Guidance Office
 Occupational Options Post Secondary Training 

Meet the Counseling StaffTo contact one of the following individuals,
please call the Guidance Office at 849-3229 or the Main Office at 849-3251.

Mrs. Deborah James: Guidance Counselor, Grades 7-9
Miss Michelle Walker: Guidance Couselor, Grades 10-12
Mrs. Kimberly Capalongo: Social Worker, Grades 7-12
Mrs. Gerri Ann Hartnett: School Psychologist, Grades K-12
Mr. Adam Dennison: Liberty Partnership Counselor, Grades 7-12
Sarah Wall: Family Counseling Services Social Worker, Grades UPK - 12

Counseling Resources in Cortland County

Student Scheduling Dates

Scheduling for students currently in grades 9-11 will begin in January for the upcoming school year. Course description books are available in the guidance office which outline graduation requirements and available courses.

Students who are currently in grade 8 will receive a letter in January inviting them and their parents to meet and create a 4 year
high school plan. Graduation and testing requirements will be discussed at this meeting, along with options for fulfilling those requirements.

Students who are currently in Grade 7 can make a choice about continuing with Chorus and/or Band in 8th grade in April. A letter describing these options will be sent home.

In the spring, students in Grade 6 will receive information relative to music options for 7th grade.

Graduation Requirements Class of 2012

Courses approved for TC3 dual college credit

AP Courses and Exam Information

Testing Schedules

Test Prep Resource
If you are looking for resources to study for the NYS Regents Exams these are some good sites to check out:   

Past Regents Exams
Regents Exam Prep Center
Regents Review 2.0- Live Online
Intermediate Test Prep

Junior & Senior High Exams:  The score on the final exam counts as 20% of the student's final average for that course.   For additional information please see the student handbook.

Regents Exams: The AM Regents exams begin at 8:15 and PM exams begin at 12:00.

College Entrance Exams & Deadlines

PSAT-The PSAT is strongly recommended for all students who are thinking about possibly taking the SAT college board exam. Students can take the exam at school during the month of October.  This is a good way for students to get an idea of a possible SAT score. In order to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship, students must take the PSAT exam as a junior. The cost is $15.00. Pick up registration materials and sign up in the Guidance Office. A fee waiver may be available for students who receive free or reduced lunch.  The PSAT date is October 12.

SAT-SAT registration materials can be picked up at the Guidance Office or students can register online. SAT review books can be borrowed from the Guidance Office. The fee for the SAT reasoning test is $49.00. Late registration fee is $75.00.

SAT Date

Registration Deadline

Late Registration Deadline

October 1, 2011

September 9, 2011

September 21, 2011

November 5, 2011

October 7, 2011

October 21, 2011

December 3, 2011

November 8, 2011

November 20, 2011

January 28, 2012

December 30, 2011

January 13, 2012

March 10, 2012

February 10, 2012

February 24, 2012

May 5, 2012

April 6, 2012

April 20, 2012

June 2, 2012

May 8, 2012

May 22, 2012


ACT - ACT registration materials can be picked up in the Guidance Office or students can register online. Students can borrow ACT review books from the Guidance Office. The basic fee without the Writing Test is $34.00 and ACT Plus Writing is $49.50.

ACT Dates

Registration Deadline

Late Registration Deadline

September 10, 2011

August 12, 2011

August 13-26 2011

October 22, 2011

September 16, 2011

September 17-30, 2011

December 10, 2011

November 4, 2011

November 5-18, 2011

February 11, 2012

January 13, 2012

January 14-20, 2012

April 14, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 10-23, 2012
June 9, 2012 May 4, 2012 May 5-18, 2012

** Students should ask about fee waivers for the SAT and ACT before mailing registration materials or completing online registration.**

ASVAB TESTING: February 15, 2012
The ASVAB can be used as a tool to assess interests and skills which may be helpful for post-graduate planning. It may also be applicable for students considering the military as a post-graduate option. The test is offered free of charge to all students. Students can sign up in the Guidance Office.


College Application & Post Secondary Information

The application deadline for early admissions decisions at most colleges and universities is November 15. Students are encouraged to gather materials and request recommendations well ahead of the deadline.

For other college applications, December 1st should be the mailing deadline goal. Some colleges accept applications through graduation or even as late as the summer. Students and parents are urged to check application deadline dates for specific colleges. However, please inquire at the Guidance Office for application eligibility regardless of deadline dates. Information relative to application deadlines can be found by selecting the admissions link for a specific college, in the college catalog, or the guidance office can assist students and parents in contacting a particular college.

Important information for Seniors - Inquire with the Guidance Department for a comprehensive look at a timeline for Senior Activities, information on college applications and financial aid forms, and options other than college.

General Guidelines for College Applications 

  1. Many applications are now online. When you apply online let Miss Walker know so a high school transcript can be sent. If you apply using a paper application you must turn it in to the Guidance office to be sent out with a transcript.
  2. Many applications also ask for an essay or personal statement. This can be something you write for the particular college to which you are applying. It can be a piece of writing you completed in English class. Some essays ask you to write about a particular topic; others are more general. Speak to your English teacher or counselor for tips on how to write a good essay.
  3. Applications also ask for letters of recommendation. Ask now! Ask teachers, coaches, employers, the principal, and your guidance counselor for a recommendation. Ask early so they have time to prepare a good recommendation for you. Pick up recommendation forms in the Guidance office.
  4. Check in the Guidance office to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver.

College Athletics


If you are planning to participate in college athletics at a Division I or II level, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in your senior year. Information is available at http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.org.

 


College Visitations

Open Houses
College and university open houses are good times to visit along with other prospective students. Most Open Houses for seniors are in September or October and juniors can attend during March-May. Sometimes they even offer free application opportunities on the Open House dates. Open House dates for any college can usually be found on the school's web site or by linking to the admissions office directly.

Visitations
These are opportunities to see the college in more of a small group or individual basis. They are usually arranged by appointment with the admissions office, or a regular schedule is posted on the website.

College Representatives at High School
Admissions officers from various colleges regularly visit the high school. This is a good opportunity to meet with someone to ask preliminary questions and obtain catalogs or materials with more specific information about programs or admissions requirements
.

Questions to ask during a college visit.

Occupational and Post-Secondary Training Options:

*CHOICES - Are you looking for information about a certain job or career? Maybe you would like to find out how your interests and skills match up with possible jobs? CHOICES is a computer program accessible at school that can help you find information about work possibilities and the necessary training and education. Talk to Mrs. James or Miss Walker if you would like more information or assistance in using the program.

*The
NY Career Zone web site is maintained by the New York State Department of Labor and includes mini-assessments for career interests and options. You can also access a NYS Career Plan, which is a model of the Career Portfolio used by Marathon students starting in 8th grade.
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