Welcome to Palmyra High School

1
Welcome to Palmyra High School

• Guidance Information for
• 11th and 12th
• grade students and parents

2
Palmyra High School Guidance Department

• Ms. Samantha Crean A I
• Ms. Elisa Di Lolle -Bassett J-Q
• Ms. Kara Shore R-Z
• Ms. Linda Boyd Secretary

3
11th Grade Activities

• PSAT in October
• Study
• Activities
• SAT and ACT tests
• Open House programs in spring
• College and Career Programs

4
RESOURCES

• TEACHERS

• COUNSELORS

• WEBSITES

• SCHOLARSHIP
• Newsletters
• PA Bulletins

5
Selecting a College

• Know Yourself (personally/academically)
• Visit College (contact admissions/request an
  interview/talk to students/attend open house
  programs)
• Finalize Application Plans
• Use School Resources

6
Top 10 Questions to Ask

• Average SAT scores?
• Tests required?
• Average financial aid?
• Average class size for major?
• of students who live on campus?

• Freshmen guaranteed housing?
• of students who graduate in 4 years?
• Do professors teach freshmen/undergrads?
• of professors that are adjunct vs. full-time?
• 1st year retention rate?

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The College Application Process
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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

• Early Decision
• Early Action
• Rolling Admission
• Regular Admission Deadline

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The College Application

• High School Transcript
• Grade Point Average
• College Essays
• Standardized Test Scores

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ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• SAT/SAT II/ACT RESULTS
• TRANSCRIPTS (rank/GPA/courses taken/activities)
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• ESSAY
• INTERVIEW, ASSESSMENTS, PORTFOLIO REVIEW
• COMPLETED APPLICATION
• APPLICATION FEE

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High School Transcript

• Official record of high school work
• Transcript is cumulative 9th 12th grade
• Transcript starts in 9th grade every course and
  grade counts!
• Forwarded students college/university in summer
  of senior year

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Grade Point Average

• District, Weighted, Ranking GPA
• Types of Courses
• Regular
• College Prep
• Honors
• Advanced Placement

13
College EssayWhat should I write?What do they
want me to write about?

• Dont write what you think others want to hear.
  Answer the question honestly.
• Write about something personal that you can be
  passionate about.
• It its the first time youve thought about it,
  dont write your college essay about it.

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What is Two or Three Times?

• The recommended number of times that a student
  should take the SAT I.
• (Ted Fiske, Author/Education Expert)

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Extracurricular Activities

• Participation in activities throughout grades 9
  12 is most important.
• Community service is hot item!
• Quality participation in one or few activities
• Leadership role

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COMPLETED APPLICATIONS

• TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE DEADLINE
• Application
• Recommendations
• Essay
• Application Fee
• Transcript Request

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Meeting College Costs

• Merit-Based Scholarships
• www.FASTWEB.com
• www.finaid.org
• www.collegeboard.org

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Meeting College Costs

• Need-Based Financial Aid
• Grants
• Loans
• FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  (January 1 of senior year)
• www.FAFSA.Ed.gov
• Expected Family Contribution
• Need Cost of Attendance - EFC

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• Thank you for your attention to your students
  future!
• Palmyra High School
• Guidance Department