PHS Counselor Connection
September 2021: Senior Edition
In this Newsletter:
- Important Dates
- Future Ready: Senior Specific Info, Tutoring resource, ACT Prep & College Considerations (research, financing, athletes etc.)
- Helpful Resources for Families and Students (Including our new student job "Board")
Important Dates
PHS Fall Future Ready Days!
Morning of the 13th:
- Freshmen will take the Pre-ACT
- Sophomores will take the Pre-ACT
- Juniors have the option to take a full-length practice ACT, the PSAT or the ASVAB
- Seniors will choose from a menu of options from college application work time to paying for college, to information from WCTC along with many others.
All students will participate in our 10th annual Career Speaker Day
More details to come!
We get it! Planning for your life after high school can be STRESSFULL- We're here for you every step of the way. Just stop by or reach out via email or g-chat for a meeting if you need help with anything along the way! We also offer a college application help session during resource- sign up in FlexiSched! The first workshop is this coming Thursday in the guidance office.
UW System application presentation
Scholarships & Resources
Now is the time to start looking for and applying to scholarships. They are starting to come out and that will continue throughout the spring. HERE is a link to the PHS list of scholarships that come through our office. HERE is a flyer with some of the popular scholarship databases. Going Merry is particularly nice as it is like a common app for scholarships; apply for multiple scholarships with only one application.
Remember to use your Future Ready planning document and Resource Guide to help with some basic information. Counselors are here to help with every step of the way!
What? Apply to College for Free?!?
**If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, you should still indicate such on the application and complete the fee waiver paperwork even though applying is free. Completing that paperwork will then also waive the enrollment deposit. If you do not do the application fee waiver, you will have to pay the enrollment deposit.
College Application Deadlines
Want some help completing the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA)?
If you need help completing the FAFSA- check out the great opportunities through College Goal WI. There are in person and virtual events where you can receive 1:1 assistance completing your application for federal college aid.
Still doing your research? The College Reps are coming...virtually that is. But they still offer awesome information about their campuses! The military reps are available too!
It's never too early to start researching colleges! All grade levels are welcome to participate in these virtual visits.
Link to List of Current College and Military Scheduled Visits (for PHS students only-check back often!) Most are virtual. For most, you must pre-register at the link or get a pass from the guidance office if you will be meeting during class time.
College Representatives are calling regularly to schedule times so make sure to check this list regularly!
Other Opportunities to Learn about Colleges
Taking the ACT again? Here are some options for prep!
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is offering the ACT Exam Preparation course this upcoming Fall 2021 semester. The course is designed for high school students preparing to take the ACT. Students will learn strategies and aspects of the ACT in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing, Science Reasoning, and English Grammar to prepare them for success on their exam. Classes start September 18th or October 30th. See this flyer for more information.
ACT Prep: Don’t forget- all juniors have access to the online ACT prep course through Method Test Prep. This is true wether they are enrolled in the ACT prep class through PHS or not. Students can find the program in their Xello accounts on the menu on the right. This can be used at any time.
Most students take their first ACT with the high school in February/March and then take the April, June or July tests if they wish to retest. Some juniors will take the December test. Some seniors will take the September or October tests if they are still trying for a certain score. Scores are reported in time for admissions deadlines at most schools.
Looking for a JOB?
Considering WCTC? Join them for an in-person Open House on November 18th!
Applying to WCTC?
Financial Aid
The FAFSA opens on October 1st. Each college can set their own priority deadline- be sure to complete the FAFSA prior to the first priority deadline. If you need help completing the FAFSA- check out the opportunities for College Goal WI Or the presentations shared above with virtual live sessions or on demand YouTube videos.
Ordering Transcripts
Everything UW System!
Additionally, this information booklet is very helpful on a number of topics including important dates to know about throughout the process.
Thinking about the UW System?
Paying for College Resource
And don't forget to join us for the in-person Financial Aid seminar on September 28th where a representative from a college will be here to give you information on completing the FAFSA and to answer your questions about the process or unique situations. See information in the Important Dates table above.
Test Optional/Test Flexible
Get Schooled Test Optional Page
College Essay Guy Resources
Considering a Gap Year?
Gap year guide (and they offer programs)
US News article- Tips and resources
Global Citizen Website with lots of articles and information
Gap Year Association- Gap year definition, advice, list of options etc.
goabroad.com article on what they consider the 11 best gap year volunteer programs
Volunteerhq list of best volunteer gap experiences for 20-21
Considering College Athletics?
NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
Looking for volunteer opportunities?
District Community Resources List
(use the links on the left to navigate resources for various topics)
Your Choice Parent Webinars- Sessions on various topics that parents may find useful. Topics include resiliency, drugs, alcohol, vaping and screen addiction
College Goal WI- Assistance with completing the FAFSA (seniors) All virtual event this year
Healing Hearts Fall Grief Groups (youth and adults)
Resources from the Pewaukee Library- Help Now (Live online tutoring), Teen Reading Challenge, Teen Book Club, Virtual Magna & Anime Club
Student Job "Board"- Often times, local employers will let us know of positions that they are hiring for. This document will be updated each time we learn of a new opportunity so check back often!