Welcome back everyone!  We hope that the past few months have given you some time to destress and enjoy your summer.  This September, we are very excited to see you all.  We are here to help assist you in any way possible.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mrs. Katherine Fitzgerald (kfitzgerald@broctoncsd.org) or Mrs. Laurie Skinner (lskinner@broctoncsd.org).

Mrs. Katherine Fitzgerald, MS/HS School Counselor

Mrs. Laurie Skinner, Guidance Secretary

Seniors

Welcome to your senior year at Brocton Central School!  I am sure many of you have a lot of questions regarding your future plans...We are here to help you in any way possible to meet your goals.  We hope this year is enjoyable and successful for you all.  This newsletter outlines some important dates to remember for this fall.  

Should you have any questions or concerns, you can go to the school’s website (https://www.broctoncsd.org/) or contact the Guidance Office.

--- Wishing you success,

            Mrs. Katherine Fitzgerald, School Counselor

            Mrs. Laurie Skinner, Guidance Secretary

Some things to keep in mind…

Check into the Guidance Office frequently throughout the year to get information on current local and national scholarships, events/field trips, help with completing the FAFSA and college applications, and taking/retaking the SAT/ACT.

The first semester of your senior year is your chance to increase your GPA and prove your potential to post-secondary choices.

College is NOT your only only option...and that is okay!  There are a number of other areas including trade schools, the Military, going right into the workforce, and beyond.  We will support you with whichever decision you make.

When writing essays for college applications or scholarships, try to think of things that make you unique.  What separates you from everyone else?

Suggested Timeline

September

Start out the year strong.  Getting back into a healthy routine really helps!

If you intend on attending college next year, you should put together a list of all of the places you are interested in applying to.  Think about the pros and cons of each when narrowing down your search (size, location, costs, dorms, clubs, etc.)

Register to take the SAT or ACT.  Many colleges have waived the requirement for applying, so be sure to check prior to signing up.  For upcoming dates and to register for the SAT, go to https://www.collegeboard.org/

College Consortium is in October: about 20 representatives from area colleges come to our school cafeteria

Financial Aid Night at Westfield school in late September gives you help figuring out college finances.

October:

October 1: Beginning today, you can apply for financial aid by completing the online FAFSA application.  The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov

October 16: Military recruiting form due.  This is a form to let us know if you would like to be on their recruiting list. The form can be found in the Beginning of Year Packet.

October third week: College Application Week.  Throughout this week, the Guidance Office will be dedicated to helping seniors with college and FAFSA applications.

TBD: Construction Career Day. This is a great field trip with representatives from all of the trade unions like roofing, electrical, carpentry, sheet metal, welding, big equipment operators, etc.

November:

Turn in a list of activities (school, work, volunteer) that you would like to be on your final transcripts.  Forms can be found in the Guidance Office.

If needed, ask teachers for letters of recommendation with plenty of time in advance.

Complete at least one college application before Thanksgiving!  Be sure to look at each college’s deadline for when they are receiving applications.

December:

Finish up college applications.

Ask Mrs. Fitzgerald to send a copy of your official transcript to the colleges you have applied to.

Submit your FAFSA.

January- March:

-Be checking your mail and emails for acceptance letters from the colleges that you applied to.

-Complete the Student Aid Report portion of the FAFSA. At this point, also be sure to double check that all of the information is correct.

-Begin applying for scholarships in the Guidance Office. Read our scholarship page on this website.

April:

-Begin making your final decision of where you would like to attend.  If you are having a difficult time deciding, try making a pro/con list of all the different options.

-Attend open houses at the colleges you have either decided to attend or still thinking of attending.  Seeing the college again may help to sway you one way or the other.

May:

-May 1: National Decision Day.  This day is celebrated across the country to recognize seniors who have made their post-secondary decisions.  BCS will be recognizing the Class of 2021.

-Submit the deposit to the college of your choice before the deadline.  Many schools have a deadline of May 1. 

-Make any revisions to your FAFSA that are needed.

-Accept/deny aid that the college is offering you.

 -Many scholarship applications are due at the end of this month.

June:

-Enjoy the end of your senior year!

-Attend events for your class including Class Night, Awards Night, Senior Breakfast, Senior Skip Day, and Graduation.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind...

-Check into the Counseling Office frequently throughout the year to get information on current local and national scholarships, events/field trips that will be taking place, help with completing FAFSA, and retaking the SAT/ACT.

-The first semester of your senior year is your chance to increase your GPA and prove yourself to your potential college choices.

-Enjoy your senior year!  It will fly by before your eyes.