This week's newsletter is full of information for all students and families! Check out one of the 26 upcoming college visits, prepare for the PSAT this Wednesday, give the PASSHE schools a second look, do not delay the essay, and mark your calendars for upcoming events!!

Monday, October 7th

• Lehigh University - 7:45 am
• Delaware Valley University - 9:30 am
• American University - 10:15 am

Tuesday, October 8th

• Franklin & Marshall College - 7:45 am
• Seton Hall University - 10:45 am
• Dartmouth College - 11:30 am
• Bucknell University - 12:15 pm
• University of Scranton - 1:00 pm

Friday, October 11th

• Saint Joseph's University - 10:15 am

Monday, October 14th

• Villanova University - 11:05 am

Tuesday, October 15th

• Pennsylvania Western University (California University of PA, Clarion, & Edinboro) - 10:45 am
• Pennsylvania State University (PSU) - 11:30 am
• Marywood University - 1:00 pm
• Haverford College - 1:45 pm

Wednesday, October 16th

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) - 7:45 am
• Shippensburg University of PA - 8:35 am
• Indiana University of PA - 9:30 am
• Pace University - 10:15 am
• Drew University - 12:00 pm
• Towson University - 1:00 pm

Thursday, October 17th

• Drexel University - 10:45 am
• University of Rochester - 11:30 am
• Stony Brook University - 12:15 pm
• Saint Francis University - 1:00 pm
• James Madison University - 1:45 pm

• 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. You must register at least an hour prior to the scheduled visit.
  
• 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 prior to coming to the meeting.
  
• Attendance is documented at all visits!
• Seniors - if you plan to apply to a school or have already applied, ATTEND THE VISIT. The representatives will be looking for you!!!

What is it?

For sophomores, this will be the first exposure to a standardized, college entrance exam and a “practice year”. The scores this year do not qualify sophomores for the National Merit Scholarship Program and scores are not submitted to colleges. The results will provide students with concrete feedback on strengths and weaknesses on the skills necessary for college study.

For juniors, this is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Recognition Programs (10th & 11th grade), where the top scores nationally are recognized. The results of this test will provide students with concrete feedback on strengths and weaknesses that will help them to prepare for the SAT but do not take the place of official SAT scores. Please visit the College Board website for more information about the SAT.

Does it matter?

As we look toward the future, we are seeing more colleges return to requiring standardized test scores as part of their application. While it is only one factor, it will be part of their review for admissions and a strong score (relative that institution's profile) can support their likelihood of acceptance. Therefore, understanding a student's strengths and areas of need can help them prepare not only for the SATs, but also future classwork and courses. Additionally, recognition through the National Merit and National Recognition programs can highlight a student's academic achievements and might be associated with scholarship opportunities! This year's senior class has

Can I practice or prepare?

Kaplan is offering free PSAT prep and tutorials in the weeks leading up to the test. Registration is required. For more information, visit their website. Khan Academy also provides free PSAT practice. Visit their website. As we get closer to test day, know what to bring with you: On PSAT/NMSQT Test Day - SAT Suite | College Board. Sleep well, eat an appropriate breakfast, and remember to believe in yourself. A positive affirmation can go a long way!

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, or PASSHE, refers to the 10 universities and university systems that comprise our PA state schools. These schools have the lowest 'sticker price' for tuition for PA students and receive funds from the state of Pennsylvania to provide affordable postsecondary education options for our students. Since they were redesigned in 2022, there has been confusion about their names. In the redesign, 3 universities in the western part of the state - California, Clarion, and Edinboro - came together to form PennWest and 3 universities in the central part of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield - joined to form the Commonwealth University. Each school still retains its individual campus but have restructure in ways to create support systems and administrative leadership to ensure financial security for the institutions.

Therefore, the comprehensive list of our PASSHE schools is as follows:

• Cheyney University
• Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg
• Commonwealth University - Lock Haven
• Commonwealth University - Mansfield
• East Stroudsburg University
• IUP
• Kutztown University
• Millersville University
• PennWest California
• PennWest Clarion
• PennWest Edinboro
• Shippensburg University
• Slippery Rock University
• West Chester University

*Click on a school to learn more about its offerings and location*

With the first application deadline of October 15th approaching for a few colleges (mainly larger, public schools in the south), many students still feel nervous about writing their essay(s). In our PHS Class of 2025: Guide to the College Application Process, we include essay writing tips and suggestions. This past week, Hamilton College - yes, it is named in honor Alexander Hamilton who was one of the trustees - visited Penncrest and shared some wonderful resources for writing and essays that worked from their applicant pool.

Additionally, a few reminders:

• What "they want" is to hear your authentic voice and to learn about who you truly are
• Don't simply repeat or list information that is found elsewhere in the application
• Enjoy writing the essay and choose a topic that brings you joy or satisfaction. If you do not find pleasure in writing the essay, it is unlikely the reader will when reviewing it.
• Yes, using first-person pronouns is encouraged!
• Yes, you should review your grammar and sentence structure. Allowing someone else who you trust to read it can assist with identifying awkward phrases or missing/incorrect words.
• Academic integrity matters. ChatGPT should not author your essay.

• University of Alabama Free Application Week - October 7th -11th! Undergraduate Admissions Free App Week.
• SUNY Schools - Apply to 5 schools for free October 21st- November 3rd: SUNY Free App

• Maris Grove Open Interview Day - 10/10 from 3-5pm
• Kumon Learning Center - see poster and contact meenugupta@kumon.com for details

Attend the PACAC Delaware County College Fair at Neumann University on October 22nd from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Delaware County Regional College Fair