Grade Specific Resources

At Watertown High School, we work to ensure that all students are equipped with the tools necessary to plan for life after high school. What that plan looks like is different for each student. The following resources are by no means exhaustive. Please be in touch with your school counselor for additional resources and support.

SENIORS

  • Get organized. If you haven't already, set yourself up with our Application Tracker to help you get organized as you go through the application process.

    • Review this checklist for a basic overview of the application process. Remember, every student will have a different timeline, that's why meeting with your counselor regularly is important!

    • A reminder: Teachers require at LEAST one month notice for recommendation letters and school counselors require at LEAST 2 weeks notice. Teachers and counselors will write your letter once you've provided them with the teacher recommendation form (for teachers) or the senior self-assessment (for counselors).

    • Make sure you know who is responsible for each part of the application process.

  • Do your research. Visiting schools and programs in person isn't always an option. If you can't get on campus for whatever reason, check out the admissions website for virtual opportunities like Info Sessions and Open Houses. It's also fun to check out specific department websites for details on what courses they offer. They often give you a glimpse at what your course of study will be, too!

  • Finalize your test plans. Check out our Testing Resources for more information on SATs/ACTs and test-optional schools.

  • Finalize your essay. The Common Application posts their essay prompts for the following application season each Spring. There's lots of advice out there about writing the essay - below are a few of our favorite resources.

  • Prepare your financial aid application. We have a whole page dedicated to financial aid resources, but a great place to start is the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority. MEFA offers webinars on understanding the financial aid process, financial aid offers, college admissions and more.

JUNIORS

  • Get organized. Use this School Comparison Sheet to keep track of the different schools and programs you are looking at.

  • Do your research. Whether you are using SCOIR or some of the other college and career tools we suggest, take the time to really explore the schools and programs you are interested in.

  • Prepare for the SATs/ACTs (if applicable). Check out our Testing page for resources on test prep, test-optional schools, and how to connect your PSAT scores with Khan Academy for FREE test prep.

  • Start working on your essay. The Common Application posts their essay prompts for the following application season each Spring. There's lots of advice out there about writing the essay, but check out the 2020 Guidance Night presentation on writing the college essay.

  • Do some work over the summer. Each June, the WHS Guidance Department shares a Future Planning Workbook with rising seniors. The workbook is meant to be used as a guide for students over the summer.

*If you are planning to participate in athletics in college, be sure to regsiter with the NCAA Eligibility Center. For students planning to participate in NCAA athletics in college, the NCAA has a wide range of resources and information. It's important to know ahead of time the GPA, SAT, ACT and course requirements!*

SOPHOMORES

  • Explore careers. We encourage students to "Get a Reality Check" using this website that encourages students to start exploring careers AND consider the financial pieces that come along with leaving high school. To access the site, use the link provided here, then click on "High School Student", enter your city and zip code, and then click on the "Get a Reality Check" link on the left hand side of the page.

    • Students might also want to learn about the careers of people they interact with regularly using this questionnaire.

  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT. WHS offers all 10th & 11th graders the opportunity to take the PSAT, a College Board test that serves as a practice for the college entrance exam many schools require, the SAT. Students who take the test have access to free test prep materials through Khan Academy.

  • Start your resume. If you haven't already, now is a great time to create your resume and continue to add to it as you get involved new things. SCOIR and MA-CIS both have resume builders that will walk you through the steps.

  • Get involved. Whether you join clubs, get a part time job, participate in musical ensembles, act in our theatre productions, volunteer, or play on our athletic teams, be sure to get involved. The experiences you have will not only who you are but also what interests you have, what courses you might hope to take at WHS, and even what you choose to do in the future. These activities are also important parts of your overall portfolio when you are applying for jobs, scholarships, and higher education.

FRESHMEN

  • Develop good habits. The transition from middle to high school is a big one. Developing good study habits, organizational strategies, and routines early will help you as you move through high school. Remember, habits don't form overnight, so this will take some time. Your teachers and counselors are available to help you.

  • Get involved. Whether you join clubs, get a part time job, participate in musical ensembles, act in our theatre productions, volunteer, or play on our athletic teams, be sure to get involved. This is a great way to meet new people and, believe it or not, help you manage your time!

  • Ask questions. You're new to WHS! We don't expect you to know everything, so just ask!