College and Career Preparation

The college application journey represents one of the most important milestones in a student’s educational experience. It’s a defining moment—one that blends reflection, preparation, and anticipation. For students, it’s a chance to explore their interests and envision their futures. For families, it’s an opportunity to provide steady encouragement and support.

At the School Counseling Office, we recognize that today’s college admissions landscape is more dynamic and competitive than ever. Each institution has its own priorities, processes, and unique culture. To help our students and families navigate this complex landscape with confidence, we provide personalized, data-informed, and proactive counseling. Our approach emphasizes readiness, authenticity, and informed decision-making.

We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all.” Instead, we focus on helping every student identify postsecondary pathways that align with their academic strengths, career goals, financial realities, and personal values.

Our mission is to simplify the process, reduce stress, and empower students to present the most authentic, well-rounded version of themselves to colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

A successful college application process begins with intentional planning. Counselors work one-on-one with students to set goals, evaluate progress, and prepare thoughtfully for each step ahead. Collaboration with families is encouraged so that everyone—student, parent, and counselor—is working toward a shared vision of success.

Our counseling services include:

Developing a Strategic College List:

We help each student identify schools that offer the best academic, social, and financial fit. Using data such as GPA trends, test scores, and program interests, we help construct a balanced list that includes “likely,” “target,” and “reach” schools. Our goal is to provide students with meaningful choices—each representing a viable path to success.

Creating a Manageable Timeline:

From the first exploratory conversations in junior year to application submission deadlines in senior year, we help students map out an individualized plan. This includes milestones for test preparation, essay writing, recommendation requests, and financial aid submissions. Timelines prevent last-minute stress and ensure that students stay focused and organized.

Navigating Application Strategies:

Counselors explain the implications of Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admission options. We guide students in selecting strategies that align with their priorities—whether it’s maximizing scholarship potential, improving admission odds, or managing workload efficiently.

Exploring Career Alignment:

College planning is not just about where to go—it’s about why. Counselors help students connect their academic strengths and personal interests to long-term career possibilities. Through interest inventories, career exploration tools, and reflective conversations, students begin to see how their choices today shape opportunities tomorrow.

Our overarching goal is to prepare each student for both college admission and lifelong success.

Turning Preparation into Presentation

A college application tells a story—a story of growth, character, and ambition. Our counseling team works closely with students to ensure every component of their application reflects their best selves.

Our application support includes:

Application Platform Guidance:

Counselors provide detailed, step-by-step instruction on completing the Common Application, SUNY Application, or other institutional platforms. We ensure that forms, supplements, and activity lists are accurate and strategically written.

Essay and Personal Statement Support:

The essay offers a powerful chance for students to express who they are beyond grades and test scores. Counselors provide feedback on structure, tone, and clarity while helping students maintain their authentic voice. Workshops are held throughout the year focusing on idea development, storytelling techniques, and editing best practices.

Recommendation Letters and School Documents:

The counseling team coordinates transcript submission, manages teacher recommendations, and ensures all official school documents reach colleges on time. This behind-the-scenes work ensures a seamless experience for students.

Mock Review Sessions:

Some schools host mock admissions reviews, where students can see how an application is evaluated by real admissions officers. These sessions offer invaluable insight into what makes an application stand out.

Through this individualized process, students gain not only college acceptances—but confidence, resilience, and pride in their journey.

A college brochure can tell you what a school offers. A campus visit shows you how it feels.

Walking the grounds, sitting in a classroom, or talking with current students offers insights no website can provide. It’s an essential part of finding the right fit.

Why Campus Visits Matter:

They help students imagine daily life at the institution—beyond academics.
They allow for real-time conversations with faculty, students, and admissions representatives.
They often become the deciding factor between similar schools.

How to Prepare:

Schedule official tours and information sessions through each college’s admissions website.
Take a notebook or phone to record impressions after each visit.
Visit a mix of college types—large and small, public and private, urban and rural.
Engage: Ask your tour guide or current students what they love most (and least) about their school.

After the Visit:

Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and discuss observations with their counselor. Even a single visit can clarify goals and refine a student’s list.

Throughout the school year, our high school welcomes admission representatives from colleges and universities across the nation. These visits are an excellent way for students to make personal connections and gain insider perspectives on the admissions process.

Benefits of Attending:

Students can ask detailed questions about programs, financial aid, and campus culture.
Attendance demonstrates “demonstrated interest,” which some colleges consider in their admissions decisions.
It’s an opportunity to network directly with those reviewing applications.

How to Participate:

Visit the Counseling Office or website for an up-to-date schedule.
Pre-register to reserve a spot—many sessions have limited capacity.
Come prepared with questions and bring a copy of your résumé or activities list.

These interactions often leave lasting impressions and can be instrumental in making informed choices during senior year.

Financing a college education is one of the biggest concerns for families. Our counselors help demystify the financial aid process by offering structured guidance, hands-on support, and reliable information from trusted sources.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the foundation for all need-based aid. Completing it early is essential for maximizing eligibility for federal grants, state programs, and institutional aid.

We Provide:

Annual Financial Aid Nights explaining step-by-step how to complete the FAFSA.
Hands-On FAFSA Workshops, where families complete applications alongside trained counselors.
Support for the CSS Profile, a more detailed financial aid form required by many private colleges.
Guidance on reviewing award letters and comparing aid packages.

We also educate families about key terms—such as grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study—so they can make informed financial decisions.

As a proud Say Yes to Education Syracuse district, we help our students access last-dollar scholarships that cover remaining tuition costs after state and federal aid are applied.

Highlights:

Full tuition coverage at SUNY and CUNY schools for eligible students.
Substantial scholarships at more than 100 private partner institutions nationwide.
Counselors assist with verifying eligibility, maintaining residency, and submitting required forms.

This partnership helps open doors to higher education that might otherwise remain closed due to financial barriers.

We maintain a regularly updated list of local, regional, and national scholarships, accessible via our counseling website and bulletin board.

Our Team Helps Students:

Identify competitive scholarships aligned with their strengths.
Refine essays and application materials for impact.
Secure recommendation letters and official transcripts.

Counselors also encourage students to pursue community-based and industry-specific scholarships that reflect their interests, volunteerism, or career goals.

Standardized assessments provide valuable feedback about college readiness. Our school offers a structured testing program through the College Board Suite of Assessments, designed to build skill and confidence over time.

Test Breakdown:

PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10: Early benchmarks that help students identify strengths and target areas for growth.
PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): Administered in October of junior year and can qualify students for prestigious scholarships.
SAT: A globally recognized college entrance exam used for both admission and merit-based awards.

School-Based Testing Advantages:

We proudly host SAT School Day events in both the spring (for juniors) and fall (for seniors), allowing students to take the SAT in a familiar, low-stress environment.

Preparation Resources:

Personalized study plans through Khan Academy, linked to PSAT performance.
Practice exams offered periodically at school.
Counselor-led workshops on test-taking strategies and score interpretation.

While many colleges have moved to test-optional admissions, students are encouraged to discuss with their counselor whether submitting test scores can strengthen their application.

College and career fairs provide students and families with an unparalleled opportunity to connect directly with representatives from higher education institutions, technical schools, and the military.

Benefits:

Engage one-on-one with college admissions professionals.
Discover programs, scholarships, and academic offerings you may not have previously considered.
Gain a comprehensive overview of educational and career options—all in one setting.

Major Events:

SUNY College Fairs: Featuring representatives from across New York State’s public university system.
NACAC Syracuse College Fair: A national event hosting hundreds of colleges from across the country right in our community.

Preparation Tips:

Register in advance and research participating schools.
Prepare questions about programs, campus culture, and financial aid.
Follow up with representatives after the event to express continued interest.

Attending a fair is one of the most time-efficient and informative ways to plan for life after graduation.

Job shadowing offers students the opportunity to experience a career field firsthand by spending time observing a professional in their day-to-day environment. This experience provides clarity, inspiration, and practical understanding.

Key Benefits:

Gain authentic insight into a career’s daily responsibilities.
Build professional relationships and potential mentorships.
Strengthen future résumés and college essays with real-world experience.

How to Get Started:

Identify fields of interest and potential local employers.
Speak with your counselor to receive guidance, permission forms, and professional communication templates.
Reflect on the experience afterward—what surprised you, what inspired you, and what skills stood out?

Job shadowing often sparks curiosity and helps students align their educational goals with meaningful career aspirations.

The path to college and career success is a shared responsibility between students, families, and the school. Our School Counseling Office is proud to walk beside every student as they prepare for their next chapter.

Through individualized support, open communication, and a structured approach to planning, we ensure that every graduate leaves our schools confident, capable, and ready to contribute to the world beyond high school.