College and Career Planning

Cape Cod Community College Pathways

Explore the Pathways Program – Your Gateway to Cape Cod Community College!

Attention seniors! The Pathways Program provides a seamless journey through the entire admissions and registration process for Cape Cod Community College, all while you're still in high school. Interested students are encouraged to connect with their school counselor to kickstart this exciting opportunity.

Throughout the year, we'll be hosting information sessions, offering college tours, providing application assistance, and conducting placement testing to ensure you're fully prepared for your college adventure.

Discover the wealth of opportunities that Cape Cod Community College has for you! Watch the video below for an in-depth look at what awaits you. Your future begins here - embark on your Pathways journey today!

Cape Cod Community College Pathways Program

College Admission Testing

While some colleges/universities do not require standardized test scores anymore (See link to FairTest below), many use them as one of the indicators of a student's predicted success in college. The two that are used for college admissions are the SAT and the ACT – each testing students a little differently and both being accepted equally at all colleges and universities.

As all students are different and may perform differently on tests, it is encouraged, if possible, to take both the ACT and SAT to determine if one would be better than the other to send to colleges. If students choose to just take one of the exams and are unsure which to take, the student should consult with her/his parents and school counselor.

If students qualify and receive free or reduced lunch, they should see their school counselor for a waiver to register for either test.

Test Preparation

There are many options available for students to do preparation for both the SAT and ACT tests. Books are available at local bookstores and there are a number of online programs that are options as well. Below are some of the websites that our students have used in the past.

Tests

ACT

PSAT

SAT

TOEFL

FairTest

Financial Aid

Massachusetts Education Financing Authority

MEFA, the Commonwealth’s authority on planning, saving, and paying for college is a great resource for families. Free webinars and virtual events are available on their website regardless of where you are in the process!

MEFA.org

FAFSA Program

FAFSA Day Massachusetts is a non-profit, volunteer driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

FAFSA Day Massachusetts

Additional Resources

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Welcome to the US Department of Education. FAFSA accounts can be opened July 1st the year that you are applying to schools.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

PROFILE, the financial aid application service of the College Board, a national, not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. The PROFILE can be completed beginning October 1, 2022. More information about filling out the CSS Profile

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)

MEFA is a self-financing, not-for-profit state authority dedicated to keeping college education affordable to families. They also have information about careers and college searches as well as a loan cost calculator.

College Savings Calculator

Use this calculator to see how much money you'll need for college, whether you're on track to save enough, and what you need to do to reach your goal.

Massachusetts Career Information System (MassCIS)

MassCIS is designed to provide occupational and educational information to help people make better-informed career and school choices. Career Information, College, Financial Aid and Career Exploration included.

Post Secondary Military Options

Connect with your School Counselor

Start by meeting with your school counselor to discuss your military goals and map out your next steps. They can also introduce you to the BHS Coast Guard JROTC Program, a comprehensive leadership experience that includes:

Competitive Teams: Drill, Color Guard, Academic, and Orienteering.
Skills & Training: Marksmanship, Archery, and Raiders (first aid, navigation, and fitness).
Engagement: Community service and field trips to Coast Guard units and museums.

Coast Guard JROTC Program at Barnstable High School

Attend Information Sessions

Keep an eye out for military information sessions and events at BHS. These sessions often feature representatives from different branches of the military, who can provide detailed information about career paths, benefits, and the application process. We often have different military recruiters who visit BHS juniors and seniors during lunches in the Junior/Senior Cafeteria.

Research Online

Explore official military websites and service academies to compare branches and programs. Researching online is the most effective way to understand the unique requirements, benefits, and career opportunities available through each path.

Understanding your options is the first step towards making informed decisions about your future. Whether you're considering enlisting, pursuing a military career after college, or exploring service academies, the military can offer valuable experiences, training, and a sense of purpose.

Military Branches

Maritime Academies

Military Colleges

Senior Military Colleges

Military Junior Colleges

Visit Recruitment Offices

Schedule visits to military recruitment offices. Meeting with recruiters allows you to ask specific questions, learn about eligibility criteria, and get a sense of the commitment required.

Attend Military Career Fairs

Look out for local or virtual military career fairs. These events bring together representatives from various military branches and academies, offering you the chance to interact directly, ask questions, and explore potential career paths.

Attend Service Academy Information Night

Congressman Bill Keating’s office holds a Service Academy Information Night for students and their families in the Ninth Congressional District. Students and their parents have the opportunity to hear from representatives of the major service academies about cadet life, what the academies expect from successful candidates, and how to best present themselves to each academy. They also hope to offer opportunities for private video chats with each rep, ask your school counselor for more information.

Speak to Military Personnel

Start by speaking with the Coast Guard JROTC Instructors right here at BHS, they offer a wealth of knowledge as military veterans. Whenever possible, connect with other current or former service members to gain firsthand insights into the realities of training, daily military life, and the unique rewards of serving your country.

Authentic Perspective: Get honest answers about the transition to basic training.
Career Guidance: Learn about specific MOS (jobs) from those who lived them.
Mentorship: Build a network of advisors who understand the commitment.

ROTC Programs

Explore Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs available at some colleges. These programs offer a pathway to military service while pursuing a college education. In Massachusetts, 41 schools offer ROTC programs. By school type, 12 public and 29 private schools offer ROTC programs.

MASS Colleges Offering ROTC Programs

Scholarships

Scholarship Bulletins will be available through the Main School Counseling office and through Senior TGA's. As Bulletins become available, we will also post them here. We encourage students to apply for all applicable scholarships. Contact Karen MacFarlane at 508-790-6445 ext 1120, if you have any questions.

In addition, many of our students have found success with credible scholarship websites such as:

Scholarship application form