What we provide:

• Utilize Naviance to connect students' interests, strengths, skills and abilities to potential career paths.

• Classroom presentations to provide knowledge and resources regarding career research.

• Use of Naviance to create a career portfolio.

• Working with classroom teachers to provide education on career topics using the Naviance and OnTrack programs.

• Individual student meetings to help encourage career exploration.

 

FRESHMEN and SOPHOMORES

• Freshman and sophomore grades are included on your transcript that colleges see to determine your acceptance in senior year. Work hard now and see the benefits later.

• Start to create a resume. Many colleges encourage students to submit a general resume — with details from Freshmen through Senior year — along with your transcript during the application process. This allows you to express your accomplishments to a college.

• Become part of something and make the most of your high school experience. Join the band or chorus, play a sport, flex
  your academic muscles in Science Olympiad or PML, do community service...whatever you like or are interested in, get Involved. 

• Take PSATs. Luckily for you, at ACCHS we pay for all freshmen, sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT every October. It’s great practice for the SATs and all you have to do is show up that day at school and take the test. It’s that easy!

 

JUNIORS

• Your junior year grades will be the most recent grades that colleges will see when making decisions on your acceptance.

• Prepare for SAT/ACT testing by reading a prep book and taking a few practice tests or take a prep course. Stop by the Counseling Office to see what’s available.

• Register and take the tests. The CollegeBoard recommends students take the SATs in the spring of their junior year and at least once in their senior year. Check with schools you are applying to and see if taking the SAT Subject needs to be taken. It is the recommendation of the Counseling Office that every student also take the ACT once in December of your senior year.

• Meet with your counselor, they are always willing to help.

• During the summer before junior (and senior) year, visit a few colleges that may be of interest to you. Base your list on variety to help you decide what you are really looking for in a college (size, location, majors etc). Remember: most colleges will be quiet during the summer. Look out for junior open houses at colleges during the school year or for college fairs in the area. Schedule to meet with a college admissions rep. during the school year when they visit ACCHS.

• It is recommended that you research to 8-10 schools. Applying to too many schools can make your decision too difficult; applying to too little schools can limit your choices. Try this method: 2 Reach School, 5 Realistic Schools and 3 Safety Schools.

 

SENIORS

• WORK HARD! College admissions offices will many times ask for 1st quarter or 1st semester grades to be sent to help them make an acceptance decision. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking senior grades don’t mean anything.

• Redefine your list of colleges. You now have seen 8-10 schools — now narrow that list down to 4-6 schools.

• Visit the colleges one more time. Many colleges hold open houses in the fall of senior year with opportunities to stay overnight, sit in on classes or meet with admissions reps.

• Take the SATs in October and ACTs in December.

• Before requesting transcripts, stop by the Counseling Office and meet with Mr. Garza to update your transcript.

• Once you have your finalized resume, give a copy to Mr. Garza to be kept in your records as part of your transcript.

• Ask teachers for recommendations, but give them time to write them. Also, give them a copy of your resume to use a reference. Choose teachers who you have a good relationship with. Admissions offices want to hear about how you are in class as well as how you interact with your teachers.

• Work on your essays. Ask teachers or Mr. Garza to read over your essays and give their thoughts on what you have written.

• Meet with Admissions Reps. during the fall of senior year. Many colleges set up times to come to ACCHS and meet with students.
  Take advantage of these times and sign up in the Counseling Office.

• Apply early. Many colleges have early action (non-binding) and early decision (binding) deadlines. However, it is recommended that you apply to all schools before Thanksgiving. Apply online if possible. It’s easier and sometimes less expensive. Many colleges use the Common Application. It is recommended to use the Common Application when applying to any colleges that accept it.

• Apply online for financial aid with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is available after October 1st during your senior year.

• Notify the Guidance Office of acceptances, any scholarships/grants you have been offered, and of the school you choose to attend. The Guidance Office needs to know where to send your final transcripts after graduation. Final transcripts are mailed to schools the last week of June.