Counselor Connection

November, 2024

SENIOR NEWS & INFORMATION!

Senior College Applications

The senior class is doing an outstanding job with early action applications this year! So far, 167 students have applied to 338 different colleges—a fantastic accomplishment. Keep up the great work, seniors!

As a reminder, when students apply early, we send transcripts that list their senior courses but do not include grades. Once Term 1 grades are posted, guidance counselors will automatically update these transcripts and send them to all colleges to which students have already applied.

What is the SRAR?

The SRAR (Self-Reported Academic Record) form is a document used by some colleges and universities during the admissions process. It allows applicants to report their high school coursework, grades, and other academic information directly, rather than requiring an official transcript at that stage. Students usually receive an email from the college or university with instructions on how to access the SRAR after they submit their application. (Reminder...be sure to check your email frequently after submitting applications!) This email typically includes a link to the SRAR portal, along with guidelines on what information to provide and deadlines for submission. If a student doesn't receive this email, it's a good idea to check their spam folder or contact the admissions office for assistance. Students should also plan to request a copy of their transcript from their guidance counselor in order to complete the SRAR form.

This form typically includes sections for:

Course titles and levels
Grades earned in each course
GPA calculation
Standardized test scores (if applicable)

The SRAR helps institutions assess applicants' academic performance more quickly and can streamline the application process. It's important for students to be accurate and honest when filling it out, as discrepancies can impact their admission decisions.

For a list of colleges that require the SRAR click here.

FAFSA & FINANCIAL AID INFO

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

Tips for Students Preparing To Fill Out the FAFSA® Form

Families should do the following to prepare for filling out the FAFSA form:

Create a StudentAid.gov account (if they don't already have one).
Have their documents ready (e.g., 2023 tax returns; records of child support received; current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts; and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms).
Use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their FAFSA form.
Have their contributor information ready (e.g., first and last name, Social Security number [if they have one], date of birth, email address, and mailing address [if they don't have a Social Security number]).

MassEDCO FAFSA Completion Assistance

MassEdCO is available to assist parents/guardians with one-on-one appointments for completing the FAFSA. Appointments will be available once the FAFSA form is launched. For more information, please visit MassEdCO.org or call 508-586-3100.

CSS Profile

The CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) is a financial aid application used by mainly private U.S. colleges and universities to assess a student's financial need, supplementing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It collects detailed financial information from students and their families, including income, assets, and expenses, and often requires information from non-custodial parents. For a list of colleges that require the CSS Profile click here.

The deadlines for submitting the CSS Profile vary by institution, It's essential to check each college's specific deadlines and requirements, as the CSS Profile may also include institution-specific questions. Additionally, there is usually a submission fee, but fee waivers are available for eligible students. Students can update their information throughout the year if their financial situation changes. Click here for a link to the CSS Profile.

College Rep Visits for Juniors & Seniors

As the college visit season wraps up, we still have a couple more opportunities for students at MHS! Juniors and seniors are invited to sign up for meetings with visiting college representatives. To see the list of colleges and register for sessions, please log in to Naviance. All visits will take place in the MHS Guidance Office. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with potential future schools!

November College Rep Visits:

Montserrat College of Art — Friday, November 8
University of New Haven — Wednesday, November 20

Additional colleges may be added, so please check Naviance regularly for updates!

JUNIOR NEWS & INFORMATION!

PSAT/NMSQT TESTING

The junior class completed the PSAT on October 16, 2024, during the school day. Their scores will be available on either November 7 or November 14. Juniors who provided their mobile numbers on test day can access their scores through the BigFuture School mobile app. Those who did not provide a mobile number can view their scores by creating a College Board student account, which also offers additional insights and resources.

Once your scores are available, explore how you can use them for practice, scholarship opportunities, and more.

For detailed information and resources on the PSAT/NMSQT, click here and for a short video to understand your PSAT/NMSQT scores click here.

ALL GRADES NEWS & INFORMATION!

AP Exams Fees are Due!

This is a reminder to all AP students that AP fees are due on Friday, November 15th. A check made payable to the Town of Marshfield should be turned in to guidance along with the AP Registration Form. The cost of each exam is $99. Any student that qualifies for reduced/free lunch or is in need of financial assistance should contact their Guidance Counselor directly as a reduced fee may be available to those students.

All students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be taking the corresponding exams in May 2025. The exams will be given at Marshfield High School May 5th-16th. The dates/times of each exam along with registration information was mailed home in September and can also be viewed here.

Please note: All AP Students are reminded that if you drop an AP course after November 15th there will be a $40 fee charged by the College Board.

AP EXAM SCHEDULE

Course Level Changes

Students who are considering a change in course level are encouraged to discuss their options with their teachers soon, as the deadline for level changes is approaching on November 8th. Engaging in these conversations early allows time to weigh the benefits and challenges of adjusting course rigor. If a level change is deemed beneficial, students should then meet with their guidance counselor to obtain and complete a level change form.

Proactively consulting with teachers and counselors can ensure that any adjustments align with academic goals and support success. Make sure to reach out soon to complete the process smoothly before the deadline.

Academic Support Options for all Students

We are coming up on the end of the term (11/8), this is a good time for students to utilize the academic supports offered at MHS.

Options include:

Math Lab (RM 253) - Available from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm on A days and 8:15 am - 2:15 pm on E days

Writing Conference (RM 338) - Available every block from Monday - Friday
MAST - After school homework help Mon-Thurs, 2:30-4:00 pm in MHS Library
Staying after school with a teacher - Please make appointment with your teacher in advance

2024-2025 MAST Schedule

Community Service Hours

All students are required to complete community service as part of the graduation requirements. Upon completion of their service hours, students must log their hours by accessing the Community Service Hours Tracking Google Form. Please note that students are responsible for logging their own hours using their school email addresses. (Parents are unable to access the form).

What Counts as Community Service Hours?

Community service refers to voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area or contribute to the betterment of the community. This can include a wide range of activities, such as assisting at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up efforts, tutoring students, or helping at community events. Community service not only benefits those in need but also helps volunteers develop skills, gain experience, and foster a sense of civic responsibility.

Click here to access a list of community resources available for completing your service hours.