Counseling Department News

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Seniors: College/Scholarship Report Forms
Our senior graduation exit packet is now electronic!! Your senior will receive more information at the senior meeting today. Part of the google form will ask your senior to list all colleges that he/she was accepted to, and all scholarships and/or awards that he/she received. This form is very important! We use it to determine who will be recognized at the Honors Assembly. This is the only format that we have for collecting this data. Please help ensure that your senior completes this form by this Friday, April 30th. We appreciate your support!

5 Things You Need To Do Before College Decision Day
By Dawn Papandrea

5 Things you need to know

After all of the applications, campus visits, admissions offers, and financial aid package comparisons, you're almost there. College decision day is upon you, and it's exciting and terrifying at the same time.
If you’re still finding yourself unsure of which school is best for you, there’s still time. You have until May 1 to do some more investigation and thinking to help you make the final choice. Here’s what you can do.
Revisit campuses
It’s likely been a while since you’ve toured various colleges, and your memory might be fuzzy. If you have the means, setting up one last visit can help you confirm that you feel at home (or not) on a particular campus. Call the admissions department and ask if you can get a more personalized tour this time around, including sitting in on a class, shadowing a student who is involved in your academics or sport of interest or even spending a night in the dorms. Most schools will be happy to accommodate admitted students.
Connect with current students
If you haven’t already done so, follow your finalists on social media and ask questions of current students. This could help you get a sense of what the campus culture is like, and you can get intel on everything from the cafeteria food to the dorms. Many institutions actually set up social media groups specifically for admitted students so they have a forum to ask questions, seek advice and connect with each other. If your schools offer this, take advantage of the opportunity to get real insight from actual students.
Get input from people who care about you
Speak with your parents, high school counselor, teachers and trusted friends for their insights. Your parents have your best interest at heart, and will be helping you through your transition, and possibly, with the funding of your education. Although it’s ultimately your decision, sometimes talking it out with others might reveal considerations you haven’t thought about before. For example, maybe your friend sharing what a hassle it was to travel home on holiday breaks might be what convinces you to choose the campus that is closer to home.
Crunch the numbers
Examine financial aid packages again to see what the real cost difference is between your choice schools and how that might impact you. If you’re choosing between a full ride from a solid state school and an acceptance from the elite college you’ve dreamed of attending but it costs more, then that can be a tougher decision to make.
Thinking ahead about the career that you’re planning to pursue and researching what the average income is for that industry can be helpful. Will a degree from a more prestigious school equate to a higher salary or more job prospects? Will your expected earnings be enough to cover expenses after graduation, including any student debt you may take on?
Think about what matters to you
If you still need a tiebreaker, it might come down to creating a pros and cons list of the things that are important to you. What aspects of the college experience do you care about? For instance, which school has the better musical theater program, state-of-the-art athletic center, a walkable campus or better study abroad choices? While none of these “extras” should make or break your decision on their own, collectively, they can help tip the scales.
Having to make a college decision is a good thing — that means that more than one institution is vying for you. By revisiting your choice schools and giving more thought to your goals and the college experience you want, you’ll have all you need to choose the right school for you.

Tri-University: Preparing for College: March 21 - April 3
Suggested audience: Grades 9 - 11 and Seniors still in the college search

Click here for available dates

NACAC Virtual College Fairs

◼ Apr. 10: 3-7 p.m. ET - Western US

◼ Apr. 20: 3-7 p.m. ET - Southeastern US

◼ May 2: 1-7 p.m. ET

Click Here for NACACfairs

Coalition For College Events

APR 7 Understanding Your Financial Aid Package 8:00 PM 9:00 PM

APR 14 April Virtual College Fair Day 1 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

APR 15 April Virtual College Fair Day 2 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

APR 22 Start Early, Stress Less on Your Path to College 8:00 PM 9:00 PM

MAY 6 Financing Your College Education 8:00 PM 9:00 PM

MAY 19 May Virtual College Fair Day 1 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

MAY 20 May Virtual College Fair Day 2 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

Click Here for Coalition for College Access