Catholic Central High School                                                                                                     Troy, NY 12182

Guidance Office News

Parent Newsletter

February 1, 2008

SENIOR PARENTS – Guidance would like a copy of all college acceptances/rejections.  All scholarships and college grants will appear in the graduation program but we REQUIRE a photocopy of the award letter.  We will be glad to make the photocopies.

Many scholarship and financial aid applications have deadlines that are quickly approaching.  Please be sure to follow all instructions to avoid being disqualified.  All the scholarships we receive are listed in the senior memos which are also posted on our website.  Be sure to check them out!

The FAFSA (Free application for Federal Student Aid) is now online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Forms should be completed and submitted as soon as possible.  Worksheets are available in the guidance office or on the website.  If your senior’s college requires the PROFILE, forms are available online at www.collegeboard.com (click on parent information, click on pay for college). Be certain you are on these official websites. There are many imitations.

SAT Prep Class – CCHS will host a  class to help juniors prepare for the May 3, 2008 SAT to be given at Catholic Central.  Cost is $110 per student and you can reserve a seat by paying this amount in the guidance office.   This class traditionally fills up quickly.  The class will be given on Mondays and Wednesday, April 21, 23 and 28 and 30 (four sessions) from 3 pm – 5:45 pm in room 25.  Space is limited to 25 students.

Report cards will be distributed Tuesday, January 29, 2008.  Please do not hesitate to call the Guidance Office and speak with your student’s counselor if you have any concerns.

Siena College High School Scholars Program will hold a summer session from June 16 to July 11, 2008.   Highly qualified and motivated high school juniors and seniors can participate in seven of their course offerings at a reduced tuition rate.  Brochures are
available in the guidance office.

Scheduling for 2008-2009  will begin soon.    Each student will work on course scheduling with his/her guidance counselor.     Please note that all courses changes are discouraged after June 1, 2008 with the exception of failures/summer school.

If you would like to participate in your students academic planning session regarding next year’s schedule, please call the guidance office for an appointment (235-7100 x 2).

Sophomore and Junior Parents – College Board offers free personalized online college planning.   The site offers a customized SAT study plan based on your student’s  PSAT test performance and scores from October.  The site also offers a list of colleges based on the state and indicated choice of major.  In addition, major and career matches compatible with your student’s general interests and personality type are made.  The web site to receive this information is www.collegeboard.com/quick.

JUNIOR PARENTS :  Taking the ACT is highly recommended to those students who are planning to study math or science in college.  If any junior wishes to take the ACT, it will be offered at CCHS on Saturday, April 12, 2008.  The ACT tests skill level in the following areas:  math, English, reading and science.  Many colleges will accept the ACT in place of the SAT.  The postmark deadline for the application is Friday, March 7.  Applications are available  online at www.actstudent.org.

All juniors are strongly encouraged to take the SAT at CCHS on Saturday, May 3, 2008.    Applications are available online at www.collegeboard.com.  The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2008.  A student cannot take the SAT II subject tests the same day.   The SAT II subject tests (required by more competitive colleges) can be taken in June at another local high school or in the fall at CCHS.

N.B.   Mailing either of these applications after the postmark deadline results in a late fee.  Please do not hesitate to call your student’s counselor if you have any questions regarding these important tests.

Guidance has received information/applications for the New York State Summer School of the Arts.  The schools are:   ballet, choral studies, dance, jazz, media arts, orchestral studies, theatre and visual arts.  Deadlines for each school vary and run throughout the next few months.