s student life program. Colleges like to
know what you intend to bring to campus, as well as what you’ll take from your college
experience.
12.
Out of school experiences including work, community service, youth organizations,
religious groups, etc. Again, passionate involvement is meaningful to the admissions
office; casual memberships are not.
This ranked list is based on a survey of IECA member consultants
Independent Educational Consultants Association
© 2014 IECA
4
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS LOOK FOR IN A
COLLEGE?
Things to think about:
1.
Do you like to go to Boston or other
big cities? Would you rather be in a
more suburban or rural area?
2.
Would you be comfortable raising your
hand in a class of 200 students? What
if you were in a class of 15?
3.
What have been your favorite/least
favorite classes in high school? What
do you like about classes that were
your favorite?
4.
What are some of your activities or
hobbies after school? Do you plan on
continuing these after high school?
5.
If you live at school, will you want to
go home every weekend?
5
College Fairs
College Fairs are a great way to get preliminary information on a large number of schools. It is helpful
to leave your name so that information and applications can be sent to you. Make sure to talk to the
colleges’ representatives about programs and admissions requirements. College Fairs are only the
beginning of the college process…be sure to check the schools’ individual websites for more detailed
information.
National College Fair – To register and print out a bar code, or for more information go to
www.nacacnet.org
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Location:
Dates:
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
Thursday, April 9 (9:00 am – Noon and 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
Friday, April 10 (9:00 am – Noon)
*CHS will be attending on April 9th during the school day, and we encourage all juniors to sign up.
Permission slips will be available in March.
NEACAC College Fair
 Location:
Date:
Stonehill College
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
NEACAC College Fair
 Location:
Date:
Assumption College
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
NEACAC College Fair
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Location:
Date:
Merrimack College
Thursday, May 21, 2015 (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
NEACAC College Fair
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Location:
Date:
Franklin Pierce University
Friday, May 29, 2015 (9:00-11:00 a.m.)
Please Note: During Senior Group Guidance Meetings (held in the Fall), students will
receive a Fall College Fair list. The websites below may also contain college fair
information.
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www.neacac.org – New England Association for College Admission Counseling
www.nacacnet.org – National Association for College Admission Counseli
6
FRESHMAN ADMISSIONS STANDARDS FOR THE
MASSACHUSETTS STATE UNIVERSITIES
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:
The admissions standards for the state universities emphasize strong academic preparation while in high
school. These standards represent minimum requirements; meeting them does not guarantee admission,
since state university officials consider a wide range of factors in admissions decisions. It is important to
note that admissions standards for the state community colleges differ from those presented below.
Community colleges may admit any high school graduate or GED recipient.
The admissions standards for freshmen applicants have several components:
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fulfillment of all requirements for the high school diploma or its equivalent;
submission of an SAT or ACT score;
16 required academic courses; and
minimum required grade point average (GPA) earned in college preparatory courses completed
at the time of application.
Academic Course Requirement:
Sixteen college preparatory courses distributed as follows are required. (A course is equivalent to one
full school year of study. Courses count toward the distribution only if passed.)
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English
Mathematics
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Sciences
Social Sciences
Foreign Languages
Electives
4 courses
3 courses (Algebra I & II and Geometry or Trigonometry, or comparable
coursework)
3 courses (including 2 courses with laboratory work)
2 courses (including 1 course in U.S. History)
2 courses (in a single language)
2 courses (from the above subjects or from the Arts & Humanities or
Computer Sciences)
Minimum Required Grade Point Average (GPA):
The GPA must be achieved based on all college preparatory courses completed at the time of application
and should be weighted for accelerated (Honors or Advanced Placement) courses. The GPA will be
recalculated by the college. The required minimum weighted high school GPA is 3.0 for the four-year
public campuses.
SAT Scores:
Applicants who meet the GPA requirement do not have to use the sliding scale for admission, but still
must submit SAT or ACT test scores for consideration if they are applying to a state university within
three years of high school graduation.
Sliding Scale (used when the recalculated GPA is lower than the minimum required 3.0 GPA):
If an applicant’s GPA falls below the required minimum, a sliding scale will apply. This scale should be
used only when an applicant’s recalculated GPA falls below the required 3.0 minimum for admission to
the state universities.
Scores on the new writing section of the SAT will not affect the sliding scale for freshman applicants to
the Massachusetts state universities at this time. The sliding scale, used in making admissions decisions
for students with high school grade point averages falling below the required minimum, will continue to
be based upon the combined critical reading (verbal) and math sections of the SAT.
7
Sliding Scale for Freshman Applicants to UMass
Weighted High
School GPA
Combined SAT-I CR&M
Must Equal or Exceed
(ACT Equivalent in Italics)
950 (20)
990 (21)
1030 (22)
1070 (23)
1110 (24)
1150 (25)
2.51-2.99
2.41-2.50
2.31-2.40
2.21-2.30
2.11-2.20
2.00-2.10
NO APPLICANT WITH A HIGH SCHOOL GPA BELOW 2.0
MAY BE ADMITTED TO A STATE UNIVERSITY OR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS.
Sliding Scale for Freshman Applicants to a State College
Weighted High
School GPA
Combined SAT-I CR&M
Must Equal or Exceed
(ACT Equivalent in Italics)
920 (19)
960 (20)
1000 (21)
1040 (22)
1080 (23)
1120 (24)
2.51-2.99
2.41-2.50
2.31-2.40
2.21-2.30
2.11-2.20
2.00-2.10
8
Early Decision and Early Action
For more info, go to: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/the-factsabout-applying-early-is-it-right-for-you
If you find a college that you're sure is right for you, consider applying early. Early decision and early action plans
allow you to apply early (usually in November) and get an admission decision from the college well before the
usual spring notification date. You know by December or January whether you've been accepted at your firstchoice college.
Sometimes, students who apply under these plans have a better chance of acceptance than they would through
the regular admission process. These plans are also good for colleges because they get students who really want
to go to the college to commit early in the process.
Early Decision vs. Early Action
You should understand the differences between early decision and early action before sending in your
applications. Keep in mind that the rules may vary somewhat by college. Check with your counselor to make sure
you understand your rights and obligations. Below are some important facts about the types of early-application
plan.
Early decision plans are binding. You agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate
financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other
colleges through the regular admission process. If you're accepted by the early decision college, you must
withdraw all other applications.
Early action plans are similar to early decision plans, but are not binding. If you’ve been accepted, you
can choose to commit to the college immediately, or wait until the spring. Under these plans, you may also apply
early action to other colleges. Usually, you have until the late spring to let the college know your decision.
Single-choice (or restrictive) early action is an option offered by a few colleges. This plan works the
same way as other early action plans, but candidates may not apply early (either early action or early decision) to
any other college. You can still apply to other colleges under regular decision plans and are not required to give
your final answer to the early-application college until the regular decision deadline.
Application Type
Binding
Can Apply Early to
Other Colleges
Can Apply to Other Colleges
Under Regular Admission
Early Decision
Yes
Sometimes; School
Dependent
Yes
Early Action
No
Yes
Yes
Single-Choice Early Action
No
No
Yes
Should I Apply Under One of These Plans?
You should apply under an early decision plan only if you are very sure of the college you want to attend. Do not
apply early decision if you plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the
spring. Also, you shouldn't apply early if it would be beneficial to have more of your senior year work to show a
college.
A Last Word of Advice about Early Decision In the fall, it may seem appealing to get the college decision over with, but you may want to keep your options
open during senior year as you learn more about colleges and your own preferences. On the other hand, you
may be confident that you’ll thrive at a certain college. If so, you're the type of student early decision was
created for.
9
SAT and ACT Test Dates
Testing information is available in the Career Center. Registration should be done online. Websites for registration are listed below. Chelmsford High’s CEEB number is:
220575.
SAT
www.collegeboard.org
Test Date
*Mar. 14, 2015
May 2, 2015
June 6, 2015
Registration Deadline
Feb. 13, 2015
Apr. 6, 2015
May 8, 2015
Late Deadline
March 3, 2015
Apr. 21, 2015
May 27, 2015
*The March test is not given at CHS, but is given at other local high schools. Also, only the
SAT Reasoning Test is offered on this test date.
**Oct. 3, 2015
**Nov. 7, 2015
**Dec. 5, 2015
**Jan. 23, 2016
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
**Anticipated 2015-16 Test Dates – Final Dates will be available on the College Board website
at a later date.
ACT*
www.actstudent.org
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Deadline
Sept. 12, 2015
Oct. 24, 2015
Dec. 12, 2015
Feb. 6, 2016
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Apr. 18, 2015
June 13, 2015
Mar. 13, 2015
May 8, 2015
Mar. 14-27, 2015
May 9-22, 2015
*CHS is not an ACT test center. Check the ACT website to see where the test is given.
Registration deadlines for 2015-16 will be announced in March.
10
OPTIONS FAIR
This annual fair is sponsored by the CHS Career Center and provides CHS students an opportunity to
learn about a wide variety of careers available other than a traditional four-year college program.
Representatives from two-year colleges, the military, vocational programs, businesses, organizations,
and agencies that can offer career training or Gap Year options will be there.
The Options Fair will take place in the main hallway of the high school on Friday, March 20, 2015
during all lunch breaks. The fair is open to all students, but seniors and juniors are strongly
encouraged to attend. Below is a listing of some previous participants:
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Bay State College
Benjamin Franklin Institute of Tech
Continental Academie of Hair Design
Lakes Region Community College
Lincoln Technical Institute and Culinary
Lowell Academy of Hairstyling Institute
Mass Army National Guard
Middlesex Community College
Nashoba Valley Technical School (Post-Grad Program)
Nashua Community College
New England Institute of Technology
New England School of Photography
Northern Essex Community College
Porter and Chester Institute
St. Joseph’s School of Nursing
The School of Fashion and Design
Universal Technical Institute
United States Army, Marines, Navy
Workers Credit Union
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Sample Resume
Mary Jones
35 Salem Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-251-5111
E-mail address (make sure it is appropriate!!!)
OBJECTIVE:
To pursue a comprehensive Liberal Arts Education with a Pre-law
Concentration.
EDUCATION:
Chelmsford High School – Class of 2016
200 Richardson Road
Chelmsford, MA 01863
ACADEMIC HONORS:
National Honor Society 11, 12
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES:
Class Representative 9, 10, 11, 12
Chelmsford Youth Basketball League 9, 10, 11, 12
Varsity Volleyball 10, 11, 12
Future Teachers Club 11, 12
 President 12
Senior Olympics 11, 12
Blood Drive 10, 12
LiveSmart 9, 10
Ski Club 9, 10
Freshman Softball 9
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Saint Coletta’s Church Youth Program 9, 10, 11, 12
Chelmsford Public Library Book Drive 11, 12
Recreational Town League Basketball Coach 11, 12
Habit for Humanity 9, 10, 11
Palm Manor Nursing Home / Volunteer 10, 11
Emerson Hospital / Volunteer 10, 11
Camp Paul 9, 10
Can and Bottle Drive / Music Program 9, 10
SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
Guitar (self taught), Computer Graphics, Conversational Spanish, Competitive
Dance
EMPLOYMENT:
Market Basket, Cashier
August 2014– Present (12 hours per week)
Examples include but are not limited to: Honor Roll, Deans List, National
Merit Scholarship Program, National Honor Society, French Honor Society,
Latin Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri–M Honor Society
CVS, Customer Service Representative
January 2012 – August 2014 (12 hours per week)
HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Community service, photography, collecting stamps, creative writing, playing
guitar
A RESUME IS INTENDED TO PROMOTE YOUR STRENGTHS. YOU SHOULD ELIMINATE ANY
CATEGORY ABOVE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION TO RECORD IN THAT CATEGORY.
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GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
COLLEGE VISIT FORM
Permission for juniors or seniors to visit post-secondary institutions
(Two-year and four-year colleges and career and technical programs)
Student: _________________________________ House: ________________
HR:________
College to be visited: ___________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________
Time: _____________________
The following must satisfy your Guidance Counselor:
1. Notice (written) of appointment.
2. Teachers of all subjects must approve by signing below.
3. Students are still expected to complete their daily homework assignments.
 Teachers please initial
A Block _______
B Block _______
Plus Block _______
C Block _______
D Block _______
E Block _______
F Block _______
G Block _______
 All make-up work must be passed in no later than three days beyond the visit.
____________________________________
Parental signature
______________________________
Counselor signature (Last person to sign)
College visits are encouraged. However, if at all possible, please schedule when school is not in
session. Almost all colleges have weekend and evening orientation sessions. The student should
bring back a stamped note from the college upon returning the next day.
Due to the importance of attendance, students will be limited to three visits per semester.
Upon completion of this form, return it to the Attendance Office. Only then will your absence be
excused.
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Chelmsford High School
200 Richardson Road North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Phone: 978.251.5111 Fax: 978.251.5117
http://www.chelmsford.k12.ma.us/chs
Chelmsford High School Transcript Release Form
I give permission to the CHS Guidance Department to release all necessary transcripts
that I request for college, scholarship, and summer programs, and/or post-secondary
coaching personnel in printed or electronic form.
Student Name: ______________________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________
(Parent Must Sign if Student is Under 18)
Counselor’s Name: ___________________________________________
Please Note:

CHS does not include testing scores (SAT, ACT, AP) on the high school
transcripts. It is imperative that the student send his/her individual scores
directly to the colleges through the College Board or the ACT Company. CHS
CEEB Code is 220575.

Once the release form has been turned in, students will then need to officially
request transcripts for colleges via Naviance.

After a student has officially requested a transcript to be sent to a college
through Naviance, he/she will then need to follow up with his/her guidance
counselor with addressed envelopes with three stamps for each transcript that
must be mailed (only if electronic submission is not available as indicated on
Naviance.)

Students must allow 10 school days from the date received by your counselor for
the sending of transcripts.
“We take pride in the pursuit of excellence.”
January 2015