Class of 2021 Senior Newsletter #4
Fourth Edition; November 2nd, 2020
We Keep Moving Forward!
Well, here we go again - another newsletter, and another transition. Right now we are back to virtual learning, and I can't even imagine what you all must be thinking. Please just know that you aren't alone in this, and I am here to help you through whatever might be going on.
I really can't believe that we are already into November. Before you know it, you'll be sitting down for some turkey and stuffing, albeit maybe a little differently than you usually do. Even though everything seems different, the world is still moving around us. I hope that you are all keeping up with what you need to be, and are in a good place with college applications, job searches, or anything else you might have going on.
If you aren't sure of you're where you should be, reach out. We can schedule a time to talk, and I can walk you through anything you need. We've already had some students accepted to colleges, and I'm hoping to learn about lots more moving forward. Check out the announcement about that below!
Alright, now onto what's in this newsletter. You know I love to flood you with information, and this is no different. Take your time with the content. Read a little at a time, but please read it all. You may be surprised to get some questions answered that you didn't even know you had, or see some opportunities that will be super helpful to you.
Now, to the news of the day. In this newsletter, you will find:
- Updates and Announcements: transcripts requests, college acceptances, financial aid, service hours, diploma forms, and more.
- College Connections: an awesome college fair, and other school-specific opportunities.
- Scholarships and Opportunities: lots of new scholarships!!!!
- The College Application Resources: Your one stop shop for everything you need to know about applying to college.
Remember, I AM HERE FOR YOU. You've always got a resource, you just have to reach out.
All my best,
Mr. Watters
Announcements
Transcript Requests
Please be sure that you are requesting all transcripts through Naviance. Your applications are not complete until your transcripts have been sent to schools. Remember - you cannot request your transcripts until you have officially submitted your applications.
There is a ton of information on how to go through this whole process in the last section of this newsletter. Please read below for more!
College Acceptances
If you receive an acceptance letter, you can submit that to the counseling office a couple of different ways:
- You can bring the acceptance letter directly to Mrs. Shollock in the counseling office. She can make a copy for you if you need it, and will file it.
- You can take a picture of the letter, or forward a copy of the letter via email to Mrs. Shollock at ashollock@lakelandsd.org.
We want to know where you get in, and you deserve to be recognized for your accomplishments! Please get that information to us as it comes in, and let Mr. Watters know if you have any questions.
So far, our confirmed acceptances have come from:
Cross Douglas
Cloey Grover
Peter Kawash
Hannah Kozlowski
Kaylee Lorenzetti
Anthony Novak
Tristan Uram
We know there are more, so get those documents in! We are so proud of all that you are accomplishing!
Financial Aid Night In Review
The first recording is an overview of all financial aid options. It had lots of good information and tips, specifically about scholarships!
The second recording is a step by step walkthrough of how to fill out the FAFSA, and what to expect on each different page.
I've also included a link to the presentation slides if you would like to view them.
More FAFSA & Financial Aid Information
I've also included a link to ReadySetCollege's tip sheet on things to consider for filling out the FAFSA, as well as an additional source for Financial Aid called the CSS Profile.
There will also be a Financial Aid Night hosted by Johnson College on Monday, November 16th at 6:00 PM. You can email Jessica Farrell at jfarrell@johnson.edu for more information. On the date of the event, it can be accessed HERE or at the link below.
The Senior Profile
The Senior Profile has been assigned to students through Mr. Watters's Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you. For any student who wants or needs a letter from me, this is required.
*****Please note, the CommonApp requires a counselor recommendation.*****
You can choose to omit my comments from this recommendation, but that could hurt your chances of acceptance. If you do not want this to be omitted from the CommonApp, please fill out the Senior Profile and submit it to me via Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you.
Community Service Hours Opportunity
This is just a reminder that all students must have accumulated 20 community service hours in the past 4 years to be able to graduate in June. Mrs. Shollock is the keeper of service hours. If you have new hours to submit, or if you would like to know how many you need, you can reach out to her via email at ashollock@lakelandsd.org.
Diploma Forms
For Students Who Do Not Want To Go To College
Connect with Colleges
**Important** NACAC Virtual College Fair
Students can choose from thousands of Zoom sessions offered by more than 600 colleges and universities across the country. All you have to do is log in on November 8th to drop in, ask questions, and hear firsthand about majors and programs, financial aid and scholarships, and much more.
Please click HERE or the link below to look through the colleges that are available, and register for sessions. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this!!
RepVisits
Virtual college visits are continuing throughout November. Upcoming sessions include Lackawanna College, West Chester University, and more! Please check out the RepVisits Calendar below to see who is coming to visit (virtually). The calendar is being updated daily.
Most sessions are being conducted via Zoom, so if you do not have that application on your computer or mobile device, it might be a good idea to download it ahead of time.
Students can register for these visits right through their Naviance Accounts. Look for the "College Visits" link under "Colleges I'm Thinking About." You can register for as many of these sessions as you'd like, and should receive a confirmation email with all the details once you do. There is also a link to a video HERE or below that walks you through how to do this.
If you have any questions, let Mr. Watters know!
Bloomsburg University "Bloom Talks"
SimpliCollege College Application Bootcamp
By clicking HERE or at the link below, students and families can register for SimpliCollege for free, and access videos, presentations, and tips for applying to college, filling out the FAFSA, and much more! I strongly encourage you to check this out!
Premier Nursing Academy Resources
Click HERE for a Guide to Being a Better Writer.
Click HERE for a Guide to Studying
Click HERE for information about becoming a Nurses Aide
Click HERE for information about Healthcare Career and Education Pathways
Testing
There have been many questions asked about the SAT. Here are answers to as many of the questions that I can possibly think of. Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
- The SAT at Lakeland: After much discussion, the district has decided to cancel its scheduled SAT administration on November 3rd. The district has also decided that there will not be a Lakeland-only SAT administration. Please read more information below about the SAT being optional for many schools for the 2020-2021 application period.
- Test Optional Schools: Please note that many colleges and universities have decided to go test optional for the 2020-2021 application period. This means that you can submit test scores if you would like, or think they will benefit you, or you can choose not to submit if you think it might be a detriment to your application. Institutions are aware of the challenges that students are facing in their attempts to take the SAT, and what that rollercoaster might do to their SAT scores. I strongly encourage you to learn about the application requirements of the schools that you are considering prior to taking the SAT or ACT. Be sure to research each of the schools AND the programs you are interested in there to see if they require a test submission. The more competitive schools and programs are the ones that are requiring these tests. This information can be found on the university's admissions websites, or by calling their office of admissions. Take a look below for a little more information on schools being test optional.
- SAT Cancellations: Many SAT offerings are being cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. It seems as though information from the College Board is slightly delayed. If you are concerned that your SAT offering has been cancelled, your best bet is to contact the testing site directly.
- Sending Test Scores: An important consideration is that you are given the ability to send your SAT scores to up to four colleges for free if you choose the schools during the application process. I encourage you to use these if you are planning to submit your scores. We cannot send test scores to schools for you. Schools typically only accept score reports that come directly from the test provider. This means that you will have to pay the test provider to send your scores to schools.
- SAT Fee Waiver: If you are eligible for Lakeland's free/reduced lunch program, you are also eligible for an SAT Fee Waiver. This will cover the cost of your SAT registration. If you need a Fee Waiver, please email Mr. Watters for a code.
Upcoming SAT testing dates and deadlines are:
- November 3rd (registration is closed)
- December 5th (registration deadline of November 5th)
- March 13th (registration deadline of February 12th)
- May 8th (registration deadline of April 8th)
Upcoming ACT testing dates and deadlines are:
- December 12th (registration deadline of November 6th)
- February 6th (registration deadline of January 8th)
- April 17th (registration deadline of March 12th)
Scholarships & Opportunities
Scholarships are listed in chronological order based on when applications are due. All scholarships from past newsletters are listed here, and any new scholarships that have been added for this newsletter are marked with **NEW**.
Horatio Alger Scholarship
This year's application is now open for the Horatio Alger Scholarship for high school seniors. Only one application is needed for our National, State and Targeted scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Criteria:
- Critical financial need ($55,000 or less adjusted gross income per family)
- Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- Participation in community service
- United States citizenship
Application deadline: October 25th, 2020.
NASSP Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Anyone who has volunteered in any way over the past year can apply. The student application deadline is November 10, 2020.
You can learn more about the award, and access the application by clicking HERE, or on the button below.
Marywood University EOC Scholarship
Marywood University presents its Educators on Campus (EOC) Scholarship for 2021 graduates. This scholarship does not guarantee admission to Marywood University. Please click HERE or at the link below to apply for $1,000 per year in scholarships to Marywood University. This scholarship will be awarded to the top 100 applicants.
**NEW** American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarhip
The American Legion is proud to announce its Oratorical Scholarship Program for the 2020-2021 school year.
This scholarship contest exists in two parts:
Part 1: 8-10 minute memorized oration on some phase of the United States Constitution
Part 2: 3-5 minute oration on of of four "assigned topics" selected by the National American Legion Organization. Those topics can be found at www.legion.org/oratotical/topics
Scholarship Prizes are as follows:
1st Prize: $7,500 scholarship, plaque, and a trip to the Department of Pennsylvania State Convention to deliver his or her winning prepared oration, plus the opportunity to represent PA at the National Contest and receive an additional $2,000.
2nd Prize: $5,000 scholarship and plaque.
3rd Prize: $4,000 scholarship and plaque.
Students must submit an application to the local American Legion Post by December 6th, 2020. Please check out the complete information in the PDF below.
**NEW** Branch Out Scholarship
You can apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 15th, 2020
**NEW** Medical Scrubs Collection Scholarship
Application Deadline: December 15th, 2020
**NEW** Hooked to Books Scholarship
How did a book change your life?
What book mirrors your life?
What book got you hooked to books?
You can apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 18th, 2020
WiseGeek Women In STEM Scholarship
WiseGeek is awarding a $500 Women in STEM Scholarship and would love to receive applicants from Lakeland Junior-Senior High School.
Here are some details:
- Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Women in STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility: Female high school students who are planning to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
- Amount: $500
- Additional Information: No Essay Required!
- Apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 31st, 2020.
WiseGeek Nursing Appreciate Scholarship
WiseGeek is awarding a $500 Nursing Appreciation Scholarship, and would love to receive applicants from Lakeland Junior-Senior High School.
- Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Nursing Appreciation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students aspiring to pursue a career in nursing
- Amount: $500
- Additional Information: No Essay Required!
- Apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 31st, 2020
**NEW** Fundera College Scholarship
Application Deadline: January 1, 2021 & June 1, 2021
**NEW** FindMoversNow Scholarship
Application Deadline: January 10th, 2021
Nikhil Desai "Perspective" Scholarship
Bold.org has announced the Nikhil Desai "Perspective" Scholarship. This is particularly designed for students who have had unique experiences shift their perspectives on life. The scholarship is for $1,000.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2021.
**NEW** AED.us Scholarship
You can apply HERE or below.
Application Deadline: December 1st, 2020 & July 1st, 2021
**NEW** Hometown Advantage Award at Wilkes University
Army ROTC Scholarships
Army ROTC provides full tuition and fees (or $10K for room and board) scholarships to over 2000 high school students each year. In addition to the tuition and fees, the scholarship pays $1200 annually for books and a stipend of $420 per months (for up to 10 months a year).
Cybersecurity schools
Naviance Scholarship Search
For now, you can start getting familiar with scholarships by looking through the Scholarship Search tab in Naviance.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to access Scholarships through Naviance.
The College Application Process
Below you will find all of the college application information that has been shared in the first three newsletters. Please utilize this information to help you navigate through the college application process.
As always, if you have any questions about any of it, email me and we can set up a time to talk through things!
Seniors and Naviance Presentation
This is the presentation that I went through in all senior English classes. Feel free to use it if it will help you navigate the college application process. As always, please reach out with any questions you might have. You can access the presentation by clicking on the link below.
The CommonApp
You can create a CommonApp account here: COMMONAPP WEBSITE
What You'll Need to Complete The CommonApp
CommonAPP/Naviance Matching
You will need to match your CommonApp account with Naviance in order to get transcripts sent to the schools you are applying to.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to create a CommonApp Account, and how to match your CommonApp and Naviance accounts:
CREATING A COMMONAPP ACCOUNT AND MATCHING NAVIANCE WITH THE COMMONAPP
The CommonApp and Transcripts
The CommonApp and Letters of Recommendation
Naviance
Ahh, speaking of Naviance!...
If you forget your account password, there is a link on the Naviance Student main page that you can click to reset your account. If you have forgotten the email address you used to register, or just can't get logged in, let me know and I will get it taken care of.
Transcripts on Naviance
If you apply to a college, that college will require a copy of your high school transcript in order to be accepted. You will need to request to send a transcript to that college through Naviance.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to request a transcript on Naviance. REQUESTING A TRANSCRIPT ON NAVIANCE
A plea from Mr. Watters - please only request transcripts be sent to schools that you have already applied to. This will lighten my load a bit and help me get transcripts out to schools a little quicker.
Letters of Recommendation on Naviance
If you are applying to college, you must request a Letter of Recommendation right on Naviance. This will allow your teachers to communicate directly with the college, and ensure that the college will receive the letter.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to request a Letter of Recommendation through Naviance.
REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION ON NAVIANCE
*** It is important to note that you should always ask your teacher for a Letter of Recommendation before you submit the request on Naviance. Your teachers will be getting many requests, and good letters take time to write. It would be very beneficial for you to ask teachers for Letters of Recommendation soon to give them plenty of time to write them. ***
*** Some teachers will also want more information from you so that they can write the best letter possible. This will be the case for me as well, especially since I have not had much time to get to know you. Keep reading to find out what that looks like. ***
Senior Profiles
It is good practice to have a document ready to give anyone you ask for a Letter of Recommendation. This should include accomplishments, activities, work, personal qualities, and anything else you think has helped make you who you are today.
The counseling department has created a Senior Profile document to help guide those thoughts and self-reflective activities. There are lots of questions that are meant to make you think about yourself, and reflect on where you have been and where you plan to go. You are not required to answer every single question, but you should include as much information as possible so that your recommender can write you the best letter possible.
*****Please note, the CommonApp requires a counselor recommendation.*****
You can choose to omit my comments from this recommendation, but that could hurt your chances of acceptance. If you do not want this to be omitted from the CommonApp, please fill out the Senior Profile and submit it to me via Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you.
If you follow the link below, you will be able to make a copy of the Senior Profile sheet. You can complete this right in Google Docs, or print it out and jot down your thoughts. There is also an assignment created in my Google Classroom where you can submit your Senior Profiles to me. I will use them to write any letters for you, and can distribute them to teachers if you ask me to.
If you have any questions about the Senior Profile, please don't be afraid to ask!
The "Explore" Option on Naviance
I strongly encourage you to explore not only on Naviance, but by Googling careers, looking at the O*Net Online Career Database, job shadowing, and any other way you can think of. If you have any questions about your exploration, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Please watch this video. It shows you exactly where to go to explore careers on Naviance.
AND BREATHE!
Keep on pushing. I'm proud of everything that you are accomplishing. Graduation is only 7 months away, but who's counting?! Please, do not be afraid to reach out. I am more than happy to answer questions and help you with absolutely anything you've got going on.
Until next time,
Mr. Watters
Past Senior Newsletters
Lakeland School Counseling Office
Classes of 2022, 2024, & 2026
Make an appointment: https://go.oncehub.com/MrsdeQuevedo
Mr. Watters - zwatters@lakelandsd.org
Classes of 2021, 2023, & 2025
Make an appointment: https://go.oncehub.com/MrWatters
Please note that Mrs. DeQuevedo and Mr. Watters are not in the school building everyday, so it may take time to return phone calls. Email is the best option to contact if needed.
Email: lhsguidance@lakelandsd.org
Website: http://counselingatlakeland.weebly.com/
Location: 1355 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn, PA, United States
Phone: 570-254-9485
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhscounselors/
Twitter: @chiefsguidance