Guidance Dept September Newsletter
Meet Caitlin Gilligan, Natick High School’s New School Counseling Administrator
My name is Caitlin Gilligan, and I am honored to join the Natick High School community as your new School Counseling Administrator. As I begin my 23rd year in education, I bring a background that spans roles from school counselor to district leadership, most recently serving as the Executive Director of School Counseling for Boston Public Schools. I am thrilled to partner with such a dedicated team, all of whom are deeply committed to supporting your student’s academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being. My priority is to ensure that every student at NHS feels supported, empowered, and fully prepared to thrive in their unique journey beyond high school. I look forward to the year ahead and welcome the opportunity to get to know many of you.
Registration is Open for NACAC's Virtual Fair!
You and your students are invited to the Sunday, September 20, 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 2026 NACAC Virtual College Fair - September
The virtual fair provides a wonderful chance to connect with hundreds of colleges and universities, all from the comfort of your home. Plus, it is 100 percent free.
TEC's College Fairs
Taking the next steps toward your future can be thrilling; deciding “what you want to do when you leave high school” can be overwhelming. We are here to help you find the right answers to some of your educational questions.
Every fall and spring TEC coordinates a regional College Fair. We bring together a large selection of colleges and universities from around the country to showcase their program offerings to hundreds of potential college applicants. This allows you to interact with college representatives who can help you make future decisions. You will have direct access to college representatives while exploring the many options available. It is a great way to kick off your college search or "visit" your targeted schools before traveling to their campus.
We encourage students to attend and speak to representatives and gather information before taking the next step.
Fall 2026 College Fair
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
6:00-8:00 p.m. at Waltham High School
554 Lexington St, Waltham, MA 02452
View the list of attending colleges, universities, and other resource organizations from our Spring 2026 College Fair:
Do You Need A Locker?
If you would like a locker for the 2026-2027 school year please complete this form (using your school issued email) and submit this form. A locker will be assigned to you and will show up in your PowerSchool account along with the combination under "Locker Information".
Welcome to Natick High, Class of 2030!!! We hope our new ninth graders enjoyed our Orientation program, and meeting their junior and senior Mentors who will continue to meet with them in school during their Mentorship Common Directed Study block. All ninth graders will have Mentorship CDS in their schedules, including those who were not able to attend Orientation.
We’re very excited to get to know each of our new freshmen individually. Students with schedule questions should meet with their counselors as soon as possible, and all freshmen are encouraged to come by their counselor’s office to say hello!
Welcome back Sophomores. We hope you had a wonderful summer. As a reminder, you have 10 school days to make any changes to your electives. Schedule time with your counselors to work on your scheduling needs.
PSAT
Dear Sophomores & Families,
Natick High School will host the PSAT exam on Saturday, October 17th at 7:30 AM at Natick High School. Registration for the PSAT is now open. The PSAT is geared toward juniors for scholarship purposes, however, sophomores who would like to take the College Board’s PSAT may do so for the cost of $35.00.
Test Day Details:
PSAT Saturday, October 17th
7:30 AM to approximately 10:30 AM
NATICK HIGH SCHOOL
If you wish to take this test, you must complete sign up using this form: PSAT Registration and bring $35 in cash or a check made out to NHS Testing to the guidance office attn: Ms. Slattery or Ms. White by Wednesday September 16th - 2:30 PM. No late registrations will be accepted.
Information about the PSAT can be found at college board: PSAT College Board
There are no make-up dates for this test since it is a practice test.
Keep in mind that all current Sophomores will have the opportunity to take the PSAT in the fall of their Junior year.
Most college planning occurs during the junior year. Juniors will be scheduled for Guidance Seminar during term 3 of the second semester. Seminars will have a strong focus on the college planning process. We will cover topics such as standardized testing, building a college list, reviewing factors considered in the admission process, the Naviance program, and teacher recommendations, to name a few.
While every year is important, the junior year is the most recent reflection of a student’s academic work when they are applying to college. It’s never too late to get focused and start demonstrating marked improvement. Students must choose a rigorous program of studies. Our mantra in Guidance is we want you to feel “Challenged but not Overwhelmed.” The best preparation for college is the day-to-day work of high school.
In addition, colleges seek students who are active members of their communities. They value strong character, leadership, and service. They look for a well-rounded, holistic application and students who display authenticity.
PSAT
Mark your calendars!
Test Day Details:
PSAT Testing
Saturday October 17th 2026
7:30 AM to approximately 10:15/10:30 AM
NATICK HIGH SCHOOL
For the 2026 school year, Natick High School will offer the PSAT test on Saturday, October 17th, 2026. The district will continue to offer this test to juniors at no charge. Junior students are automatically registered for the test and will receive the Student Guide with Practice Test in their English class. More information regarding details, timing, and what to bring will be sent directly to students and in Friday e-blasts in the weeks ahead.
Below are a few resources for you:
GUIDANCE SEMINAR: Seniors will be meeting with their counselors in Guidance Seminars throughout term 1. We will review topics such as the senior college calendar, admissions testing, the Common Application, how to request a transcript, teacher recommendations, and essay writing. Any student with early application deadlines should schedule an appointment to see their Guidance Counselors before the end of September. Students are asked to submit their first transcript request at least four weeks prior to their earliest deadline date.
***Please note that students with a January 1, 2027 deadline, must submit their transcript request to Guidance by November 25, 2026 to ensure timely submission of their college materials.
SENIOR PARENT PER-RECORDED PROGRAM:
Counselors will be releasing a pre-recorded virtual program for senior parents on September 18, 2026. We will be reviewing the college planning process and provide a summary of the material taught to your students in Guidance Seminar this term.
COLLEGE VISITATION:We encourage students to continue to visit colleges throughout the fall. For students electing to utilize this opportunity, the Campus Visit Form must be completed and submitted to the front office. Students have up to 2 excused absences per semester with a completed Campus Visit Form. Prior to your visit, print the Campus Visit Form to get signed/stamped by the college for an excused absence.
Registration deadlines for the October SAT and ACT are fast approaching. Students must register at www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org. Students are responsible for sending their standardized test scores through their College Board and/or ACT account.
September 12th SAT: 8/28 registration deadline (9/1 late registration)
September 19th ACT: 8/14 registration deadline (9/1 late registration)
October 3rd SAT: 9/18 registration deadline (9/22 late registration)
October 17th ACT: 9/11 registration deadline (9/29 late registration)
November 7th SAT: 10/23 registration deadline (10/27 late registration)
Students who wish to take the exams at NHS are advised to register ASAP as we do fill up as a test site.
WELCOM TO THE CAREER READINESS CENTER!
Hi, I’m Mrs. O’Leary, and I’m so excited to be here! The Career Readiness Center, located in Room 100H in the Main Office, is a place where you can explore your interests, discover career possibilities and plan what comes after high school.
Not sure what you want to do yet? That’s completely okay—that’s what the Career Readiness Center is here for! Whether you are considering college, career training, a trade school, the military, a gap year or entering the workforce, I can help you explore your options and find the pathway that fits you best.
Stay connected through the Career Pathways Newsletter and the Career Readiness Website.
How the Career Readiness Center Can Help
Explore careers that match your interests and strengths
Compare different education, training, and career pathways
Find job, internship, and community service opportunities
Get help completing job applications
Create or improve your résumé
Practice interviewing and professional communication
Participate in the Work Study Program
Learn about dual-enrollment opportunities at local colleges
Community Service
All NHS students must complete 30 hours of community service to graduate. Visit the Community Service Website to find opportunities and print the form required to receive credit.
Jobs and Internships
Looking for a job or career-related experience? New opportunities will be added to the Student Employment Opportunity Database as they become available. You can also stop by the Career Readiness Center for help finding opportunities, completing applications or preparing for an interview.
Work Study
The Work Study Program allows juniors and seniors to earn school credit through a job, internship, or other approved career-related experience. All current Work Study students will meet with Mrs. O’Leary in September to review the program expectations.
Stop by Room 100H and say hello—even if you have no idea what you want to do yet. We can figure it out together!