FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Workshops/Events:

SUNY On-line workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid Sessions: Join a SUNY financial Aid workshop.  Click the link for event dates/times and to register. SUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications. See all upcoming SUNY FAFSA Completion Workshops; See all SUNY upcoming Financial Aid Info Sessions

CUNY Workshops for FAFSA Completion & Financial Aid:  Click the link for event dates/times and to register. CUNY has a variety of upcoming on-line Financial Aid workshops and FAFSA Completion workshops that we encourage you to attend for support in completing your FAFSA and Financial Aid applications.

HESC Events: Click the link to browse by topic for event dates/times and to register. HESC offers a wide range of virtual events that can connect students and families with the information, resources, and financial aid experts they need to help them navigate the college application and financial aid process. Please also refer to this FAFSA/TAP Completion Events and HESC Events Calendar for more information on event descriptions, dates, and registration.

HESC Text Alerts: Students and their families can stay on track for college success by signing up for HESC Texts.  You will receive reminders about important deadlines,  financial aid updates, and tips—right to your phone.   

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MHS SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

MARCH  2026

March is an exciting and meaningful time in your senior year!  Many college admissions decisions are being released, post-secondary pathways are aligning with goals and interests, and students are beginning to see their hard work come to fruition. This is an exciting time filled with opportunity, reflection, and important decisions. Whether you are celebrating acceptances, considering multiple options, navigating waitlists, or finalizing alternative pathways,  your School Counseling Department is here to support you every step of the way. We are committed to supporting your goals, answering questions, and helping you move forward with confidence as you prepare for what comes next.

The MHS Counseling Department has created a comprehensive program to support you in your journey toward graduation, post-secondary planning, and college and career exploration.  Please take time to explore dedicated pages on this site to support your post-secondary planning, college and career exploration, and the college application process throughout your Senior Year.  Please refer to important information, dates, reminders and next steps to keep in mind listed in our “Announcements” Section below.  Additionally,  please don’t forget to check out upcoming events in our “Upcoming Events For All” section above. 

Seniors, You got this! We want to highlight and share with you some important information, reminders,  and goals to keep in mind for the month ahead to support you in staying on track with your post-secondary goals: 

Service Learning Graduation Requirement:  Engage in Service Learning activities towards meeting the MHS Service Learning Graduation Requirement (minimum 60 Hours).  Submit your Service Learning Hours  in our Digital Service Learning System in IC!

Reviewing College Admissions Decisions: As admissions decisions arrive throughout March and early April, we encourage students and families to carefully review each offer of admission. Beyond the excitement of being accepted, it is important to consider several key factors, including:

• Academic programs and majors offered

• Campus environment and overall fit

• Location and distance from home

• Campus support services and student life

• Financial aid and overall cost

Take time to reflect on where you will feel most comfortable, supported, and positioned for success. Choosing a college is a personal decision, and the best choice is the one that aligns with your individual goals, needs, and aspirations. Remember, there is no “right” choice. What matters most is finding the school or pathway where you feel supported, challenged, and able to thrive.  If you would like help reviewing your options or talking through your decisions, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with your School Counselor.

Admissions Decisions & What’s Next:   

• If you’ve been deferred or waitlisted:  Take a breath.  This is not a “no.” Talk with your School Counselor.  We can help you understand next steps, including letters of continued interest or alternative options.

  • Colleges may offer admissions from the waitlist later in the Spring. Students who wish to remain on the waitlist should follow the college’s instructions carefully and notify the college of their continued interest, if required.

• Remember: An admissions decision is not a reflection of your worth or potential.

• As decisions arrive, keep a record of: 

  • Admission status

  • Merit scholarships or honors program offers

  • Financial aid details (when available)

  • Attend Colleges Admitted Student Open Houses

  • Some colleges may open housing applications shortly after acceptance-early submission may matter!

• Please update Naviance with admissions decisions!

• Enrollment Deposits:  Most colleges require a deposit by MAY 1.

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

• Make sure your FAFSA, NYS TAP, (and CSS Profile, if required) has been submitted and reviewed for accuracy. Financial aid is a critical part of your college decision.

• Check out the NYS Scholarships & Awards opportunities and APPLY!

• Review your colleges’ financial aid page for priority deadlines and required documents to apply for financial aid opportunities at the college.

• Review financial aid portals and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. 

• Financial Aid packages will continue to be released. As you receive financial award letters, review them carefully and compare the details including scholarships, grants, loans, and overall cost. Understanding the financial commitment is an essential part of your decision-making process.

• Scholarships: Continue searching and applying for Local, State, and National scholarships.  

• MHS Class of 2026 Senior Awards & Scholarships! Time to Apply! 

• Regularly check Naviance & School Google Classroom for Scholarship Postings.

Exploring & Finalizing all Post-Secondary Pathways:  College is just one of many meaningful paths. Students may also consider:

• Explore career training programs, trade or technical schools., apprenticeships, military options, gap year programs, or direct workforce opportunities.

• Explore Community College Schools

• Review acceptance timeline and next steps for any non-college programs you have applied to. 

• Please be sure to complete all required applications, paperwork and confirmations to ensure a smooth transition after graduation. 

• There is no “one” pathway and the “right” choice is the one that fits your goals, values and circumstances. Schedule time with your School Counselor to discuss options that best align with your goals, interests, and values.

Finish Senior Year Strong:  Even as decisions are made, it is critically important for students to remain focused and engaged academically.  Colleges will review final transcripts, and admission offers are contingent upon successful completion of senior year.  Your hard work continues to matter. We encourage seniors to:

• Maintain strong academic effort

• Attend classes regularly

• Continue demonstrating responsibility and integrity

• Stay engaged in school and extracurricular activities

Support Matters! Check In with Us:  This is a major milestone. It is a time of excitement, change, and important decisions. Please remember you do not have to navigate this process alone. Your School Counselor is here to answer questions, provide perspective,  and support you as you move forward.

A Final Word of Encouragement:  March is a month of possibility and important milestones. This is a season of decisions and new beginnings. Take your time, ask questions, reflect on your options, trust yourself, and know that wherever your path leads, your future is bright. Stay focused, stay positive, and continue moving forward with confidence. You have accomplished so much, and we are incredibly proud of you. Take care of yourself, and trust that you will find the path that is right for you. You are closer than ever to the next exciting chapter of your journey! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support! 

Warm regards, 

MHS School Counseling Department

April J. Ljumić,  Administrator for School Counseling 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MHS SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

MARCH 2026

Dear Class of 2027 Juniors,  Students,  Parents and Guardians:

We are all looking forward to the arrival of Spring! March is an especially important checkpoint in the post-secondary planning process.  This is a key period for students to begin taking more intentional steps toward their plans after high school, including meeting with their school counselor, exploring colleges, and continuing to build a strong academic record.  While the college search and post-secondary planning process can sometimes feel overwhelming,  please remember that you do not have to navigate it alone.  The School Counseling Department is here to support and guide you every step of the way.  As a reminder, Junior year is the last full year of courses and final grades that will appear on transcripts that go out with your college applications Senior Year. It is important to stay focused on your academic success while also maintaining your involvement in extracurricular activities.  Please be sure to see your School Counselor if you are in need of STEP or would like additional information about other academic supports.  As always, remember to speak to your teacher about after school extra help and suggestions for success in their course! March is an ideal time to stay focused, ask questions, and continue building momentum as you prepare for the transition into senior year.  

The MHS Counseling Department has created a comprehensive program to support you in your journey toward graduation, post-secondary planning, and college and career exploration.  Please take time to explore dedicated pages on this site to support your post-secondary planning, college and career exploration, and the college application process throughout your Junior and Senior Year.  Please refer to important information, dates, reminders and next steps to keep in mind listed in our “Announcements” Section below.  Additionally,  please don’t forget to check out upcoming events in our “Upcoming Events For All” section above. 

Juniors, You got this! We want to highlight and share with you some important information, reminders, and goals to keep in mind for the month ahead to support you in staying on track with your post-secondary goals: 

Schedule Your Junior Conference with your School Counselor:  We strongly encourage all juniors to schedule a Junior Conference with your School Counselor. This meeting is an essential opportunity to review academic progress, discuss postsecondary goals, and develop a personalized plan for the college process,  senior year and beyond. If you have not yet scheduled your Junior Conference, please contact the School Counseling Department. We strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible.  

Continue Your College & Career Search & Naviance:  Students should continue using Naviance as a key tool in their college search process and exploring  postsecondary options (careers, military options, technical/trade schools etc.). Naviance provides valuable resources that help students explore colleges to match academic interests, goals and preferences.  Spending time researching and learning about different schools will help students create a balanced and thoughtful college list over the coming months. We encourage Juniors to: 

• Research colleges and explore academic programs

• Begin building or refining their “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list

• Review admission statistics and application requirements

• Circle back to career and interest assessments taken during 9th and 10th grade Advisory.

Attend Local College Fairs:  Check out the 2026 Spring Regional College Fairs Schedule in our Area! Local college fairs provide a convenient way to meet admissions representatives and gather helpful information from a wide range of colleges, universities, and programs, all in one place.  Attending college fairs can help you gain valuable insight and confidence as you begin the college search process. Be sure to take advantage of local fairs taking place this spring. 

Plan Spring College Visits & Campus Tours:  Spring is an excellent time to visit colleges. Experiencing campuses in person can help students get a better sense of the academic environment, campus culture, and overall fit. We encourage you to register for campus tours and schedule information sessions and student-led tours  when possible. These visits often help students refine their preferences and identify what they value most in a college experience. Participate in virtual tours or online information sessions if travel is not possible.  Document impressions to support thoughtful decision-making.  

Teacher Letters of Recommendation:  Another important step this Spring is considering  teacher(s) who may write letters of recommendation for the college application process. Many colleges require at least one (possibly two) teacher recommendations as part of the application process.  Beginning to reflect on this now will make the process smoother later this Spring. As discussed in the Junior Conference,  Juniors should be thinking about:

• Teachers who know them well academically

• Teachers from core academic subjects

• Individuals who can speak to their strengths, work ethic, and character

When you have decided, please see your teacher in person to formally ask/request a letter of recommendation before the end of the school year (before the last day of classes!). 

Stay Focused on Academics:  As we continue to move through the second half of the school year, we want to remind you that Junior Year grades are critically important. Junior year grades are the final full year of grades reviewed by colleges during the application process. Your grade point average (GPA) will be calculated at the end of your junior year which includes grades 9-11.  Students should continue to:

• Stay organized and manage coursework effectively

• Seek extra help from your teachers when needed

• Sign up for STEP after school if needed

• Maintain consistent effort across all classes

• Balance academics with extracurricular involvement

• Communicate with teachers and your School Counselor for support. 

Update Your Activities List:   Continue tracking your extracurriculars, volunteer work, jobs, and leadership roles. This will be helpful for future applications, scholarships, and letters of recommendation when it’s time  for College Application Season Senior Year. 

Plan for Standardized Testing:  Continue thinking about the SAT and/or ACT.  (Register for Spring testing).  It's good to know your timeline and test registration deadlines. Make a Study Plan!  Revise specific college admissions requirements for standardized testing. 

Explore Summer Opportunities: Explore summer opportunities that support your interests, goals, and future plans. Whether through employment, internships, volunteering, enrichment programs, camps, courses, or other structured experiences, summer activities can help you build skills, gain real-world experience, and discover new passions.

Service Learning Graduation Requirement:  Engage in Service Learning activities towards meeting the MHS Service Learning Graduation Requirement (minimum 60 Hours).  Submit your Service Learning Hours  in our Digital Service Learning System in IC! 

Junior Year Timeline &  Checklists: Review information on our site pages to stay on track! These pages are designed to guide you through every stage of your college and post-secondary planning journey.

Looking Ahead: March is a wonderful time to continue exploring possibilities and taking meaningful steps toward your future. Over the next few months,  you will continue building the foundation for senior year, the college application process and post-secondary planning. Taking small, thoughtful steps now will make the transition into Senior Year Fall college application season and post-secondary planning smoother and more manageable.  Remember, every student’s path is unique, and the planning process takes time, reflection, and exploration. We encourage students to stay curious, ask questions, and take advantage of the many resources available to them.

We are proud of the work you have done so far and look forward to supporting you in the months ahead.  If you have questions or need guidance or assistance,  please do not hesitate to reach out to your School Counselor.  We look forward to continuing to support you as you move forward in this exciting and important time in your journey!  Spring, new opportunities, and exciting next steps are just around the corner.

Warm regards, 

MHS School Counseling Department

April J. Ljumić,  Administrator for School Counseling 

Start Exploring Summer Opportunities ☀️

Junior year is an ideal time for students to begin exploring summer opportunities that support their interests, goals, and future plans. Whether through employment, internships, volunteering, enrichment programs, camps, courses, or other structured experiences, summer activities can help students build skills, gain real-world experience, and discover new passions.

We encourage you to begin these conversations early, as many summer opportunities have application deadlines in late winter or early spring. Students may also want to connect with their School Counselor, teachers, or other mentors for ideas and guidance when identifying opportunities that are a good fit.

Meaningful summer experiences don’t have to look one specific way! What matters most is engagement, responsibility, and personal growth. Planning ahead can help you  make the most of their summer and continue building toward their postsecondary goals.