Career and College Readiness

There is no simple formula to find the right college or after high school plans for any person. There are many factors that determine what works best for you! The High School Counseling team is here to assist you in any way possible in planning a successful future.

Employment and the Workforce

There are many opportunities to go directly into the workforce and learn a skill or trade. In many cases employers will pay for additional training. Students are encouraged to work closely with their counselor to explore ALL career options, so that they will be prepared for a career that is both fulfilling and profitable throughout their lifetime.

The High School Counseling Team has a dedicated Workforce Readiness Coordinator, Ms. Ellie Lamison that can help. Visit the Career Center to learn more.

College and Post Secondary Education

If you are interested in pursuing post secondary educational opportunities, the Central York High School Counseling Team is here to help. There is no simple formula to find the right college for any person. Many factors are involved such as the academic program, campus environment, surrounding region, and the individual students interest.

Four Year Colleges and Universities provide students with many options as they work toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Spend time researching colleges to find out what they have to offer and what they're looking for in an applicant. Please note that some colleges require coursework beyond the CYHS minimum graduation requirements. Find colleges that match your interests by searching online and attending college fairs. It is also essential to check out college websites, attend their open houses, and meet with admissions representatives that visit our school each fall.

Two Year Community Colleges offer comprehensive programs in occupational, technical and semi-professional training, in addition to providing the first and second year courses for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college/university.

Technical/Trade Schools are designed to train students in specific trades (such as electricity, cosmetology, business, drafting or culinary arts). These programs usually take two years or less to complete and result in an Associate's Degree or certificate rather than a four-year college degree.

High School College Planning Timeline

Freshman Year

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can wait to "get serious" later! Your grades now really do matter!
If you need help with any of your classes, ask the teacher for help or sign up for tutoring! Click here for more information.
Choose classes that CHALLENGE and INTEREST you. If you can handle honors courses, take them! Click here to read more about what colleges want in an applicant.
Think about careers that might interest you. Click here for more guidance on career exploration.
If you plan to go to a four-year college after high school, start preparing for those big college entrance exams NOW! Check out sat.org and act.org for FREE test preparation tools.
Get involved! Join a club, play a sport, be part of the school play, take dance or karate classes, join your church youth group, volunteer (click here for volunteer opportunities).
Build a good reputation! Some day you'll be asking your teachers and coaches to serve as job references and to write letters of recommendation for you. Make sure you give them great things to say about you!
If you hope someday to be in the National Honor Society, check out their requirements NOW. Click here to go to the CYHS NHS website to learn what they want to see in a candidate. Once on their website, be sure to check out their Documents for Prospective-New Members!
If you are an athlete planning to participate in sports at college, meet with your school counselor to discuss NCAA eligibility requirements. Details can be found at the NCAA Eligibility Center website.

Sophomore Year

Make sure you are earning grades that you'll be proud of later!
If you're headed to college, make sure you are studying for the SAT and ACT.
Keep a list of the activities that you're doing (clubs, sports, music, volunteering). If your list is rather skimpy, get involved!
Choose your classes wisely, based on the careers you are interested in pursuing.
If you're hoping to be invited to the National Honor Society, make sure you're going to qualify.
Talk with your parents about how you will pay for college.
Start looking at your post-secondary options. If you're considering college, visit college fairs and meet with admissions representatives that come to Central.

Junior Year

September

Look out for information from the School Counseling Office about the upcoming junior test day! In October, all juniors will take EITHER the PSAT or the ASVAB. If you're going to a four-year college, you should definitely choose the PSAT. This is the ONLY time you can take the PSAT, but the ASVAB could be taken in the spring, so students considering college should DEFINITELY choose the PSAT for their October test! Students who are not interested in college can take the ASVAB to learn more about their abilities and interests as they plan for their future. Learn more about the PSAT here and about the ASVAB here.
Review your list of the clubs, activities, and volunteer hours you've accomplished. Become more involved if you feel like you should.

October

If you're college-bound, take the PSAT! If you're not considering college, take the ASVAB!

Continue to explore careers .

Attend college fairs and financial aid nights and sign up to visit with college admissions representatives who are visiting Central.

November/December

Earn strong grades! The junior year grades are EXTREMELY important to college admissions, military recruiters and employers.

Continue your research in potential colleges and careers.

If you're headed to college, start looking for scholarships. Learn more at our Financial Aid website.

If you took the PSAT, listen carefully to the guidance of your school counselor when you receive your results. Decide whether you will take the SAT or the ACT and step up your test preparation efforts! Get more information on our College Admissions Testing page.

January/February

Obtain a Social Security Number if you don't already have one. You will need it to apply for schools and for financial aid.

Meet with your school counselor to discuss your preliminary list of schools and whether these schools meets your needs and interests and whether you are considering colleges where you are likely to be admitted.

If you are heading to a four-year college, register and study for the spring SAT and/or ACT exams.

March/April

If you are heading to a four-year college, register and study for the May and June SAT and/or ACT exams.

Consider signing up to take the ASVAB to learn more about the careers that suit your abilities and interests, even if you're not interested in going into the military! This test is especially awesome for students who took the PSAT in the fall.

Request admission and financial aid information from the schools on your list.

Work with your school counselor to ensure that you will have a challenging senior year of courses. If you are a student athlete planning to participate in sports at college, also discuss NCAA eligibility requirements with your school counselor. Details can be found at the NCAA Eligibility Center website.

Schedule visits the schools on your list. Be sure to have your parent submit the absence in Skyward before you go and bring back a note from the college to verify your visit.

Start identifying teachers who are willing to write recommendation letters for you.

Begin preparing essays for college admissions and scholarship applications.

If you are heading to a four-year college, continue reviewing for the SAT or ACT. Take your test of choice a second time in June.

May

Take AP exams if appropriate.

Firm up your summer plans, including visits to other colleges on your list, internships, or summer jobs.

June - August

Continue contemplating careers & colleges. Visit the colleges on your list.

If you are heading to a four-year college, begin drafting the college admissions essays that you will need this fall.

Continue searching for scholarships and grants, using resources in the CYHS School Counseling Office and online.

Senior Year

September

Finalize your plans for after graduation. If you will be applying to college or other post-secondary schools, start applying NOW.

Consider visits, overnight stays, and interviews at your top school choices. Visit any schools on your list that you have not already seen.

If you are applying to four-year college, register for one last shot at the SAT or ACT if you aren't happy with your earlier scores. Be sure to take the SAT Subject tests if they are required by the schools you are considering.

Ask teachers, school counselors, and employers for letters of recommendation to include with your college and scholarship applications.

Be sure your senior schedule still includes challenging college preparatory courses.

Meet with admissions representatives who are visiting your school.

If you are a student athlete planning to participate in sports at college, register online with the NCAA Clearinghouse now. The NCAA determines final eligibility.

October/November

Submit your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov.

Submit applications to colleges and post-secondary schools. Use Parchment to request that your transcript is sent from Central to the schools to which you are applying.

Finalize drafts of your college essays, but only after numerous edits, rewrites and reviews by people you trust such as family members and teachers.

If you're considering a career in the military, take the ASVAB test. Sign up in the Counseling Office!

Attend college fairs and financial aid nights.

December

Stay focused on your grades ALL YEAR LONG. Even if you are accepted by your college of choice now, they can still rescind your acceptance if your senior year grades are not acceptable!
Apply for outside funding or scholarships.
Finish submitting college apps, if needed.

January/February

If you applied to colleges, their decision letters should begin arriving. Celebrate your acceptances, decide about your wait lists, and deal positively with your rejections.

Continue applying for scholarships.

March/April

Continue to work hard in your classes. Now is NOT the time to let your grades slide! Remember that the colleges that have accepted you can STILL rescind your acceptance if your senior year grades are not acceptable!

May/June

Make final commitments for your plans after graduation. If you're headed to college or post-secondary school, submit all necessary paperwork and make deposits.

Log on to www.parchment.com and order your final transcript to go to the college that you plan to attend. (Remember to change "Send Now" to "Hold for Grades" so that we'll know you want it sent after graduation.)

Congratulations on your graduation!

College Admission Testing

The majority of colleges in the United States require that students take either the SAT or the ACT test as a requirement for admissions decisions. These tests are used to assess a student's academic readiness for college material.

Below are descriptions of the typical admissions tests that a high school student should understand.

Test Prep

Preparing for the SAT and ACT

Students are encouraged to use the resources available to prepare themselves before taking the college entrance exams in grades 11 and 12.

Penn State York also offers preparation courses multiple times a year. For more information contact Penn State York's Continuing Education Office (717-771-4107 or http://york.psu.edu/community/youth/sat-prep) or stop in the Counseling Office to pick up their brochures. There have also been occasions that York College has offered prep courses, but information could not be found online about these offerings at the time of this post.

Students are strongly encouraged to use the preparation tools found on these websites (all of which should be FREE):

Please note that Central York offers an SAT Prep course during the school year (as a seminar, typically in both semesters) and as a summer camp. Information about seminar classes is distributed early each semester through the You Got It messages from administration. Summer camp information is typically available by May at https://centralyork.revtrak.net/summer-camps-high-school/.

SAT

The SAT takes approximately 3 hours (plus an optional 50-minute essay).

The SAT consists of Math and Evidenced Based Reading & Writing portions, both of which report a score out of 800 points.

The SAT is offered with writing or without writing. Students should research which version their prospective colleges prefer and register accordingly.

Students can find all test dates/locations and should register online at sat.collegeboard.org. Paper registration forms are also available in the Counseling Office.

When registering, students should enter Central York High School's code (395430), so that we will receive test results.

Students whose families are economically disadvantaged are encouraged to see their counselor about receiving a Fee Waiver to use instead of paying the registration fee for the SAT.

Major changes were made to the SAT in spring 2016. For details, visit deliveringopportunity.org and collegereadiness.collegeboard.org. For an outsider's perspective on the changes, visit http://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-changes. Another interesting article about the new SAT can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/education/edlife/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-sat.html?_r=1.

Students who receive testing accommodations in school due to their IEP or 504 plan can apply for similar accommodations on the PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. Learn more at these links:

PSAT/SAT - https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/for-students-with-disabilities
ACT - http://www.actstudent.org/regist/disab/

PSAT

The PSAT is recommended for all college-bound students to take in grade 11. Students in grade 10 may also register for the PSAT.

Students sign up for the PSAT in the Counseling Office in late September.

The PSAT is given in mid-October at CYHS and students receive their results (and a detailed explanation) from their counselor, usually in December.

The PSAT is formatted like the SAT. For more details, go to collegereadiness.collegeboard.org.

Students who receive testing accommodations in school due to their IEP or 504 plan can apply for similar accommodations on the PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. Learn more at these links:

PSAT/SAT - https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/for-students-with-disabilities
ACT - http://www.actstudent.org/regist/disab/

ACT

The ACT is a college admissions test that can be taken instead of -- or in addition to -- the SAT. Colleges do NOT have a preference for the SAT or the ACT. Either test is just fine for college admissions.

Students can find all test dates/locations and should register online at actstudent .org. Paper registration forms are also available in the Counseling Office.

When registering, students should enter Central York High School's code (395430), so that we will receive test results.

The ACT is offered with writing or without writing. Students should research which version their prospective colleges prefer and register accordingly.

Students whose families are economically disadvantaged are encouraged to see their counselor about receiving a Fee Waiver to use instead of paying the registration fee for the ACT.

Students who receive testing accommodations in school due to their IEP or 504 plan can apply for similar accommodations on the PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. Learn more at these links:

PSAT/SAT - https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/for-students-with-disabilities
ACT - http://www.actstudent.org/regist/disab/

Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid

Go to studentaid.ed.gov to complete the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Student and parent complete the FASFA together. Submit the FASFA as soon as possible after October 1 each year.

State Financial Aid

Immediately after completing the FAFSA, go to www.pheaa.org to apply for Pennsylvania State Grants.

Institutional Financial Aid

The college/school also may provide scholarships and grants. Contact your schools' Financial Aid Offices to find out about their specific scholarships and procedures. Some colleges will also ask students to submit a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to apply for scholarships. Students should read every communication from the schools where they apply to be sure that they are following all necessary procedures!

Private Scholarships

Many companies and civic organizations offer scholarships to individuals based on a variety of qualifying factors. It does take extra time and effort for students to find these scholarships and complete the applications, but all of this effort usually DOES PAY OFF for students!

The CYHS School Counseling Office maintains a list of some of these scholarships, but many others exist. To view the list we maintain, click here: CYHS Scholarship List. This list is updated frequently, so students are encouraged to check the list regularly for newly added scholarships. Be sure to pay close attention to the deadlines listed. If letters of recommendation or transcripts are needed for a scholarship application, students should submit this scholarship to the School Counseling Office for processing several days before the deadline.

Finding Your School

Finding the college that is best for you can be a long and cumbersome process. Don't get discouraged! It is worth it to take your time and look at many schools so that you can discover what it is that you're really looking to find.

Attend college fairs and meet with admissions representatives who come to Central York

The admissions representatives from colleges are eager to tell you about their school, so ask what you want to know! Please note: The people who you meet at these fairs and even in the guidance conference room at Central York are typically the same people who will read your application and may even be the one who makes the decision about whether you are accepted or denied admission! Make sure you make a good impression every time you see an admissions representative!

Research Colleges Online

The websites below are filled with useful descriptions and statistics about THOUSANDS of colleges in the United States and beyond. Some of these websites also include rankings of "best" colleges for a variety of criteria. We encourage you to look beyond just those "top" colleges to determine which college is best for you.

Resources:

Visit Several Colleges

Visiting a campus is truly the best way to know if the school is a place where you will feel comfortable living and learning! Before you go, check out this information and also read this article. And here's one more article that could be helpful.

What's right for you

Not sure which factors to consider? This article gives some good tips about where to start.

Trust your instincts

If your "gut" is telling you that you'll be happiest at a school that no one else seems to be talking about, trust yourself! This is YOUR future and you need to find the college where you will be truly comfortable and can grow into the adult you're meant to be!

How To Apply For College

Most students submit their college applications online through the college's website. It is very important that students read the directions for this process carefully. Students should also frequently check their email after applying, as colleges frequently communicate with applicants through email.

Some colleges also accept what is called the Common Application. The Common App allows students to complete their basic personal information just one time and submit it to multiple colleges.
Many colleges require application fees when a student applies for admission. If you received a Fee Waiver from the Counseling Office when you took the SAT or ACT, see your counselor to find out if you can also have your college application fees waived!
Colleges and post-secondary schools will ask you to send them your official high school transcript. Central York High School students and graduates must register with Parchment to have their transcripts sent. Students must also have a pink Consent to Release Transcript form on file in the guidance office before transcripts can be sent

Please Note:

Students who apply to Penn State do NOT need to use Parchment to request that their transcript is sent to PSU. This is done by the CYHS Counseling Office automatically through Penn State's Web Counselor System.
Students who use the Common App to apply to multiple colleges should NOT order their transcripts to be sent to each of those colleges through Parchment. INSTEAD, these students should order their transcript to be sent to the Common App, which will ensure that it goes to all of those colleges.

Letters of Reccomendation

Many colleges require letters of recommendation when students apply. Students should seek these letters from adults who know them well, such as teachers, coaches, and club sponsors. Students should ask these teachers if they will write letters AT LEAST THREE WEEKS before they need the letters completed. It is recommended that students give these adults the purple Request for Recommendation form that is found in the Counseling Office. It is also often helpful if the student gives these adults a listing of their activities while in high school, which they can list on the Student Resume form that is also found in the Counseling Office. If the student wants the Counseling Office to send letters of recommendation to colleges along with their transcript, the student should give these letters to the Counseling Office AT LEAST 5 DAYS before requesting their transcript in Parchment. An orange Request to Send Letter of Recommendation form should be used for this process.

Essays

Very often, colleges will ask students to write one or more essays to submit with their application. Students should make sure that they have several people read over their essays and make suggestions. Parents, teachers, and counselors are often very willing to help with this! (For ideas when writing the essay, see the ideas on this page: http://hs.cysd.k12.pa.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3162042&pageId=3908803)

In some circumstances, writing an excellent college admissions essay could make all of the difference between acceptance and disappointment.

According to The Princeton Review's Cracking College Admissions, "Admissions officers think of your essay as a little window into your personality. They also see it as evidence of how well you write, which is something they care about a great deal" (page 135).

For ideas and pointers about writing your admissions essays, check out these websites:

Common Black College Application

Finally, did you know that there is now a "Common Black College Application"? This application allows students to apply to 35 HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) at the same time for only $35. Interested students should learn more at www.eduinconline.com.

Factors in the Admission Process

College admissions representatives make tough decisions as they decide which students to accept into their freshman class each year. Here are a few things that they are generally looking for in an applicant:

A transcript filled with challenging classes. Specific courses desired are:
- English - 4 years
- Mathematics - 3 or 4 years (including Algebra I, Geometry, Alg II)
- Foreign Language - 2 or more years (3 or more is desirable)
- Laboratory Science - 3 or more years (including Biology and Chemistry)
- Social Science - 2 or more years (including American, Global, Government)
- Electives - 3 or more additional academic course from the five course areas above
- Other courses, such as music, art, business and computer are valuable supplements to the courses previously listed, but shouldn't be chosen instead of college preparatory courses.
- Honors, Advanced Placement, and college courses - These courses demonstrate your ability to handle advanced work. Taking these indicates your willingness to accept a challenge. Selective admissions committees take special note of students with at least one advanced placement course on their transcript. This does not mean that you must take advanced placement courses to be admitted to a selective college.
Fabulous grades. Your hard work will show in your cumulative GPA and class rank. If youwould like to see what your transcript looks like, see your school counselor.
High scores on college admissions tests (either the SAT or ACT or both).
Involvement in activities. They are interested in what you've done with your time: clubs, honor societies, competitions, sports, music, jobs, volunteer work. Not sure where to start? Sign up for a club at school! Take part in a summer program! Your involvement matters.
Excellent personality and character. The true character of who you are will show through your terrific admissions essay, your dynamic interview, and the inspiring letters of recommendation that your teachers and coaches will write as they think about the reputation you have built in your high school years.

Whether you're shaking hands at a College Fair, meeting with an admissions rep in the high school guidance office, or having a formal admissions interview on campus, it's important to show the best of who you are.

Transcript Requests

Central York School District utilizes Parchment for all transcript requests.

Student, parents, and alumni can use Parchment, the leader in eTranscript exchange, to send high school transcripts electronically, securely and confidentially, all with real-time tracking.

Directions for using www.parchment.com can be found at tinyurl.com/cyhsparchment.

The current Central York High School profile can be found at tinyurl.com/cyhsschoolprofile.

PA Student Aid Guide

First page of the PDF file: student-aid-guide

Other Scholarship and College Resources

Military Careers

In each branch of the military, there are enlisted personnel and officers.

Generally speaking, those who are enlisted begin in the military after receiving their high school diploma but without any college degrees. To become an enlisted service member, an individual works with a recruiter for their branch of the military to review their options and make decisions about their future career. To become an officer in any branch the military, one must have a college degree.

Military Officer Paths

become an officer in any branch the military, one must have a college degree. There are four typical paths a person can take to become an officer in their branch of the military:

Attend a service academy after high school.
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point, New York)
- U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland)
- U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
- U.S Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York)
Attend a college or university and participate fully in their Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.
Enlist in the military, earn a college degree (which can often be paid for by the U.S. Government through the Montgomery G.I. Bill), and attend Officer Candidate School (or Officer Training School).
Seek a "direct commission" based on having specialized skills (and degrees) that fulfill a direct military need, such as: law, science, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, engineering, public affairs, or ministry.

ASVAB Testing

The ASVAB is a multiple choice test used by all branches of the United States to determine job qualification of new service members.

It is also an excellent test to help ALL students to learn about careers that suit their abilities and interests, even if they are not interested in going into the military.

Students who take the ASVAB are asked to indicate whether they want to be contacted by military recruiters or not, so there will NOT be uninvited contact from military recruiters due to ASVAB testing.

The ASVAB consists of 9 parts:

Word Knowledge (WK)
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Automotive and Shop Information (AS)
Electronics Information (EI)
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
General Science (GS)
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Assembling Objects (AO)

The ASVAB can be taken by 10th, 11th and 12th grade students (at no cost) each fall and spring at Central York High School. Interested students should sign up in the School Counseling Office.

Students are encouraged to prepare for the ASVAB by using print materials available in the School Counseling Office and using free test preparation resources found at the following sites:

R.O.T.C. In Colllege

ROTC Programs are at over 1000 colleges and universities to prepare individuals to be officers in the military. For more information, please try these links:

General information about these programs can also be found at www.ROTC.com.

Admission to a Service Academy

Whether you are hoping to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, admissions is quite challenging and a bit different from the typical college admissions process.

We've compiled some resources here that we hope you will find helpful. This can be very overwhelming, so we encourage you to start early and keep in close contact with your counselor about this process.

Helpful Resources:

US Military Academies Overview

Congressional Nomination

U.S. Military Branches

U.S. Army

U.S. Navy

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Space Force

Volunteer Work

While these opportunities may not be well known, they provide a great opportunity for students who want to make a difference before setting off on their career. National programs worth checking out include Americorps and Student Conservation Association.

Volunteer Resources

High School Volunteer Opportunities

Student Opportunities