Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School

Counseling is more than just a job. We invest a great deal of time and energy in advising our students, helping them realize their full educational potential, and supporting them along the way.   

The work of a school counselor may range from counseling students on meeting graduation requirements to working with students and families in crisis. We also coordinate and direct all aspects of college placement and career guidance services, including:   

•           publicizing test dates   

•           coordinating college fairs and visits from university admissions officers   

•           advising on financial aid options   

•           reviewing and processing students' college applications.   

Preparing Students for College  

Over four years of high school, students have many teachers, activity leaders, coaches, and role models. However, the school counselor is the only person who sees the entire picture of a student's high school career, and who can bring all the information together.   

Some of the things we do to give students the best chance of going on to the college of their choice include   

•           helping to plan a challenging course schedule   

•           keeping records of classes and grades   

•           keeping track of graduation requirements   

•           advising on which college admission tests to take and when to take them   

•           connecting students to information on various colleges, majors, and careers   

•           recommending colleges to match academic profiles and career goals   

•           advising on "safety," "good fit," and "reach" schools   

•           sending transcripts to colleges   

•           writing letters of recommendation   

•           helping families understand aid awards and how financial aid works, and connecting students to local scholarship opportunities.    

As counselors, we recognize that our encouragement plays a critical role in helping students prepare for college. Our goal is to convince our students that college is within their grasp.     

Course selection  

College admissions requirements are typically more stringent than high school graduation requirements. They often require a higher level of demonstrated competence in mathematics and science, and may even require a minimum number of years studying a foreign language. We try to make sure that all our students have the opportunity to participate in a college-prep academic program. We try to share with them what courses colleges expect to see on their transcripts.     

In addition to course topics, we encourage all students to take the most rigorous and challenging courses suitable for their academic level. The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared high school students with the opportunity to study and learn at the college level. Successfully completing these courses—and doing well on the exams—demonstrates to colleges that students are capable of success at the college level.   

 Extracurricular Activities 

Colleges also expect students to have interests outside of academics. Sports and other extracurricular activities show admissions officers that students are well rounded and can contribute to life on campus. Volunteering or working part time also indicate a sense of duty and commitment, further proof that students are ready for the responsibilities college entails.   

We try to arrange specific programs for our students, such as national and international internships, certificate programs, and athletic programs.

The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School (SASCS) seeks to graduate men and women who think critically and creatively; have attained strong skills in mathematics, science, language, technology, history, and the arts; and are committed to a lifetime of learning and civic involvement. The school will empower students with high intellectual standards– building on their promise as they prepare for college, career and citizenship.