Guidance

Diploma Requests

The only diploma ordered for a graduating Amesbury High School student is the one which is presented at graduation. Once the student has graduated, the school considers the student's transcript the official document of record. Therefore, the school cannot provide another copy of a student's diploma.

Transcript Requests

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. However, these rights are transferred to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

Transcript requests must be made in writing and can be delivered to the high school via fax, email, US Postal mail, or in person. The written request needs to include the student's current name and name used while attending (if different), the year of graduation or years of attendance, and the name and address to which the transcript should be sent.

Amesbury High School Fax Number: 978-388-3393
Guidance secretary email: gwendolyn.foley@amesburyma.org
High School Address: 5 Highland Street, Amesbury, MA 01913

Per school policy, official transcripts, which have a signature and a raised, embossed seal, will only be mailed directly to a college/institution or potential employer. Individuals may only receive unofficial copies of their transcript. There is no charge for either format of transcript requested. Please allow two business days for receipt and processing of the request.

GED/HiSET Requests

If you received a GED or HiSET credential, please visit the State's webpage for more information at https://www.doe.mass.edu/hse/diplomas-transcripts.html

Dual Enrollment allows students to take college-level courses at a discounted rate. Students can earn college credit towards high school completion and future degrees. AHS offers Dual Enrollment courses as early as sophomore year through SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University) in the Classroom. Students may also choose to take a course(s) at Northern Essex Community College. 

If you received credit for the college course(s) and want to know if your college will accept any of the credits, you need to initiate a credit review. To do this, you must use the appropriate form to request your transcript from the respective university. 

Please check with your college to determine where the transcript should be sent for review. Some colleges have a credit review department, others require the transcript to be sent to admissions or the registrar. Regardless, you should have a copy of your transcript sent to your home address so you have a copy for your records. Once the college receives the transcript, they will perform a credit review and you will know which credits they will accept.

If you have any questions or need your NECC or SNHU ID, please contact Ms. Saurman.

The SNHU transcript request process can be found here. https://www.snhu.edu/student-experience/campus-experience/campus-academics/snhu-in-the-high-school-program

The NECC transcript request process can be found here. https://www.necc.mass.edu/current-students/student-resources/transcript-request/

Students meet with their guidance counselors individually and in small and large group settings in order to work on post-high school planning. Students pursue many different options after high school, including 4 year college, 2 year college, military, travel, and straight to work. 

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to learn more and prepare. Please read the bulletin for updated info on events, but here are a few examples:

Fall

• WIN block sessions for Seniors to work on Common App questions/sending Dual Enrollment transcripts
• Financial Aid night for Seniors and parents
• PSAT for Juniors and Sophomores

Spring

• WIN block Mini College fairs in the gym at AHS
• Take ASVAB for military options
• Post High School night for Juniors and parents
• Get an internship
• Take a Dual Enrollment college class

Taking the SAT/ACT was once a college application must. Now, over 2,000 colleges/universities are test-free or test-optional for applicants. This is a trend that may very well continue. Please check Fair Test for an updated list of every school that no longer requires the SAT or ACT.

Students who are unsure if they should take either test should talk to their guidance counselor. Students interested in Engineering majors or Health Care professions, such as Nursing, OT, and PT, are encouraged to take these tests as many programs in these fields still require those entry exams. 

Students sign up independently for these tests. If you sign up for the SAT and have documented disabilities, please contact Mr. Sydow as soon as possible to review the process for requesting accommodations. 

NOTE: Colleges require that your test score be sent directly from the testing agency. It is important to know what schools require the testing and to remember your user name and passwords!

ACT Website

college board (SAT) website

 

The following resources and information will help you and your student explore options to cover the costs of post-high school education.

 

Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award

DESE website for this MCAS recognition. The Koplik Certificate provides students with a tuition credit at participating MA state colleges and universities. Please visit the DESE website for criteria and required documentation.

 

John and Abigail Adams Scholarships

DESE website for this MCAS recognition. The Adams Scholarship provides students with a tuition credit at participating MA state colleges and universities. Please visit the DESE website for criteria and required documentation.

 

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

If you plan on applying for financial aid, you will need to fill out the FAFSA your senior year. The earlier the form is completed, the sooner you could receive your financial aid packages from the colleges you've applied to.

 

FSA ID

You will need to create an FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA form.

 

MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Finance Authority)

MEFA's Financial AID 101