SHHS School Counseling Department

In only a few short days, our country witnessed back-to-back hate crimes in Buffalo, NY and Irvine, CA. Because there is so much conversation about these events on the news, on social media, and in our community, we want you to know that there are resources available to you if you want or need support. Please see this TIPSHEET from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center or see your School Counselor, who is available and ready to help.

College fly-in programs:

Colgate in Focus (CIF) offers prospective high school seniors who identify as low-income, first generation, or other historically excluded backgrounds – who have overcome unique personal or structural challenges in their journey to pursue post-secondary education - the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and staff on a range of topics for a deeper understanding of diversity in Colgate’s student experience. CIF will be held in two parts this year: an online summer webinar series and an on-campus program in October. 

              CIF Summer Webinar Series: Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y.    June 12 | 7 p.m.

                                                                 Colgate Clubs Spotlight        June 27 | 7 p.m. ET

                                                                 Understanding the Liberal Arts    July 11 | 4 p.m. ET

                                                                 Being a Student of Color at Colgate    July 20 | 7 p.m. ET

              On Campus in October: After attending the webinars, students can fill out an application for part two of CIF: a trip to Colgate’s campus — 100% paid for by the Colgate Office of Admission. This trip will welcome students and one parent or guardian for a full campus experience, including opportunities to tour the campus, attend a Colgate class, and have personal conversations and meals with current students and staff. The application is now available, and applications must be submitted by Aug. 1. While preference will be given to webinar attendees for the in-person visit selection, we understand responsibilities may conflict with webinar times. Therefore, Colgate will still select students who have not attended a webinar for our in-person CIF open house. Students can register here https://www.colgate.edu/admission-aid/visit/colgate-focus

WashU Preview is designed to connect diverse students (such as underrepresented students of color, first-generation college students, and students from limited-income backgrounds) with Washington University's collaborative, innovative, and passionate community. For more information, visit https://admissions.wustl.edu/preview-days/

Explore Bowdoin is an all-expenses paid college visit program for high-achieving, low-income and/or first-generation high school seniors. Bowdoin handles all of the logistics and covers the cost of the program, including transportation to/from campus, lodging, and meals for the duration of the student's trip. For more information, visit:https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/visit/explore-bowdoin/?utm_term=F24&utm_content=counselor-reminder&utm_source=explore&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=admissions

The 2023 Bridges Program is a college fly-in for under-represented groups at Miami University of Ohio. The overnight program provides high school seniors with an inside look at Miami through a variety of campus experiences where they'll engage with current students, faculty, and staff. *Transportation is provided to/from campus for the listed cities and dates or to/from airports and bus stations for the out-of-state session.
We invite students from historically underrepresented populations, as well as students who have a commitment to diversity, to apply. The program attracts students who represent various diverse identities — racial/ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity, and socioeconomic. For more information visit: https://miamioh.edu/visit-miami/bridges-program/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bridges_apply_counselor&utm_content=bridges_savethedate&utm_source=slate

Carleton College Fall Fly-In Program: Every fall, Carleton College sponsors a fly-in program for underrepresented senior students called Taste of Carleton (TOC). Participants in this all-expenses-paid program will be able to visit campus from Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 10. This is a great way for students to get a real feel for what Carleton is like, both on an academic and social level. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT TOC

Penn Early Exploration Program (PEEP) is an online workshop-based virtual program created to provide community, support, and resources for high school seniors who identify as low-income and/or first generation to college (FGLI), who have an interest in learning more about Penn and applying to selective universities. Participants will gain first-hand experience with the academic and social life at the University of Pennsylvania. Preference will be given to students who come from historically underrepresented populations. For more information and registration visit: https://key.admissions.upenn.edu/register/?id=e3b94dcc-6823-4c5e-8159-d695dc575b87

Penn In Focus (PIF)   Are you interested in the ways that identity and culture can be explored academically and socially at Penn? Are you an academically high-achieving high school senior who lives within 150 miles from our campus? Do you also identify as low-income and/or first generation to college? Then join us for PIF, an in-person day program hosted on Penn's campus aimed at helping you understand all Penn has to offer among its world-class academic resources, cultural hubs, and student centers! https://admissions.upenn.edu/penn-early-exploration-program

Real Talk is a series of virtual info sessions from College Board aimed at "connecting black students to college". For more information, please visit cb.org/realtalk.

INFORMATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2024

Senior Meeting Document

Common Application Essay Prompts:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Interview Tips and Etiquette

College Visits - Questions to Ask

College Essay Resources

The College Essay Guy - 7 Great College Essay Tips to Help You Out

Georgia Tech Admission Blog - College Admission Essays: "I've Heard That One Before"

Tulane Admission Blog - "Ten Tips for an Epic College Essay"

Financial Aid presentation by Frances McKeown from PHEAA

Click here for presentation.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________