College & Career Day 2025

April 5, 2025 at Somerville High School

The College & Career team is planning a variety of free workshops for students and families in grades 7 through 12.

2025 Workshop topics: 

  • After the Acceptance for Seniors - Congrats! You’ve been accepted. Now what? This workshop will answer your questions about next steps and more. We discuss how to review financial aid packages and enroll in your college or university. Our target audience is seniors and their families who are planning to attend 2-yr or 4-yr colleges.
  • Applying to Highly Selective Schools -  In this panel, you will hear from admissions counselors from X of the top universities in the US. Come learn more about what makes a college highly selective and key factors that matter in the admissions process.
  • College & Career Planning Q&A (follow up to intro) -  Follow up from Session One College & Career Introduction. Come with all your questions!
  • College Admissions Panel -  In this panel, you will hear from admissions counselors at three different colleges and universities. You'll learn about their schools but also get advice about admissions from the experts! You will have a chance to ask questions.
  • College Essay Intro - Join us as we introduce the personal statement and begin brainstorming your college essay.
  • College Planning for LGBTQ students - In this session, we will introduce LGBTQ+ friendly college search resources and discuss supports on campus for LGBTQ+ students.
  • College Planning for Students of Color - We will discuss how identity can intersect with the college process and provide information and resources that can help support students as they navigate college planning. This workshop is geared towards students of color and their families.
  • College Planning for Students with Disabilities - If students have an IEP/504 in HS what support can they get in college?
  • College Process for Spanish speakers - Overview of the college application process, presented in Spanish. Learn about different college degrees, how to apply to college in the US, and how to get help paying for college.
  • College Process for Portuguese speakers - Overview of the college application process, presented in Portuguese. Learn about different college degrees, how to apply to college in the US, and how to get help paying for college.
  • Intro to College & Career Planning at SHS - Join us for an introduction to the college and career planning process at SHS! Find out what to do leading up to your senior year to prepare for college applications and career search processes.
  • Creating a College List - Creating a college list can be difficult! This session will discuss best practices when creating a balanced and realistic college list. We will cover topics such as finding college match/fit and next steps for list building!
  • Financial College Planning for Middle Grades Parents / Guardians - The cost of college these days is scary but being informed and prepared can help you and your family make smart financial decisions. Join us in this workshop as we talk about the cost of college, the financial aid available, and how to save and prepare to reduce the cost of college for your family.
  • Intro to College & Career Planning at SHS - Join us for an introduction to the college and career planning process at SHS! Find out what to do leading up to your senior year to prepare for college applications and career search processes. This workshop will be a presentation and will have limited time for questions. Families and students with questions are encouraged to attend our Session 2 Q&A.
  • Massachusetts State Colleges - This workshop will focus on students who are interested in any of the great state schools located in Massachusetts including the UMass Schools, state colleges (like Framingham State, Salem State and others) and Community Colleges. In addition to highlighting the great academic offerings, we will discuss the significant scholarship opportunities for Massachusetts residents at these schools.
  • MEFA Pathways Career Exploration for Middle Grades 
  • Paying for College - This workshop will help you understand college financial aid: how it works and what type of aid is available to you. We will also review ways to pay for college. This workshop is run by SHS partner uAspire.
  • Straight to Career - A college degree is not required for all careers.  If you are interested in trade school or going straight to work through apprenticeship or on the job training we will be discussing how to make your way most efficiently and directly into trades.
  • What is the SAT and Do I Need to Take it? - A lot has changed in the last few years with SAT requirements. In this workshop, we will review the latest information about what the SAT is, how to prepare for it, who needs to take it and when!