• The Grafton High School Counseling Department is dedicated to providing a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs.  This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.
     Naviance Parent Portal   The Naviance Parent Portal is undergoing updates and access will be limited.  We will notify you once this process is complete.  Thank you for your patience.
     

    Grafton High School plans to administer the PSAT/NMSQT exam on Saturday, October 17, 2020 for all students in grades 10 and 11.  The PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is offered by the College Board as a practice for the SAT.  Juniors must take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year in order to qualify for national merit scholarship and recognition.  Click HERE to access the College Board Student Portal where you will need to sign up for an account if you do not already have one.  There you will also find free practice tests for the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT.

    The cost to take the PSAT/NMST is $20 and no charge for those students who receive Free/Reduced Lunch.  Information will follow on how to process the payment. REGISTER HERE if you wish to take the PSAT/NMSQT. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS OCTOBER 1, 2020.

    PLEASE NOTE: In the event of limitations on school building use or lack of proctors, this test administration could be cancelled.  

     

    CANCELLED: SAT SCHOOL DAY OCTOBER 14, 2020. It is with regret and disappontment that GHS is cancelling the planned school day administration of the SAT.  As is the case with many testing sites and schools in our area, the limitations imposed by COVID restrictions and in keeping with health/saftety and social distancing guidleines prevents us from offering the exam.  In speaking with the College Board last Friday, (Sept 11, 2020) the following sites in our area had seats for October 3: Leicester, MA.  The November 7 administration had openings at the following locations:  Northbridge, Shrewsbury, St. John's, Westboro and Milford.  Please visit the College Board website to register and search for a location nearby. College admissions understand that there is a significant limitation in access to take the SAT and they will plan accordingly when considering college applications.  In fact, many schools have gone test optional for the 2020-2021 year.

     

     

     

     
    QCC/ECHS Webinar: Click HERE to view a video recording of our webinar explaining the Quinsigammond Community College and Grafton High School Early College High School/Dual Enrollment opporrtunities for the 2020-2021 school year.  Please reach out to Sharon Buckley, Director of School Counseling (buckleys@grafton.k12.ma.us) or Assistant Principal Kevin Carney (carneyk@grafton.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions or for more information.
     
     
     
     
    NEW! "APPLYING TO COLLEGE DURING A PANDEMIC" webinar sponsored by Worcester State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and St. Michael's College.
     
    COLLEGE PLANNING JUNIOR PARENT EVENING: Review this slidehow presentation on the general steps in the college planning process for your rising senior.  We encourage you to reach out to your student's school counselor with questions.  We look forward to working with you and your student this fall.
     
     
     
     
    A Message From Your School Counselors
     
    In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, information is changing daily.  Please check this web page for updated School Counseling information.  School Counselors are available to support students and families with specific questions and concerns through email or phone contact.  Counselor contact information is listed on the right side of this page. Together we will work through these unprecedented times.
     
      
     
    Mental Health Resources

    The School Counseling office acknowledges that feeling anxious and stressed in these rapidly changing times is normal. It is essential that you take care of yourselves and monitor your own physical and mental health. In the event of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.  Students and parents CLICK HERE to access social/emotional resources to support those who may be struggling.

     

    Parent Resources to support students in time of COVID

     

    Parent Webinars from Brookline Center/BRYT Network

     

    SAT, AP, ACT Updates

    • FREE SAT Prep Courses offered by GraftonSATprep.com.
    • SAT Fall Test Dates: August 29, September 26, October 3, November 7, December 5
    • Priority registration for the August, September, and October administrations is open now for students in the class of 2020 or 2021 who don't have an SAT score. Students who registered for the June SAT or Subject Tests, and didn't cancel, can transfer their registration now. Later this week, registration for the August, September and October test dates will be open for all students. If you are unable to find a seat in a test center near you, please check other dates. Colleges are rightfully being flexible with their testing requirements. Check college websites to get the most accurate information on their policies and deadlines. Get more information.
     
     

    College Information: Spring College Fairs, Campus Visits, and more

     

    UMASS AMHERST:  Recently released resources:

    Common Application Next year, on the 2020-2021 application, Common App will provide students who need it with a dedicated space to elaborate on the impact of the pandemic, both personally and academically. Click HERE to access the Common Application site to see the questions. 

     

    MA State School COVID-19 Webinar. (Published 4/24/20) Developed by our colleagues at Westborough High School, hear from a panel of admissions officers and administrators from the Massachusetts State College system as they answer questions and offer empathy to students and families navigating the college admissions process during COVID-19. 

     Webinar: College Admissions: Impact of the Coronavirus | NEASC Virtual Global Forum (Published on Apr 14, 2020)

    Presented in partnership with the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC)
    As school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic continue with no predictable end, the college admissions process is quickly adapting to the new virtual paradigm: expanded online recruiting, virtual campus tours and interviews, delays and cancellations in test reporting, virtual high school classes, and changes in grading and assessments are among the many challenges. Hear from a panel of college admissions professionals who will share their perspectives on how schools can help their students navigate the college search and application process during this uncertain time.

     Webinar: College Admissions & the Impact of COVID-19 - Westborough HS Admissions Webinar (Published 4/13/2020) Developed by our colleagues at Westborough High School, hear from a panel of five admissions officers and administrators as they answer questions and offer empathy to students and families navigating the college admissions process during COVID-19. 

     

    NAVIANCE virtual college visits This year GHS will be offering virtual college visits for our seniors.  Students should watch their Naviance accounts to register to participate in scheduled, individual college admission sessions.

     

    Many colleges are cancelling tours, open houses, and admitted student programs this spring. Please check EACH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL for any changes in programming. 

    The National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) has developed a tool that will serve as a gathering point for updates from colleges and universities about how they are adapting to the impact of the coronavirus. Many colleges are changing policies around school visits, deadlines for replying to offers and submitting enrollment deposits, and sharing other ways to get in contact. This site will be important for Juniors and Seniors.

    CLICK HERE to follow the NACAC website for real-time information about college fairs, visits, and more. 

     

      

    Remote Academic Enrichment Opportunities and Ideas

     

     

      

    Given the interruptions to education and opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and/or full academic experiences, students  might consider taking on some Remote Academic Enrichment Opportunities. These can be added to an academic resume and will demonstrate your commitment to continued learning. We encourage you to visit college websites for virtual programming as they are becoming innovative in finding ways to keep students connected with what are typical summer college experiences. Revisit this list as we will provide updates as we receive them.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
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