PHS College & Career Corner

As 2024 comes to a close, we are offered a bit more time to reflect on what went well and where we want to grow from here. As with all things, balance is key. This week's newsletter shares information about actionable steps for the present and planning for the future. Please feel free to skim ahead at the sections that are most relevant to you and your child(ren) as there is hopefully something useful for all families! Thank you for reading and for sharing your feedback. Your insight drives content, so please reach out with questions or topics you would like to see covered. Wishing you a break full of whatever brings you joy!

Decisions, decisions, decisions...December is a month full of notifications. Some will conjure feelings of elation while others might bring sadness and even confusion (what do I do with a deferral?!). Know that whatever you feel is valid. Take time to process the good and the bad, spend time with people who know you best, and remember that you so much more than an acceptance, denial, or deferral.

Next steps? Check out the documents linked in the titles below and read on for important information.

Accepted

If you applied Early Decision, make sure you follow all steps outlined in your letter/on your portal for depositing, submitting outstanding financial aid forms, and remember to withdraw your applications at your other institutions. Celebrate your success and look at how the college will bring you together with your future peers for housing selection and on campus activities for the Class of 2029. Also, stay focused on school work - you will need to submit your final transcript😊

If you applied Early Action or Priority/Regular Decision, review all information listed in your applicant portal. Because these are not binding, you can wait until you have all offers to review information before depositing at one institution. Attend accepted student days to determine which school is the best fit for you and complete all financial aid forms so you get your Financial Aid Letter in a timely fashion. NOTE: Some schools may say that students who deposit first get priority housing or other perks. If you know that school is your top choice, you should deposit. Otherwise, wait until you are certain and remember that deposits are almost always non-refundable.

Deferred

You are still in the running but need to make sure you explore other options as well! If you applied Early Decision to a school and were deferred, you are no longer contracted to that university. It is essential that you read your letter/portal carefully to know what you need to do to show that you are still interested in that school. Some will allow you to send additional materials (updated test scores, letters of recommendation, and/or a letter of continued interested demonstrating that you it is truly your top choice) or give you specific directions about response forms and timeframes. Additionally, it is time to explore your other options, potentially adding schools to your list while recognizing the turnaround time before deadlines might be a few weeks. Please make sure you speak with your counselor and/or Ms. Allen if you need support or make any changes, including adding an ED II school.

Denied

Honor your emotions but remember this decision does not change who you are or what you are capable of doing in your future! There are so many factors that go into decisions, especially at highly selective schools, that have more to do with the institution and its needs than who you are as a person. It has no bearing on your future acceptances! Take time to review additional colleges where you may want to apply and update your application with any new information (leadership roles, awards, etc). See the linked the documents above for more information about coping and lean on people who can support you and recognize all your potential!

Should I complete the FAFSA? Most colleges will encourage you to complete the FAFSA. Why? It makes you eligible for federal student aid, including loans (regardless of your families income), grants, and even things such as work study (on campus jobs). Additionally, even if the Student Aid Index that you receive seems unrealistic or does not make you eligible for grants, many private schools will use that information to provide you with institutional grants that have much higher income thresholds than the federal government for need-based aid. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. After you submit the FAFSA, check the student's email in January to see the application for the PA State Grant. through GrantUs.

Still not sure? Complete the FAFSA Estimator to get an idea of your SAI and consider this perspective from a college: https://www.stedwards.edu/news/why-everyone-should-fill-out-fafsa

What is the CSS Profile? This document: CSS Profile (which often use this accompanying platform for documents: IDOC) is required by some institutions to access their institutional financial aid. Please only complete it if it is required by your school(s), as it has a fee for the first college and each subsequent send. Do not forget to thoroughly review individual financial aid sites to ensure you complete all necessary forms by their required deadlines.

Scholarships Often included in your acceptance letter is any merit-based scholarships you have received from the institution. The majority of schools will review you automatically for scholarships, but check their websites for any specialty scholarships or applications. Check to see if scholarships are stackable, meaning that additional money you receive will be added to rather than used in place of other scholarships you were awarded from the school. National Scholarship Search Sites offer access to thousands of scholarships across the country with a range of qualifications and deadlines. Additionally, check Schoology for regional scholarships and be on the lookout in the Spring for Penncrest-only scholarships!

Applications to DCTS for the 25-26 school year are OPEN!

Interested in applying?

1. Talk as a family about interests and career goals. Watch the videos shared in our schoology folders and read descriptions of the programs:DCTS Course Guide
2. Start your application using your personal email address: DCTS Application
3. Schedule a visit: DCTS Visitation Request Form
4. Write thoughtful essays about why you want to attend that program and where you will grow from the skills you learn at DCTS. Attend an I/E Help Session with Ms. Allen starting in January!

Interested in Medical Careers?

• Follow the same steps as above but know that visitations are not allowed at the hospital. Additionally, complete the supplemental application component after hitting submit on the first section. See Ms. Allen with questions!

Some of you might be enjoying the snow, but now is the perfect time to think about your summer plans!

Bored over break? Spend time exploring Naviance and look at the tasks assigned to you! Freshmen and Sophomores, we will be completing some activities together in the upcoming months, but look at anything past due. Juniors, complete everything prior to your junior meeting with your counselor!!!