Smoky Hill Counseling Updates
March 2026
Hey Buffs!
- Reminder: Spring Break is the week of March 16-March 20th. Students will return to school on March 23rd.
Upcoming Events
Morning and Lunchtime College Counseling Tuesday Workshops
- For: Juniors
Times: 7:45 - 8:15 am, 1st lunch and 2nd lunch (bring your lunch)
Where: College and Career Center
Junior Parent Q & A: College & Post-Graduation Planning
The SHHS College & Career Center invites junior parents/guardians to an informal virtual Q&A session on college and post-graduation planning. This informal session is a great opportunity to discuss post-graduation topics (e.g., college, military, apprenticeships, etc.) that matter to you.
When: Wednesday, March 11
Where: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Time: 2 Sessions
10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27723677640785?p=miOe5cGvQTPWZNsa2B
Meeting ID: 277 236 776 407 85
Passcode: oZ2Bf2dc
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23987933565894?p=00rGb9RqCw92s8CVTd
Meeting ID: 239 879 335 658 94
Passcode: to6Dh6rK
Location: Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
Date: April 17th from 5:30-7:30pm
Who: Juniors and Seniors looking to find job, apprenticeship, or internship opportunities.
Academics
Juniors: SATs on April 15th
- On April 15, all SHHS juniors will take the SAT at school for FREE.
- Through Khan Academy, you can access practice questions, full-length exams, and customized study plans at www.khanacademy.org/sat.
- If you are planning to take an additional SAT (other than the FREE April test), upcoming test dates and registration information can be found on the College Board website. For information about the ACT, including registration and test dates, please visit the ACT website.
While many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, some institutions still require SAT or ACT scores for admission. In addition, certain scholarship programs—such as the Daniels Fund—may require official test scores as part of the application process.
Please note that there is a fee to register for the SAT or ACT. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for a fee waiver. If you believe you qualify, please get in touch with your counselor to request one.
After School Hours: Buffs Resource Center and Testing Center
- The Buffs Resource Center is open after school every Tuesday and Wednesday until 4:30! If you need support in math or just want a quiet place to get some work done, stop by room I-414 and get the help you need.
- The Testing Center is open every Tuesday after school until 4:30. If you need to make up a test, that’s the place to be.
PE Waivers
Students need 1.5 credits of PE to graduate. If students have participated in a sport through Smoky Hill, they are eligible to waive .5 credits of PE. Students can email their counselor for verification and to have these credits waived.
- Note, we can only waive a maximum of .5 credits of PE no matter how many sports students participate in.
Smoky Hill Make-up/Late Work Policy
Check out the Policy, here
College & Career Planning
SENIORS: Make Sense of Your Financial Aid
Are you trying to make sense of your financial aid award letters? We recommend utilizing the Award Advisor Application. Learn more here: https://awardadvisor.org/
Summer Enrichment Programs
Summer enrichment programs provide hands on educational opportunities to learn and grow in specific subjects, fields, and industry. Some of these programs are free while others may have a cost. See some local opportunities listed below:
College & Military Visits to Smoky HIll
Between September and May, Smoky Hill will host more than 150 colleges, universities, and military recruiters on campus. These visits are a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about postsecondary options and connect directly with admissions representatives.
Who Can Attend?
Juniors and Seniors may attend visits during a class period. Students who attend in the College & Career Center may request a pass back to class afterward.
Freshmen and Sophomores are welcome to attend, but only during an off period.
Visit Details
Each session typically lasts 20–30 minutes.
New visits are added daily, so check the schedule often for the most up-to-date information.
📅 Click here for the updated list of upcoming visits: College & Military Visit Schedule
Campus Visits
Campus Visits are a key step in your college or trade school journey. They help you experience the environment, meet people at the school, and discover where you feel most at home.
- Click HERE to learn more about campus visit opportunities in Colorado.
Scholarships
Interested in applying to scholarships? The Smoky Hill College & Career Center has put together a list of scholarships here. This is updated regularly, so be sure to keep checking back.
FAFSA
SHHS Seniors: Are you going to a 4-year college, 2-year college or a trade school? The FAFSA application is now open. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- What is the FAFSA? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid. This financial aid can include federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. Many states, colleges and trade schools also use the information from the FAFSA to award their own financial aid packages.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Save on Out-of-State Tuition
Interested in attending out-of-state colleges at a significantly reduced tuition rate? Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), partner schools agree to charge no more than 150% of their in-state tuition—a major cost savings for Colorado students exploring options across the West.
Explore WUE Schools & Savings
Use the WUE Tuition Savings Finder to see how much you can save and compare programs across states
Financial Literacy
Why is teaching financial literacy important? Financial literacy is essential for all students, regardless of their background or future career path. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of personal finance, make informed decisions, and achieve financial security. Below are hyperlinks to resources for parents:
Application Support
Counselors and Teachers are offering weekly sessions to help students with college applications, scholarship applications, and for support with apprenticeships, trade schools, or military pathways.
- When: Every Monday and Wednesday
- Time: 7:45-8:15 am
- Where: College and Career Center
Parent Technology Resources
Naviance
Naviance is a college and career planning platform that supports students in exploring their interests, researching colleges, tracking applications, and more. It also provides parents/guardians resources to support their students postsecondary planning.
PowerSchool and Schoology
PowerSchool and Schoology work together to store data about our students and to support their learning. Please click here for more information on how these forms of technology can help you and your student.