Counseling department
How has the role of counselor changed during your tenure?
One big change is that there is such an increase in technology and more information is at a counselor and student’s fingertips. This is a great benefit when it comes to post-secondary planning. However, it has also brought an increase in social issues and anxiety. The instant nature of information and communication can be overwhelming for an adolescent. Navigating social relationships and the need to be constantly connected can increase pressure in a student’s life. As counselors we’ve seen increased anxiety, pressure to succeed and risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol and other substance use. School counseling used to be more focused on ‘guidance’ activities that only addressed academic and post-secondary planning issues. Now, school counseling is much more comprehensive addressing not only academic but also social and emotional issues. It is a counselor’s role to see that students can concentrate on academics when they are in school, limit barriers to learning, and plan appropriately for their futures.
What is Naviance?
Family Connection by Naviance is a web-based career and college search and application tool. During sophomore counseling seminars, each student is given an individual account and introduction to the program. Students complete both a personality survey and career interest inventory, which will help them begin to think about their strengths and interests in relation to college majors and future career fields. As juniors, students begin to use the program to research colleges. As seniors, they use Naviance for the college search and application process. All transcripts and school materials during the application process are transmitted electronically by school counselors through Naviance provided the college accepts electronic transmission. Students and parents are encouraged to ask their counselors if they have any questions about using Naviance.
How do parents learn to use Naviance? Do you need a password?
Parents can use Naviance and information is sent home when students are introduced to Naviance in their sophomore seminars. Parents will be assigned an account, provided a registration code, and then have the ability to create a password. Naviance is incredibly user-friendly but parents can contact their school counselor if they have questions.
How does a student find out his/her GPA?
At the end of each term, students receive a report card that displays their current cumulative GPA. This allows students to track their overall performance and grades from the very beginning of high school. This information used to only become available after the first semester of a student’s junior year. At that point, the students didn’t have much time to make any big changes. Knowing their GPA from the very beginning can help a student to be informed about their academics and together with their counselor plan a slow and steady course for their high school career. They can determine if any adjustments need to be made and see the impact of any changes on a term by term basis. This can help decrease a student’s anxiety about the mystery of how their grades impact their GPA and the impact they may have on post-secondary planning.
One big change is that there is such an increase in technology and more information is at a counselor and student’s fingertips. This is a great benefit when it comes to post-secondary planning. However, it has also brought an increase in social issues and anxiety. The instant nature of information and communication can be overwhelming for an adolescent. Navigating social relationships and the need to be constantly connected can increase pressure in a student’s life. As counselors we’ve seen increased anxiety, pressure to succeed and risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol and other substance use. School counseling used to be more focused on ‘guidance’ activities that only addressed academic and post-secondary planning issues. Now, school counseling is much more comprehensive addressing not only academic but also social and emotional issues. It is a counselor’s role to see that students can concentrate on academics when they are in school, limit barriers to learning, and plan appropriately for their futures.
What is Naviance?
Family Connection by Naviance is a web-based career and college search and application tool. During sophomore counseling seminars, each student is given an individual account and introduction to the program. Students complete both a personality survey and career interest inventory, which will help them begin to think about their strengths and interests in relation to college majors and future career fields. As juniors, students begin to use the program to research colleges. As seniors, they use Naviance for the college search and application process. All transcripts and school materials during the application process are transmitted electronically by school counselors through Naviance provided the college accepts electronic transmission. Students and parents are encouraged to ask their counselors if they have any questions about using Naviance.
How do parents learn to use Naviance? Do you need a password?
Parents can use Naviance and information is sent home when students are introduced to Naviance in their sophomore seminars. Parents will be assigned an account, provided a registration code, and then have the ability to create a password. Naviance is incredibly user-friendly but parents can contact their school counselor if they have questions.
How does a student find out his/her GPA?
At the end of each term, students receive a report card that displays their current cumulative GPA. This allows students to track their overall performance and grades from the very beginning of high school. This information used to only become available after the first semester of a student’s junior year. At that point, the students didn’t have much time to make any big changes. Knowing their GPA from the very beginning can help a student to be informed about their academics and together with their counselor plan a slow and steady course for their high school career. They can determine if any adjustments need to be made and see the impact of any changes on a term by term basis. This can help decrease a student’s anxiety about the mystery of how their grades impact their GPA and the impact they may have on post-secondary planning.
COLLEGE PLANNING
Are any tests available to sophomores that will help them narrow down potential skill sets or career paths they might wish to pursue?
Yes, as a part of the counseling seminar program, all sophomores will complete a personality type survey and career interest inventory on Naviance during their health class. These are helpful tools in learning about yourself and your career interests and preferences. Naviance offers a great deal of career exploration information.
Are first term grades available in time for fall Early Action and Early Decision application due dates at colleges?
First term grades are not available in time for early admissions plans. Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are usually the 1st or 15th of November. Our first term usually ends around the same time. Teachers then have some time to submit their grades. Once grades are submitted, they are verified and there is a small waiting period for any incompletes to be made up or grade changes to be made before grades can be sent to colleges. Usually they are not ready until the week or so before Thanksgiving. Counselors will automatically send first term grades when they are available (unless they are requested by the student to be held), but they may be too late for early plan consideration. Please remember that an Early Decision or Early Action application means that a college is evaluating the student on the work done through the junior year and decisions are generally made before senior grade information is available. If a student needs first term or first semester of senior year to demonstrate increased academic performance, he or she should apply under regular decision deadlines.
How does the School Counseling Department determine which colleges visit Hingham?
We try to host colleges that Hingham students are interested in. We also try to get colleges that are farther away to which students may not be able to visit themselves. We also like to expose Hingham students to some schools that are not as well known to them to increase their exposure to a wide range of colleges.
Why do some colleges not offer information sessions at HHS?
Some colleges do not offer admissions representative visits, some provide group evening programs for several area schools rather than individual school visits and some cannot visit the high school when we have an available time slot. Hingham is one of the few schools on the south shore who still accepts visits from college admission representatives.
Are college information sessions considered student absences? How many are allotted each year?
Yes, they are considered absences. They can count toward the three exempt college visit absences in both the junior and senior year. Students should be aware of any classes they are missing and are responsible for making up any work missed while at a college visit. For a schedule of college visits to HHS please visit Naviance.
Why doesn’t HHS host a college fair?
There are a number of larger college fairs in the Boston area. Many colleges prefer to attend these rather than a number of school hosted college fairs. In addition to college fairs, many colleges do visit Hingham High School during the fall admissions season and/or they host information sessions at local hotel or event venues.
Can we try to get reps in from colleges farther away that are less convenient to visit?
Absolutely, we already make this effort but feel free to contact the department director if there is a particular suggestion you may have. Please keep in mind, not all colleges participate in high school visits.
Can HHS graduates talk to HHS students about the colleges they have chosen to attend?
Yes, we have created a database of recent graduates to serve as a resource. Students may contact their school counselor and they can be connected with HHS alumni who are willing to talk about their college and major choices. At times we also host recent Hingham alumni who are on break from college to come and speak about their college experiences. We hope to continue this with the implementation of the post-secondary planning office in the 2013-2014 school year.
Yes, as a part of the counseling seminar program, all sophomores will complete a personality type survey and career interest inventory on Naviance during their health class. These are helpful tools in learning about yourself and your career interests and preferences. Naviance offers a great deal of career exploration information.
Are first term grades available in time for fall Early Action and Early Decision application due dates at colleges?
First term grades are not available in time for early admissions plans. Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are usually the 1st or 15th of November. Our first term usually ends around the same time. Teachers then have some time to submit their grades. Once grades are submitted, they are verified and there is a small waiting period for any incompletes to be made up or grade changes to be made before grades can be sent to colleges. Usually they are not ready until the week or so before Thanksgiving. Counselors will automatically send first term grades when they are available (unless they are requested by the student to be held), but they may be too late for early plan consideration. Please remember that an Early Decision or Early Action application means that a college is evaluating the student on the work done through the junior year and decisions are generally made before senior grade information is available. If a student needs first term or first semester of senior year to demonstrate increased academic performance, he or she should apply under regular decision deadlines.
How does the School Counseling Department determine which colleges visit Hingham?
We try to host colleges that Hingham students are interested in. We also try to get colleges that are farther away to which students may not be able to visit themselves. We also like to expose Hingham students to some schools that are not as well known to them to increase their exposure to a wide range of colleges.
Why do some colleges not offer information sessions at HHS?
Some colleges do not offer admissions representative visits, some provide group evening programs for several area schools rather than individual school visits and some cannot visit the high school when we have an available time slot. Hingham is one of the few schools on the south shore who still accepts visits from college admission representatives.
Are college information sessions considered student absences? How many are allotted each year?
Yes, they are considered absences. They can count toward the three exempt college visit absences in both the junior and senior year. Students should be aware of any classes they are missing and are responsible for making up any work missed while at a college visit. For a schedule of college visits to HHS please visit Naviance.
Why doesn’t HHS host a college fair?
There are a number of larger college fairs in the Boston area. Many colleges prefer to attend these rather than a number of school hosted college fairs. In addition to college fairs, many colleges do visit Hingham High School during the fall admissions season and/or they host information sessions at local hotel or event venues.
Can we try to get reps in from colleges farther away that are less convenient to visit?
Absolutely, we already make this effort but feel free to contact the department director if there is a particular suggestion you may have. Please keep in mind, not all colleges participate in high school visits.
Can HHS graduates talk to HHS students about the colleges they have chosen to attend?
Yes, we have created a database of recent graduates to serve as a resource. Students may contact their school counselor and they can be connected with HHS alumni who are willing to talk about their college and major choices. At times we also host recent Hingham alumni who are on break from college to come and speak about their college experiences. We hope to continue this with the implementation of the post-secondary planning office in the 2013-2014 school year.
Community service
Are community service hours required to graduate from Hingham High School?
Hingham High School does not require community service for graduation. Community service is a valuable way to engage in the community and help others. Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, students enrolled in a Social Studies elective course were required to complete a community service component.This requirement was eliminated beginning the 2016-2017 school year, however community service remains a key component of the National Honor Society.
What is Harbormen Helping Hingham?
Since the community service requirement for Social Studies electives was eliminated in 2017, a new initiative called Harbormen Helping Hingham began to encourage the senior class to volunteer their time in the community. Groups of students are assigned to different projects or services in the community, accompanied by a parent or teacher volunteer.
Past community service sites have included Hingham schools, libraries, churches, parks, beaches, playgrounds, and senior citizens' homes. Activities have included reading to younger students, playing cards with senior citizens, completing yardwork and landscaping, and painting. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions please email harbormenhelpinghingham@hinghamschools.org.
Where can I learn more about community service opportunities?
Hingham High School does not require community service for graduation. Community service is a valuable way to engage in the community and help others. Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, students enrolled in a Social Studies elective course were required to complete a community service component.This requirement was eliminated beginning the 2016-2017 school year, however community service remains a key component of the National Honor Society.
What is Harbormen Helping Hingham?
Since the community service requirement for Social Studies electives was eliminated in 2017, a new initiative called Harbormen Helping Hingham began to encourage the senior class to volunteer their time in the community. Groups of students are assigned to different projects or services in the community, accompanied by a parent or teacher volunteer.
Past community service sites have included Hingham schools, libraries, churches, parks, beaches, playgrounds, and senior citizens' homes. Activities have included reading to younger students, playing cards with senior citizens, completing yardwork and landscaping, and painting. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions please email harbormenhelpinghingham@hinghamschools.org.
Where can I learn more about community service opportunities?
- Community Service Program Information
- Community Service Program Form
- Community Service Program Reflection
- www.cns.gov (Corporation for National and Community Service)
- www.cityyear.org
- Opportunities at Holly Hill Farm
STANDARDIZED TESTING
When should seniors have completed all of their tests (ACT, SAT, APs) for college?
Taking all tests (except AP exams which are only given in May, please see question above) by November of the senior year is recommended as most college application regular decision deadlines are between January 1st and February 1st. If a student is choosing to apply under Early Decision or Early Action with deadlines in November, the October test is typically the last to have scores available for the admissions deadline. Remember that it is the student’s responsibility to have the College Board or ACT Corporation send test scores to colleges (collegeboard.org or actstudent.org). Scores are generally available online about three weeks after the test administration. If a student waits to request that scores be sent until they have seen the scores themselves, score reports may need to be rushed which incurs additional fees. Colleges will not consider an application complete until all parts have been received. If all other parts of the application are in and a college is waiting on test scores, they will not begin to review the application until scores have been received and matched with a student’s file.
What is ‘score choice’?
Score Choice allows students to choose which test administration dates to send to colleges. If a student performs better the second time they take the SAT or ACT, they only need to send the second administration scores to colleges and can choose not to send their first test date scores. However, if one section was stronger during the first test administration and another section was strongest during the second test administration, a student should send both sets of scores. Colleges will see all scores in this case, but most will evaluate students on the highest score regardless of test date.
What does it mean when a college is ‘test optional’?
When a college is test optional, they do not require a student to submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. That school may believe that standardized testing is not the strongest indicator of potential successful performance at the college level. The college will use all of the other information included in the application to evaluate the student. If a student believes that standardized tests scores will benefit them and does report test scores to the college, the college will use them to evaluate the student in the admissions process. Keep in mind that a test optional college may ask students to submit test scores once they have been admitted. Most colleges will still use students’ scores to report average test scores of admitted students or for other data analysis.
AP EXAMS
What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Advanced Placement courses are recommended for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The requirements and curriculum at the AP level are determined by the College Board to closely reflect those of an introductory college course. These courses involve considerable enrichment and acceleration, as well as independent long-term work and more extensive homework. Summer reading and/or project requirements are an integral part of each course.
Taking all tests (except AP exams which are only given in May, please see question above) by November of the senior year is recommended as most college application regular decision deadlines are between January 1st and February 1st. If a student is choosing to apply under Early Decision or Early Action with deadlines in November, the October test is typically the last to have scores available for the admissions deadline. Remember that it is the student’s responsibility to have the College Board or ACT Corporation send test scores to colleges (collegeboard.org or actstudent.org). Scores are generally available online about three weeks after the test administration. If a student waits to request that scores be sent until they have seen the scores themselves, score reports may need to be rushed which incurs additional fees. Colleges will not consider an application complete until all parts have been received. If all other parts of the application are in and a college is waiting on test scores, they will not begin to review the application until scores have been received and matched with a student’s file.
What is ‘score choice’?
Score Choice allows students to choose which test administration dates to send to colleges. If a student performs better the second time they take the SAT or ACT, they only need to send the second administration scores to colleges and can choose not to send their first test date scores. However, if one section was stronger during the first test administration and another section was strongest during the second test administration, a student should send both sets of scores. Colleges will see all scores in this case, but most will evaluate students on the highest score regardless of test date.
What does it mean when a college is ‘test optional’?
When a college is test optional, they do not require a student to submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. That school may believe that standardized testing is not the strongest indicator of potential successful performance at the college level. The college will use all of the other information included in the application to evaluate the student. If a student believes that standardized tests scores will benefit them and does report test scores to the college, the college will use them to evaluate the student in the admissions process. Keep in mind that a test optional college may ask students to submit test scores once they have been admitted. Most colleges will still use students’ scores to report average test scores of admitted students or for other data analysis.
AP EXAMS
What are Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Advanced Placement courses are recommended for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The requirements and curriculum at the AP level are determined by the College Board to closely reflect those of an introductory college course. These courses involve considerable enrichment and acceleration, as well as independent long-term work and more extensive homework. Summer reading and/or project requirements are an integral part of each course.
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Which AP courses are offered at HHS?
As of the 2022-2023 school year, the following courses:
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Please be sure to check the updated Program of Studies annually for more information. The Program of Studies provides information about any prerequisites for these courses.
Are students required to take the AP exam?
To receive AP credits, as well as credits from HHS, the AP exam must be taken following completion of the course. A fee is required for each examination. Information about AP exams is typically disseminated in the fall and the exams take place in May.
When should AP exam scores be sent to a college?
AP scores are not a required part of the college admissions application process. Most students take AP exams in May of their senior year so they do not have scores to submit during the college application process. If a student wishes to submit an AP score for credit designation or to place out of a particular college course, he or she should do so after being admitted to the college. If a student has taken an AP exam earlier than the senior year and wishes to submit a score to a college for consideration in the admissions process, he or she must do so before the admissions application deadline. Instructions for sending AP scores to colleges are in the student pack given to all students when they sit for an AP exam. Please note it is a different process then submitting SAT scores.
PSAT
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a practice SAT test that offers students a chance to familiarize themselves with the test format and content. It has fewer sections than the real SAT. It is not required, unless the student is looking to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. School Counselors will visit sophomore and junior English classes in late September or early October to provide information and to register students.
When can a student take the PSAT?
The PSAT is only offered ONE time per year and is intended to be taken in October of the student's junior year. At that point most students have covered the requisite content in their courses in school to be prepared for the test. Taking the test as a junior is the only time that a student can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.
Why is the PSAT important? Do the scores count?
The PSAT serves as a practice test for the SAT. It is important for students to be exposed to the format and content in order to practice for the SAT. Scores do not count and a great deal of information is available with a student’s score report to help them interpret their results and prepare for the upcoming SAT. Scores are only reported to the student and to the student’s school counselor. Scores are not shared with any colleges or outside entities. Scores are available about the second week in December.
SAT
When is the optimal time to take the SAT?
Juniors should take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Many students will take the SAT for a second time in the fall of their senior year. This allows them to cover as much content as they can in school and potentially improve their scores. Other test dates are offered as well, so students should have a conversation with their school counselor to see when it is the best time for them to take the test.
When should SAT scores be sent to a college?
During the college application process, scores should be sent to colleges when a student feels they are an accurate reflection of their abilities (or when required). Scores can be sent when a student registers for a test, or after the scores have been received. Most students will wait for results before reporting scores to colleges; however this incurs a fee for score reporting from both the College Board. Scores must be requested by the student directly from the College Board or ACT Corporation. They are not part of a student’s transcript and are not considered official unless sent by the testing entities themselves.
How do you know whether or not to send test scores?
If you feel the scores are an accurate reflection of your abilities, you should send the scores to your colleges. Students should have conversations with their school counselors to make these determinations. Your school counselor will help guide you through the test taking process.
PRE-ACT
What is the Pre-ACT?
Similar to the PSAT, the Pre-ACT offers students a chance to familiarize themselves with the ACT test format and content.
ACT
When is the optimal time to take the ACT?
Juniors should take the ACT in the spring of their junior year. Many students will take the ACT for a second time in the fall of their senior year. This allows them to cover as much content as they can in school and potentially improve their scores. Other test dates are offered as well, so students should have a conversation with their school counselor to see when it is the best time for them to take the test.
Where can I learn more about standardized testing?
Are students required to take the AP exam?
To receive AP credits, as well as credits from HHS, the AP exam must be taken following completion of the course. A fee is required for each examination. Information about AP exams is typically disseminated in the fall and the exams take place in May.
When should AP exam scores be sent to a college?
AP scores are not a required part of the college admissions application process. Most students take AP exams in May of their senior year so they do not have scores to submit during the college application process. If a student wishes to submit an AP score for credit designation or to place out of a particular college course, he or she should do so after being admitted to the college. If a student has taken an AP exam earlier than the senior year and wishes to submit a score to a college for consideration in the admissions process, he or she must do so before the admissions application deadline. Instructions for sending AP scores to colleges are in the student pack given to all students when they sit for an AP exam. Please note it is a different process then submitting SAT scores.
PSAT
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a practice SAT test that offers students a chance to familiarize themselves with the test format and content. It has fewer sections than the real SAT. It is not required, unless the student is looking to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. School Counselors will visit sophomore and junior English classes in late September or early October to provide information and to register students.
When can a student take the PSAT?
The PSAT is only offered ONE time per year and is intended to be taken in October of the student's junior year. At that point most students have covered the requisite content in their courses in school to be prepared for the test. Taking the test as a junior is the only time that a student can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.
Why is the PSAT important? Do the scores count?
The PSAT serves as a practice test for the SAT. It is important for students to be exposed to the format and content in order to practice for the SAT. Scores do not count and a great deal of information is available with a student’s score report to help them interpret their results and prepare for the upcoming SAT. Scores are only reported to the student and to the student’s school counselor. Scores are not shared with any colleges or outside entities. Scores are available about the second week in December.
SAT
When is the optimal time to take the SAT?
Juniors should take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Many students will take the SAT for a second time in the fall of their senior year. This allows them to cover as much content as they can in school and potentially improve their scores. Other test dates are offered as well, so students should have a conversation with their school counselor to see when it is the best time for them to take the test.
When should SAT scores be sent to a college?
During the college application process, scores should be sent to colleges when a student feels they are an accurate reflection of their abilities (or when required). Scores can be sent when a student registers for a test, or after the scores have been received. Most students will wait for results before reporting scores to colleges; however this incurs a fee for score reporting from both the College Board. Scores must be requested by the student directly from the College Board or ACT Corporation. They are not part of a student’s transcript and are not considered official unless sent by the testing entities themselves.
How do you know whether or not to send test scores?
If you feel the scores are an accurate reflection of your abilities, you should send the scores to your colleges. Students should have conversations with their school counselors to make these determinations. Your school counselor will help guide you through the test taking process.
PRE-ACT
What is the Pre-ACT?
Similar to the PSAT, the Pre-ACT offers students a chance to familiarize themselves with the ACT test format and content.
ACT
When is the optimal time to take the ACT?
Juniors should take the ACT in the spring of their junior year. Many students will take the ACT for a second time in the fall of their senior year. This allows them to cover as much content as they can in school and potentially improve their scores. Other test dates are offered as well, so students should have a conversation with their school counselor to see when it is the best time for them to take the test.
Where can I learn more about standardized testing?
- AP Exams - apstudents.collegeboard.org/ap-exams-overview
- PSAT & SAT - collegeboard.org
- ACT - actstudent.org
