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PHS College & Career Corner

December 19th, 2025

PHS College &Career CornerDecember 19th, 2025

🎁Happy Holidays...Let's Plan for the Sunshine!😎 🎁Happy Holidays...Let's Plan for the Sunshine!😎

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2025 is Coming to an End, but 2026 Holds so Much Potential!

The last and shortest week of 2025 is here! As we all prepare for some well-deserved time with family, friends, and doing the things that we enjoy (including getting extra sleep), let's make note of upcoming summer offerings and start crafting plans that work best for each of you!

  • In the process of applying for 26-27 to DCTS or a postsecondary institution? Read on for updates!


  • Check out Summer Programs, Precollege Opportunities, Leadership Camps (military and state), and volunteer and employment listings!

Don't Take Our Advice, Listen to Their Insight!🎓 Don't Take Our Advice, Listen to Their Insight!🎓

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A HUGE thank you to the members of the classes of 2024 and 2025 who came in early Friday morning to share information about what life is like after high school. From tips regarding selecting courses to roommates and balancing your time wisely, these students provide honest feedback about what to expect after June 5th, 2026!


Additionally, all shared that applying for scholarships is one of the BEST ways to help alleviate some of the stress of paying for school. Every...dollar...MATTERS! That's why we also kicked off our Penncrest High School Scholarship Program Application, which can found in Schoology and linked with other scholarships under the Available Scholarships tab on the Penncrest Homepage: 2025-26 Scholarship and Search Sites- Penncrest High School. Seniors should make their accounts in Going Merry now to apply for dozens of scholarships that are available just by completing that single application. Going Merry also offers other local and national scholarship opportunities!


It's not too late to apply if you haven't yet, it's okay to celebrate if you've heard good news, and it's normal to feel frustrated or confused if you haven't heard yet or didn't receive the news that you had hoped for. You are not alone and no decision changes who you are as a person and the potential you hold inside. WE BELIEVE IN YOU and are here to help! Last but not least, take some time to yourself over break to be present and enjoy the now. You deserve it!

26-27 DCTS Application is now open! 26-27 DCTS Application is now open!

Many of our students are interested in attending DCTS next year. The application opened on Monday, December 15th and is due by February 27th, 2026. PLEASE NOTE: They are using a new platform this year and are aware that many students are facing challenges with the submission process and subsequent request for their transcript. If you had a problem, please let Ms. Allen know. All materials are available in the grade level counseling schoology courses in the DCTS Information folder. I have developed the 26-27 DCTS Application Instructions to accompany their Student Directions for 26.27 DCTS Application.pdf.


If you would like help, please come to the DCTS Application Help Sessions on Wednesdays starting January 7th during I/E. They will be held in the counseling office! Also, pick up a DCTS Visitation Day form in the counseling office on the table next to the window on the right side to experience what it is like to be a DCTS student for a day.


MED CAREERS

This special, senior-only program allows students to perform rotations at Riddle Hospital! You can apply to DCTS using the same application listed above but must also complete the Supplemental App for Medical Careers. Ms. Wolhafe will be visiting us on January 7th to provide a presentation about the program. Registration will be available in Naviance for interested Juniors and Seniors soon!

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Summer Plans?😎 Summer Plans?😎

Summer offers a period of rest and relaxation, but it is also the perfect time to explore what is ahead! From getting a job to heading to Boy's State, there are many opportunities to help students grow as learners, citizens, and leaders! Check out the options highlighted below and be mindful of deadlines. Know that some opportunities are 'pay to play' meaning that they can be thousands of dollars and will not necessarily look stronger on a college application (though UChicago does offer an ED0 for their summer participants) than having a job at a local business. Others help explore interests, such as the summer seminars at the military academies or portfolio building through an art institution. Many simply offer you the chance to reflect on your interests and give back to the community! Check out this advice from St. John's about what really helps prepare you for future applications:How to Stand Out in College Applications and Impress Admissions Officers


*Teen Life Summer Programs search site allows you to filter programs that fit your interests and goals!*

Established Summer Programs Established Summer Programs

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Military Summer Programs

Excellent way to explore your interest in pursuing an academy application! Check individual pages for application requirements and see Ms. Allen or your counselor with questions!

High School Summer Seminar Program | U.S. Air Force Academy - Due 1/15

Summer Leaders Experience | U.S. Military Academy West Point - Due 4/15

Summer Seminar - USNA Admissions Due 3/31

AIM - United States Coast Guard Academy - Due 4/1

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Pennsylvania Specific Programs - Governor's School & Boys State and Keystone Girls State

Pennsylvania offers a number of prestigious programs for students to experience leadership, ground-breaking research, and civic engagement. Check out this fantastic opportunities that are merit-based and often come at low to no cost if accepted! Pay attention to deadlines and application requirements.

Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences

Keystone Boys State

Keystone Girls State

Governor's School for International Studies

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week

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Research and Experiential Learning

Many colleges will offer pre-college programs (including Drexel, Penn, Columbia , etc). These can be great for career exploration and the experience of living on a college campus. However, be mindful that some come at a high expense without true college-affiliation. Others are may offer tuition discounts and provide scholarships for students with financial need. We always encourage you to do your research and ask questions if you aren't sure of the program's authenticity. MIT Summer Programs has wonderful programs listed on their site including ones that are not related to their school but provide no cost academic engagement.

⛄Jobs & Volunteering Opportunities🐕 ⛄Jobs & Volunteering Opportunities🐕

PHS Job Opportunities

Where Can I Find?📄 Where Can I Find?📄

Information about the counselors and links to schedule appointments with your counselors: Counseling Department Schoology Courses or scan the codes below!

Junior Meeting Information:Junior Meeting Instructions

Registration for College & Career Visits: Naviance (under student account only)

College Application Instructions and Information: PHS Class of 2026: Guide to the College Application Process or in the 12th grade counseling schoology course (tons of great information including links to videos and forms)

Penncrest Weekly Updates and College & Career Corner Newsletters: Archived PHS College & Career Corner Newsletters

Job Postings: PHS Job Opportunities

DCTS Application Information: DCTS Application Instructions - Start Here

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Archived PHS College & Career Corners

Cassandra Allen - College & Career Counselor

Email: callen@rtmsd.org

Click here to schedule an appointment with Ms. Allen

Instagram:@penncrest.counseling

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