College & Career Counseling

The college journey is a milestone filled with choices and opportunities. Our counselors support students at every step by providing:

Individualized College Planning Meetings: Counselors meet with juniors and seniors to develop personalized post-secondary plans.
College List Development: Guidance on identifying “likely,” “target,” and “reach” schools that fit students’ goals and academic profiles.
Application Support: Step-by-step help completing the Common Application, SUNY/CUNY applications, and college-specific forms.
Essay and Interview Preparation: Workshops and individual feedback to help students communicate their strengths authentically.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance: Information sessions, FAFSA completion workshops, and one-on-one guidance to make college affordable.

Not every student’s journey looks the same—and that’s the beauty of it. We help students explore diverse pathways beyond traditional college tracks.

Career Interest Inventories: Tools like Naviance, Xello, or CareerZone NY help students identify strengths and align them with possible careers.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities: We connect students with internships, volunteer opportunities, and cooperative education experiences.
Job Shadowing: Students can observe professionals in their field of interest for a day or more, gaining first-hand exposure to real workplace environments.
Resume & Interview Skills Workshops: Students learn how to write strong resumes, cover letters, and develop professional communication skills.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Guidance: Counselors help students explore programs and certifications that provide direct pathways to employment.

Throughout the year, our department hosts a series of signature events designed to help students make informed decisions:

College & Career Fairs: Featuring representatives from universities, trade schools, and the military.
College Campus Visits: Organized trips to nearby campuses to give students an authentic feel for college life.
Admission Counselor Visits: College representatives visit our school to meet directly with students.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Nights: Detailed workshops to help families understand FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile, and other aid sources.
Senior Decision Day Celebration: Honoring our graduating students and their next steps—college, career, or service.

Financing a college education can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our counseling team is here to help families navigate the process of applying for financial aid and identifying scholarship opportunities.

1. FAFSA & Financial Aid Guidance

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional aid. Our counselors provide:

Step-by-step support during annual FAFSA Nights and Completion Workshops.
Guidance on additional applications, such as the CSS Profile, required by some private colleges.
Information on grants, loans, and work-study programs, ensuring students understand all available options.

2. Say Yes to Education Syracuse

As a Say Yes Syracuse partner district, eligible graduates may receive last-dollar tuition scholarships that cover the remaining cost of tuition at SUNY and CUNY institutions after federal and state aid. Counselors assist with verifying eligibility and completing required documentation.

3. Local and National Scholarships

Our office maintains an updated list of local, regional, and national scholarships. We help students:

Search for merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships.
Review application essays and prepare strong submissions.
Manage transcript and recommendation requests.

4. Financial Literacy & Family Support

We believe informed decisions start with understanding. Counselors offer workshops and individual meetings focused on budgeting, comparing financial aid offers, and planning responsibly for college expenses.

💡 Tip: Complete the FAFSA early each fall and check the College & Career Counseling page for scholarship deadlines and events.

Focus on academic habits and involvement in extracurriculars.
Begin career interest surveys and reflect on strengths.
Build a strong foundation for GPA and future opportunities.

Explore career clusters and college majors.
Take the PSAT and review results with your counselor.
Attend the annual College & Career Fair.

Meet individually with your counselor to develop a college list.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT School Day.
Visit college campuses and attend admission presentations.
Begin drafting personal statements and résumés.

Finalize college list and submit applications.
Complete FAFSA and scholarship applications.
Participate in mock interviews and college essay workshops.
Celebrate your next step on Decision Day!