PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter

1. Information for PTHS Students and Families

2. Academic Strategies

• Focus: Resources that help students develop smart, effective study habits to study more strategically using evidence-based techniques and digital tools that match their learning style.

3. Mental Health Resources

• Focus: Resources to help students understand emotions, recognize why feelings can change quickly, and learn practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.

4. College Admissions & Application Resources

• Focus: Resources to help students make informed decisions throughout high school that impact college admissions, affordability, and academic pathways.

5. Postsecondary Planning Resources

• Focus: Resources to help students with career readiness, self-exploration, and building skills for life after high school.

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources

• Focus: Resources that help students and families understand the financial side of postsecondary education so they can make informed, confident decisions.

7. PTHS Counseling Office

If your college/university is requesting your Quarter 1 report card or requiring that your mid-year (semester) grades be sent, please fill out the following google form: Q1 Report Card & Mid-year Request Form. (Mid-year grades will not be ready until shortly after the end of the 1st semester in mid-January).

Unsure whether your college/university requires a Q1 report card or Mid-year grades? Check your college's website, your application or make an appointment to see your school counselor and they can help! Students using the Common App to apply to their schools can see which colleges require a mid-year report by looking in the "School Forms Required" section.

The Post-Secondary Individual Planning (PIP) meeting occurs in the junior year. Students and parents will meet with their counselor to discuss post-secondary pathways, goals after high school, and how to achieve those goals. Topics discussed will include:

• Transcript Review
• Senior Course Selection
• Post High School Plans - College, Career, Military, Tech/Trade School
• Standardized Testing
• Naviance
• Timelines
  
  

Planning Meetings will take place during the regular school day beginning December 8th through March 27th. Please sign up through the link sent out from your students' counselor, which will prompt you to select an appointment date and time. Email invitations were sent out to you by your counselor. Appointments will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please consult with your child to determine a time and day of the week that best accommodates their schedule.

Struggling to find study strategies that actually work? This Edutopia article breaks down five evidence-based techniques — like spaced practice (studying over time), self-testing, interleaving topics, elaboration (explaining ideas with your own words), and using concrete examples — that help students retain more information and perform better on assessments. These methods are practical, science-supported, and easy to include in your study routine so you can study smarter (not just harder) this semester.

Feeling overwhelmed by homework or test prep? The UNC Learning Center offers practical, student-friendly tips on how to make your study time more effective — from setting clear goals and creating a focused study environment to using active learning strategies and managing your time well. These evidence-based suggestions help you boost retention, stay organized, and reduce stress so you can get more out of every study session.

Have you ever wondered why your emotions can shift quickly from calm to upset (or vice versa)? This Wondermind article breaks down what’s happening in your brain and body when moods change rapidly — especially during stress, lack of sleep, hormonal shifts, or heavy workloads. It offers practical tips for recognizing your emotional patterns, grounding yourself in the moment, and using self-care strategies (like mindful breathing and movement) to help regulate your feelings more steadily.

Anxiety is something many students experience, especially during busy times like exams, projects, or big life decisions. This Wondermind article shares real-world strategies from people who have lived with anxiety — including grounding exercises, breathing techniques, ways to challenge anxious thoughts, and habits that help build confidence over time. These practical tips can help students notice when anxiety is rising and learn simple ways to pause, reset, and regain calm.

Did you know that earning Advanced Placement (AP) exam credits in high school can help you graduate from college faster — sometimes in three years instead of four? This U.S. News & World Report article explains how AP credits can reduce the number of courses you need in college, lower your tuition costs, and give you flexibility to explore more subjects or internships. If you’re taking AP classes this year, planning how to use your potential credits can be a smart part of your college planning strategy!

With college admissions testing, one size doesn’t fit all — and this U.S. News & World Report article breaks down the key differences between the ACT and SAT to help students decide which is a better fit for their strengths. It explains how each test is structured, what skills they prioritize, how colleges view scores, and tips for choosing based on your study style and goals. Whether you’re planning to test this year or preparing for future exams, this guide can help you make a confident choice about your test strategy.

Colleges don’t just look at grades — they’re also interested in who you are and what you bring to the campus community. This article explains how extracurricular activities — like sports, clubs, community service, arts, leadership roles, and part-time jobs — can strengthen your college applications by showing commitment, passion, teamwork, and growth over time. Whether you’re just starting high school or preparing to apply, getting involved in meaningful activities can help you build skills, explore interests, and stand out to admissions teams.

LinkedIn isn’t just for adults — it can be a powerful tool for high school students too! This Edutopia article offers tips on how teens can begin building their professional online presence by creating a LinkedIn profile, showcasing their experiences (like volunteer work, clubs, and internships), and connecting with mentors or professionals in fields of interest. Learning how to use LinkedIn now can help students explore careers, strengthen résumés, and begin networking long before college or job searches begin.

Whether you’re applying for jobs, internships, volunteer roles, leadership positions, or college programs, having a resume as a high school student helps you clearly showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience. This article explains how building a resume early teaches you to reflect on your strengths, track your growth over time, and stand out when opportunities arise. Starting now means you’ll be ready for submissions — and confident in talking about your achievements.

Did you know the level of education you complete can influence the types of jobs available to you and their projected growth? This article from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains how job openings and wages often vary depending on whether someone has a high school diploma, college degree, or advanced credential — and highlights which education paths are linked with strong job demand through 2034. It’s a useful resource for students thinking about how different educational choices connect to career opportunities and the future job market.

MyFuture is a free, easy-to-use career exploration website that helps students discover jobs that match their interests, skills, and strengths. You can explore career profiles, learn about required education and training, check salary and outlook data, and even take assessments to find careers that fit you. Whether you’re just starting to think about post-high school plans or narrowing down options, MyFuture offers tools to help you learn about the world of work and plan your next steps with confidence.

When college acceptance letters start arriving, the next big step is comparing financial aid award packages to understand which schools offer the best value. This article from College Fair Guide (with insights from Sallie Mae) walks families through how to evaluate financial aid offers — including breaking down grants vs. loans, checking out actual out-of-pocket costs, and looking beyond the “sticker price” of college. It’s a helpful guide for students and families making important decisions about where to enroll and how to afford it.

As you begin planning for college, it’s important to understand how student loans work — including when they are helpful and when they might lead to extra costs later. This Fastweb article outlines seven key things every student should know before borrowing: from the difference between federal and private loans, to interest rates, repayment plans, and strategies for minimizing debt. Knowing this information before you enroll in college can help you make smarter choices about financing your education.

January

1/7: PA American Legion 91st Annual Essay Contest – $3,500

1/16: The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship – $7,500 (renewable)

1/16: Scholarship for Diversity in Media – $7,500 (renewable)

1/16: The Business, Marketing and Technology Scholarship – $7,500 (renewable)

1/31: America250PA Semiquin Scholarship – $10,000

February

2/17: Tim McCaig Scholarship – $2,500

2/17: Sophie M. & John F. Yoney Scholarship – varies

2/17: Joseph "Murph" Irwin Memorial Scholarship Fund – varies

2/20: National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame – $1,000 (renewable)

March

3/1: Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington County – $3,000

3/1: Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship – $1,000

3/1: Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Award Program – $500

3/1: The Foundation 649 Scholarship – $1,000 (renewable)

3/2: Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Washington Co. Scholarship – $1,200

3/31: The "No Sweat" Scholarship – $2,500

3/31: Washington Financial Charitable Foundation Scholarships – $5,000

April

4/1: Men’s College Scholarship – $500-$1,000 (national scholarship)

4/6: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program – $1,500

4/30: Keynotes Music Scholarship Competition – $7,500-$1,500

Ongoing

Citizens Scholarship

PA American Legion Scholarship Program (multiple scholarships)

ROTC Minuteman Scholarship

The Win Mortimer Trust

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest **open to grades 9-12

Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest **open to grades 9-12

Association for Women in Mathematics Student Essay Contest **open to grades 9-12

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship **open to grades 9-12

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarships

APIA Scholarship Program

Cancer for College Scholarships

EnergyRates.ca College Scholarship

Holiday Scholarships for High School and College Students

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships

Leaders Save Lives Scholarship

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarships

SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship

Innovation in Education Scholarship

The Homer Fund Orange Scholars Scholarship Program

Mensa Foundation Scholarship

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship

Top Scholarships for 2026

Top Nursing Scholarships 2026

Minority Scholarships to Help You Pay for College