PATHWAY to COLLEGE

Group of six smiling young people looking down towards the camera in a circle formation.

Group of college graduates wearing blue and red caps and gowns seated indoors during a ceremony.

Three boys sitting at a table with papers in front of them, listening to a woman working on a laptop in a room with a brick wall and an American flag.

College Counseling

College counseling at HCSS is a highly personalized process designed to help each student find the college or university that best matches their strengths, interests, and long-term goals. Because every student is unique, our approach is individualized, intentional, and supported by close, ongoing relationships between students and their counselors.

Each Junior and Senior receives a comprehensive “Pathway to College” checklist that guides them through every step of the college planning process. Both the College & Career Coordinator and school counselors use this tool to help students stay organized, meet key deadlines, and make informed decisions.

Students work closely with their counselor to reflect on their talents, identify academic and career interests, set meaningful goals, and research colleges that align with those goals. Personal attention is the hallmark of the HCSS college search process—students receive dedicated support from both the College & Career Coordinator and their School Counselor as they explore options and apply to top-tier colleges and universities.

To stay current with admissions trends and opportunities, HCSS counselors regularly visit college campuses, attend regional and national conferences, and host college fairs and individual college representatives on campus. These efforts build strong connections with admissions officers and help ensure that students receive up-to-date and relevant guidance.

HCSS encourages all students—especially Juniors and Seniors—to take full advantage of the many resources, events, and supports available to them. Through this comprehensive counseling model, we empower students to make confident, informed decisions and pursue pathways that lead to meaningful futures.

OUR GRADUATES - Where are they now?

Some of the colleges and universities that our graduates got accepted to…

Adelphi University

American International College

Amherst College

Ana Maria College

Assumption College

Babson College

Baypath University

Birmingham Southern College

Boston College

Boston University

Brandeis University

Burlington County Community College

Central Connecticut State University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Champlain College

Chestnuthill College

Colby Sawyer College

Curry College

Dominican University of California

Dartmouth College

Drexel University

Elmira College

Elms College

Emmanuel College

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Felician University

Fisher College

FIT

Fitchburg State University

Florida Southern College

Fordham University

Framingham State University

Franklin Pierce University

George Mason University

Georgian Court University

Georgetown University

Gordon College

Harvard University

Hawaii Pacific University

Hofstra University

Holyoke Community College

Husson University

Iona College

Johnson and Wales University

John Hopkins University

Keene State College

Lasell College

Lesley University

Life Pacific College

Lyndon State College

Manhattan College

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

MCLA

MCPHS

Merrimack College

Merrimack State College

Mitchell College

Monmouth University

Mount Saint Mary College

NYU(New York State University)

NAC

Nazareth University

NE Institute of Technology

New England College

New England Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology

New York University

Newbury College

Northeastern University

Northpoint Bible College

Nova Southern University

Nyack College

Pace University

Penn State University

Plattsburgh University

Plymouth State University

Quinnipiac University

Regis College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rhode Island College

Robert Morris University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Roger Williams University

Sage College of Albany

Saint Michael’s College

Saint Rose College

Salem College

Seton Hall University

Siena College

Simmons College

SNHU

Southern Connecticut State University

Southern New Hampshire University

Springfield College

St Lawrence Univ

State University of New York

STCC

Suffolk University

SUNY Buffalo

The College of New Jersey

The College of Saint Rose

The University of Tampa

The University of the Sciences

Trinity College

Tuft University

UCONN

UMASS Amherst

UMASS Boston

UMASS Dartmouth

UMASS Lowell

University of Dartmouth

University of Hartford

University of Indianapolis

University of Maine

University of New England

University of New Haven

University of Saint Joseph

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

University of Valley Forge

Utica College

Wagner College

Washington & Jefferson College

Washington College

Westfield State University

Western Connecticut State University

Western New England University

Wheelock College

WIT

WNEC

Williams College

SCHOLARSHIP

HCSS is committed to helping students access the financial support they need to pursue higher education with confidence. Our College & Career Office guides students through every step of the scholarship process—from identifying opportunities to preparing strong applications.

Students receive support in:

Researching local, state, and national scholarships
Understanding eligibility requirements
Writing and revising scholarship essays
Preparing recommendation requests
Meeting important deadlines
Submitting strong, complete applications

Black graduation cap with gold tassel and rolled diploma tied with red ribbon above the word 'Scholarship' in stylized brown text.

HCSS counselors regularly share updated scholarship lists, host workshops, and meet individually with students to help them maximize their financial aid opportunities. Through this personalized guidance, many of our students earn competitive scholarships, grants, and awards that significantly reduce the cost of college.

At HCSS, we believe every student should have access to higher education, and we work tirelessly to help families navigate scholarship resources and secure the support they deserve.

https://www.fastweb.com/

https://www.raise.me/

https://www.goingmerry.com/

https://www.scholarships.com/

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

https://www.salliemae.com/

https://scholarshipamerica.org/

https://Naviance.com

https://bold.org/applicants/

https://studentscholarships.org/

https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/scholarships/

DUAL ENROLLMENT

HCSS offers Dual Enrollment opportunities that allow eligible high school students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, students can earn both high school and college credits at the same time—giving them a powerful head start on their post-secondary education.

Dual Enrollment provides students with:

Exposure to real college coursework
An opportunity to explore academic interests in greater depth
A chance to build confidence and independence
Potential savings on future college tuition by earning credits early

Students work closely with their counselors and the College & Career Office to choose courses that align with their academic goals and graduation requirements. By participating in Dual Enrollment, HCSS students strengthen their academic profiles and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the demands of college and beyond.

Map of the United States featuring major college sports team logos positioned within their respective states.

COURSE SELECTION

Building a Strong Academic Pathway

Course planning at HCSS helps students create a schedule that is both challenging and inspiring. Our goal is to ensure every student engages in rigorous coursework, explores new interests, and prepares for success in college and beyond.

Students meet with their School Counselor each spring to review:

Graduation requirements
Academic strengths and growth areas
College and career goals
AP and Dual Enrollment opportunities
Elective options
Overall balance and workload

With this individualized support, students create a schedule that is purposeful, engaging, and aligned with their future goals.

Stack of colorful books with titles of various academic subjects including biology, history, English, sociology, politics, geometry, mathematics, economy, physics, theology, the arts, and education.

What Students Should Consider When Choosing Courses

Rigor and Readiness
‍Choose courses that challenge you—colleges want to see that you pushed yourself and took advantage of the opportunities at HCSS.

College and Career Goals
‍If you already know your interests (STEM, medicine, education, business, etc.), your counselor will help you plan courses that prepare you for that field.

Long-Term Growth
‍Pick courses that stretch your skills — not just the ones that feel easy. Growth happens when you challenge yourself.

Balance
‍A rigorous schedule is important, but balance matters too. Counselors help students create a schedule that is challenging yet manageable.

Course Selection FAQ

When does course selection happen?
‍Course selection takes place every spring for the following school year.

‍Who helps students choose their courses?
‍Students work closely with their School Counselor, who provides personalized guidance throughout the entire process.

‍Do students have access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
‍Yes. HCSS offers a robust selection of AP classes, and we encourage eligible students to take at least one AP course to strengthen their college readiness.

‍What about Dual Enrollment?
‍Eligible students may take approved college courses through HCSS dual enrollment partnerships to earn college credit while still in high school.
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‍Can students change their schedule later?
‍Schedule changes are limited and depend on course availability, academic need, and counselor approval.

‍Are electives available?
‍Yes. HCSS offers a growing selection of electives that support student interests, creativity, and career exploration.
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‍How does course selection affect college admissions?
‍Colleges look closely at the rigor of a student’s transcript. Taking challenging courses, including AP or Dual Enrollment, helps demonstrate readiness for college-level work.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY

Student-athletes who plan to participate in NCAA Division I or II athletics during their first year of college must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This organization reviews each student’s academic records including GPA in core courses and standardized test scores—to determine eligibility for collegiate athletics.

Students may register online at https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3

Guidelines for Prospective Student-Athletes

Junior Year

Have your ACT or SAT scores sent directly to the NCAA by using code 9999 when registering for the test.
Complete your NCAA Eligibility Center registration online.
Request that HCSS send your official transcript to the NCAA at the end of junior year.

After Graduation

Once you graduate, notify Hampden Charter School of Science so we can send your final transcript, which must include proof of graduation, to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

CAREER AWARENESS & EXPLORATION

Exploring future careers is an exciting part of every student’s journey at HCSS. With countless career paths available—from law and engineering to healthcare, technology, business, and beyond—students need guidance, opportunities, and real-world experiences to help them discover what truly inspires them.

HCSS provides a variety of programs to help students understand their strengths, explore possibilities, and make informed decisions about their future.

Career Assessments
‍Understanding yourself is the first step in exploring careers. HCSS conducts Career Interest Assessments that help students identify personality traits, interests, skills, and values that align with different career fields. These results offer a meaningful starting point for setting goals and exploring potential career pathways.
Career Day
‍Each year, HCSS hosts a Career Day featuring guest speakers from a wide range of local and regional industries. Professionals share insights about their work, career journeys, and the skills needed to succeed—helping students broaden their understanding of possible futures.
Job Shadowing
‍Job shadowing allows students to get a firsthand look at a career they are interested in. Students may spend a morning or afternoon observing a professional, touring a workplace, and asking questions about the field. This optional opportunity helps students connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
*Release time during the school day may be approved by the Director.
Internships
‍Internships offer deeper career exposure through day-to-day participation in real workplace settings. Students gain valuable experience by observing professionals, assisting with projects, and exploring career fields more extensively.
Volunteer Opportunities
‍Volunteer work is another excellent way for students to build experience, serve their community, and strengthen their resume. HCSS provides information on local volunteer opportunities—especially helpful for students looking to gain exposure when paid positions are limited.
Our Commitment
‍While HCSS cannot guarantee job shadows, internships, or volunteer placements, we make every effort to connect students with meaningful experiences based on available community resources and partnerships.

Through assessments, events, and real-world opportunities, HCSS empowers students to explore their strengths, discover new interests, and pave the way toward rewarding careers.
Guidance Curriculum
‍At HCSS, our supportive and knowledgeable counselors work closely with students on all aspects of their growth—not just college and career readiness. Counselors help students develop the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary for success in high school, college, and life. They guide students through challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and ensure every student stays on track to reach their highest potential.
Advisory Program
‍All HCSS students participate in weekly advisory lessons designed to build essential life and school skills. Through lessons, discussions, activities, and hands-on experiences, students learn:
- Time management and organizational skills
- How to be positive, responsible members of their school community
- Strategies for personal growth and well-being
- Ways to contribute to and improve their school environment
Advisory supports students academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering strong connections with peers and staff.
Counselor Support & Academic Progress
‍HCSS guidance counselors provide ongoing support to help students thrive. This includes:
- Test preparation strategies
- Assistance with work completion and academic planning
- Tracking graduation requirements
- Monitoring community service progress
- Scheduling support and course recommendations
Counselors also provide individualized help with college and career planning through Xello, an interactive platform that helps students explore careers, identify strengths, research colleges, and plan their post-secondary pathway.
Through a comprehensive guidance curriculum, HCSS ensures that every student is supported, seen, and prepared for success—both inside and outside the classroom.

College & Career