Counselor's Corner

Senior portrait time slots are now available! This is an important milestone as your photos will be featured in the yearbook. Be sure to schedule your appointment early to secure a convenient time and avoid missing deadlines. Scan the flyer below to register for an appointment.

On April 22, 2026, during RAMS, juniors received the document linked below. This resource includes helpful links designed to support both students and parents throughout the college application process. It also provides a tutorial on completing the Common Application, along with the current Common App essay prompts.

Now is the time for juniors to begin brainstorming your college essay, complete your brag sheet, and speak with your teachers about writing letters of recommendation.

On April 21, 2026 we held a Dual Enrollment Informational Meeting for students (and their parents) interested in taking Dual Enrollment courses at Bucks County Community College during the 2026-2027 school year.

• Dual Enrollment courses allow students to enroll in courses at an accredited college or university, such as Bucks County Community College.
• Students earn AP weighted credit on their Pennridge transcript as well as college credit for their dual enrollment courses.
• Students and parents determine which courses they are interested in taking by exploring the BCCC course options.
• Every dual enrollment schedule is unique. Students work with their Pennridge Counselor and BCCC advisor to coordinate their Pennridge courses and BCCC courses if necessary.
• Students are responsible for tuition and transportation.

Click below to view the 3-page guidelines and registration process.

This summer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is proud to offer Design, Build, Play as part of their 2026 Summer Honors Program, running July 6–24, 2026. Students who participate in this unique opportunity will earn three college credits for HONR 281: Design, Build, Play. This opportunity is available for rising sophomore, juniors, and seniors who a 3.0 GPA or above.

This immersive three-week course combines the convenience of online learning with meaningful, hands-on experiences:

• Week 1 (July 6–11): Online (asynchronous)
• Week 2 (July 12–18): On-campus, in-person experience
• Week 3 (July 19–24): Online (asynchronous)

During the on-campus week, students will take part in two dynamic, hands-on workshops, while completing the remaining coursework from home during the online weeks.

Thanks to generous summer funding, IUP will cover the full cost of tuition and fees, reducing the total cost to just $200 out of pocket for families, plus transportation to and from IUP during the on-campus week.

Additional financial assistance may be available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. If this applies to you, please indicate it when submitting the registration form.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: May 21, 2026
• Payment Deadline: June 20, 2026
• Orientation: June 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kristen A. O'Hara at kaohara@iup.edu or 724-357-2789.

Summer college programs offer students a valuable opportunity to explore career interests, experience life on a college campus, and develop skills that support their future goals. Participation in these programs can strengthen college applications, boost confidence, and help students make more informed and thoughtful decisions about their postsecondary plans.

Students are encouraged to explore the programs listed on the Career Pathways Canvas page (see sample below).

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is a state-based organization dedicated to helping students and families plan and pay for postsecondary education. Through its outreach efforts, PHEAA provides free resources, guidance, and support to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from pursuing college or career training. One of their most valuable offerings is their financial aid webinars for parents and students, especially those with juniors and seniors in high school.