WARNING: Deadlines Are Closer Than They Appear...
- Always check each individual college's website to see exactly what is necessary to complete your application. This is the place where you can confirm if a school requires you to self-report, upload an unofficial transcript, or have an official transcript sent by PHS. You can also see what letters of recommendation or supplemental materials are needed, if any. Typically googling "____College Application Checklist" will direct you to the page that has all of the steps. An example is embedded in the photo to the left. *PRO TIP: Mark sure you are looking at the first year, undergraduate page. The graduate page will not help you!
- After hitting submit on the Common App, be sure to read the message that pops up on the screen. It is a relief to have completed the application, but the next steps are crucial to ensure you connect with your potential college/university. It will often tell you how to create your applicant portal for that school and access when your admissions decisions are made! If it says to check your email in one to three business days, check your email in one to three business days. If the link for the portal does not arrive, contact the college. After submitting through the Common App, any follow-up information from the college will come directly through email or their college-specific portal!
- The Penncrest Counseling Office is hard at work processing forms and meeting with students to write letters of recommendation. Please remember to turn in your Transcript Release Form ASAP! Do not wait until you have submitted your application to do so. Before signing the form, read the instructions and make sure you have:
- Placed your colleges into "Colleges I'm Applying To" on Naviance
- Have your colleges listed in Common App if you are applying through that portal
- Matched your Common App and Naviance accounts
- Scheduled an appointment with your counselor to review your colleges and complete the Student Brag Sheet if you need a letter of recommendation
**The Counseling Office needs up to 2 weeks to process all forms once you have completed these steps. For Oct 15th deadlines, please have your forms in by Monday, October 2nd. For Nov 1st deadlines, please have your forms in by Oct 18th. Reach out to Ms. Allen or your counselor with any questions**
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
What are the fastest growing jobs in the US? (HINT: the answer is blowing in the wind)
What educational preparation do you need to become an actuary?
What the projected job outlook for a landscape architect?
How much money do you make as an accountant?
Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook!
My favorite website for concrete data about careers and job outlook! Easy to navigate and search for specific careers or by a broader fields, this website is updated regularly by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and is full of practical information for students and job seekers alike. Especially useful for high school students is the How to Become One tab which shares information about education level required for job entry and potential areas to major in for that career.