HCS College Counseling News

Mark your calendars for the College Crash Course for Seniors!

College Night for Seniors & Parents

College Application Tips

Applications open on August 1, 2026

Transcript requests for colleges can be made when school starts - you don’t need this before then.

We use an app called SCOIR on your school computer for transcript requests.

In-state public colleges and universities - you will apply directly through the college’s website (NOT Common App - this will save you time and keep you from completing unnecessary essays, etc.)

For private/out-of-state colleges, you will likely use Common App.

Application Types:
- Early Action - Non-binding; earlier deadline (great option)
- Early Decision - BINDING; only can apply ED to one school
- Regular Decision - Most applications; typically winter deadlines

Local Scholarship List for 12th

Local scholarships opportunities will be published for students as they are received from businesses and organizations in the community. Generally, local scholarship opportunities are limited to 12th grade students. Scholarships are also shared to students through their Class of 2027 Canvas group once students return to school.

While no scholarships are posted currently, numerous scholarships will be posted throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

View State and Local Scholarship tabs of the College Counseling website: http://huntsvillecityschools.org/college

Click for Local Scholarship List

ACT & SAT Testing Dates for 12th

We recommend that 12th students take the September or October ACT if they are still working to increase their score. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch can use up to 2 fee waivers for the ACT. Fee waivers can be obtained from 12th grade counselor when school begins.

Click for ACT Sign-Up

Transcript Requests - Open for requests starting August 1st

All transcript requests for colleges will be made through Scoir AFTER August 1st. See infographic below for detailed instructions. Students will be able to access Scoir on their school-issued devices when school begins, and we will teach students how to make the transcript requests.

College applications for College Term - Fall 2027 will open on August 1, 2026.

Step 1: Complete Application

Step 2: Request Transcript

Step 3: Sent ACT Scores through myact.org (if needed)

Please DO NOT request your transcript until AFTER you have applied to the college. If you do this in the wrong order, colleges will not have an application to match with your transcript and will discard it.

Stay connected!

Additional opportunities for parents to stay connected senior year:

Monthly Parent Outreach meetings on college specific topics (In-Person & Zoom)
Local Scholarship list - Updated regularly and posted on each school's Senior Schoology Group for students, posted on website.
Parent Q&A Zooms twice monthly (Drop-in with any college related questions)
College Counseling Newsletters with upcoming events and college news
Have your student "invite parent" in student Scoir app with parent's current email (College search/transcript request app - Scoir is located in each student's Clever)