Frequently Asked Questions about College Information

-What colleges might I be interested in?

• The Guidance Office and Career Center have many college catalogs to research college and career information.  

-What requirements do I need for college?

• Requirements for admissions to the Massachusetts State Colleges and Universities are now more selective. Students should review the minimum SAT scores and GPA requirements with their counselor.

• Student Aptitude Tests (SAT's) are required by most four-year colleges.    SAT II's are required by selective colleges.  Seniors should take SAT's in the fall so that scores are available by College Application deadlines.  SAT's are available on the following dates:  May 7th and June 4th.

-What do I need on my College Application?

• All college applications require an official high school transcript.  Students must request transcripts through the Guidance Office five days before the transcript needs to be mailed.  Official transcripts go to colleges, while Unofficial transcripts are given directly to the student.

• Each Official transcript will be accompanied by a THS Profile that explains our grading system, block scheduling, and other information requested by the colleges.

• Personal Data Sheets must be completed for your Guidance Counselor and teachers in order to facilitate the writings of letters of recommendation for college applications, scholarships, and employment.

• Class Rank and Grade Point Average (GPA), for the purposes of college applications, are determined at the end of Junior year.  This information is made available to students on the October Progress Reports.  Class Rank does not change until graduation.

• Completed College Applications should be reviewed by Guidance Counselors.  Many colleges require that applications and transcripts be mailed together.  Pay close attention to directions and deadlines

-What if I need Financial Aid?

• Scholarship Applications are available on a designated table in the Guidance Office.  Check this table every week for new scholarships.

• The CSS Financial Aid Profile, which is required by many private colleges, must be filed in the fall.  Check with your Guidance Counselor to be sure.

-Other things to keep in mind...

• Keep copies of everything you send with your College Application, especially your Transcripts and Financial Aid Forms.

• Parents are encouraged to call their child's Guidance Counselor at any time.  They are available after school hours on a daily basis and by appointment on a regular basis.  Please call your child's Guidance Counselor if you would like to make an appointment.