Transcript Senior Orientation

Senior Orientation
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Now is the time to start making your post-high school plans.
If you are thinking about continuing your education, you’ll
want to contact the colleges/trade schools of your choice for
their applications, catalogues, and financial information. If
College Board exams (SATs and ACTs) are needed by the
colleges/trade schools that you are considering, you’ll need
to make arrangements to take them. If you haven’t made
these Board arrangements, sign up now. The information
that you’ll need regarding the test dates is in the Guidance
Office. If you have not done any of the above, you should
start immediately. Send for catalogues. Take the exams.
Apply as soon as you can.
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Following are procedures used in applying to a college/trade school:
-Obtain the appropriate application form(s). Sources are:
College/Trade school website
Guidance Office
Annual College Fair
College Board
-Fill out the student portion accurately and completely
-Send the proper fees by credit card, check, or money order
*some schools will waive the application fee is you visit
the campus, apply online, or qualify as economically
disadvantaged
-Bring all application materials, along with an addressed and
stamped envelope to your Guidance Counselor. Most colleges/trade
schools encourage online applications, and may respond sooner
with an Admissions decision
-You have the responsibility of obtaining any references that are required.
Give the individual you are selecting enough advance notice to develop a
positive, written statement for you.
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The student has the responsibility of watching for deadlines
and other important information in regard to particular trade
schools and colleges. Observe the required deadlines, so that
you will not be disappointed. Schools do not make
exceptions as far as a deadline is concerned. Read the
college/trade school catalogues. Make sure that you meet all
of the admission requirements, including SAT/ACT scores
and proper courses for specific majors/programs.
Remember to apply as early as possible. The earlier the
better. Colleges/Trade schools may accept only a designated
number of students into their Freshman class. Once that
number is reached, the class is filled. Dormitory spaces may
be another factor, and can be filled on a first come-first serve
basis.
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The financial arrangements to pay for your postsecondary
education will be up to you, your family, and the Financial Aid
office of the college/trade school that you will be attending.
Aid is generally available to qualified students. You have the
responsibility of looking for it. Scholarship opportunities are
offered directly through colleges/trade schools, as well as
other organizations. These may be available on a scholastic
or need basis. Don’t hesitate on applying for a scholarship
because you feel that your grades are not high enough.
Parents and students are urged to attend the Guidance
Department’s annual Financial Aid Night in January. There
will be announcements on the PA, in the Standard-Speaker
school column, on the Guidance website, as well as Channel
99, regarding the date.
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PHEAA and Pell grants (federal and state funds) can be applied
for after January 1. The FAFSA/Free Application for Federal
Student Aid is the application used to apply for these grants.
The application process is online. Guaranteed student loans can
be applied for after you’ve been notified of any awards by the
state. Scholarships or other forms of aid may be available from a
parent/guardian employer, labor unions, civic groups, churches,
and a variety of other organizations. Start looking and talking to
people who may be affiliated with these organizations and who
can be of assistance to you. It cannot be stressed enough that
you are responsible for your application, obtaining financial aid,
and seeking out scholarships for which you may qualify. Keep in
close contact with the Guidance Office for available information.
Males who are 18 must register for Selective Service to receive
financial aid. Registration can be done via the FAFSA, or directly
on the Selective Service website—www.sss.gov
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For students considering the military after graduation, you
may contact Recruiters at the following phone numbers:
Air Force
(570) 454-9944
Army
(570) 455-4201
Marines
(570) 455-6461
Navy
(570) 822-0975
Coast Guard
(800) 424-8883
National Guard (570) 454-3989
You can make an appointment to speak with any Recruiter
during school. It is advised to speak additionally with the
Recruiter in your home, with the presence of a
parent/guardian, before making a final decision.
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NCAA Eligibility Center – Athletes who wish to
participate in sports at the college level must
register with the NCAA Clearinghouse in the
beginning of their Senior year. Information is
available in the Guidance Office.
If you are planning on entering the labor market
immediately after high school, we want you to be
well prepared. Job shadows and Apprenticeship
programs might be available to you. Your
Guidance Counselor can help you explore your
options and provide interview preparation tips,
sample resumes, as well as updated labor market
information.
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Reciprocal agreements are in place with
various colleges and technical institutes.
These reciprocating agreements are designed
to allow students to directly enter a field at a
college or technical school similar to their
secondary vocational program. These
agreements can afford advance credits or
other opportunities.
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Remember to keep a file of what you do. Make
copies of any items that you are mailing. Keep
your test results. This will build a record of what
you did and when you did it if you need to locate
any information. Finally, if you experience any
difficulties with your college/trade school
applications or Financial Aid applications, be sure
to let us know. There are resources we can
contact for answers. If you have any problems or
concerns that may involve Guidance, be sure to
come in. The door is always open. Best of luck
in your Senior year!
Mr. Capece and Mrs. Shalanski
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Important dates to remember:
October 13 – College Fair
October 23 – “Jobs for You” Fair
November 18 – College Readiness Workshop
January 1 – FAFSA site is open for application
January 21 – Financial Aid Night
January 23 – FAFSA Workshop