Whether a student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, pursue a trade, or enlist in the military, they don’t have to navigate the process alone. Mr. Cameron Sullivan, our Jr./Sr. High School counselor, is here to support Salem families in planning for life after graduation.
We sat down with Mr. Sullivan to learn more about the resources Salem offers to help students and their families who plan to attend college.
Q: When should students start applying to college?
A: Now is a great time to start! Many college applications open between mid-October and November, so it is important for students to begin researching their options early. That way, they will be ready to apply as soon as applications become available. Check out the 12th Grade College Application Timeline from the College Board.
Q: What is a “Senior Brag Sheet”?
A: The “Senior Brag Sheet” is a packet where seniors can showcase their achievements and experiences. It typically includes details about awards, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, future plans, and more. School staff use this information to select scholarship recipients and to help write strong letters of recommendation.
Q: How can someone receive a “Senior Brag Sheet”?
A: Students can pick up a Senior Brag Sheet from Mr. Sullivan’s office or request one from any teacher. The Brag Sheet is meant to be a living document, so you can update it as needed. Once you have filled it out, turn it in to Mr. Sullivan. Don’t worry if you forget something, you can always add it later!
Q: How can students receive letters of recommendation?
A: Students can request a letter of recommendation from a Salem staff member by asking them directly. When making the request, students should provide key information, including the submission deadline, and the recipient of the letter, and ensure they have completed their Senior Brag Sheet to help the staff member write a detailed and personalized letter.
If a student is pursuing a specific career path, they may want to ask a staff member with experience or connections in that field. For students interested in a particular college, it might also be beneficial to ask someone on the alumni committee who is familiar with that institution.
Students do not need to wait until senior year to start thinking about who might write their recommendation. It’s helpful to begin considering which staff members know them well and can speak to their strengths, character, and accomplishments.
Q: How can students be nominated for scholarships?
A: Every scholarship is a little different! Salem is fortunate to offer a wide range of school and community based scholarships, many of which are awarded by a committee or organization based on the information students provide in their Senior Brag Sheet.
Students can also explore state-wide and national scholarships through online resources like Scholarships Programs for NY Students and Scholarships.com. Mr. Sullivan is available to help students navigate the scholarship search and application process.
Q: How can students request their high school transcripts?
A: Students can request their transcript directly from Mr. Sullivan. Depending on the college’s requirements, he can either send the transcript from Salem CSD to the institution or provide a copy to the student for submission.
Q: What is the Common Application?
A: The Common Application, often called the Common App, is an online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges using a single application. With over 1,000 participating institutions, it streamlines the college application process by eliminating the need to complete separate applications for each school. Additionally, some colleges may waive their application fees when students apply through the Common App.
Q: How do students apply for financial aid?
A: All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid. Students in New York also have access to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides additional financial support.
The FAFSA collects demographic and income information, in collaboration with post-grad plans to determine financial aid eligibility. Once submitted, the FAFSA is sent to the colleges the student applies to, allowing those schools to create financial aid packages based on the information provided.
After completing the FAFSA, eligible New York State residents will be directed to fill out the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. TAP offers grant-based financial aid, meaning the funds do not need to be repaid.
In addition to federal and state aid, many colleges also offer their own financial awards, including scholarships, fee waivers, and work-study opportunities to help reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Q: What should students know about the college application essay?
A: Always check the specific requirements for each college before you begin writing! Many colleges have guidelines about what they’re looking for in an essay. Some may ask for a response to a specific prompt, while others may require a word count limit.
Students should ask a teacher or Mr. Sullivan to review their essays before submitting. A second pair of eyes can help catch errors and offer suggestions for improvement. It is important that your grammar is correct and that your writing sounds polished and professional.
Most importantly, the essay should be personal. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so you want yours to stand out. Regardless of the prompt, let your voice come through clearly. Use the essay as an opportunity to show who you are and why you’d be a great fit for the school.
Mr. Sullivan is Here to Help
The Counseling Department offers a comprehensive program to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Mr. Sullivan, our 7–12 School Counselor, is available to help students grow, navigate challenges, and plan for life after high school.
You can contact Mr. Sullivan by email at csullivan@salemcsd.org or by phone at 518-854-6012, ext. 612. His office is located in Room 409 in the high school wing.
Important Dates for Students
FAFSA & TAP Open: Oct. 1, 2025
Initial Senior Meetings: Oct. 13-24, 2025
SUNY Adirondack Open House: Oct. 18, 2025
Free Application Week for SUNY Schools: Oct. 20, 2025 to Nov. 3, 2025
Apply to up to 5 SUNY schools with no application fee
CTE Works Field Trip: Dec. 18, 2025
Attend CTE Works at Saratoga City Center. Open to all interested students
Common Application Open: Aug. 1, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026
Regular decisions must be in by Jan. 15, 2026
Consider applying early to cut down on the time spent waiting
Early Decision - Nov. 15, 2025
Early Action - Dec. 1, 2025
Early Decision II - Jan. 15, 2026