The new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the required document for need-based financial aid, is now available. Its very important to check with college admissions/financial aid offices regarding their specific financial aid requirements & deadlines. It is recommended that families complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

FSA IDs: Before starting the FAFSA, parents and students should set up their required FSA IDs, which are used to complete the FAFSA online. You cannot receive financial aid without one. Go to studentaid.gov to set up your ID and to complete the FAFSA.

Note: Many private colleges also use the CSS Profile Form in addition to the FAFSA and require that it be completed at the time of application. For a complete list, go to CollegeBoard.

uAspire.org which helps underrepresented students overcome financial barriers to postsecondary pathways offers free virtual events to walk students and families through the financial aid process while providing resources and guidance. Each session is one hour:

Brockton Area Educational Opportunity Center: This was founded to meet the college planning needs of families from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. They are a source of assistance in identifying career options, building a balanced college list, applying for financial aid (including help with FAFSA), and searching for scholarships. Call 508-586-3100 for more information.

MEFA (Mass Educational Financing Authority): A great source of help with the financial aid process. Fo to mefa.org to access events, webinars, and resources for both college planning and college financing. (Presentations in both English and Spanish.)

Messina College of Boston College is a two-year fully residential associate’s degree program located on the Brookline campus of Boston College. Beginning in the inaugural ’24-’25 academic year, Messina is seeking 100 first-generation students with high financial need with the goal of preparing them to enroll in a bachelors degree program or to begin a career. Students enjoy full access to BC facilities and programs including dining halls, athletic events, libraries and theater. The curriculum integrates BC’s distinctive Core Curriculum and is taught by current BC faculty as well as new Messina faculty. Seniors can still be part of the first class to enroll and juniors can learn more about this opportunity for next year. Messina has rolling admissions and is still accepting applications. Note: Messina financial aid will be provided to meet 100% of the demonstrated need to maximize affordability and minimize debt. For more information, go to the website at bc.edu, email messinacollege@bc.edu or call 617-552-6000.

• Note: The Messina Admission Rep will come to FHS in May to meet with any interested students. Please let Mr. Hamilton know and he will schedule this visit to FHS.

Bentley University Pre-College Programs

• Provides rising juniors and seniors a taste of college academics and a chance to experience residential life. Build essential skills, expand your network and enhance your college application. Options include: Wall St. 101, Analytics Academy and the Business of Health Innovation. Inquiries to: precollege@bentley.edu or call 781-891-2000.

Boston College Next Step College Success Program Summer Session - July 21-26

• College bound students (16-22) who present with social communication, executive functioning and/or anxiety challenges have the opportunity to experience a “week at college,” live in a dorm, budget for meals, learn to access on-campus supports, gain confidence in becoming more independent, participate in group lessons and focus on personalized goals. There are both residential ($3,000) and day program ($1,600) options. The program is appropriate for rising high school juniors, seniors and also graduating seniors. Contact: Next Step College Success Program at the Baker Center: nextstep@bakercenter.org 617-278-4119 or Matt Arnold, marnold@jbcc.harvard.edu

UMassAmherst Pre-College Programs

• Several new residential and online summer opportunities offered for rising 10-12 graders include: AI, Hospitality and Tourism, The Human/Animal Bond, Reading/Writing the Graphic Novel and Sport Performance. There is also a Pre-Vet Medicine Program for grades 11 and 12. Three session dates will run beginning on June 30 and continue throughout the summer.

The UMass/A College Application Intensive - July 28-August 3

• Will help with the various aspects of the college application process and also provide a tour of UMass/A and other local colleges, an opportunity to experience campus life and enjoy award-winning UMass/A meals. For more info on all programs: precollege@umass.edu or call 413-577-2112.

University of Rochester Pre-College Programs

• Explore careers in Engineering, Medicine and Business while experiencing life in a college dorm. For more info please call 585-275-3221 or precollege@rochester.edu

Mass Maritime Academy Sea, Science and Leadership Summer Program - July 22-26

• For Sophomores and Juniors. For more info and to register go to: maritime.edu/sslp

Boston University-Summer Journalism Academy - June 24 - July 12 (residential program) and June 17-July 15 (learn at home sessions)

• Explore careers in journalism, writing, communications or photography. Applications are due by May 10 and if fully registered by March 8, families can save up to $400. More info: www.summerjournalism.org.

Tufts Pre-College

• Explore residential, commuter and online summer opportunities in over 20 programs including: engineering (with AI), studio art, coding, entrepreneurship, international relations, leadership, the college experience and more. Programs range from one to six weeks. Apply by May 1. For more info: 617-627-2926 or precollege.tufts.edu.

Carnegie Mellon U-Pre-College Programs

• Open to rising juniors and seniors during the summer of 2024. Experience a world-class education on a beautiful campus while exploring programs in: Architecture, Art, Biology, Design, Drama, Music, Game Development and Writing. Also available is a 6-week summer session for high school students entitled “Summer Session” that mirrors the rigorous first year of college and offers college credit. Register at: https://apply-precollege.studentaffairs.cmu.edu or call 412-268-5914.

New York University-Career Edge Summer Academy

• Explore career paths and life on a college campus. Programs are non-credit and are designed to help rising sophomores, juniors and seniors explore potential college majors and careers including: Architecture, Business, Criminal Justice, English, Law, Medicine and Screenwriting. Tuition is $2,579 plus $618 for housing/dining per week. Deadline to apply is May 17, 2024. sps.hsacademy@nyu.edu (212-998-7006) for more info.

Pratt Institute Pre-College Programs

• Provides students who are interested in becoming artists, designers or architects with multiple options to explore their pathways including one-day workshops and a fully immersive four-week, four-credit in-person summer program. They also offer a Spring Online Portfolio Development workshop. Zoom with the Pratt team on Thurs Feb 29 at 6pm and/or email precollege@pratt.edu with questions/registration info.

Bryant University Accounting Careers Leadership Institute - June 23 - 27

• This is a five-day, hands-on opportunity for rising high school seniors from diverse backgrounds to learn more about the accounting profession. Work directly with Bryant faculty, staff and students and experience life in a college resident hall. You will also spend a day in Boston and meet with business professionals. The program provides overnight accommodations, meals, planned activities and educational materials at no cost if selected. Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and have completed at least Algebra 2 by the end of junior year. Application deadline is Friday April 19, 2024. Questions and application link: Michelle Felizzola, Sr. Assistant Dir. of Admission for Multicultural Recruitment at 401-232-6586 mfellizzola@bryant.edu.

Bryant University Pre-College Actuarial Science and Statistics Program for High School Students - August 5-9 (9-3pm)

• Students will work closely with Bryant faculty during this immersive, in-person experience and receive a Cert. of Completion from the Bryant U. Economics Dept. Gain a basic understanding of the actuarial profession, statistics and develop data analytical skills. The entire cost is $475 and there is no cost to apply. Contact Dr. Gau Niu at gniu@bryant.edu or call 860-208-8852 and apply online at https://akaminag.wixsite.com/actuarialscience/

Quinnipiac University Pre-College Summer Programs

• Led by QU faculty and designed to help high school students explore their passions. Select from daytime, commuter and overnight residential options. Courses include: Data Science, Game Design, Graphic Design, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Pre-Med, Digital Photography, Movie-Making, and Sports Journalism. To find the right program, and answer questions, email summerprograms@qu.edu or call 203-582-7557. Application deadline is June, 2, 2024.

Dean College Summer Programs

• Session 1: Summer Arts Institute, (July 28-August 4) featuring a Dance or Musical Theater Intensive.

• Session 2: Pre-College Program in either Sports Broadcasting or Forensics (July 21-26 or July 28-August 2)

• All programs take place on the Dean campus in Franklin, MA with the option to commute or stay on campus. For more information on the Pre-College Programs, attend a free virtual info session, scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 at 5:30pm and Wednesday, May 1 at 6:00pm.

Rensselaer Poly Tech Institute (RPI) Architectural Career Discovery Program - July 8 - 19 from 9-4pm (in-person) and July 22 - Aug 2 from 11-6pm (online)

• A two-week class for students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 who are interested in architecture or design-related fields. Focus will be on building models and drawing by hand and using the computer as a design tool. Open your eyes to architecture as a career and build an impressive portfolio which is essential for acceptance into a premier program like RPI. Program cost is $1,850. Info at arch.rpi.edu.

University of Notre Dame Pre-College Summer Online Program:

• High school students can experience world-class learning and earn a Certificate of Completion from the U. of Notre Dame. All courses are 100% online allowing students to go at their own pace. Choose: Business-From Start-up to Success or Psychology-Understanding the Self and Our World. More info: program@mm.precollegeonline.nd.edu.

UMass Amherst Pre-College Program in Building and Construction Technology: Study construction project management and building science and technology with an integrated approach to sustainability. This is a two-week immersive program for high school students interested in exploring building construction, building science, engineering, architecture and technology. Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, students can earn two college credits that can be applied to the Building and Construction Tech Program degree at UMass or other colleges. Program runs either at the main campus in Amherst or at the Mt. Ida campus in Newton. Learn more: umass.edu/bct/academics/pre-college-programs/ or call 1-413-545-0100.

Wheaton College Pre-College Program - July 6 - August 2

• For rising juniors and seniors. Discover your passion in college-level courses either for credit or non-credit: AI Technology, Environmental Science, Justice, Law and Psychology, Nursing and Life Sciences. There are two pathways: the student experience (two classes in one or more disciplines) and the athlete experience (one class + training in fencing, swimming and strength and conditioning). Learn more at wheatoncollege.edu/pre-college, precollege@wheatoncollege.edu or call 508-286-8242

University of Mass Amherst Pre-College Program in Building and Construction Technology: Study construction project management and building science and technology with an integrated approach to sustainability. This is a two-week immersive program for high school students interested in exploring building construction, building science, engineering, architecture and technology. Open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors, students can earn two college credits that can be applied to the Building and Construction Tech Program degree at UMass or other colleges. Program runs either at the main campus in Amherst or at the Mt. Ida campus in Newton. Learn more: umass.edu/bct/academics/pre-college-programs/ or call 1-413-545-0100.

Wheaton College Pre-College Program for rising juniors and seniors: July 6-August 2. Discover your passion in college-level courses either for credit or non-credit: AI Technology, Environmental Science, Justice, Law and Psychology, Nursing and Life Sciences. There are two pathways: the student experience (two classes in one or more disciplines) and the athlete experience (one class + training in fencing, swimming and strength and conditioning). Learn more at wheatoncollege.edu/pre-college, precollege@wheatoncollege.edu or call 508-286-8242

Urban Education Program at Westfield State University: Provides first-generation students from diverse educational, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds with a unique admission opportunity. Accepted students must complete a 5-week Summer Bridge Program and will receive intensive support and advising throughout Freshman year. Find out more on the Westfield State website, call 413-572-5391, or email urbaned@westfield.ma.edu

MASSGrant Plus Program: The Governor has announced the expansion of this program which will now cover the full cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant eligible students, including an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books & supplies (housing costs are not covered).

• Most Pell Grant recipient families have an annual income of $40,000 or less and can attend either full- or part-time at any state community college or state university.

• Middle-income students (those from families earning between $73,000-$100,000 annually) will have their costs from tuition and fees reduced by up to one half. They must enroll full-time.

Bryant University - TUPP63

Curry College - THX

Drew University - DREW28

Emmanuel College - free application

Framingham State University - free application for visitors and those who attended rep visit

Lasell University - free application

Long Island University - free application

Merrimack College - free application

Nichols College - free application

New England College - free application

Quinnipiac University - Quinnipiac2024

Simmons University - free application

St. Anselm - free application for visitors and first generation

St. Joseph’s College of Main - free application

Western New England University - free application

See upcoming schedule of college rep visits HERE.

SAT dates can be found HERE.

There are fee waivers available if the cost of testing presents a hardship. Please see your Guidance Counselor for assistance.

Khan Academy Free SAT Prep: Although it isn’t necessary to prep for the SATs/ACTs, students may benefit from utilizing Khan Academy, which can be done from home. Most students are familiar with this tool and have used it in the classroom. They can create a personalized practice plan based on PSAT/SAT scores by linking Khan Academy with CollegeBoard.

Although many colleges remain test optional, we recommend students take both the SAT and ACT tests and then repeat the strong test. Be aware that some colleges still require testing (FL state schools, MIT, and some programs within certain colleges - nursing, forensics, engineering, honors programs). Strong scores can help in admissions and also in qualifying for merit aid.

Sending SAT & ACTs: If you’re self-reporting test scores to colleges, most require that they also be sent “officially” through CollegeBoard or ACT.org by using the Send Scores option. Students are responsible for sending scores as colleges don’t accept scores from high schools.

• There is a $12 fee per report to send SATs and $18 per report to send ACTs, if not done at the time of registration. Fee waivers do cover unlimited requests.

We encourage students and parents to refer to the Senior and Junior timelines to make sure they are on track with the college search and planning activities.

Common Application: Create a Common App account and begin to complete the Common Sections & the College Specific Sections. Mr. Hamilton is available to assist in completing this as well.

• Note: Fee Waivers are available on Common App. Please let your Guidance Counselor know if the cost of applications presents a hardship.

Personal Essay: This is one of the key components of the Common App. Colleges view it as the student’s “voice.” We recommend reviewing the seven prompts on the Common App and starting a draft essay, if you haven’t done so already. Best to share your draft with a trusted adult to review prior to posting the finished essay on the Common App.

Transcript Request Form: Seniors must bring a Transcript Request Form along with a one-time $5 fee and their Brag Sheet to their Guidance Counselor at least two weeks prior to their earliest deadline. No records will be sent without this form being submitted to Guidance.

• Note: It is very important for students to submit college applications by posted deadlines. Don’t wait for school records, as those are only sent after your application is submitted.

Letters of Recommendation: Colleges typically require one teacher and a Guidance Counselor recommendation, though some may require more (refer to the college websites for details). Both the teacher(s) and your Guidance Counselor will need your detailed Brag Sheet in order to write you a recommendation.

• After first asking in-person, students must then officially request FHS teachers on Naviance (College Tab/Recommenders.) Guidance Counselors don’t need to be requested, while “outside” recommenders (coaches, mentors, employers) can be requested on the Common App.

Create a resume: Get a leg up on the college application process by creating a personal resume, which can be shared with college admission reps and also included as part of the Common App. This is an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments (academic, extracurricular, work history, and special skills/talents) and leave a positive impression.

• Note: Naviance has a resume builder under the “About Me” tab.

Build your college list through online research, campus tours and visits, open houses, and by making an appointment with Mr. Hamilton.

Naviance College / Career Readiness Program: Available to all our students on Naviance, this is the go-to place to do a college search. Utilize the College Match/Supermatch options to develop a “Thinking About” list of schools. By using Scattergrams and College Compare features, students can see how they match up to FHS applicants over the past decade and develop a realistic list of colleges that include Reach, Target, and Safety schools. Another key feature is the Career Exploratory Program, which includes an Interest Inventory.

Some other helpful wesites to develop your list:

• CollegeBoard

• College Data

• College Navigator

• College Majors 101

• College Raptor

• Appily

• Petersons

• College Insights

• College Scorecard