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Welcome to the new GC website!

The new district and school websites, powered by ParentSquare’s Smart Sites, feature improved navigation, a streamlined layout consistent across all sites, and a user-friendly design to better serve our entire community. They also seamlessly integrate with ParentSquare, the district’s communication platform.

Although the new website has a redesigned look, most of the website components and menus are the same!

2 days ago

Gates Chili High School

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  3. College information

College information

College application process

Applying to college is an exciting milestone, and the Gates Chili High School Counseling Department is here to support you every step of the way! Below is a general timeline and checklist to help guide you through the college application process.

  • Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year, if required by your intended colleges or for scholarship consideration. Not all schools require standardized test scores—check the admissions requirements for each college you’re applying to. Learn more on the College Entrance Exam webpage.

  • Ask teachers for letters of recommendation in the spring of junior year so they have time to write a strong letter. Use Naviance to submit requests and provide helpful information about your academic and extracurricular achievements.

  • Start writing your college essay(s) during the summer before senior year. Your counselor or English teacher can help review and refine your drafts.

    • Complete your brag sheet in SchooLinks to help teachers write recommendations
    • Add colleges you’re applying to under "Colleges I’m Applying To"
    • Track application materials and submission deadlines

  • Submit your applications using one of the following platforms:

    Make sure you know the deadlines for each college you apply to.

  • To ensure your counselor can send transcripts and supporting documents:

    • Submit your Gold Form (with parent/guardian signature) once at the start of senior year
    • Submit a Green Form every time you apply to a college
      📌 These forms must be turned in at least 10 school days before your college's deadline.

  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for federal and some state and college-based financial aid. Visit the Federal Aid website to complete your application.

College entrance exams

Many colleges and universities consider standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. Below is information on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT—including what each test covers, when it’s taken, and how to register. Some colleges are test-optional, meaning students may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Students should research individual college admissions websites or speak with a counselor to determine if submitting test scores is in their best interest.

Purpose:
The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT and helps students prepare for college entrance exams. It also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Recommended for:
Juniors planning to attend a four-year college.

What it covers:

  • Math
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Writing (all multiple-choice)

More Information:

Purpose:
The SAT measures verbal reasoning and math skills. It is used by colleges to evaluate college readiness. Many schools are now test-optional, meaning the SAT may not be required.

Recommended for:
College-bound students, typically taken:

  • Spring of junior year
  • Fall of senior year
    • Advanced students may take it more than once before senior year.

Test Structure:

  • Reading and Writing: 64 minutes
  • Math: 70 minutes
  • No penalty for guessing

Registration:

Note: Gates Chili High School is not a testing site for the SAT. Students can choose from available locations during registration.

Purpose:
The ACT tests knowledge learned in high school and is used by colleges to assess academic readiness. Like the SAT, it is accepted at most colleges and may not be required at test-optional institutions.

Recommended for:
College-bound students, typically taken:

  • Spring of junior year
  • Fall of senior year

Test Structure:

  • English – 45 minutes
  • Math – 60 minutes (calculator allowed for entire section)
  • Reading – 35 minutes
  • Science – 35 minutes
  • Optional Writing – 40 minutes

Unique Features:

  • Includes a science section
  • Offers a STEM score
  • Based on high school curriculum

Registration:

  • Online at ACT Registration Site
  • Fee: $69 (no writing), $94 (with writing)
  • Fee waivers may be available through the Counseling Office

  • Purpose:
    The PSAT is a practice version of the SAT and helps students prepare for college entrance exams. It also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

    Recommended for:
    Juniors planning to attend a four-year college.

    What it covers:

    • Math
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Writing (all multiple-choice)

    More Information:

  • Purpose:
    The SAT measures verbal reasoning and math skills. It is used by colleges to evaluate college readiness. Many schools are now test-optional, meaning the SAT may not be required.

    Recommended for:
    College-bound students, typically taken:

    • Spring of junior year
    • Fall of senior year
      • Advanced students may take it more than once before senior year.

    Test Structure:

    • Reading and Writing: 64 minutes
    • Math: 70 minutes
    • No penalty for guessing

    Registration:

    Note: Gates Chili High School is not a testing site for the SAT. Students can choose from available locations during registration.

  • Purpose:
    The ACT tests knowledge learned in high school and is used by colleges to assess academic readiness. Like the SAT, it is accepted at most colleges and may not be required at test-optional institutions.

    Recommended for:
    College-bound students, typically taken:

    • Spring of junior year
    • Fall of senior year

    Test Structure:

    • English – 45 minutes
    • Math – 60 minutes (calculator allowed for entire section)
    • Reading – 35 minutes
    • Science – 35 minutes
    • Optional Writing – 40 minutes

    Unique Features:

    • Includes a science section
    • Offers a STEM score
    • Based on high school curriculum

    Registration:

    • Online at ACT Registration Site
    • Fee: $69 (no writing), $94 (with writing)
    • Fee waivers may be available through the Counseling Office

Financial aid and scholarships

This page is designed to help students and families navigate the financial side of college planning—from applying for federal aid to finding and applying for scholarships. If you have questions about financial aid or scholarships, please contact your school counselor. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Financial Aid

Financial aid helps make college more affordable by offering grants, loans, work-study opportunities and other forms of assistance. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking many of these resources. All college-bound students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid. Some private colleges may also require the CSS Profile for additional financial assistance consideration.

Families can access support for completing the FAFSA through school counseling services or by contacting local college financial aid offices, such as Monroe Community College. Each fall, Gates Chili hosts a Financial Aid Night to help students and families better understand the process and available options.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a valuable way to help cover the cost of college and do not need to be repaid. They are offered by local organizations, colleges, employers and national foundations. Gates Chili High School students can find scholarship opportunities shared via SchooLinks. Students will also receive an email to their district email address each time a new scholarship is available.

The Counseling Office keeps an up-to-date list of local and regional scholarships with eligibility requirements and deadlines. Students are encouraged to apply early, follow directions carefully and reach out to their counselors for help with applications or recommendation letters.