HPHS Postsecondary Counseling News
Juniors - May 2021
A Note from Postsecondary Counseling
You have finished your junior year during what can only be called: one for the history books! We want to acknowledge that you have had to pivot and lean in to so many new ways of learning, staying active, creating new connections and you've done it all with grit and grace. As we move into the summer before your senior year in high school, one we believe will continue to create more opportunities for the "normal" experiences and events we have missed, we wanted to share with you some information and resources to use before we return to school in August. We hope you enjoy your summer and take the time to research and reflect on what is important to you for your next path in life. We look forward to partnering with you next year as you take the next steps to open those new and varied doors of opportunity!
Your PSC Team,
Dr. Aliza Gilbert - agilbert@dist13.org
Dr. Bill Morrison - wmorrison@dist113.org
Mrs. Jen Pendergast - jpendergast@dist113.org
Mr. Rob Becker - rbecker@dist113.org
Tutorials on the Admission Process - Watch our Lunch-N-Learns!
* Defining admissions plans
* Tackling the process
* Writing the essay
* Alternatives to Four Year
These sessions were full of valuable information and run about 20-30 minutes in length. They were all recorded and are available on our PSC website under “Information for Juniors” and “Programs”. Check them out for valuable information on the research and application process.
The Role of Postsecondary Counseling
Website: https://www.dist113.org/Page/349
Location: 433 Vine Avenue, Highland Park, IL, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HPHS-Postsecondary-Counseling-520027864823500
Visiting Colleges
Many colleges and universities across the country are beginning to open back up for visits from prospective students. Check out the Admissions section of the colleges and universities websites you are interested in to find out more information about their visit policies. Remember that you have until May 1st of your senior year to make the decision about where you will attend (unless you apply Early Decision) so you don’t need to see them all before applying. We recommend that you try to see enough colleges by August so that you know what you are looking for in a school, which will help you to generate the list of schools you would like to apply to. This website from NACAC can be a broad tool to use when searching for colleges offering in person visits, but individual college websites will have the most detailed, up to date information.
Common Applications/Coalition Application Information
The Common and Coalition Applications are single applications you can utilize to apply to multiple schools at the same time. Students should take advantage of the time they have over the summer to begin to fill out these applications, including getting to work on the main application essay. The individual college supplements may not “go live” until later in the summer but students can get a head start on the process by filling out the main portions of these applications and getting a start on their essay. For more information check out the aforementioned tutorials on our PSC Website.
Standardized Testing
As you are preparing for the application season next Fall, it is important that you get a handle on what the admission testing requirements are for the schools to which you will be applying. You will find various requirements depending on the institution so it is important to get an understanding of what you will/will not need to submit in the way of testing. Below are some of the types of testing requirements you may find:
Testing Required: There are a number of colleges and universities, state school systems in particular, that have gone back to requiring the SAT or ACT for admission. In these cases you will need to submit your single best score, or perhaps multiple scores if they “Superscore”, as part of the admissions process.
Test-Optional: At these institutions it is up to the applicant as to whether or not they submit testing. They will consider it as part of your application if you do submit a test score, but you will not be penalized if you do not submit test scores. For test-optional schools you will want to have a discussion with your Postsecondary Counselor (PSC) about whether or not you should submit testing.
Test-Blind: This policy means that the school will not consider testing whether you send it or not. Testing is not part of the review process so there is no need to send.
Test-Flexible: These schools may utilize a number of different types of assessments in the admissions process, from traditional ACT or SAT scores to AP testing to graded papers from a high school class. If a school has a test-flexible policy you will want to look more specifically into what they require/will accept.
As a general rule the PSCs suggest preparing for and taking the tests as if you will need them in the Fall and make the determination as to whether or not you will send them at that time, based on your various schools’ policy, practice, scholarship offerings, etc. If you did not get the chance to attend live, watch the recording of the testing program "Admissions Testing and the Test Optional Movement" that we held in March, in collaboration with District 225 and our colleagues at Compass Test Prep.
Have a Productive Summer!
Many colleges and universities will inquire as to how you utilized your free time this summer. Be productive! Whether it's taking a class, getting a job, engaging in sports/other extracurriculars, or doing a summer program somewhere, be active this summer. We understand and support your need to relax and recharge - and you should take the time to do so, but colleges will want to see that you did spend your time doing something beyond going to the beach or snoozing on the couch or in a hammock.