September - January

• Take a practice SAT/ACT
• Sign up and sit for a PSAT in October
• Research and visit colleges
  
  

February

• Continue to research colleges
• Compare college admissions requirements to your current courses and course requests for senior year
• Visit colleges over break
• Prepare applications to US Military Academies or ROTC programs if interested
• Continue to stay involved and do well in your classes
  
  

March - April

• Register for the SAT/ACT
• Begin to narrow down your college list
• Keep up with your schoolwork!
  
  

May

• Take an SAT/ACT
• Take Advanced Placement (AP) exams if applicable
• Begin requesting letters of recommendation (requests are done through Naviance)
• Start preparing your activity sheet
• Research summer opportunities and visit colleges
  
  

June

• Finish the year strong!
• Develop a calendar and plan for the summer and early fall
  
  

Summer before Senior Year

• Research and visit colleges
• Practice for SAT to improve your reading, writing, and math skills
• Review college applications and brainstorm essay topics
• Continue exploring colleges on Naviance

September

• Review your transcript to make sure there are no errors
• Fill out a transcript release form and return it to the guidance office
• Work on college applications and essays
• Ask one or two teachers for letters of recommendation if you have not done so already (make sure to request through Naviance)
• Early Decision and Early Action candidates - make sure your counselor is aware of your deadlines
• Register for your final SAT/ACT if needed and send your scores through the testing site to the colleges you are applying to
• Attend financial aid workshops
• Check the Guidance Newsletter for monthly scholarships and attend financial aid workshops
• Register with NCAA if you plan to play a Division 1 or 2 sport in college
• Keep your grades up! Most colleges will want to see your Senior year mid-year grades
  
  

October

• FAFSA is available online October 1st - complete as early as possible
• Complete your college essay and speak with your English teacher to help you review it
• Discuss your college plan with your counselor and finalize your college list
• Early Decision candidates should complete their applications
• Pay attention to application deadlines! Applications must be sent to your counselor two weeks prior to the deadline
  
  

November

• Continue working on college applications
• Early Decision deadlines are as early as November 1st or November 15th!
  
  

December

• Complete all college applications by December 15th if possible
• Pay attention to December and January 1st deadlines. Notify your counselor of your deadlines.
• Complete the FAFSA if you have not done so already
  
  

January

• Keep your grades and school involvement strong
• Check the Guidance Newsletter for scholarship opportunities
• Notify your counselor of colleges that are requesting mid-year grades (for non- Common Application schools)
• Get application packet for PM Scholarships & Awards
  
  

February - April

• Colleges will inform students of admissions decisions
• Keep the Counseling Center apprised of your decision of where to attend
• When you have decided on a school, send your deposit, and inform other schools so your spot can go to someone on the waiting list
• Continue to research scholarship opportunities
  
  

By May 1st

• Carefully analyze your financial aid award letters
• Inform the Admissions Office of the school you have decided to attend
• List your acceptances and denials in Naviance for ALL colleges you have applied to
  
  

June

• Request your FINAL transcript through Naviance

SAT

SAT Dates	Offered at PMHS	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline*
March 12, 2022	✓	February 11, 2022	March 1, 2022
May 7, 2022	✓	April 7, 2022	April 26, 2022
August 27, 2022
October 1, 2022	✓
November 5, 2022	✓
December 3, 2022
March 11, 2023	✓

*Dates after the May 2022 Exam Are Anticipated Dates. 
*Not all exam dates will be offered at Patchogue-Medford High School. You can sit for an SAT at any school in the area.
*Late registrants will incur a fee *Sign up on Collegeboard.org

ACT

ACT Dates	Offered at PMHS	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline*
April 9, 2022	✓	March 12, 2022	March 26, 2022
September 10, 2022		August 5, 2022	August 19, 2022
October 22, 2022	✓	September 26, 2022	September 30, 2022
December 10, 2022		November 4, 2022	November 18, 2022
February 11, 2023		January 6, 2023	January 20, 2023
April 1, 2023	✓	February 24, 2023	March 10, 2023

*Dates after the April 2022 Exam Are Anticipated Dates. 
*Not all exam dates will be offered at Patchogue-Medford High School. You can sit for an ACT at any school in the area.
*Late registrants will incur a fee
*Sign up on ACT.org

SAT VS ACT

The SAT and ACT are similar tests, with a few subtle but important differences. Review the chart below and familiarize yourself with both tests to help determine the exam that is best for you. 

SAT	ACT
5 sections, 1 experimental	5 sections, no experimental
Covers:	Covers:
Critical Reading	English
Math	Math
Writing Language	Reading
	Science
	Essay (optional)
Section order changes	Section order remains the same
Possible score range: 400-1600	Possible score range: 1-36
No penalty for wrong answers	No penalty for wrong answers
Tests more basic (although, sometimes more confusing) math concepts	Tests more advanced math concepts (some trigonometry)
Includes student-produced response math questions (grid-ins)	Includes only multiple-choice questions

It is the student’s responsibility to register for all SAT and ACT exams. Students should register online at www.collegeboard.org (SAT) or www.ACT.org (ACT).

Sending Test Scores

It is the student’s responsibility to send his or her test scores directly from the testing company to the college(s). Scores can be sent online by logging in to your student account with College Board and/or ACT.

• To send SAT and/or SAT subject test scores, visit collegeboard.org
• To send ACT scores visit act.org
• Patchogue-Medford High School CEEB Code: 333093
  
  

Free Score Reports (SAT)

You can send four free score reports to colleges every time you register for the weekend SAT. This is the fastest way to send scores to colleges and scholarship programs—and there's no fee. You can use your free score reports up to 11:59 p.m., U.S. Eastern Time, nine days after the test. If you are taking the SAT on a school day, you can choose the colleges, universities, or scholarship programs to send your four free score reports when you complete your answer sheet.

• If you're eligible for an SAT fee waiver, you can send as many score reports as you want for free.
• For more information on sending SAT scores visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/sending-scores/how-to-send

It is important to understand the different kinds of colleges and universities that are available. Review the descriptions below to understand the differences.

College - An academic institution that offers educational instruction beyond the high school level in either a two- or four-year program.

University - (like a college) an academic institution that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. Universities are composed of smaller “Schools” or “Colleges” each of which encompasses a general field of study.

Liberal Arts College - Four-year institution which emphasizes a broad program of undergraduate education. Pre-professional or professional training may be available, but not stressed.

Community College - Two-year institution of higher learning which provides vocational training and academic courses. Community college terminates with an associate degree; credits may be transferred from a community college to a four-year college to earn a Bachelor’s degree.

Technical School – Two-year institution which offers occupational programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering, technology, and physical sciences.

Military School - Federal Military Academies prepare officers for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. These institutions (Air Force, Annapolis, Merchant Marine Academy, and West Point) all require recommendations and appointments by members of Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and state-supported military academies, however, operate on a college application basis.

College Application Process - Admission Options

Restrictive Application Plans

• Early Decision - This application is BINDING. NACAC describes the early decision as a process in which students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they will definitely enroll. If admitted, they will also withdraw all other applications.

Non-Restrictive Application Plans 

• Early Action - This application is NOT binding. Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution's regular response date. Students may apply to as many early action schools as they wish. 

• Regular Decision - students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time. 

• Rolling Admissions - institutions review applications as they are submitted and render admission decisions throughout the admission cycle.

Application deadlines vary from school to school and from year to year. Students are responsible for checking application deadlines with each college and communicating those deadlines to their counselor and teacher recommendation

No publication, no matter how thorough, can give you a complete picture of a college or university. If you can manage it, a campus visit is the best way to understand what it will be like to attend a particular college. Junior year is not too early to begin these visits. School vacation periods or the summer between junior and senior year can be used effectively for this purpose.

Arranging a Visit

When you have decided you’d like to visit a campus, call the Undergraduate Admissions Office or go online to the individual school’s website to arrange touring and information session times. If it is possible to stay overnight in a dormitory, and you would like to do this, let the Admissions Office know. 

Campus Visits Questions

If you attend a class, ask yourself...When you talk to students, ask...

• How manyhours a week do you study?
• Are campus jobs readily available?
• Are faculty members accessible outside of class?
• Do manystudents go home on weekends?
• Is the food good?
• Does the library typically have the resources you need?
• What do you like most about this college? Least?
• How easyis it to get the classes you want at registration?
• Whatis the largest class you’ve ever had? Smallest?
• If you could do it over again, would you still choose this college?
• Whatother colleges did you apply to?

Do the students seem interested in the material?

• Am I intellectually challenged by what is taking place?
• Is there a good rapport between the professor and the students? 

As you tour the campus, ask yourself...

• Are there newer buildings in addition to older ones?
• Islab equipment up-to-date and plentiful?
• Are there specialized facilities for my interests (practice rooms, art studios, )?
• Are roomsin residence halls nice?
• Are common areas in residence halls attractive? Laundry and kitchen facilities?
• What is the cafeteria like?
• Are the grounds well kept?
• What is the surrounding town/city like?

All Patchogue-Medford High School students have been provided personal Naviance accounts. Naviance is the district’s web-based college search and application resource.

Think of Naviance as your “locker” for your college applications. You do not apply to college on Naviance. It is where your documents such as your transcript and letters of recommendation are stored and sent to the colleges you are applying to. Once your application is marked as “submitted” and you request your “initial transcript,” the guidance office will send your documentation.

If you do not remember your Naviance login, please reach out to your guidance counselor.

Students should ask two teachers who know them well to write letters of recommendation on their behalf. Students should be asking teachers that can attest to their curiosity, work ethic, perseverance, and contribution to the class. Students can approach teachers at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year. Students should see their counselor with questions about obtaining teacher recommendations.

Students will need to send a request to their teacher recommenders in Naviance. First, students should speak with the teacher in-person to ask if he or she is willing to write a recommendation. After the teacher has agreed, please follow these steps to send an official request through Naviance.

Under the “Colleges” tab, click “Letters of Recommendation” and then click “add/request” to initiate a recommendation request.

Non-school recommendations (employer, community service supervisor, private music teacher, etc.) cannot be requested or sent using Naviance. If you are obtaining a non-school recommendation, it is suggested that you provide the recommender with pre-addressed envelopes for the Admissions Office of each school you are applying to so that the recommender can easily mail his or her letter.  Please speak with your counselor if you have an outside recommendation.

Most applications will provide students with a space to list activities and awards. In many cases, a student's list of activities may exceed the number of spaces allowed by the application. Students should create a list of activities including athletics, extracurricular activities, community service, and employment, and prioritize what to fit in the spaces provided.

Remember that every resume is different. For example, a student pursuing music education as a major may have a "musical accomplishments" section on his or her resume. Students should see their counselor if they have questions about the resume.

Consider using this template to organize your activities and achievements. Your final copy should be neatly typed and organized on a separate sheet of paper. Consider using this template to organize your extra-curricular and achievements. You can pick up a copy of this template in the Guidance office.

Name:                                                                                                                      Date of Birth:                    

School Activities (Sports, Clubs, Extra-Curricular)	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description
Honors and Awards	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description
Out of School Activities	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description
Community Service Leadership/Volunteerism	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description
Work Experience/Internships Summer Activities	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description
Other	9th	10th	11th	12th	Description

If you are applying to college through the Common Application, you will have to input all of your activities manually into the application. To complete your resume, log into your Common Application account, click on “Common App,” then click “Activities."

Add each activity to your Common Application resume in order of importance. The Common Application will ask you questions such as the activity type, if you held a leadership position, the organization name, how many years you participated in this activity, and if you plan on continuing this activity in college.

Do not let the price of a particular college stop you from applying. Many financial aid programs exist to help students and families meet all college costs (tuition, room and board, books, fees, personal expenses, and transportation).

Financial Aid Vocabulary

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - Universal application for many types of institutional, state, and federal aid. The FAFSA collects detailed information, mostly from the previous year’s tax return, about parent(s)’ and students’ financial situations. The FAFSA can be completed online atwww.fafsa.ed.gov.

CSS Profile – A more detailed form processed by College Scholarship Service to provide aid at some private colleges.

EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - Calculated after completing the FAFSA. The EFC is the federal government’s expectation of what a parent and student can contribute toward college costs.

Need - The difference between a family’s expected contribution toward the student’s education and the comprehensive cost of attending a post-secondary institution.

Financial Aid Package - The combination of grants, loans, and campus jobs, which allows colleges to financially assist students and families in meeting the cost of attendance. Financial aid packages can vary significantly across schools.

Grants - Awards based on financial need, which is NOT repaid by the student. Academic and merit scholarships awarded by an institution are also forms of grants.

Federal PELL Grant - “Gift” program from the federal government. Use the FAFSA to apply for PELL Grant.

Loans - Sums of money that must be repaid-with interest. Loans for education typically fall into three major categories:

Student Loans - Student loans from the federal government have low-interest rates and do not require credit checks or collateral. The two main federal student loan programs are Stafford and Perkins.

Stafford Loans - All Stafford Loans are either subsidized (the government pays the interest while the student is in school) or unsubsidized (the student pays all the interest, although you can have the payments deferred until after graduation).

Perkins Loans - The Perkins Loan is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs. This is a campus-based loan program, with the school acting as the lender using a limited pool of funds provided by the federal government.

PLUS Loans - The federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) lets parents borrow money to cover any costs not already covered by the student's financial aid package, up to the full cost of attendance. There is no cumulative limit.

Private Education Loans - also known as Alternative Education Loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its programs. Private loans are offered by private lenders and there are no federal forms to complete. Eligibility for private student loans often depends on credit scores. Some families turn to private education loans when the federal loans do not provide enough money or when more flexible repayment options are needed.

Financial Aid Timeline

Students and families submit the FAFSA starting in October of the student's senior year. It is important that the FAFSA and any other financial aid documents be completed as early as possible.

September - November

• Complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible beginning October 1st
• Get a Federal PIN so you can apply for financial aid. Go to www.pin.ed.gov
• Apply for any scholarships/awards from local groups/organizations
• Check financial aid applications requirements of all schools
  
  

December - February

• Submit any other requested financial aid documents
• Follow up with the Financial Aid Office at each school to ensure all documents have been received
• Attend financial aid application workshops
• File FAFSA and the NYS TAP Application. If required, also submit the college's financial aid application form. File online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, then go on to file online for TAP
• Remind your family to keep copies of all tax returns
• Check Guidance Newsletter for financial aid workshops and scholarship announcements
• Maintain a folder for your correspondence
  
  

March

• Check your financial aid status at your college or university. Check TAP application status on www.hesc.ny.gov

April

• Receive and evaluate financial aid letters from each school
• Call the Financial Aid Office with questions
  
  

May - June

• If you must borrow money from the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (DSL), you have to fill out a loan application promissory note that guarantees you will repay the loan. The college financial aid office will direct you.
• Notify your high school guidance office of any scholarships received

Students should actively search and apply for scholarships throughout senior year. Remember that you cannot win if you do not play, so apply for as many scholarships as possible. Continue searching because new scholarships are released frequently. Scholarships specifically for Patchogue-Medford students will be available in late December/early January of your Senior year. Please read the Guidance Newsletter on Schoology for updates.

Scholarship Tips

Search! Search! Search!

• The internet is a great source for up-to-date scholarship information. Students should visit www.collegeboard.org and www.fastweb.com to research scholarship opportunities.
  
  

Avoid Scholarship Scams

• Unfortunately, not all scholarship offers are honest. See your counselor if you have any questions about the legitimacy of a scholarship offer. According to the Federal Trade Commission, if you hear these lines from a scholarship service, you may be getting duped:

"The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."

• No one can guarantee you a grant or a scholarship. Refund guarantees often have strings attached. Get refund policies in writing—before you pay.

"You can't get this information anywhere else."

• There are many free lists of scholarships available. Start researching scholarships on your own before you decide to pay someone to do the work for you.

"I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."

• Never give out credit card or bank account numbers on the phone without getting information in writing first. "We'll do all the work."
• Don't be fooled. There's no way around it. You must apply for scholarships and grants yourself.

"The scholarship will cost money."

• Don't pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship or grant for you. Free money shouldn't cost a thing.

"You’ve been selected to a national foundation” in a contest you never entered.

• Before you send money to apply for a scholarship, check it out. Make sure the foundation is legitimate.
  
  

Scholarship and Financial Information

Fast Web Scholarship Search                                           FAFSA online Application

www.fastweb.com                                                           https://studentaid.gov/

College Board Scholarship Search                                   Student Guide to Financial Aid

www.collegeboard.org                                                    www.finaid.org

College View Scholarship Search                                     NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

www.collegeview.com                                                    www.hesc.ny.gov

College Express Scholarship Search                               CSS Profile (many private colleges require)

www.collegeexpress.com                                              https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

Enlisting in the Military:

Step 1: Talking with a Recruiter Step
Step 2: Qualifying for Enlistment
Step 3: Meeting with a Service Classifier
Step 4: Enlisting in the Service

Military Internet Resource
www.todaysmilitary.com

 

Air Force       
USAF Recruiting Office
116 E. Main Street   
Patchogue, NY 11772 
Tel: 475-0259     

Army
USARS
116 E. Main Street Ste G
Patchogue, NY 11772
Tel: 475-0640

NY Army National Guard      
500 Medford Avenue Ste 5 
Patchogue, NY 11772  
Tel: 727-0945     

Marines
116 E. Main Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
Tel: 475-0500

Air National Guard   
150 Old Riverhead Rd.
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 
Tel: 723-7339 
Tel: 475-2020

Navy
NRS Patchogue
116 E. Main Street Ste 6A
Patchogue, NY 11772

Long Island Trade Schools
https://www.trade-schools.net/locations/new-york-long-island schools

New York State Apprenticeship Trades
https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-trades

BOCES: Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology (ATT)

The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology (ATT) provides intensive training in occupational and technical specialties for students. ATT will be available to seniors only or students with graduating status. Courses meet for three hours per day in well-equipped training centers and provide students with the practical job skills and experiences needed for entry-level positions or technical college entrance requirements.

The ATT offers programs of study that are both one and/or two years in length. Seniors and/or students with graduating status will have the opportunity to take only the first-year course of study of any ATT program, whether it is a one or two-year program. Successful completion of a first-year program entitles a student to five units of credit. Students may have the option after graduation from high school to complete the second year of study at the ATT, but that process would not be through the Patchogue-Medford School District, but between the graduated student and ATT. Please note there is a tuition cost that the student will be solely responsible for as a post-secondary education student. Completion of a two-year ATT program may qualify a student for a New York State Occupational Certificate. Successful students can also satisfy the time and training requirements needed to take State licensing examinations. Articulation agreements with area colleges may provide advanced standing.

The Patchogue-Medford Board of Education requires all students to meet the following criteria: must have senior graduating status and maintain a minimum academic average of 70, have no more than ten unexcused absences (period or full day), have no more than one-course failure, and have no out-of-school suspensions. Once you have completed the ATT Interest Survey, further information will be provided regarding the application process

Directory of Online Resources

General College Information 

College Board Online                                                 
www.collegeboard.org                                               

College Net
www.collegenet.com

College View
www.collegestats.org

Peterson’s Guide to the Colleges                             
www.petersons.com                                                  

 The Princeton Review College Search                        
www.princetonreview.com    

Campus Tours                                   
www.campustours.com

New York Specific College Information

Long Island Colleges                                                 
www.longislandcolleges.com 

The City University of New York                                                   
www.cuny.edu

NYS Higher Education Services Corporation  
www.hesc.ny.gov                                                    

SAT/ACT Information

SAT Registration                                                               
www.collegeboard.com   

ACT Registration                                     
www.actstudent.org 

The Educational Testing Service                                       
(General Testing Information)                                          
www.ets.org

Free SAT/ACT test prep
www.number2.com

Career Exploration Resources on the Web

New York Career Zone
https://careerzone.labor.ny.gov/jz/views/careerzone/index.jsf                                      
                       
Mapping Your Future
www.mapping-your-future.org 

U.S. Department of Labor                                           
www.bls.gov 

Occupational Outlook Handbook                                                              
www.bls.gov/ooh/ 

Occupational Outlook Handbook                                
www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm 

Student Portal:

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Naviance:

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College Board:

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ACT:

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Common Application:

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SUNY Online:

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