College & Career Planning
The College & Career Planning Department is dedicated to helping students navigate their journey toward academic success, explore extracurricular opportunities, and prepare for life after high school. We encourage students to get involved in clubs, activities, and community initiatives while exploring a variety of post-secondary pathways. Starting early is key to creating a well-organized plan for securing future opportunities. We understand that planning for post-secondary options can feel overwhelming, but our School Counselors are here to support both students and parents every step of the way. You can contact the center by stopping by room 279 or using the contact information listed below.
- American College Testing (ACT) Exam
- College Tours and Visits
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Information
- JTHS Alianza de Familias Comprometidas a la Educación - Class of 2028 Pilot Program
- Resources for Senior Students
- SchooLinks College and Career Readiness Platform
American College Testing (ACT) Exam
The Illinois State Board of Education requires students to take standardized assessments that measure their knowledge and skills. The American College Testing better known as the "ACT" is the state's required accountability assessment for high school students. The exam has English language arts, math, and science with a writing portion. It also serves as a free college admissions exam. This assessment is a graduation requirement for students in Grade 11.
Testing Accommodations
Accommodations are available for students with disabilities, and support for English Learners (ELs) is provided for the ACT with Writing. These accommodations are only available to students with documented needs in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or for English Learners. Please see your student's individual IEP team or school counselor or more information.
Testing Information for 2025
- Primary Test Date: Please check back for a finalized date!
- Makeup Test Date: Please check back for a finalized date!
Test Taking Resources
These resources are designed to help you feel confident and ready to succeed.
ACT Fee Waiver
ACT offers a test fee waiver program to eligible students that covers the regular registration fee for writing and no-writing test options and provides additional benefits. Students are eligible if one or more of these descriptions applies to their circumstances:
- Be currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.
- Be testing in the United States, US territories, or Puerto Rico.
- Meet one or more of the indicators of economic need listed below:
- Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels.
- Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound). Note: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver.
- Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.
- Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
- Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
How Do I Apply For a Fee Waiver?
- Check with your school counselor to see if you are eligible to apply.
- Once your school counselor determines if you are eligible, you can receive up to four fee waivers to take the ACT test for free and you will receive free learning resources.
- When you register for the ACT online or by mail, use your ACT fee waiver code.
College Tours and Visits
College tours and visits are vital because they help determine students if a college is a good fit for their needs and financial situations. A college tour or visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college.
- Learn about the application process: You can learn more about the application process, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
- Determine your fit: You can get a better understanding of what types of schools are the best fit for your needs.
- Learn about the major: You can make sure the university offers the major and classes you'll need.
- Get a sense of the campus: You can see how you feel in the spaces where you'll live and learn, and get a sense of the college's community.
- Learn about the academic experience: You can meet with faculty, sit in on classes, and assess the class size and academic rigor.
- Ask questions: You can talk to students, faculty, financial aid staff, and admissions officers to get answers to important questions.
Some institutions also have virtual reality tours to see their campus' best features without having to travel.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Ms. Martinez by visiting the College and Career Center in Room 279 or send an email to emartinez@jths.org.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Information
What is FAFSA?
Commonly known as "FAFSA" stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This free application allows students to apply for federal financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work study funds, that helps pay for college or career school.
Filling out the FAFSA is a graduation requirement. Students can expect The U.S. Department of Education to use their FAFSA to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. To ensure your eligibility is not impacted, please check both the FAFSA deadlines and the deadlines for each institution you are applying to. Click the link below to get started!
Opting Out of FAFSA (FAFSA Nonparticipation Form)
The FAFSA waiver in Illinois allows a student, parent, or guardian to opt out of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a requirement for high school graduation. A waiver can be requested for any reason by completing the FAFSA Nonparticipation Form. The form must be completed electronically and submitted to your student's counselor. Students who are at least 18 years old or emancipated can complete the form themselves. If this applies to your family, please click the corresponding link below.
Mixed Status Families & The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid which went into effect in January 2020, means that if you are an Illinois resident but ineligible for federal financial aid, you may still apply for state assistance. You may be able to complete the Illinois Student Assistance Commission’s Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, rather than the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). To get started, click the link below.
Additional Resources
Cómo Solicitar Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (in Spanish)
El Proceso de la FAFSA (in Spanish)
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Illinois Student Assistance Commission FAFSA Toolkit
Short Videos created by Federal Student Aid & The Department of Education
Short Videos created by Joliet Junior College
JTHS Alianza de Familias Comprometidas a la Educación - Class of 2028 Pilot Program
This pilot program is designed to prepare the Class of 2028 students and their families with the tools to successfully navigate all four years of high school. With a focus on promoting family engagement and participation, the initiative aims to enhance student achievement by involving the entire family in the journey. We believe that the transition beyond high school is an experience that should be shared by both students and their families.
The cohort meets several times throughout the year, emphasizing career development and college readiness, while offering opportunities for families to participate in community outings. All events are facilitated in Spanish. This program is open to families from all JTHS campuses!
2024-2025 Event Schedule - Save the Dates!
- Connect, Engage, and Flourish Together Parent Night - September 25, 2024 (held at Joliet Central)
- The Role of a School Counselor - November 6, 2024 (held at Joliet Central)
- Tour of Joliet Junior College and the Culinary Arts Program with an Exploration on Opportunities for Continuing Education/English Classes for Parents & Caregivers - December 13, 2024 (held at Joliet Junior College)
- Post-Secondary Options - January 15, 2025 (Virtual Webinar using Zoom)
- Inspirational Presentation from a Special Speaker, Dr. Ferney Ramirez, aimed motivating our families and students to work together - March 19, 2025 (held at Joliet Central)
- Tour of a 4 year college/university - April 30, 2025 (details are still being finalized, check back for more information!)
- Family Outing - Saturday, May 17, 2025: This special event is being organized for families that attended 4 out of the 6 workshops held during the 2024-2025 school year. This fun-filled family event will feature a trip to a museum in Chicago followed by lunch in the city. Details are still being finalized. More information will be shared when it becomes available, please check back regularly!
Resources for Senior Students
For many students and parents, the process of planning for life after high school—whether through college or career exploration—can feel overwhelming. However, this journey can also be an educational adventure, offering opportunities for personal growth, increased self-awareness, and goal setting. The post-secondary planning process should involve exploring all available options, including college, trade schools, apprenticeships, and career paths, to ensure each student can pursue a fulfilling and successful future.
This exploration should begin well before senior year. For students seeking specific programs, services, or career pathways, the process should ideally start no later than junior year. It's important to encourage students to take the lead during this time, while parents offer support and guidance from the background, cheering on their student’s journey toward independence.
No matter what path you take after high school, below you will find some resources to help you stay organized, informed, and prepared!
Resources for Students
- Adulting 101: Resources and Guides for Young Adults, Teens, and their Families
- List of Barber Colleges in Illinois
- Common App: An Online Application Platform that Allows Students to Apply to Multiple Colleges and Universities at Once
- Department of Children and Family Services: Resources such as tuition waivers, scholarships, vocational training programs, and much more for students in care (also known as Foster Care)
- Financial Literacy Resources and Activities for Students
- Forklift Training & Certification Program at Joliet Junior College
-
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) at Joliet Junior College
- Illinois Aviation Academy
- Illinois Department of Employment Security: Jobs and Workforce
- List of Skilled Labor Unions and Apprenticeship Opportunities
- Mechanics Local 701 Training Program: The Mechanics Local 701 Training Fund Training Program is designed to offer the next generation of Local 701 mechanics the opportunity to earn while they learn the craft of vehicle diagnostics and repair.
- Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Historically Black Universities (HBU), and Hispanic Serving Institutions: What are they?
- MoneySkill: Free online personal financial modules to help students transition into adulthood
- National Parent Center on Transition and Employment (PACER): PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment® provides quality information and resources for families of young adults with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, career accommodations, higher education, financial aid, and much more!
- Notetaking in Higher Education
- Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy
- Purdue OWL: This online writing lab offers global support through online reference materials and services for creating citations, cover letters, major-specific writing help, and general writing advice.
- Rise First: Curated Resources for First-Generation College Students
- Tech Apprentice Program at Prairie State Tractor: Our apprenticeship is designed for individuals with no previous farm equipment or diesel mechanics experience who want to learn on the job from certified John Deere technicians and become master technicians in the agriculture industry.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education: Online Student-Success Resource Center helping low-income, rural, and community college students thrive.
- Transitional Resources for Students with Disabilities
- Will County Center for Economic Development Internship Opportunities
- Your Paycheck and Taxes: What do you need to know.
SchooLinks College and Career Readiness Platform
SchooLinks is an online college and career planning platform that helps students and their and families align personal interests and aspirations with preparation for life beyond high school. Students can explore interests by taking surveys and quizzes aimed at learning about their interests and strengths. Students can also create a post-secondary plan and set goals, track their progress during the college application process, communicate with their school counselors and request letters of recommendation, find internship opportunities, learn about scholarships, take virtual reality tours of various industries and post-secondary institutions... and so much more!
Parents and guardians can also access their student's SchooLinks profile and participate in the college and career search.
Click the buttons below to get started!