Seniors,

Let's all take a deep breath. You've made it through the first quarter. This is a good time to check in and reflect:

1. Where are you with your future plans? In seminar, we recommended that you have your plans (almost) finalized by Thanksgiving. Please use the days off to fine tune applications, finish essay, and possibly submit your apps.
2. The registrar deadline for January 1 applications is November 25! So, use the time over the Thanksgiving break to finalize anything.
3. If you applied Early Action or Early Decision- we only send 1st quarter grades to colleges IF REQUESTED. Please see Mrs. Haag or Ms. Parks in the Registrar's office if a college is requesting your 1st quarter grades.
4. If you are looking into options other than college after graduation, please connect with your counselor or Mrs. Stern to help you get on track with those plans. Although they may not have applications due in the near future, it's a great idea to get your ducks in a row and do as much research as possible so you are ready to make moves when you need to.

Instant Decision day with St. Bonaventure University is on MONDAY NOVEMBER 18! Spots still available so sign up today!!

Next up:

SUNY Geneseo- November 25 (Interview ONLY)

FLCC - December 2

Alfred State - December 3

Spots are still available for all future ID days, so sign up now: https://bhs.bcsd.org/46752_3

Best,

BHS Counseling Office

(585) 242-5000 x4526

https://www.bcsd.org/domain/122

ALL Senior Seminar information is on our Junior/Senior page of the Counseling Website: https://bhs.bcsd.org/46752_3

Stop in to Senior Office Hours or see your counselor for support!

The college search and application process is about finding the right fit. It’s a chance for students to define what matters most—whether it’s the right program, campus, or opportunities for growth. While it can feel overwhelming, it’s also a time to take control and ask the right questions.

That’s why we created the College Prep Series—to provide the tips, tools, and guidance to help students feel confident throughout the journey.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• November 26: Application Do's & Don’ts

Prospective students and families are invited to join SUNY for an online workshop. General financial aid sessions will provide information about the cost of attendance, the types of financial aid available and the financial aid application process. Timely walk throughs will focus on steps you can take now to prepare for FAFSA completion.

During all sessions, you will be able to send us your questions via live chat.

• Prepare for FAFSA 2025-2026
• Friday, November 15 at 12:00 PM
  
• Financial Aid Session
  Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM
  
• Financial Aid Session
  Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 PM

This fall we will be offering Instant Decision days with 14 phenomenal institutions!

Students will have the chance to meet with an admissions representative and receive instant feedback on their application- most students will be informed of their admissions decision that day!

We will provide much more detail in Senior Seminar, but below are the general instructions. This is SUCH a great opportunity to learn more about what the college has to offer you and get some early feedback. Save the dates if you are interested!

If interested, please follow the instructions below:

1. Sign up for your 15 min admissions appointment with any of the institutions you are interested in.
2. If you haven't completed or submitted your application yet, THATS OK! Still sign up!
3. An admissions counselor will review your materials and could provide an admissions decision and estimate of your scholarship package that night! (some colleges may require a few additional days to process materials)
4. Please note- Geneseo is an ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW ONLY. This will be used as part of your application to be reviewed later. No decision will be made that this time. If interested in Geneseo, we highly recommend taking advantage of this.

Sign up here: https://bhs.bcsd.org/46752_3

A few recommendations:

• Show up a few minutes early- you don’t want to be late!
• Wear appropriate attire- no need to dress up, but please look presentable. This is YOUR opportunity to show them who you are other than a name on a piece of paper!
• Come prepared with questions about the school- we are happy to help you with this.

If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Mrs. Stern!

College visits are all wrapped up for the season. Thanks for coming to chat with our reps!!

This doesn't mean that your communication with the college reps should be done!

• Keep in touch with the rep that is assigned to our area. This could make a difference when they go to read your application- whether they track demonstrated interest or not!
• There's still more to learn about a school even after you've applied! If you get in, will this be the best fit for you to grow academically, socially, emotionally? How do they support career development?
• Stay in touch with your School Counselor. We can help you navigate the choices coming up in the spring.

As you've learned in Senior Seminar, we need 15 SCHOOL DAYS to process your application materials to ensure they are submitted by the deadline. This means you need to be ahead of the game and must have your applications submitted at least 15 SCHOOL DAYS prior to the actual application deadline. More details to come in seminar.

Check out the Registrar deadlines- based on the college/job/scholarship deadlines, the dates below are when your application is DUE TO THE REGISTRARS OFFICE.

BHS DOES NOT send any standardized test scores to colleges. You are responsible for sending any test scores directly from College Board or ACT to the institutions that need them.

If you have questions specific to BHS testing procedures, please reach out to Deirdre Carter: deirdre_carter@bcsd.org. As things are changing so often, please refer to the testing sites for updated information:

ACT- www.actstudent.org

SAT- www.collegeboard.org

Email: courtney_stern@bcsd.org
Website: https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2063
Location: 1150 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 242-5000