Bethel High School

Bethel High School

Counseling Department Bulletin

Class of 2013 - March 2012

This is the time to actively begin the decision-making process regarding post high school plans.  The Bethel High School Counseling Department wants to take this opportunity to outline steps that you can be taking during the next several months, as well as services that will be provided by the counseling staff.

• Results of the 2011 PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) were given to juniors during the “Junior PSAT and College Search Workshop” in December.  We recommend that you take advantage of the free College Planning Package described on the Score Report (www.collegeboard.com/quickstart).  If you have any questions about the scores, call your son’s or daughter’s school counselor. 

• All juniors and their parents were invited to an evening program, The Next Step for Juniors, on Tuesday, January 31^st. The emphasis was on what you need to know to start the college search process – finding a good match, the campus visit, interview, timelines, resources, and testing.

• Juniors will be meeting in small groups with their counselor.  Notification will be sent in the form of a pass to the visit; students are responsible for attending the assigned group workshop (attendance will be taken).  In these workshops, information regarding the college search and other post secondary options will be reviewed in greater depth.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR EVERY JUNIOR TO ATTEND.

• Last Spring, every junior was given a copy of The College and Career Guide on a USB drive.  This guide contains valuable information about college admissions, as well as opportunities for the non-college bound:  military service, world of work, and vocational training.  We hope that every junior and parent will read it cover to cover and use it as a reference guide. 

• Enclosed with this bulletin is an unofficial copy of your son or daughter’s transcript, as of the end of first semester junior year.  Please review it carefully, and use it to make sure your student chose senior year courses that meet all graduation requirements.

• Visiting colleges is a vital step in deciding where to apply, and we recommend that college-bound juniors plan trips over the April vacation.  Call ahead to register for a group tour and/or information session.  If the college grants or requires interviews, you may want to schedule one at any college you are interested in.

It is recommended that all college bound juniors take the SAT Reasoning Test in March, May or June of this year.  Danbury and Newtown High Schools are the closest test sites.  Students who are not satisfied with their scores may want to retake the SAT in October or November of their senior year.  You can register on-line at www.collegeboard.com.  When you register for the SAT you will have the opportunity to designate four colleges to receive your scores without an additional fee.  Please note that most colleges want SAT scores sent directly from College Board. 

• Students who will be applying to very competitive schools (generally honors level students) should also plan to take SAT Subject Tests (you can take up to three Subject Tests on the same day).  We recommend the May or June testing dates, especially for early decision or early action candidates.  We will be happy to discuss this with you on an individual basis.

Spring 2012 SAT Exam Dates                       Regular Registration Deadline

            May 5                                                             April 6

            June 2                                                              May 8

• The ACT Assessment is an alternative to the SAT Reasoning Test.  All colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT Reasoning Test, and a few will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests.  As with the SAT, students typically take the ACT in April or June of their junior year and again in the early fall of senior year.  Danbury High School and New Milford High School are both testing sites.  Bethel High School is also a testing site for the April 2012 test. You can register online www.actstudent.org.  Please note that when applying to most post-secondary institutions, you will have to send your ACT scores directly from the ACT website.

Spring 2012 ACT Exam Dates                    Regular Registration Deadline

            April 14                                                                      March 9

            June 9                                                                          May 4

• Most colleges and universities prefer receiving applications on-line, and some will waive their application fee for electronic applications.  It is easy to review and edit your application, and you will save time.    Many colleges encourage the use of the Common Application, which can be completed once and duplicated for participating colleges. 

• Students interested in applying to a military academy should begin the process early in the spring.  Details of application procedures may be obtained from your counselor.

• A multitude of summer enrichment and exploration opportunities are available to students who have completed their junior year.  Many colleges and organizations provide creative, challenging programs in math, engineering, science, language, music, art, athletics, and travel.  Many summer opportunities are listed in Naviance.

• Above all, keep in touch.  We can work best in a three-way effort, which includes parents as well as students.  We welcome your calls, comments, and questions!

                                                                Counselors

                        Ingrid Boedecker (Di-J)                    Michelle DeBenedetto (Q-Z)

                        Roy Colson (A-De)                             Amanda Kirk (K-P)

                                                     Cheryl Hallock, Secretary

Danielle Conley, College & Career Center Associate