PHS Class of 2027: Just for You!

We cannot wait to welcome you back to Penncrest, SENIORS! As you enjoy your last few weeks of summer, we wanted to share a resources to help you with your next steps! If you are still feeling uncertain about what you want to do and where you want to go, know that your PHS Counseling Team is here to support you and will be available for meetings as soon as the year begins! Read on for information about:

1. The College Application Process and Resources - Most apps open August 1st - We have resources for you!
2. STARS & Common App Workshop - Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System expert Dana Gowder from Pitt is coming to help our students fill out the STARS. Stay afterwards for Come get help filling it out from an expert!
3. SCOIR - It's time! We've transitioned to Scoir from Naviance. Familiarize yourself with the platform before you start requesting documents in September!
4. SATs and ACTs - Upcoming dates and links to register can be found below!
5. Important Dates and Events - Mark your calendar now - we're here to help you!

We know that of you are starting to working on your applications, which is great! Please remember to use the following resources as you navigate this process:

• PHS Class of 2027: Guide to the College Application Process: your one-stop shop for all things application related including timelines, resources for essay writing, steps to complete the Common App, and LORs (cannot be requested until we return to school)

• June College Application Boot Camp: Slides

• 26-27 College ApplicationBoot Camp.mp4: Recording

• Common Application Instructions Class of 2027 – Information about class size, ranking (we do not rank), and scheduling system

• Create a STARS account: If required to Self-Report your transcript at places such as Pitt, PSU, Tennessee, Delaware, NYU, etc.

• PHS Parent/Guardian Permission to Release Official Records Form: Please sign today!

• It's time to fill out Brag Sheets: Student Brag Sheet for Teacher LOR, Student Brag Sheet for Counselor LOR, Parent/Family Brag Sheet for Counselor LOR

• 25-26 Transcript Release and College Application Form: Request form students will use when we return to school. Read more about Scoir below!

There are a ton of free resources available to help you with your application process. Consider attending the following:

Schoolhouse.world was started by the founder of Khan Academy. Check out their registration link for the aforementioned workshops here:https://schoolhouse.world/college-admissions

Revolution Prep has partnered with PHS in the past to offer free workshops about admissions testing. The College Essay Guy has several free resources for students and families! We encourage you to register for this event after our STARS & Common App Workshop on August 5th: Revolution Prep x College Essay Guy Webinar

As of August 1st, the class of 2027 will be seniors in Scoir! Here are some refreshers about the Scoir platform and resources for you to use:

The Full Guide to First-Year Coalition College Applications with Scoir

Getting Started with Scoir + Common App

Sync your Common Application to your Scoir Account (Start at 12:44, End at 15:13)

Students, remember to access Scoir through Clever! Families, you should have received an email from Scoir with a link to connect your account to your student's account. Let Ms. Allen know if you have not yet received it or need it resent.

Please check out the array of offerings from PHEAA: PHEAA Financial Aid Webinars (check out past recordings if you missed the live session)

Thinking about taking an ACT or SAT to submit with your application? Please check deadlines and dates that they must be received with individual colleges.

Applying for accommodations such as extended time? See your school counselor or Mr. Mattson with questions. Requests must be made several weeks in advance.

Software ready? All PHS Chromebooks allow students to download Blue Book (College Board) or Gateway (ACT), the necessary platforms to take the exam digitally.

Below you will find the upcoming test dates and links for registration:

Upcoming SAT Dates:

Upcoming ACT Dates:

Our visit calendar will fill with many colleges and universities eager to meet PHS students! Check Scoir on a regular basis. Bonus - follow the schools you are interested in and get notified when they visit!

Going out to visit on your own? Don't forget to complete the PENNCREST COLLEGE VISITATION TRIP REQUEST

All summer long colleges will hold virtual events as well! Here are a few to consider:

• Join Cornell, Emory, Pomona, Rice and WashU on Zoom
• Bowdoin Virtual Information Sessions

• September 8th - Senior Planning + Financial Aid Night - PHS Auditorium (6:30 pm)
• September 30th - Secrets to Paying for College with the College Funding Coach - Virtual (6:30 pm)
• October 19th - FAFSA Completion Night with PHEAA - PHS Library (5:30 pm)

Email: callen@rtmsd.org
Website: https://phs.rtmsd.org/counseling/overview