Senior Counseling Corner
Brighton High School Counseling Office
November 22, 2024
Seniors,
HAPPY EARLY THANKSGIVING!! There will not be a newsletter next week, so we hope you have a fabulous time off.
- 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.
- The registrar deadline for January 1 applications is November 25. THAT IS THIS MONDAY!
- 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.
- 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.
Admissions Interviews with SUNY Geneseo is on MONDAY NOVEMBER 25! Spots still available so sign up today!!
Next up:
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
FAFSA IS COMING!!
FAFSA form opens officially on December 1st
Financial Aid is an important step in the college search process. We want you to find the right fit - academically, socially and financially.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is your first step!
**NYSED is now requiring that ALL senior families either apply for Financial Aid OR sign a waiver that your family will not be applying for aid at all. More details to come on that, but for now, you can learn more about the FAFSA and the steps to apply. Please check out the opportunities below to learn more about it and access support in completing these necessary forms.
SUNY Virtual Financial Aid Sessions
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.
- Financial Aid Session
Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 PM
Financial Aid 101 - Take 2!!
ATTENTION SENIOR FAMILIES
BHS is hosting a second FINANCIAL AID Information Night for families of seniors. If you missed our last presentation, please save the date!
FINANCIAL AID Information Night
Tuesday, December 3rd
6:30 PM
BHS in room 262
Join MCC Financial Aid Expert, Jerome St. Croix, for an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, program, and financial aid process. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024, 06:30 PM
BHS- Auditorium
Staying in NY for college??
NYS Higher Eduation Services Corporation (HESC) is your go-to site for all things NYS financial aid related. Be sure to check out the link below if you are thinking of staying in state for college
Post-Secondary Exploration Experiences
Keuka College - Virtual College Prep Series
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
Instant Decision Days
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:
- Sign up for your 15 min admissions appointment with any of the institutions you are interested in.
- If you haven't completed or submitted your application yet, THATS OK! Still sign up!
- 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)
- 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 Rep Visits to BHS - Done for the fall
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.
Next Steps & Application Process Information
Registrar Deadlines
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.
Standardized Testing
SAT & ACT- IMPORTANT Updates
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
Brighton High School Counseling Department
Email: courtney_stern@bcsd.org
Website: https://www.bcsd.org/Page/2063
Location: 1150 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: (585) 242-5000