CLASS OF 2026�PLANNING FOR �YOUR FUTURE

School Counselors

• A-Da: Ms. Yates
• De-H: Mrs. Fox
• I-Mn: Mrs. Yeates
• Mo-Sc: Mrs. Ertel
• Se-Z: Mr. O’Brien
• Counseling Secretary: Mrs. Maranto

Stay Informed!

Connect with your class on Remind

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Text the message:

Last Names A-K: @2026nw-ak

Last Names L-Z: @2026nw-lz

To the #: 81010

Or use the link: rmd.at/nw2026c for push notifications

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Graduation Requirements

Regents Diploma Exams

*Advanced Regents with Honors: Average 90% or higher on the 9 tests

Timeline - Junior Year

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• Use the NW College Planning timeline
• Take the SAT and/or ACT
• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation
• Continue to research colleges
• Attend Open Houses
• Visit Colleges
• Volunteer (Spring/Summer)

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Timeline - Junior Year

• Register with NCAA if you plan on participating in Division I or II Sports
• Talk to college coaches
• Get a Job!
• Talk to Military Recruiters
• Apply for Internships

How to register?

• Online
• www.ACT.org (ACT)
• www.collegeboard.com (SAT)
• You can choose to have your scores sent to four colleges at no additional charge

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SAT & ACT Dates and Registration Deadlines

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Offered at Niagara-Wheatfield High School**

Testing Optional Schools

• Testing optional school may consider SAT or ACT scores if submitted, however they are not required for admission

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• Currently there are over 1900 test-optional or test-flexible schools ( https://www.ivywise.com/blog/colleges-going-test-optional/ )

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• All SUNY Schools are test-optional this year

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• While a school my be test-optional, they may require a standardized test score for some scholarships or other opportunities. It’s best to contact individual schools and specific programs directly regarding their policies.

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Letters of Recommendation

• Ask teachers early
• Ask a teacher that can write about personal and academic strengths
• Give them a resume
• Fill out Google Form Online or purple sheet available in counseling center
• Extracurricular activities
• Leadership experiences
• Honors
• Athletics
• Jobs
• Volunteer work
• Other

Courses Where You Can Earn College Credit

Listed below are classes offered here at N-W where students can earn college credit from NCCC. Credits are transferable to most 2 and 4 year colleges.

Course Credits Grade

Statistics 3 Credits – NCCC 11,12

Calculus 4 Credits – NCCC 12

Precalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 11,12

College Composition I 3 Credits – NCCC 12

College Composition II 3 Credits – NCCC 12

French 4 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12

French 5 3 Credits – NCCC 12

Spanish 4 3 Credits – NCCC 11,12

Spanish 5 3 Credits –NCCC 12

Business Law 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12

Sociology 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12

Environmental Issues 3 Credits-NCCC 11,12

NCCC Approx. $86/Credit Hour

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Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

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College Level Classes at NW

Students may earn college credits in AP courses based on their scores on the AP exam.

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Scores range from 1-5. Credits earned vary by individual colleges.

Courses Where You Can Earn College Credit

AP World History (10^th)

AP US History (11^th)

AP English (11^th,12^th)

AP Physics (11^th,12^th)

AP Biology (11^th,12^th)

AP Chemistry (11^th,12^th)

AP Stats (11^th,12^th)

AP Calculus (12^th)

AP Macroeconomics (12^th)

AP Government and Politics (12^th)

AP Studio Art (11^th,12^th)

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WHAT WILL I DO AFTER GRADUATION?

-College?

-Trade school?

-Military?

-Military Academy?

-ROTC?

-Work?

HOW DO I DECIDE?

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In order to be well informed, stress free and able to make the right decision, you need to see your School Counselor to discuss your options.

�SELECTING A COLLEGE�WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?�

7 KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

• 1. PROGRAMS: Does the college you are considering have your major?

If applicable does it have my choice of sport? Extracurricular? Study abroad? Good job placement?

• 2. COST: Can I afford it? Do they offer scholarships?

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• 3. CHANCES: Can I get in? Do I have the grades?

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• 4. LOCATION: Do I want a big city school or a small town school?

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• 5. SIZE: Will I be able to learn in a class with 300 students?

Will I do better in a small class?

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• 6. Two or Four Year: What type of degree do you need?

If you are going to transfer to a four year school be careful about

which courses you take, so that the credits transfer.

• 7. Public/Private: Which is the best choice for you?

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Top Factors in College Admissions Decisions �

The following schools will be visiting NW for the WNY College Consortium on October 7th:

Alfred State College

Alfred University

Bryant & Stratton College

Buffalo State University

Canisius University

Daemen University

D’Youville University

SUNY Erie

SUNY Fredonia

Genesee Community College

Hilbert College

Houghton University

Jamestown Community College

Niagara County Community College

Niagara University

St. Bonaventure University

Trocaire College

University at Buffalo

Villa Maria College

You must have a pass to attend between the times of

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm in the ALC

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Western New York Colleges at NW

Admissions representatives from Western New York colleges will be at Niagara Wheatfield throughout the fall to talk with students about academic majors, collegiate athletics, housing options, tuition, financial aid, clubs, organizations, how to apply, and more. Please listen to announcements for information on when representatives will be here.

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NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse

• Division 1 & 2 must meet eligibility
• NCAA: www.eligibilitycenter.org
• Fee
• Request your transcript
• When do I register?
• You can register anytime after you compete 6 semesters of high school. Most students will register at the beginning of their senior year
• How do I qualify to participate in sports at a D I or II school?
• Complete minimum of 16 core courses
• Eligibility is determined by sliding scale
• NCAA code is 9999

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MILITARY OPTIONS

• ROTC

-Start the process NOW

-Offered at over 1,000 colleges

-Very competitive

-In exchange for paid college tuition and a post college career you agree to serve in the military after graduation.

• Military Academies

-Start the process NOW

-VERY competitive

-Once you graduate you become an officer in the military

• Enter the Military after graduation

-You should contact a recruiter

School Counseling Website has more information and website addresses

• ASVAB Wednesday 10/9 1-3 Period

TRADE SCHOOLS

Are you interested in working in any of the trade areas such as

Cosmetology, Plumbing, Auto, Heating and Cooling etc?

If so:

-Consider a trade school. Trade Schools are different from regular colleges because at most trade schools you take only the courses directly related to your field of choice.

-You can go to BOCES after you graduate but must pay tuition.

Northland Training Center�(East Side of Buffalo)

• Welding Technology- Alfred State *$36,000-$45,000
• Electrical Construction and Maintenance- Alfred State *$35,000-$45,000
• Machine Tool Technology- Alfred State *$36,000-$48,000
• Mechatronics – ECC*$30,000-$40,000

*Average starting salary

Questions?

• If you think of questions after this presentation, feel free to see your School Counselor.

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We are here to help!