Researching colleges:
We recommend using SchooLinks, the college and career planning software to which FHS subscribes. SchooLinks helps students and families connect what students do in the classroom to their life goals, including finding colleges and careers based on personal skills and areas of interest. All FHS students can log into their personalized account through the SchooLinks website.

Resources to help with researching colleges:

• Canvas
• College planning chart
• College research worksheet

Applying to colleges (step-by-step):

Step 1) Organizing Required Application Materials & Deadlines
The website of each college/university to which you are applying will include a list of required application materials. For example, for four-year colleges, the list may include items such as transcripts, 2 teacher letters of recommendation, SAT scores, etc. The website will also list their application options (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling) and deadlines. It can feel daunting to keep track of everything! We recommend using our College Planning Chart and Canvas to help you stay organized. 

Step 2) Teacher Letters of Recommendation
Seniors applying to four-year colleges will most likely need one to two teacher 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 teacher's letter of recommendation, please follow the steps listed in the Teacher Recommendation Letter Guide. You should always plan to give your teachers a minimum of 15 school-days notice prior to your first application deadline.

Step 3) Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Seniors applying to four-year colleges will most likely need a counselor's 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.
*Please note: when seniors apply to a college/university through the Common Application, a counselor's letter of recommendation is automatically required.

To request a counselor's letter of recommendation:

1. Schedule an appointment with your school counselor at least 15 school-days prior to your first application deadline.
2. Fill out the Student Interview Packet information to bring with you to your appointment.
3. Meet with your school counselor to go over the completed Student Interview Packet.

Step 4) Request your FHS Transcript: What does the senior year transcript include?
*For step-by-step instructions, please see: How to Request a Transcript (Class of 2026)

• Final grades in each class, Grades 9 -11 (all rising seniors received a copy of their transcript in the mail over the summer). 
• First term grades are sent to colleges/universities automatically to all colleges to which you have previously sent your transcript. 
• Midyear grades are automatically sent to all colleges to which you have previously sent your transcript.

Gold House: Ms. Khazai's students | Mr. Childs’s students
Green House: Ms. Bergeron’s students | Mr. Walcek's students
Blue House: Ms. Donovan’s students | Mr. Burrill's students 
Silver House: Ms. DeSimone’s students | Ms. Monaco’s students 
Student Success Academy: Ms. Borr’s students | Ms. South’s students

Step 5) Submit Standardized Tests (ACT, SAT & TOEFL): Learn more about standardized testing.
Sending Your  Standardized Test Scores to Colleges: You will need to send your official score report directly to the colleges to which you are applying. *Test scores should be submitted through the College Board at least 14 business days before the college’s deadline. Please note: self-reporting your scores on the Common Application DOES NOT replace this step. You will do this through the test center website:

• SAT: SAT
• ACT: ACT
• TOEFL: TOEFL

Step 6) Financial Aid: Learn more about financial aid.

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - must be completed by any student applying for government loans to pay for college. It becomes available for seniors to fill out starting on October 1^st of this year. For more information and to access the application- FASFA Application

2. College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile - an additional financial aid application (for non-government/state loans) that is required by some colleges and universities. Available starting on October 1^st each year. For more information- College Scholarship Service

3. Scholarships - FHS maintains a database of all scholarships of which we have been made aware that students can quickly and easily access.