College Planning: Preparing for Your Future
At FTCHS, future planning begins early and builds each year. Whether your student is a freshman just starting high school or a senior preparing applications, our counseling team is here to guide every step of the journey.
Senior parent/guardians should continue here to review our senior college application process, and 9th, 10th and 11th grade parents can scroll to the bottom of the page for more information and resources.
🎓 Class of 2026: Senior Year Focus
Senior year is the implementation phase of future planning. Students receive structured support during first block senior programming and through individual check-ins.
Application & Transcript Package Quick Guide
📦 Transcript Package = Last Step
- Includes transcript, school profile, counselor report, recommendations, and fee waiver (if eligible).
- Request only after:
- Application is submitted
- Recommendations are finalized in Naviance
- Counselor check-out is complete
📝 Recommendations
- Up to 2 teacher recommendations (more requires approval)
- Update Brag Sheet in Naviance
- Speak to teachers directly & allow 3 weeks’ notice
- Enter requests in Naviance Student
⏰ Timelines & Deadlines
- Transcript packages available by week of 9/22/25
- Prioritize early/priority deadlines in Oct–Nov
- Rolling admissions next, then regular decision
📌 Limits & Fees
- Up to 12 transcript packages included
- 13+ = $5 each
- More than 15 applications requires counselor review
👩🎓 Student Responsibilities
- Use first block for planning & support
- Track deadlines in Naviance
- Follow the process: Application → Recommendations → Counselor Check-Out → Transcript Package
👨👩👧 Parent/Guardian Role
- Encourage productive use of first block
- Support a focused college list (12 or fewer recommended)
- Attend the Senior Parent College Info Session at the FTCHS Fall Future Fair:
📅 Tuesday, 9/23/25, 6:00 PM
👉 A full PDF guide with step-by-step instructions will be available here for families.
Looking Ahead: 9th–11th Grade Families
Future planning starts early! Each grade level builds toward senior year with age-appropriate programming.
- 9th Grade: Foundations in self-discovery, goal setting, and resume building.
- 10th Grade: Connecting academic choices to career pathways and early exploration.
- 11th Grade: Career exploration, college research, and application prep.
👉 For full details, see our [Future Planning Overview Page].
✨ Tip: No matter your student’s grade, it’s never too early to start visiting campuses, attending open houses, and exploring virtual tours.
🔍 Your College Fair Game Plan: Fact-Finding, Not Decision-Making — Download the Scavenger Hunt!
Resources for All Families
You can also watch replays of past webinars on a variety of future-planning topics on our Counselor’s Corner page.
Stay Connected
We host quarterly evening information sessions (and sometimes more) on college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, trade programs, and more. These sessions are designed to keep families informed and confident as they support their student’s future planning.
If you have questions, please reach out. We’re here to support your student every step of the way!