PHS College and Career Corner

Class of 2024: You are so close but the path to the finish line is not clear. Where will you get accepted? When will decisions be released? What does your financial aid package look like? As you face these challenging questions, know that colleges are also trying to provide you accurate information and answers. This week we heard from a number of schools that they were delaying their FAFSA deadline and/or decision (deposit) dates:

• West Virginia University: April 1st (FAFSA)
• Pennsylvania State University & PA State Schools: May 15th (Deposit)
• Rutgers University: June 1st (Deposit)

We anticipate more will announce in the upcoming days, so please keep checking your emails and portals for information from your colleges. If you are still having challenges with the FAFSA, please see below for a new local event just added to help you get the support you need to complete it!

This week, Yale University announced that it was moving to a test-flexible admissions policy: Testing Policy Announcement | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions (official statement) Yale to Require Standardized Test Scores for Admissions - The New York Times (article discussing college test policies). This announcement represents some of the changes that we are see in the college application process and its requirements for admission. There are differing views, opinions, and research articles when you delve into this hotly debated topic, especially post-pandemic. In reality, schools that were test-optional prior to the pandemic will likely remain that way. Schools that adopted new practices since 2020 are currently reviewing their student data and making decisions, sometimes on an annual basis. Newer terms, like test flexible, meaning students can choose from a variety of tests (SAT, ACT, IB, AP) as to which scores they would like to submit, have emerged.

It is highly possible that at least one of the colleges that students in the class of 2025 apply to may require test scores. For the schools that do not require them, having discussions about what to submit with each application will vary by individual. The Penncrest Counselors are here to help students understand their options. It is important that potential college admissions websites are visited frequently so requirements are known well in advance. If you are looking for some help preparing for the SAT or ACT, please see below for free practice exams being offered by Revolution Prep for PHS students.

The deadline is quickly approaching for the priority application deadline for Delaware County Technical High Schools: February 29th, 2024. Please complete the application here: Career & Technical Education / Apply Now

If you are still exploring programs, please check here to see descriptions: DCTS Course Guide 24.25

Medical Careers has a final deadline of February 29th, so please do not miss it.

See Ms. Allen in the counseling office with any questions or email her at callen@rtmsd.org.

Monday, February 26th

• Belmont University, 1:30

Tuesday, February 27th

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 10:00

Thursday, February 29th

• Shippensburg University, 11:00

Monday, March 4th

• Savannah College of Art & Design, 11:00

Wednesday, March 6th

• Widener University, 9:00
• St. Joseph's University, 9:30

Thursday, March 7th

• CAREER VISIT: Cosmetology & the Chrome Institute of Cosmetology, 8:30
• Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield Universities (the Commonwealth University), 12:00

Friday, March 8th

• Ursinus College, 8:30
• University of Tennessee- Knoxville, 11:00

*New visits added weekly so continue to check Naviance on a regular basis

Details and registration links can be found under the College Visits tab in Naviance (you must be logged in): https://student.naviance.com/colleges/visits. Visits will be held in the College and Career Center in the counseling office or Lecture Room A. Please view the location when registering. You will receive an email prior to the scheduled visit that will confirm your registration. Please show that to your teacher to use as your pass. Attendance is documented at all visits!

Please check the Counseling Schoology course on a regular basis for new scholarships: https://rtmsd.schoology.com/course/5203320436/materials?f=479547243!

See below for two scholarships shared this week for local students with financial need and students who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Please keep searching and applying all the scholarships that you can!

With all the test-optional buzz in the industry, many parents have questioned whether their child should take and submit the ACT or the Digital SAT. What we've learned over the last two years is that students who submit good test scores are more likely to be admitted to selective colleges, and a growing body of research is finding that both the ACT and the new Digital SAT offer valuable insight into a student's readiness for college-level coursework.

To support our students, our friends at Revolution Prep are offering a choice between a Digital SAT Practice Exam and an ACT Practice Exam:

Digital SAT Practice Exam: Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 9:00 AM EST – Noon EST* | Online

ACT Practice Exam: Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 9:00 AM EST – 1:00 PM EST* | Online

*Please note that this live exam is proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation, please reach out to your Academic Advisor, Diane Johnson, whose information is below.

**These exams are conducted remotely, with students "sitting" for the exams from their homes.

Step 1: Register here: www.revolutionprep.com/partners/4049

Step 2: Schedule a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to help you interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare. Please schedule this appointment for the few days after the exam. You can pre-schedule this Score Report Review here: www.revolutionprep.com/diane-johnson

Step 3: Attend the mock exam and instantly receive our best-in-class score report, illustrating three high-impact areas to focus on for each section of the test.

Questions? If you have questions or want to learn more about Revolution Prep, you can reach out to Diane Johnson at (484) 845-5556 or by email at diane.johnson@revolutionprep.com.

Want an opportunity to see a college through the lens of a current student? The College Tour TV series and video shorts hopes to provide that opportunity for high school students and their families. Visit College Tours for more information and preview schools of interest!