College & Career Center Newsletter

• English: On a computer/laptop, click "Translate" in the black box. On a mobile phone/tablet click the Accessibility Icon at the bottom of your phone screen and then click 'translate'.
• Español: Desde una computadora o portátil (laptop), haga clic en "Translate" en el cuadro negro. Desde un teléfono celular o tableta, haga clic en el icono “Accessibility” en la parte inferior de la pantalla y luego haga clic en “Translate”.
• Português: Em um computador/laptop, clique "Translate" na caixa preta. Em um celular/tablet, clique no ícone de 'Accessibility' na parte de baixo da tela e então clique 'Translate'.

My name is Ms. Granville, and I am the College & Career Counselor at Framingham HS, located in the College & Career Center (H111). I am available for any college or career needs.

I look forward to supporting Framingham High School students with their postsecondary planning and goals including, but not limited to: SAT / ACT test prep + registration, ASVAB registrations, the 2 + 4-year college application process, job + internship search process and applications, and more! Students may schedule a meeting with me via email or SchooLinks. I will also have Drop-In hours on Days 3 + 7 in H111.

Please be on the lookout for events, college visits, standardized testing information and other special opportunities that students can sign-up for via SchooLinks. Don’t hesitate to stop by K002 or email me (cgranville@framingham.k12.ma.us) with any questions!

Dear Class of 2027 Students and Families -

You are officially a senior!!! While exciting, this comes with responsibility in preparing for the year ahead. The sooner students and families have discussions / begin planning for the year the better!

Depending on what your plans are for after high school, you can find a lot of information both in H111 and on the CCC Canvas Page!

Please be on the lookout on our Instagram (@fhscollege_career002) and SchooLinks for updated information / upcoming college visits. I look forward to working with you all this year!

-Ms. Granville

PS: There is a senior checklist included on what you can start doing now :)

Every fall there are ~75 colleges that come to Framingham High School to meet with students; these visits are an important and valuable piece of the college application process.

To attend visits, you must register and notify your teachers ahead of time. If you register for a visit you are expected to attend after checking in with your teacher and making a smart pass.

College visits will occur between 1-3x per day (at 11:15 am, 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm) beginning September 15th to early-November - at this time, visits are being continuously added. College visits are a great way to get to know a college better, have some face time with the person who will be reading your application, and show demonstrated interest (many schools track this with applications).

To attend visits, register ahead of time on SchooLinks:

1. Log into SchooLinks- SchooLinks website
2. Click the “Engage” (shaking hands) button at the left of the screen.
3. Click “Events” at the top.
4. Peruse and register (button to the right of listed schools)!

College Visits This Week:

10/13: Syracuse University (11:15-11:45), University of Rhode Island (12:15-12:45)

The Ohio State University (1:15-1:45)

10/14: Lesley University (11:15-11:45)

On Tuesday October 6th, the FHS School Counseling Department hosted a financial aid planning 101 event. We were fortunate have a representative from Framingham State come to talk about all that is involved with the Financial Aid application, CSS Profile, scholarships and more. Please review the powerpoint below for additional information!

On Wednesday September 16th, the FHS Counseling Department hosted an event discussing post secondary options with seniors. This included an in depth overview of the application process and had a panelist of college admissions counselors from Framingham State, UMASS Amherst, Mass Bay and Merrimack College. Please review the PowerPoint below and let us know if you have any questions.

This past week School Counselors have been going into classes to talk about the post-secondary process. We will continue to be going into classrooms. Please review this attachment for additional information!

Back in June we did lessons on the following pathways: 4 Year College, 2 Year College, Trade / Vocational School, Military, Gap Year, etc. A link to all the presentations is included below:

• "Four-Year College" will focus on all of the elements and the timeline that goes into the four-year college application process. There will be two sections offered for the Four Year College section.
• "Two-Year / Vocational / Gap Years" will focus on a myriad of pathways that are alternative to four-year college, such as trade/vocational programs, gap years, military, Mass Bay and the Mass Transfer, Program, and more.
• "I Don't Know" will go into detail about college/career research tools, resources at the high school, and broad post secondary planning.

As the year progresses we will be continuing to assist students with their individual pathways.

Please refer to the following resources found on the Canvas pages to help you explore information related to all the postsecondary pathways and answer any questions:

• The College Search
• The College Application Process
• Mass Bay / Community College
• Standardized Testing
• Military
• Alternative Pathways (Gap Years, Trade / Apprenticeship Programs, Internships, Work Force)

You can also click on the picture for additional information!

The Framingham Public Library's free Homework Center is up and running!

All students are welcome to stop by for homework help, study support, or academic tutoring. No registration or appointment is needed, it is completely drop-in.

Schedule & Locations

• Main Library @ 49 Lexington Street - Every Monday & Thursday from 3 to 6PM

• McAuliffe Branch @ 746 Water Street - Every Wednesday from 3 to 5PM

🎓 What Is SchooLinks?

SchooLinks is a modern, user-friendly platform designed to help students discover their interests, explore career options, and plan for life after high school. It provides tools for career exploration, college preparation, financial literacy, and more, all in one place. Accessible to students and their families, SchooLinks fosters collaboration between students, parents, and educators.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Parents & Guardians

SchooLinks offers parents a window into their child's academic and career planning journey.

Through the platform, parents can:

• View assessments on their child's career interests, strengths, and mindset.

• Monitor progress on tasks like course planning and goal setting.

• Access information on college options, scholarships, and financial aid.

• Communicate directly with school counselors.

• Stay informed about upcoming events and deadlines.

👩‍🎓 For Students

SchooLinks empowers students to take charge of their future by providing:

• Career interest and strength assessments to identify potential paths.

• Exploration of 2-year and 4-year colleges, including virtual campus tours.

• Tools to create digital portfolios and resumes.

• Access to scholarships, internships, employment and volunteer opportunities.

• Course planning aligned with career goals.

• A College Application Manager to track applications and required documents.

📚 Getting Started

To begin using SchooLinks:

1. Log In: Access the platform through your school's designated portal (e.g., Clever).

2. Explore: Navigate through the various tools and resources available.

3. Engage: Complete assessments, set goals, and plan for the future.

4. Communicate: Stay in touch with counselors and attend relevant events.

SchooLinks should be reviewed and used for students to start looking into colleges / programs to create a list.

The Common Application is the backbone of all the information a college / university needs to know if you'd be a good fit for their school.

For the Class of 2027, the Common Application is officially open! A majority of schools use the Common Application as their application portal. Some schools have an application portal on their website, and other schools use The Coalition App. Creating an account on any of the portals is free but most colleges / universities have a cost associated with applying. All applications are created and submitted online.

For step by step directions about applying to college and FAQs, please visit The College Application Canvas page.

STARs (Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record) is an online platform where high school students manually enter their grades, courses, and academic history directly for college admissions, replacing official transcripts during the initial review at many universities.

To see the list of schools please click here.

There is a very important step-by-step process that needs to be followed before you can successfully request your high school transcript to be sent to the colleges you are applying to. Please find the step-by-step directions here.

1. Create your Common App account (add 1 or more colleges + fill out the start month/year at FHS under the "Education" section)
2. On Common App, sign the FERPA agreement + waive your right to reading teacher letters of recommendation
3. Login to SchooLinks and link your Common App + SchooLinks accounts
4. Fill out the Student Interview Packet (Brag Sheet) for your school counselor and make an appointment with them to review it for their counselor letter of recommendation
5. Request a transcript using a google form from your school counselor. To find the link please look at the slide show linked here

These are the types of deadlines you will see with college applications. To learn more in detail about these deadlines please visit the Early Action vs Early Decision vs Regular Decision Canvas page

Please see the information below to accurately fill out the Education section of Common App.

Class Size & Rank:

• Class size: 459
• Class rank reporting: Decile
• Decile Rank: Top ___% [see transcript on x2 or ask counselor ]
• Rank weighting: Weighted
• GPA scale reporting: 4
• Cumulative GPA: ___ [see transcript on x2 or ask counselor]
• GPA weighting: Weighted

Course Codes from FHS Transcript to Common App:

• U - N/A
• CP - College Prep
• ACP - Advanced
• HON - Honors
• AP - AP
• Dual Enrollment - Dual Enrollment

Seniors applying to four-year colleges will most likely need one to two teachers letters of recommendation. However, they will need to find out the exact number required by checking the 'application requirements' on the websites of the colleges to which they are applying. To request a letter of recommendation, follow the steps listed on the Teacher Recommendation Letter Guide. You should give those a minimum of 15 school days notice prior to your first application deadline.

Seniors applying to four-year colleges will most likely need a counselor letter of recommendation. However, they will find out for sure by checking the "application requirements" on the websites of the colleges to which they are applying.

4-year college apps likely need 1-2 teacher LOR (check LOR requirements on the website of each college). Plan to give your teachers a minimum of 15 school days notice prior to your first application deadline.

How to send a request for a teacher letter of recommendation on SchooLinks

1. To request a letter of recommendation in SchooLinks, first ask your teacher in person if they would be willing to write you a recommendation letter, and see if they need any information from you to write you a letter.

2. Login to your SchooLinks account, and add the colleges you are applying to.

3. Click the pencil icon next to a school's name to reach the edit page.

4. Click "Request Teacher Recommendation" when the new page opens.

5. Use the search bar to type in the teacher's name who agreed to write you a letter of recommendation. The system will send them an email with a link to upload the confidential letter.

**Please note that students will need to do this for each school they are requesting a letter of recommendation**

Most four-year colleges require a counselor letter of recommendation as part of your application. HOWEVER...

Your School Counselor does not automatically write you a letter of recommendation for colleges. You must fill out the Student Interview Packet (Brag Sheet) that is available on SchooLinks or provided by your school counselor, and review the packet with them before they will be able to write you a letter of recommendation.

The college essay is an extremely important part of your college application—it is the one part of the application that is in your voice!

To get help starting, editing, or putting your essay into your application early. See Ms. Granville (H111) or the Writing Ctr. (appt. only - E109) for college essay help—whether its picking a topic or editing, we’re here for you— and make sure to check out the 'Writing YOUR Best College Essay' Canvas page!

The New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) hosts various colleges fairs throughout the year. It is a great event to have students and families see over 100 colleges and post-secondary pathways. They are being held on the following dates:

• Friday October 23rd from 9-11am: Berkshire Community College

To learn more information please click the picture!

As part of our collaboration with Revolution Prep, they will also be hosting webinars on topics such as:

• PSAT / NMSQT / Now What? : November 17th at 7pm
• College Planning Case Study: February 25th at 8pm
• Navigating Critical Changes in Admissions Testing: March 9th at 7pm

To register please click this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/673/

There will be a Mass Bay virtual admissions session on October 29th from 6-7pm. Admissions representatives will share information in Spanish or Portuguese about MassBay programs, admissions, financial aid, student support, and enrollment steps.

To register please click here

Event Details

📅 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
🕓 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Marlborough Public Library, Community Room — 35 W Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752

👍 IT IS FREE!!!

The summit gives high school students the opportunity to explore what it takes to turn an idea into something real.

What to Expect

• Student Showcase: Students will have the opportunity to share their ideas, projects, products, and entrepreneurial goals in a format that works best for them.
• Getting Started: Explore what it takes to turn an idea into a business and learn from local entrepreneurs and business experts.
• Community Connections: Meet business leaders, mentors, educators, and community partners who are invested in supporting young entrepreneurs.
• Student Pitches: Hear directly from students as they share their ideas, goals, and what they’re building.
• Networking: Connect with students and members of the Eastern Massachusetts business community.

It’s an opportunity for students to build confidence, ask questions, make connections, and gain real-world insight from people who have experience building businesses and organizations.

To sign up for this FREE EVENT please click the picture!

Assabet Technical Institute will be hosting a Senior Open House on November 4, 2026!

Event Details:
Date: November 4, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Assabet Regional Technical/Vocational High School

During the Open House, students and families will have the opportunity to:

• Explore our vocational and technical training programs
• Meet instructors and ask questions about programs
• Tour our facilities and classrooms
• Learn about industry certifications and credentials
• Discover career pathways and employment opportunities
• Learn career support

To learn more about Assabet and its programs please click here. Register by clicking the picture!

MassBay's Fall Open House is on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wellesley Hills Campus. It's a great chance to learn about our programs, connect with faculty and students, explore transfer options, and find out how students can attend MassBay for free!

To register please click here

On Wednesday, November 18th from 6:30-7:30 pm, MassBay and uAspire have partnered to support students with financial aid applications. uAspire will offer a live virtual session to provide students and their families with support on how to complete the FAFSA application.

• https://events.zoom.us/ev/AgjldUyauHqlS8p9U8JDpR9h6hhZyjoesEPtZfhS7-89tPaJ-RIE~Au9xgBWspYvFNUEoigW47hnRBLKFYGoydyZHKGKQRXGlqvDwQHbA3OQIsA

Many schools are shifting back to requiring applicants to submit their SAT / ACT scores starting the 2027 application cycle. Based on data, colleges / universities are seeing that the test scores help in predicting student success and seeing new perspectives on their applicants. (The College Investor)

Please click here for additional information. There is a photo below of a list of schools.

For students that plan to apply to Quinnipiac, students applying for Fall 2027 who attend a Fall Open House are eligible for our $500 annual Open House Grant — renewable for up to four undergraduate years (totaling $2,000) — should they enroll as first‑year students and meet renewal conditions. This grant will be included in their financial aid offer if admitted.

To register for an Open House please click the picture!

Case Western Reserve University will be offering Theater Weekends on November 13-14th. During this, it offers prospective students the chance to meet with professors, an interactive workshop, tour of campus and event the chance to audition / interview for scholarships.

Each year, CWRU’s Theater Department awards four full-tuition scholarships to incoming students who wish to major in theater, and two $10,000 merit scholarships to students who wish to minor in theater, or pursue as an extracurricular. For more information, see CWRU theater scholarships.

To learn more about the school please check it out on SchooLinks (College - College Search). To register for the weekend please click the picture!

The Duet Advantage Fellowship offers an innovative and affordable pathway for recent high school graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years while gaining full-time work experience. In partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, the program combines online academics, in-person community support, and one-on-one coaching. This unique model allows students to build professional skills, reduce college costs, and graduate with both a degree and meaningful career experience.

Available majors includes Business Management, Healthcare Management and Communications. If interested in learning more please click the picture!

Interested in University of Vermont? Fall 2027 applicants have the opportunity to students to obtain a renewable $1000 scholarship by registering for a campus tour given by the UVM Admissions office by November 1st.

If interested in learning more about UVM click on the picture. To sign up for a visit please click here!

Interested in touring Johnson + Wales? Students who participate in an on-campus visit experience and apply by December 1st may be eligible for a renewable $5000 Grant!

Johnson and Wales Three Year Bachelor Programs

Johnson and Wales has the wonderful opportunity to earn a Bachelor's degree in as little as 3 years.

The programs include Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Design and Hospitality Management. Please click the picture to learn more about the academic structure, benefits, support, etc!

Over the past two years Massachusetts colleges and universities have been promoting a program that would provide students with free tuition if they choose to attend their institution. Qualifications for the program depends on the families total income.

Please click this article to learn about the instructions participating and the income qualifications.

Be sure to look at Ms. Granville's 'Standardized Testing' Canvas page for detailed information on the following:

• SAT + ACT registration instructions
• SAT + ACT study resources
• Fee waiver information
• Testing accommodations
• TOEFL registration

Do you have free/reduced lunch and/or receive any financial assistance? If so, you qualify for a SAT fee waiver! A fee waiver covers the cost of up to two SAT tests and three SAT Subject Tests. It will also cover submitting college applications through the Common Application. If you need an SAT or ACT fee waiver please contact school counselor.

TEST OPTIONAL SCHOOLS: Test optional means that a school does not require SAT or ACT scores as a part of your application. Over 1,000 colleges and universities are test optional. Find a complete list at www.fairtest.org!

THE TOEFL EXAM: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test that measures English language ability for non-native speakers who plan to enroll in an English speaking college. The test evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in relationship to academic tasks. Test costs range between $150-$225. Unfortunately, no financial aid is offered for the TOEFL test. Fee-based and free prep materials can be found on the TOEFL website, on Canvas, or in the College & Career Center (K002). To register and see test dates/locations visit www.toefl.org.

More information and registration information can be found here.

Interested in taking the ACT? The dates for the 2026-2027 testing year are available. Many schools will take ACT scores to measure college readiness. The ACT also offers additional subtests in Science and Writing.

Please note that we do not offer the ACTs at the High School.

More information and registration information can be found here.

Taking practice tests for primary, secondary, and college admission exams provides students with a baseline score. Finding out where you stand allows you to compare scores and determine your best fit test.

UMASS Amherst is offering several College Prep Workshops covering topics such as PSATs, SATs, ACTs, College Applications, etc. Please review the website for additional information / to register! College Prep Workshops!

FHS has a wonderful Collaboration with Revolution Prep. Revolution Prep provides free virtual practice PSAT, SAT and ACT exams along with many additional resources. Click here for more information and to register: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/673/

• SAT: Saturday, February 6, 2027 from 9-12pm
• ACT: Saturday, March 13, 2027 from 9-12pm
• SAT: Saturday, April 3, 2027 from 9-12pm

If students have questions regarding their PSAT scores they can follow up with their School Counselor for additional information and next steps.

Revolution Prep will also be hosting webinars on topics such as:

• Navigating Critical Changes in Admissions Testing: October 13th at 8pm
• PSAT / NMSQT / Now What? : November 17th at 7pm
• College Planning Case Study: February 25th at 8pm
• Navigating Critical Changes in Admissions Testing: March 9th at 7pm

To register please click this link: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/673/

For other study resources please refer to our canvas page titled 'Standardized Testing' under SAT & ACT Study Resources

Shrewsbury High School has opened registration for its Fall SAT Prep Course. The course will begin the week of October 26th and run through the week of December 7th. Classes will meet remotely on Mondays from 5:30PM-7:40PM for a total of seven night sessions. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. The course is open to juniors and seniors.

For more information / application please see Ms. Granville

Introducing Peer-to-Peer Tutoring thanks to Schoolhouse.world!

Schoolhouse.world offers virtual small group peer tutoring over four weeks that assists students in strengthening test-taking skills and make them feel ready for test day. Students can sign up for assistance in Math and/or Reading and Writing.

To learn more / sign up please click the picture!

THE FAFSA, CSS PROFILE AND MASS AID APPLICATIONS ARE LIVE!

Please check the CC&C for resources and information!

FAFSA Canvas

CSS Profile Canvas

MASFA Canvas

Here are some detailed resources about filling out the FAFSA and CSS Profile (via the College Board).

• FAFSA support
• CSS support (There is a PDF attached below on steps to complete the CSS Profile for the 27-28 academic year)
• MASFA Support

Additional organizations:

• uAspire: This organization assists underrepresented students to by increasing access to financial aid and postsecondary pathways. This is a confidential resource and has wonderful resources for families!

Need additional support for both the CSS, FAFSA or MASFA? Check out upcoming MEFA Events! To view a recorded webinar, please view our MEFA Videos page.

MEFA will be hosting FAFSA Festivals on 10/21, 11/17 and 12/16 from 4-6pm.You can log in anytime 4-6 PM and you will be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FASFA at fafsa.gov. To register please click here.

SCHOLARSHIPS are available!

Please look in the Scholarship Newsletter for new and updated scholarships! Please click the picture to see what is available!

Some common requirements include: letters of recommendation, transcript, essay, standardized test scores, etc.

All job, internship, and other opportunities - as well as resume and cover letter building resources - can be found within your School Links account [https://app.schoolinks.com/login/k12] by clicking on "Engage" - Opportunities. If you need assistance with your School Links account, please see your school counselor.

To find out about internships please check out the Volunteer / Internship Newsletter on the C&CC Canvas!

We also have a Job Opportunities Smore you can look at as well. It is also located on the College & Career Canvas page.

We are also fortunate to be partnered with Youth Connections, which is a non-profit organization that works with students on career exploration. They will be here weekly on Tuesdays from 8:30-1pm. Please refer to the Youth Connections Smore for more information / upcoming events!

Youth Connections also has many opportunities for paid internships!

Please feel free to look at the Workforce Wednesdays smore for companies looking for employees and additional information.

We will be having various employers come to FHS during lunches from 11-1pm on the following dates: October 14th, October 21st, October 28th and November 4th. Please read this smore for additional information: Workforce Wednesday

If you need assistance with creating your resume you are able to create one using SchooLinks by clicking "Students - Profile and Resume".

1) Take a form from your house/academy or access work permits online using the QR code below

2) Your employer should fill out the "Promise of Employment" Section

3) On page two, you can skip the "Physician’s Certificate of Health" section if you are older than 15. If not, your doctor must fill it out.

4) Your parents/guardians need to fill out/sign #4

5) You sign #5

6) When all that is filled out, please hand it in to the Main Office - please include your hair and eye color

• English: https://www.mass.gov/doc/youth-employment-permit-application/download
• Español: https://www.mass.gov/doc/youth-employment-permit-application-spanishespanol/download
• Português: https://www.mass.gov/doc/youth-employment-permit-portuguese/download

There are a number of opportunities and events for students interested in the military or ROTC. There are representatives from all of the branches available to meet with interested students. Please click on the title above to learn more on our Canvas page! This will also include the current Recruiter Names and Contact Information!

Framingham High School will host an administration of the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on December 9th. Please be on the lookout for sign ups.

The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by the military to determine which military jobs (Military Occupational Specialties) would be best for you and help match individuals with potential career paths within the armed forces. It can also serve as a valuable career exploration tool, helping students better understand their skills, interests, and strengths. Please note that this exam is completely optional and is intended only for students who are interested in exploring a potential career in the military.

• Additional resources about the ASVAB can be found on Canvas:
• What is the ASVAB? Click here.
• ASVAB study resources. Click here.

Ms. Granville, College & Career Counselor

College & Career Center, Room H111

Monday - Friday | 7:30am-2:15pm

*Should a parent/guardian wish to meet with me, I am available by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling/emailing the phone number and email below.*

Carly Granville

cgranville@framingham.k12.ma.us

508-620-4963 ext. 26221

Email: cgranville@framingham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/domain/3205
Location: 115 A Street, Framingham, MA, USA
Phone: 508-620-4963
Facebook: facebook.com/framinghamhighschool
Twitter: @FHSFlyers

Instagram: @fhscollege_career002