FRCS places strong emphasis on academic readiness and planning for college.  Students participate in the following progression of seminars and coursework related to college exploration and admissions.

8^th Grade Students

•           Course planning in spring
•           Seminar about college application, admissions, and planning using Early College Plannign Guide and resources from MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority www.mefa.org).

9th and 10th Grade Students

Achievement Teams:

• Small group discussions one class period per cycle
• Discuss a variety of topics, including transcripts and grade point averages, college fairs, standardized testing, career interests, study skills and test taking strategies.
• Students build positive relationships with peers and teachers

11th Grade Students

        Junior Advising: 

• Explore college and career options in more detail.
• Explore career interests and paths
• Gain understanding of the types of colleges, investigating and visiting colleges, the application process, and finalizing a list of colleges to which to apply.
• Complete the Common Application as a final project.
• Discuss standardized tests, financial aid, interviewing, and other topics related to applying to and making a decision about colleges.
• Guest staff speakers are invited to explain their own educational and professional development.

12th Grade Students

Senior Advising

• Helps finalize college applications
• Help with college essays and resumes, timelines, and prioritizing applications.
• Discuss the stress involved in applying, for themselves as well their families, and are provided information and resources to help with family conversations about the transition to college.
• Learn about financial aid and scholarships.
• Recent graduates are also invited to talk about what their experience in becoming college student has been like.
• Understanding and comparing financial aid packages as well as college budgeting.
• Transition from high school to college are discussed.