April Updates From the AHS Counseling Office

 Happy April!  Springtime is (eventually) going to bring us really nice weather, which should improve physical and mental health.  Make sure to get outside!  Whether it is for exercise or just some fresh air, it can be really good for you.  On sunny days, don't forget sunscreen. The sun can be sneaky-strong in the Springtime.

Here are some updates from the AHS Counseling Office.  We hope these are helpful!


* We have lots of great upcoming X-block activities.  Sign up now!:

Friday, April 8th - United States Coast Guard

Friday, April 8th - Roger Williams University

Tuesday, April 12th - Merrimack College

Thursday, April 14th - Salve Regina University

Tuesday, April 26th - Rutgers University

Wednesday, April 27th - Market Basket (here to hire! get a part-time or summer job!)

Thursday, April 28th - University of Delaware

Friday, April 29th - Simmons University

Tuesday, May 3rd - Rhode Island College

Thursday, May 5th - Career Exploration: Trades (learn all about a career in the trades!)


* If you are doing college research, especially if you are just getting started, attending a College Fair can be extremely helpful! Visit the following sites to find good virtual fairs as well as some in-person fairs:

Virtual National Fairs: https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/attend-virtual-college-fairs/ 

In-Person Local Fairs: https://www.neacac.org/spring-college-fairs-2022


* Consider taking a Gap Year! Not enough students and families give serious consideration to taking a gap year in between finishing high school and going off to college.  It can be a tremendous opportunity for personal growth for students and increasing college readiness.  Here are some Gap Year resources to help you explore this option:

https://www.gapyearassociation.org/

https://www.teenlife.com/?GapYearPrograms

https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/usa-fairs



* What are your plans this summer?  We here in the counseling office get sent tons of opportunities for students who want to have a special or unique experience.  To make things easy, we are posting them on a shared Google doc.  Take a look below!  See if anything interests you!  Be aware that some (most) of these programs have a cost attached.  Some do offer financial aid, however.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SR0iag-NKUXy4hVjw-pkdh5qMX5d3744NouxAmmKYU8/edit?usp=sharing


* April is college visit season (unofficially).  April break is - by far - the most popular time for juniors and their families to tour colleges.  Book your visits now!  At really popular schools, the spots will fill up.  You can still visit campus and give yourself a self-guided tour, but it is not quite as good (or informative) as taking an official tour and attending an information session.  These can be invaluable, especially for students who are an only child or the oldest, with parents going through the process for the first time.


* JUNIORS make sure that if you are planning on taking either the ACT or SAT test this spring that you sign up now!  Most colleges are remaining SAT/ACT optional, but we still recommend that all students applying to four-year colleges senior year take the exam.  If your scores are good, it will help!


* SENIORS continue to apply for scholarships!  All local scholarships are immediately put into your Naviance account as soon as they are submitted to the counseling office.  The list grows all of the time, so make sure you are checking it on a regular basis.  Apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible! Click on "Colleges" at the top, then click on "Scholarship Search" under the heading "Scholarships and Money."  


* SENIORS please continue to get to us your acceptance letters.  We want to recognize your accomplishments!  Also, please go in to your Naviance and update us on your acceptances, rejections, waitlist, deferrals, etc.  


* SENIORS May 1st is the traditional day of deposit, so on Monday, May 2nd we would love to have all seniors wearing clothing representing where you are headed next year.  For those choosing an alternative path to college we would love you to represent where you are heading too!  


* SENIORS if you owe community service hours towards the 25 you need for graduation, April break is a great time to get lots of hours done!  The custodial staff will absolutely put students to work here in the building over break for students that want to get hours done.  See Mrs. Lachapelle if you are interested in that option.  See your counselor if you need further help finding community service hours to do!


* Planning on going on any road trips in the near future?  Parents, do you have a bit of a commute to work (those who aren't working from home, that is)?  Here are my two recommended Podcasts to listen to: Future U Podcast with Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn (college planning) and The MEFA Podcast (financial aid).



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