For a PDF version of these questions and answers, click here.
How many credits do I need to graduate? 22
Do I need to take any tests to get into college?
Check
with your counselor about college admission testing such as the PSAT,
SAT I, SAT II or ACT. In the fall of your junior year you will have
the opportunity to take the PSAT test, which is comprised of several
verbal and math sections. The PSAT serves two purposes: It is used as a
practice for the SAT I, and it is a qualifier for the National Merit
Scholarship Competition. The SAT I is also a three-hour test, mainly
multiple choice, that measures verbal and mathematical abilities. SAT
II tests are given in 13 subjects and last one hour each. Once you
receive your standardized test scores you should review them with your
counselor. Registration materials and guidebooks for all tests are
available year round in the guidance office. All registration materials
must include the school CEEB code.
What is the school CEEB code?
Southside High School: 331830
Elmira Free Academy: 331820
When should I take the SAT I or ACT test?
We
recommend that you take the SAT or ACT not later than the spring of
your junior year. This will enable you to retake either exam if needed.
Most colleges will accept your highest combined scores when they are
reviewing your application. Most studies show that students can
significantly raise their scores through review classes.
How do I sign up for the SAT or ACT?
Registration material is available in each guidance office. You may also go on-line to www.collegeboard.com or www.act.org.
When do I take the SAT II test?
Students
who apply to highly competitive colleges should think about taking the
SAT II while course material is fresh in their mind. Colleges that
require SAT II generally require the SAT II writing test plus two
others. We strongly recommend that you take at least two of your SAT II
s by the end of your junior year. Students who are in accelerated
courses should consider taking an SAT II subject test as early as the
end of their sophomore year.
Do colleges visit the high schools?
Yes,
quite a few do. We invite you to attend information sessions held by
the various college representatives as they visit throughout the year.
Each guidance office advertises the times and dates of the various
college visitations.
Do colleges only look at grades?
Colleges
typically use grades as only one factor when deciding whether to offer
admission to a student. While this is a significant factor, they also
consider the activities you have been involved in, employment
opportunities you have had, as well as community and civic involvement.
When should I visit a college campus?
The
spring and summer of your junior year is the most ideal time to
schedule campus visitations. Only by visiting a campus will you be able
to discover whether that particular college environment is a good fit
for you. If you have an opportunity, an overnight stay will give you a
chance to attend classes, talk with students, tour the bookstore and
student union. In order to set up a college visitation you must call
the specific college admission office. Plan ahead and have a specific
date and backup date in mind. Most college visitations are arranged in
a group format. If you think you will need an individual visitation, be
sure to request it.
Will I need to include a letter of recommendation with my application?
Most
schools will require letters of recommendation. We recommend that each
student ask three different people to write letters of recommendation.
These letters can come from previous teachers, counselors, advisors and
employers.
Will I have to write a personal essay to get into college?
Most
colleges will require that you write a personal essay. This is an
excellent opportunity to provide the admission personnel information
about your particular strengths.
Will I have to have an interview to get into college?
Interviews
are rarely required by colleges but it is another opportunity for you
to obtain direct information about the school and provide them with a
more personal look at yourself.
What do I need to do to submit my college applications?
Bring
in your completed application and all components, including fees, to
the guidance office. Be sure to provide all of the necessary
information. We will attach an official copy of your high school
transcript and pay the postage to have it sent.
How does my son/daughter access their counselor?
We
encourage all students to see their counselor during a study hall or
during advisement. If it is an emergency, they can access the counselor
as needed. Students should have a pass to come to the guidance office.
My son or daughter has no idea what they want to do after high school. Where do we begin?
Each guidance department has great access to a variety of resources that encourage career exploration. One great resource available to students is www.access.bridges.com where students can build their own account and use a step-by-step process that supports career exploration and college searches.