Catholic Central High School                                                                                                     Troy, NY 12182

Guidance Office News

Parent Newsletter

October 1, 2007

WHAT’S HAPPENING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2007

Juniors and Sophomores

All juniors and sophomores will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT exam on Wednesday, October 17.  This is a two and one/half hour version of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).  Taking the PSAT exam will aid students in preparing for the SAT, which is taken later in the junior year.   The scores from the PSAT also determine the National Merit students.  Each student has received an information booklet and has been encouraged to complete the practice PSAT test included in the booklet.  Please ask your student to share this with you.

Freshmen, Seniors and Middle School students   will be in their regular
 classes on October 17, 2007.

College applications—Seniors should be well along in their college research.  Each senior has been given a copy of the “Application Procedure” so that they know exactly what they need for each college.  We have also posted a copy on the website. 

Be sure to watch for application deadlines.  The turn around time in the Guidance Office during the rush period can be several days.  The student needs to make sure all materials are submitted well in advance of the deadline to allow for any delays.  Please don’t wait for letters of recommendation or SAT scores to submit applications!

If the initial application is made on the Internet, we need to know.  The student should stop in the Guidance Office and fill out a “Transcript Request Form” so we can forward the necessary records.  This includes the NCAA Clearinghouse application (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net).

Please set a goal of having college applications out before the Thanksgiving break.  Our peak period is between Thanksgiving and Christmas;  so submit applications now to avoid the rush!

Senior Bulletins

A senior newsletter is issued about every 10 days which lists scholarships plus any important reminders.   Information regarding college open houses is available on the individual college websites.  Please ask your senior to look the bulletin over and not to hesitate to ask about any scholarship.   A copy of the memo is also posted on the website.

SAT I, SAT II and ACT

Thursday, October 11  is the late registration deadline for the SAT I and SAT II to be given November 3 at CCHS.   If your senior   plans  to take or retake the SAT I or SAT II, he/she should go on-line (www.collegeboard.com)  and register before October 11.  There is a late fee.    The SAT II is also offered December 1 at several area high schools (registration deadline is Tuesday, October 30).  If your senior is applying to a very competitive college or university, they may require these tests.

If your student   did not take the ACT in June and would like to take it in October at an area high school, he/she may apply online ( www.actstudent.org).    The late deadline is Friday, October 5.   If your student has any questions regarding these test, he/she should see their counselor.

Financial Aid Night

Mark your calendar!  CCHS will host its annual college financial aid night on Wednesday,  November 14,  7 PM  in the library.  Among the topics discussed will be filing for financial aid, federal, state and institutional aid programs, deadlines, single-remarried parents and evaluating financial aid packages.

This  program will be presented by Peter V. Lorenzo, a Certified Financial Planner.  It is strongly recommended that parents of seniors and juniors attend but all are welcome.

Progress Reports will be mailed Tuesday, October 9, 2007.  Do not hesitate to call your student’s counselor if there are any questions.