HERSHEY HIGH SCHOOL
College and Career Counseling
(717) 531-2244
COLLEGE PLANNING
This section is for seniors planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the future.
The senior timeline can be found on the HUB and below.
The transcript request link can be found below.
A link to Clever, which allows you to log-on to Naviance and Smart Futures, can help you to continue your college planning.
SENIOR TIMELINE
Now that your junior year as ended, it is time to start planning for your senior year. Here is a breakdown of things to consider each month during this very important year. And remember, it is your senior year; don't forget to have fun!
SUMMER
Start/Continue to research colleges that are a good fit academically and financially (check out Naviance and Smart Futures for ways to search!).
The Common Application for the class of 2021 will go live on August 1. The essay questions will remain the same from last year.
Check individual school's admission pages to find out when their application will go live.
If needed, register for the October or November SAT/ACT (remember - many schools are test optional now. Check out www.fairtest.org).
Create/update your resume.
Contact your school counselor via email, if you have any questions.
Check out our online presentation "Researching Your Future" under the Parent Presentation tab on the school counseling website.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
"Attend" the Financial Aid Night with your parent/guardian on September 17th at 6:30pm. This year, the event will be held virtually. Check back for more details on how to attend.
If needed, sign up for October or November SAT/ACT. If your school is requiring scores, confirm that they will accept November scores.
Sign up for VIRTUAL college admissions presentations. This will primarily be held on Wednesdays this fall, while we are in our hybrid schedule. Visits will be posted in Naviance and under "Upcoming Events" on this website.
Complete the Student Information Survey on Naviance before submitting a Transcript Request Form, if you need a letter of recommendation from your school counselor.
Attend your senior meeting with your school counselor. This may be scheduled virtually, so make sure you check your email regularly.
Communicate with your school counselor, if you have any questions. You can schedule an appointment to see your counselor with either Mrs. Shipper or Mrs. Malik in the counseling office.
Identify, review and begin online college applications.
Reminder: Pay close attention to deadlines and plan ahead! Don't wait until the last minute to register for a test, request a letter of recommendation or submit a Transcript Request Form (remember, transcript requests must be sent 12 school days before the deadline).
Begin the essay(s) if required and be sure to have some proofread your application and essay(s).
Review your application and make changes before submitting online.
Request Teacher Recommendations (at least 12 school days prior to submitting your Transcript Request Form to your counselor).
Complete the Transcript Request Form. Please complete one form for every school where you will be applying. Transcript Request Form
The counseling office will not process transcript requests until the second week of school.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial aid form available at FAFSA starting October 1, 2020.
Complete the Transcript Request Form
Register for AP exams by November 2, 2020. The AP testing QR code can be found in the counseling office.
Be aware of "postmarked by" or "due dates" for applications, especially Early Decision and/or Early Action applications - don't wait until that date to submit a Transcript Request Form!
Continue working on and submitting your application(s). Be aware that some large institutions (e.g. Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, etc.) have rolling admissions. Pay attention to priority deadlines, as you may gain an advantage!
Check with your college(s) to see if the CSS Profile is required. If so, access at CSS Profile
Find a way to "visit" the colleges you are strongly considering applying to. If you cannot physically visit a campus (if you can, call the admissions office or visit the admissions website to set up the visit), check out YouVisit , which offers virtual tours to more than 600 schools.
Follow up with your teachers or coaches to make sure your letters of recommendations are submitted on time. Make sure you provide necessary information they need and don't forget to thank them for the recommendation letter.
Send your official test scores electronically through the testing agencies to the colleges where you are sending applications. Due to College Board's implementation of Score Choice, the Counseling Office does not provide SAT/ACT/AP test scores with your transcript.
Be on the look out for senior scholarship opportunities through the school counseling website. The Senior Scholarship Application will open November 30, 2020, and the deadline will be March 1, 2021.
Complete any portfolios, audition materials or writing samples, if required by the college.
Remember to regularly check your email for important announcements from your school counselor and/or the HHS Counseling Office.
If you are considering playing a sport at the Division I or II level, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and submit an official transcript request .
Reminder: Transcript requests need to be submitted no later than Friday, December 4, 2020 for processing prior to the holiday break. Many applications have an early January deadline and must be sent before the holiday break.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Attend the Senior Scholarship Night presented by the high school counseling department on January 14 from 6-6:30pm. The presentation will be recorded and shared on January 11, 2021. Families should review the information and attend the Zoom session (details posted at a later date) with any questions they have.
Early decision applicants who have been accepted must withdraw all other applications.
Check college admissions requirements regularly and carefully.
Check Naviance for instruction on how to submit a mid-year report request (only necessary if a college requires a mid-year report)
AVOID SENIORITIS! Senior grades can be crucial to your admission (including second semester). All acceptances are tentative until colleges see that your final grades continue continue to meet their standards.
Continue researching and applying for scholarship opportunities through the Senior Scholarship Application and through the counseling website.
Research the college's website for their "Advanced Placement Policy" to understand how they grant college credit for AP exams. You can also visit this website to learn more about which colleges accept credits.
Contact the colleges to confirm that they have received all of your information.
Complete the Senior Scholarship Application.
MARCH/APRIL/MAY
Visit the colleges physically or virtually that have offered acceptance. Your perspective is very different once you have been accepted!
Make your final decision and mail your deposit by the institution's deadline. Most institutions have a May 1st deadline for student decisions. A non-refundable deposit may be required to secure your housing.
If you were placed on a waiting list, now is a good time to contact the college and indicate that you are still interested.
MAY/JUNE
Notify your school counselor of college admissions decisions and scholarships. We want to celebrate your good news!
Notify colleges you will not be attending.
Write a short thank you note to teachers, employers and others who have written recommendations for you.
Finish the year with strong grades. Colleges have the right to rescind or revoke their offer of acceptance if your performance dramatically decreases without a convincing reason.
Complete the 2021 Graduation Survey on Naviance when requested. This is how the counseling office will send your final transcript to the college you are attending.
If you are going to be playing a college sport at a Division I or II level, you will need to register for the NCAA Eligibility Center for your final transcript to be sent.