College & Career

At the beginning of high school, each student is assigned a School Counselor who will support them throughout their high school journey. During the first two years, programming focuses on personal awareness and self-discovery, helping students to start identifying their goals and aspirations for life after high school. Students will also have the opportunity to take the PSAT in October, gaining exposure to standardized tests used in college admissions. 

Freshman year is an exciting time of transition, where students adjust to new academic expectations, more challenging classes, and a broader range of activities and opportunities. At this stage, the primary focus should be on excelling in high school, not on college. Striving for success in your coursework and doing your best in every subject is the most important goal. Additionally, this is the perfect time to begin getting involved in co-curricular clubs, organizations, and sports teams. Look for meaningful ways to spend your free time, whether at school or off-campus.

Our advice to freshmen: dedicate yourself to your classes, your school, and your community. Challenge yourself to get involved. By doing so, you’ll make the most of the opportunities available to you, have a fulfilling high school experience, and set a strong foundation for life beyond UHS.

First Semester 

• Develop strong study habits from the very first day of school and strive to reach your full potential. The better you perform academically, the more opportunities you create for yourself. Keep in mind that your grades in 9th grade are part of your final high school GPA and play a significant role in college admissions and scholarship eligibility.
• Ensure your classes are appropriately challenging. If you find a course too difficult or too easy, schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss adjustments.
• Get involved! Join extracurricular activities both in and outside of school to broaden your experiences and interests.
• Take the time to meet new classmates, teachers, and administrators to expand your support network. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it!
• And most importantly, read—read as much as you can!

Second Semester

• Maintain strong study habits and consistently put forth your best effort.

• Stay actively involved in extracurricular activities that interest you.
• Meet with your counselor to choose appropriately challenging courses for 10th grade. Take time to reflect on your interests and consider potential career paths.
• Take the Spring PSAT—remember, it’s just a practice test, so don’t worry about it!
• Explore summer opportunities such as enrichment programs, internships, or activities that align with your interests. Choose something meaningful and enjoyable, but also make sure to carve out time to relax and recharge.

First Semester 

• Practice strong study habits from the first day of school. The better you do in school, the more options you create for yourself.
• Get involved! Explore areas of interest. Participate in school and/or community activities, volunteer, get a job, or pursue a hobby. Consider exploring activities related to your career and academic interests. Work towards leadership positions in the things you most enjoy. Remember - sustained involvement and demonstrated leadership in a few things you care about is more beneficial than light involvement in many things.
• Read, read, and read!
• Start thinking about the type of higher education you desire and what you might want to study: trade schools, liberal arts colleges, private research universities, state universities, junior college, service academies, ROTC, business schools, arts schools, music conservatories, etc...
• Begin talking with your family about what they can afford and how you might pay for college.
• Athletes, begin learning about student athlete requirements and the recruiting process by visiting the NCAA Eligibility Center. 
• If applicable, register for AP exams.

Second Semester 

• Continue exhibiting strong study habits and keep your grades up.
• Continue to stay involved.
• Meet with your counselor to discuss your long term goals and map out your junior year courses. Look at the UHS curriculum to see what classes may help you in your career decision making.
• Attend Navigating College Admissions Testing Night.
• Take the Spring PSAT/NMSQT. This test provides valuable feedback through the Student Score Report that you can use to help you improve your scores.
• Attend a virtual or local college fair. A listing of college fairs and sign up instructions can be found on the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) website.
• Read e-mails you receive from colleges; you may see something you like.
• If applicable, take AP Exams.
• Make summer plans. Do something meaningful! Get a job, volunteer, job shadow, or pursue a summer program.

Summer

• Spend your summer mindfully!
• If applicable, register and prepare for the SAT/ACT.
• Check out a few college campuses. There are many campuses within a short driving distance of Unionville. Even if you do not know what you want, it can be very helpful to see different types of schools (size, location, setting, etc.). This will help you gain a better understanding of what you want in a campus.
• Track your accomplishments. Maintain a list of any honors and your extra-curricular involvements.
• Reset, recharge, and enjoy your break!

In their junior year, students begin more individualized planning with their School Counselor. They are invited to participate in the following:

• College admissions representative visits at Unionville High School (Fall), offering a chance to learn about schools of interest.
• The fall PSAT, providing a final practice opportunity and entry into the PSAT/NMSQT scholarship competition.
• A winter presentation covering key aspects of post-secondary planning and the college search process.
• An individual planning meeting with their counselor (Spring) to discuss personal goals and strategies for college or career pathways.
• A small group seminar with the Career and College Counselor (Spring), which covers the details of the college application process and helps college-bound students prepare to work on their applications over the summer.
• Topic-specific Lunch & Learn sessions focused on individual components of the career and college process.

First Semester 

• Practice strong study habits from the first day of school. Junior year is the last chance to improve your GPA before submitting college applications. Colleges like to see an upward trend.
• Begin talking with parents/guardians/advisors about post high school plans. Start exploring post-secondary options.
• Have conversations about what your family can afford and how you might pay for college.
• Check Naviance for colleges visiting UHS. Be sure to register in advance. College visits are an easy way to learn about schools and a great way to demonstrate interest!
• Attend a local or virtual college fair. A listing of college fairs and sign up instructions can be found on the NACAC website.
• Plan college visits when you are ready. Be sure to schedule tours through through the university admissions office by registering for visits on the college’s admissions page.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October.
• Use your PSAT results to create a testing plan and a preparation plan, if needed. 
• Register for an SAT or an ACT.
• Attend Financial Aid Evening.
• If applicable, register for AP exams.
• Reflect on your activities and involvements; make changes as needed. Stay involved.
• Prospective athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Second Semester 

• Attend Junior College Evening.
• Continue your career and college search using Naviance and other resources.
• Continue to attend college fairs and visit colleges when possible. Be sure to schedule tours through through the university admissions office by registering for visits on the college’s admissions page.
• Schedule a post-high school planning meeting with your counselor. Review your senior year course selection.
• Begin crafting a list of potential colleges and add them to Naviance under “Colleges I’m Thinking About.”
• Attend Navigating College Admissions Testing Night.
• Speak to two junior year teachers to request letters of recommendation starting around mid-March. Pick teachers who really know you well! This may, or may not, be the classes where you earned the best grade.
• Continue to prepare for, register for, and take the SAT and/or ACT.
• Begin writing your college essay in your English class (May).
• Complete your School Counselor Recommendation Request Form by June 1.
• Complete your Teacher Recommendation Form by June 1.
• Parents, complete the Parent Information Form by June 1.
• Create a Common Application account.
• If applicable, take AP Exams.
• Continue to stay involved in your activities.
• Make summer plans. Do something meaningful! Get a job, volunteer, job shadow, or pursue a summer program.
• Prospective athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Finish the year STRONG!

Summer 

• Visit colleges, take tours, and schedule interviews as needed and when possible. Continue to narrow and refine your list. Prioritize applications by deadlines. If you interview, make sure to send a thank-you note.

• Refine your college essay with the goal of being done before school resumes in the fall.
• After August 1, begin drafting supplemental essays with the goal of returning to school with solid drafts.
• After August 1, complete your Common Application and the STARS if applicable.
• Compile your resume, audition portfolio, or other items you may need for applications or scholarships.
• Create your FSA ID for your FAFSA application (available October 1).
• If you are planning on additional testing (SAT or ACT) in senior year, sign up for an August/September/October test date.
• Spend your summer mindfully! Get a job, volunteer, job shadow, intern, or participate in a summer program. 

Twelfth graders receive individualized support throughout their senior year to ensure they have a post-graduation plan tailored to their unique goals and needs. Seniors are invited to participate in the following:

• Individual Senior Meetings with their School Counselor
• Senior Seminars with the Career & College Counselor
• Daily Drop-In Sessions with the Career & College Counselor for assistance with applications
• Financial Aid Evening for students and parents to discuss financial planning
• Topic-specific Lunch & Learn sessions focused on individual components of the career and college process.

September-January

• Attend a senior seminar.
• Schedule a senior meeting with your counselor.
• Review your transcript for accuracy.
• Request two teacher recommendation letters in Naviance.
• Submit a transcript and teacher recommendation release form to your counselor for every college you plan to apply to, at least two weeks days prior to the college application deadline.
• Complete and submit college applications prior to deadlines. Rolling schools should be submitted as early as possible once the school year starts. ED, EA, and Priority applications should be prioritized before RD applications.
• If needed, complete the Self Reported Transcript and Academic Record System, STARS.
• If needed, register for the SAT or ACT.
• If needed, send official score reports to colleges on your list through College Board and/or ACT.
• Check “What’s New” in Naviance to see what colleges are visiting UHS this fall. Register for visits.
• Attend Financial Aid Evening.
• Register for a FSA ID so you may file the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need one ID for the student and a second ID for parent.
• After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary. It includes your Student Aid Index (SAI), a number that colleges use to determine how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive. Make sure to review your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully.
• After submitting your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it for accuracy. Read and follow all directions.
• If interested, search for scholarships.
• If planning to play D1 or D2 sports, register with the NCAA clearinghouse.
• If applicable, register for AP exams.
• Keep up with your classes. Many colleges will want to see quarter reports or mid-semester grades. Make them your best yet!

January-April

• Complete any regular decision applications that have not been submitted yet.
• Check the college portals of schools you have applied to to make sure your application materials are complete. If anything is missing, contact your colleges to check on the status of your applications.
• Send mid-year grades to colleges that require them.
• If you have not done so, submit the FAFSA and CSS profile, if required. Many colleges have a February 15 deadline.
• If interested, continue to search for scholarships.
• Avoid senioritis. Acceptances are conditional, and colleges will evaluate your final transcript.

April-June

• Keep track of outcomes: acceptances, denials, and waitlists. Update Naviance with all college outcomes and your attending college.
• Compare the financial aid packages from the colleges and universities where you have been accepted.
• Let colleges know if you are going to accept their offer of admission by May 1, and submit your deposit.
• If needed, submit housing deposits/reservations.
• Write thank you letters to those people who wrote letters of recommendations for you, to any organizations that have awarded you scholarships, and anyone else who has supported you through your journey.
• If applicable, take AP exams. Remember to send qualifying scores to your attending college in the summer.
• Keep your grades up! Acceptances are conditional, and colleges will evaluate your final transcript.
• Graduate. Congratulations, you made it!

Financial Aid Evening

Monday, September 14, 6-7:30 p.m., UHS LGI

Financial Aid Evening is open to all families, but targeted to seniors as the content focuses on filing for financial aid.

College Application Night

Wednesday, September 23, 6-8 p.m., UHS LGI

College Application Night is open to all senior parents/guardians. Meet with Mrs. Davis to review Fall application tasks, timelines, and how to support your student.

Junior College Night

Thursday, October 22, 6-8 p.m., UHS LGI

Junior college night is targeted to junior students who are considering applying to college and their parents/guardians. We will be joined by a panel of college representatives from a variety of schools. The evening’s focus will be:

• What colleges are looking for how to stand out,
• Finding the right fit and building a strong list,
• Making the most of college visits, and 
• The role of the student and role of the parent. 

Navigating College Admissions Testing

Tuesday, November 17, 6-7:30 p.m., UHS LGI

Navigating College Admissions Testing is intended for sophomore and junior students and their parents/guardians. We will be joined by Matty Steiner from the Compass Education Group. The evening will focus on:

• College admissions and the modern testing dilemma,
• Latest developments in SAT/ACT digital transitions,
• Choosing wisely between tests and formats,
• Crafting a personalized testing and prep timeline,
• When to submit scores in a test-optional era, and 
• Test prep strategies, including cost, format, schedule, and realistic goals.

Sophomore Springboard

Wednesday, March 17, 6-7:30 p.m., UHS LGI

A new event for 10th-grade students and their parents/guardians focusing on early college and career planning, academic choices, extracurricular engagement, and how to begin thinking about post-secondary pathways.

• Financial Aid Overview
• Financial Aid Glossary of Terms
• Scholarship Information
• Senior Awards Night Application Scholarships

Transcript and Recommendation Release Form (For College Only): 

• Mrs. Miller
• Mr. Howard
• Mrs. Lennox
• Mrs. Albrand
• Mrs. Elfreth
• Mrs. Spiegel

Request to Submit Mid-Year Grades

2026 Q1 Grade Request

Counselor Request For Recommendation Form

Teacher Request For Recommendation Form

Parent Information Sheet

Current Student Transcript/Recommendation Request Form 
(For summer programs and scholarships, not for college)

Alumni Transcript Request Form

Naviance

Naviance is an online college and career planning resource used by the School Counseling Department to help students develop their post-high school plans. It offers extensive tools and information on both career exploration and college planning:

• Career Exploration: With access to a comprehensive career database, students can research specific fields, gaining insights into day-to-day responsibilities, required education, and expected salary ranges. They can also complete career and personality assessments to find career options that align with their interests and strengths.
• College Search: Naviance provides a database of over 5,000 colleges and universities, allowing students to review admissions statistics, application requirements, and offerings at each school. This enables students to build a college list that matches their academic profile and aligns with their goals.
• College Application Support: Counselors use Naviance to electronically send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other school related documents to colleges, streamlining the application process and minimizing the need for paper mailings. 

Students can log into Naviance using a Clever one-click log-in on their district issued device.

Getting Started...

If you have a documented learning disability or medical condition that required accommodations through an IEP or 504 plan in high school, you may be eligible for accommodations in college.

It’s important to remember that colleges provide reasonable accommodations, which may not be as extensive as the accommodations you received in high school. By taking the time to research the student services available at each college you are considering, you can make sure you choose a school that aligns with your needs and supports a successful transition from high school to college. The links below will provide you further information.

• Types of Support Services
• Questions to Ask
• I’ve Been Accepted, Now What?
• Resources

• SAT
• ACT
• SAT vs ACT
• Test Optional
• PSATs
• Other Testing
• Testing Accommodations
• Test Prep Resources

Any student considering playing a sport at the Division 1 or Division 2 level must meet specific NCAA eligibility requirements to compete. These include completing a required number of core courses throughout high school and maintaining a minimum GPA. Detailed information about these requirements is available on the NCAA Eligibility
website.

The first step is for students to create an account on the NCAA Eligibility website, ideally by the end of their junior year. After creating their account, students should email their counselor to inform them, so the counselor can request that the student’s transcript be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Upon graduation, the School Counseling Office will automatically submit a final transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center for any student who has registered with the NCAA. No additional request is necessary.

If any student-athlete has questions about eligibility, they should schedule a meeting with their school counselor.

To learn more or create an account, go to the NCAA Eligibility Center.