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NCHS College & Post-Secondary Planning
Planning for life after high school begins as early as freshman year. Counselors work with students to design a strong college-preparatory curriculum by creating a four-year academic plan and helping students understand their individual learning styles. We strongly believe that preparing every student for the rigor of post-secondary education provides the best foundation for all future plans.
In the winter of sophomore year, the process continues with a career inventory and instruction in using online college research tools. At this stage, students are expected to be fully engaged with college planning activities through our support programs on Naviance.
Counselors also host an important meeting for sophomore parents each May.
During junior year, counselors meet with students in groups to review PSAT results and build upon the Advanced College Searches that students began as sophomores. Additionally, an evening program is offered for parents of juniors to outline and advise on the appropriate steps in the college planning process.
This is followed in the spring by individual student and family appointments, during which plans are developed for continued college research, college evaluations and visits, standardized testing, and other related questions.
In May, all students meet with their counselors for a Common App workshop. In this session, students create accounts on the Common Application, learn about the different sections, and begin to plan for the summer.
In September of senior year, students attend an instructional session on the "nuts and bolts" of applying to college.
In mid-September, we host a senior parent program to inform families about the application process and to answer the many questions that arise at this critical time.
Counselors then meet individually with seniors to finalize college application lists, review testing updates, and collect information needed to write letters of recommendation for college admission, job applications, or alternate post-secondary paths.
Counselors remain available throughout senior year to assist students with questions and help them prioritize tasks related to the college application process.