Approximately 77% of graduates from GNGHS go on to some form of post-secondary education. Many students begin planning for their futures in their freshman year or earlier. "An early awareness of college could begin at any age," explains Hagelin. "Making early connections to schools, learning and future planning opportunities may help students gain an appreciation for the value of a good education, support goal setting and feed their natural desire to learn."

The guidance department helps students in the 9th grade to investigate interests and careers and to develop a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). They cover college awareness and graduation requirements, identify a student's strengths, and engage in course planning.

In the 10th grade, students continue developing their PLPs and assessing their interests and skills. "All 10th grade students take the PSAT (practice SAT), which offers students the opportunity to become familiar with the SAT testing format, assess their current skills, and practice test taking strategies," explains Hagelin. "GNGHS 10th graders also participate in Careers of the 21st Century, a career program sponsored by Southern Maine Community College."

Students in the 11th grade re-take the PSAT and also complete the SAT in the spring of their junior year. The guidance department gives 11th graders instruction in the college search and selection process, the college admission process and financial aid. Students have the opportunity to attend a college fair and meet individually with counselors to develop plans.

In the 12th grade, students review the information that was covered in their junior year and continue meeting one-on-one with counselors to develop plans. The guidance department offers the following support services: college representative visits, scholarship newsletters, financial aid resources (including a workshop), parent meetings and instruction in the Choices program.

Throughout these four critical years, teachers work together in classroom activities, test preparation, distribution of information to students, and reinforcing important themes, explains Hagelin.

This process may be an overwhelming experience for busy students as well as their parents. Hagelin says, "Parents can help in a variety of ways: participating in college visits, helping the student investigate financial aid and scholarship programs, proof-reading applications and essays, and providing positive reinforcement and encouragement."

Although high school can be a time for carefree fun, students are also learning to think critically and work collaboratively with a variety of people. They are becoming independent learners and honing their time management skills. Strong reading and writing skills and teamwork are critical components not only for success in high school but for college and careers beyond graduation.

Hagelin adds, "The guidance office at GNGHS has a current library of college and career resources available for student use. The College Board publishes a variety of college handbooks and guides (copies are available in the guidance office) and offers a comprehensive web site, www.collegeboard.com."

For more information visit the websites provided below. ACT website: www.act.org

Choices program website (login information available in the guidance office): www.bridges.com

College search websites: www.petersons.com and www.princetonreview.com

Financial aid and scholarship information websites: www.fafsa.ed.gov (federal government financial aid web site for filing FAFSA); www.famemaine.com/education/education.asp; www.mesfoundation.com; www.fastweb.com; https://profileonline.collegeboard.com