D.H.S. GUIDANCE BUZZ
January - February 2016
By Al Trafford, Junior & Senior Guidance Counselor
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The SAT Prep Course for juniors will begin on February 16 and end on April 27, just prior
to the May 7 administration of the SAT. Sign-up forms and schedules have been sent to the
homes of all juniors and will also be available on the DHS web site. For more information and
to sign up, please see Ms. Wilhelm in the Guidance office.
2016 NJ FAFSA Days will be held on various dates beginning in January at numerous
locations in New Jersey (which include Kean University and NJIT) to assist seniors and their
families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); for information and to
sign up for this free service, go to: NJASFAA.org and click on College Goal Sunday.
REGARDING COLLEGE VISITS:
The policy of the school is that the yellow permission form must be signed by your parents
before it will be signed by a guidance counselor and the assistant principal. Moving forward,
there will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. You are allowed three college visits per year
during junior and senior years.
SENIORS:
Congratulations on all the college acceptances; the waiting game, however, is still in full force
for many students. As of this date, some 35 seniors have applied to over 150 colleges and 24
(that we know of) have been accepted to one or more colleges. Please inform Guidance of
your acceptances and your final attendance decisions. Please also inform Guidance if any
of your colleges require the submission of a mid-year transcript. And, if you have made your
final decision, please send a note or email to those colleges you will not be attending.
If you are planning to apply to a four-year college and have not yet updated your
transcript or arranged for your letters of recommendation, please see me immediately.
Financial Aid: You must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) to apply for federal and state student aid – i.e, government money for college and
trade schools. Financial aid offices use information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility
for receiving federal grants, loans, and work-study funds. States and schools use the
information to determine whether you qualify for additional aid. You may use estimates if
your family has not yet filed income taxes this year. Also, confirm your college(s) financial
aid requirements and deadlines; some deadlines are as early as February and may
require filing the CSS Profile. To file the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.gov and follow
instructions. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority has an excellent website,
which can be accessed at http://www.hesaa.org/Pages/SiteMap.aspx
Scholarships and Grants: There are a number of web sites with specific scholarship
opportunities listed in this publication. In addition, there are various scholarships and grants
listed in this publication. Local scholarships, administered through the DHS Scholarship
Committee will be available for application in the Spring and will be announced. You must
apply to be eligible.
Community Service: General requirements of 25 hours must be completed by March 31 for
those planning to participate in Senior Practicum and by the end of the third marking period
for all others. For information please see Mrs. Piano.
JUNIORS:
I have met with all the juniors and we have discussed myriad subjects, including college and
career plans, standardized testing, classes and scheduling, summer plans and more. Our next
“official” meeting will be for senior-year class scheduling conferences. Meanwhile, if you
have more immediate concerns, please see me or make an appointment.
Summer Plans: Even though it is cold outside, it is time to “think summer” in terms of
summer jobs, activities and pre-college programs. The summer between junior and senior year
is an excellent time to add a meaningful experience to your resume, especially if it is an
experience that will help you get into the college or career of your choice.
College Lists: This also is a good time to begin and continue to develop the list of colleges
you intend to apply to at the beginning of senior year. The “BigFuture” feature on the College
Board website is a great place to start. Take advantage of your three college visits, which are
discussed elsewhere in this publication.
College Testing: Students who are planning to apply to four-year colleges should take the
SAT at least once – preferably twice – by the end of junior year. They also should consider
taking the ACT either at the end of junior year or at the beginning of senior year. Some of the
more competitive colleges also require the SAT II Subject Tests; if you are considering
applying to such a college, be sure to plan on having all results back by the application
deadline. For students who haven’t taken the SAT or signed up for the January 23rd SAT, an
excellent strategy would be to take the March 5th SAT, take the SAT Prep Course here at
DHS, and then take the May 7th SAT.
OUTSIDE COLLEGE VISITS:
As a junior and as a senior, you are encouraged to visit colleges three times a year; these count
as “excused absences.” Pick up a “College Visitation Form” from the Guidance Office before
you go to a college. Permission is needed first from your parent, Mr. Tobin and your
counselor before you can visit. A signature from a college representative, while you are there,
is also necessary. Return the form to the Attendance Office.
Important Dates to Remember!
SAT – March 5th – Registration deadline is
February 5th.
SAT Fees – $54.50 (SAT I) $26.00 (SAT II) Late Fee is
$28.00
ACT – April 9th – Registration Deadline is
March 4th
ACT Fees - $56.50 with writing (take with writing)
High school code for applications is: 310280 (Students
on Free or Reduced lunch program are eligible for fee
waivers for their tests. For free online SAT and ACT Test
Prep, go to www.number2.com and March2success.com)
Web Resources . . . to assist with your Post High School Planning:
College/Scholarships: www.college.gov
Scholarships: www.fastweb.com
Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/ooh/
SAT: www.sat.org
PSAT/NMSQT: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
Financial Aid: www.finaid.org
FAFSA: www.fafsa.gov
NJHESAA: www.HESAA.org
Middlesex County Vocational & Technical Schools: www.mcvts.net
Middlesex County College: www.Middlesexcc.edu
Career Planning: www.njnextstop.org
Careers/Colleges: careersandcolleges.com
Colleges: www.keycolleges.com
The Women's Coalition: www.womenscolleges.org
College Goal Sunday: www.njcollegegoalsunday.org
College Search, PSAT and SAT Prep, Free Money: www.collegeboard.com
Free online SAT & ACT Prep: www.Number2.com
College Week Live-Virtually chat with college representatives and current students
from over 450 schools, participate in web information sessions to learn more about
everything from the SATs to the financial aid process, take virtual tours, find
scholarships, and more! www.collegeweeklive.com
COLLEGE OPEN HOUSES & INFORMATION PROGRAMS:
The best way to decide which college is right for you is to go see it in person when it is in
session. Each campus has its own feel and character with its college atmosphere, student life
and community. Colleges have information sessions, tours and many offer open house sessions
for a half day visit. Highlights include:
 Explore range of majors and concentrations
 See arts, athletics and other extracurricular programs
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Discover honors, leadership development and study abroad programs
Learn about financial aid and scholarship programs
Hear first-hand from current students
Take a student-led campus tour of the facilities
Set up an interview in the admissions office
When you go, personalize your visit by taking time to speak with current students, attending a
class or two, or meeting with a music professor or sports team coach. Many open house visits
recommend or require pre-registration on their admission website. Be sure to set up individual
appointments in advance of your trip. If you cannot visit, then take a virtual tour on the college
website. Following is a list of nearby colleges and universities with open house days. Check
websites for updated visiting opportunities.
College Open Houses, Information Programs, & Campus Visits
Berkeley College, all locations – BerkeleyCollege.edu/LP/RFI/index.asp
Caldwell College, Caldwell, NJ – January 30 - www.caldwell.edu/rsvp/
College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ – March 5 - www.tcnj.edu/visit
College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ – January 23 – www.cse.edu/visit
Drew University, Madison, NJ – January 23 - www.drew.edu/visit
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ and Teaneck, NJ – January 30 - www.fdu.edu
Kean University, Union, NJ – www.kean.edu/ku/Campus-Tours-Information-Sessions
Middlesex County College, Edison, NJ – April 3 - www.mccopenhouse.com/scheduletour.html
Middlesex County College, Edison, NJ – Project Connections: A support service for
students with learning disabilities – www.middlesexcc.edu/disability-services/projectconnections/- (Deadline: February 15, 2016)
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ – http://www.montclair.edu/aboutmontclair/planning-visit/
Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ http://www.monmouth.edu/university/visit.aspx
New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ - www.njcu.edu/critical_dates.aspx
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ – February 21
www.njit.edu/admissions/visit/index.php
Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ - www.ramapo.edu/visit/
Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ –
www.raritanval.edu/pstudents/events.html
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ – April 10 - www.stockton.edu (click
on admissions)
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ – April 23 http://www.rider.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admission/visits-events
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ – March 6 and April 3 www.rowan.edu/home/undergraduate-admissions/tours-open-houses
Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ –
admissions.rutgers.edu/location/campusvisit/rutgersopenhouses/openhouses.aspx
Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ – February 14 and April 24 –
http://www7.shu.edu/admissions/open-house.cfm
Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ –
http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/visit/visit-options
Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City, NJ – www.saintpeters.edu/undergraduateadmission/visit-saint-peters/
University of Delaware, Newark, DE – www.udel.edu/admissions/visit
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA – www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/visitcampus
University of New Haven, New Haven, CT–
www.newhaven.edu/admissions/ugrad/opportunities/openhouse/
William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ – www.wpunj.edu/campusvisit
Scholarships
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program - $1,000 scholarships for the best 500-1,000 word
essays. For juniors and seniors: Go to www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline
is June 10, 2016.
Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement is offering $2,000 and
$1,000 scholarships to seniors of any ethnic or cultural background. Go to apcaatt.org/scholarship.html for information and to apply. Deadline is
January 31, 2016.
The Big Sun Organization is offering $500 scholarships to senior athletes. For more
information and to submit your essay visit: www.bigsunathletics.com/. Deadline is
June 17, 2016.
The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation scholarship program, Tzu Chi Scholars 2015, is now
accepting applications for scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. Scholars are selected on
the basis of financial need, academic achievement and community involvement. Applications
and information are available at www.tzuchi.us/scholarships/ . Deadline is March 11, 2016.
Foster and Adoptive family Services offers a number of scholarship opportunities to seniors
who are adopted or foster children. Go to www.fafsonline.org for information and applications.
The Joseph E. Enright Foundation will offer several $1,000 scholarships to seniors who plan to
study healthcare in college. For information and to apply, go to:
www.josephenrightfoundation.org/index.php?pageid=9. Deadline is June 30, 2016.
The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity awards four-year scholarships up
to $20,000 to students who have developed highly creative solutions to specific problems. Go
to www.rbffoundation.org for information and application. Deadline is April 30, 2016.
The New Jersey Electronic Security Association (NJESA) is offering a $1,500 and $1,000
scholarship to seniors who are sons and daughters of active-duty police and fire personnel.
Additionally, the first place winner will be eligible for national scholarship awards. Deadline
is March 8, 2016. Go to www.NJ-ESA.org/scholarship-program/ for information and
application.
The New Jersey School Building & Grounds Association will offer four $1,000 scholarships to
seniors pursuing a Bachelor’s or Associate degree. Information and application are available
in Guidance. Deadline is February 6, 2016. For information and to apply: njsbga.org/statescholarship-program/.
The New Jersey Schoolwomen’s Club will award three scholarships of $1,000 each, and two
educational awards in the amount of $500 to female graduates who intend to pursue a career in
the field of education. Applications are available at www.NjSchoolwomans.org. Deadline is
February 29, 2016.
The New Jersey Utilities Association and the National Association of Water Companies (New
Jersey Chapter) are offering several scholarships of up to $6,000 to seniors who meet the
eligibility criteria. Go to www.njua.com and click on “Community Involvement” for
information.
P.E.A.R.L.S., Inc., the charitable arm of Nu Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority will offer over $5,000 in scholarships to seniors who meet certain minority and
gender qualifications. Information and applications are available at
https://form.jotform.com/pearlsnxoscholarship/2016-pearls-scholarship-application. Deadline
is February 26, 2016.
The Ralph Verde Foundation is granting over $18,000 in scholarships to New Jersey high
school seniors pursuing a degree of higher education. To fill out an application visit:
www.theralphverdefoundation.org. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2016.
Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded by the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial
Foundation to eligible high school seniors for post-secondary education. Go to
www.njvvmf.org/college-scholarships for information and to download an application. Deadline
is April 18, 2016.
College Summer Programs for High School Students
The Raritan Bay Medical Center Healthcare Connection program is a free, competitive,
four-day summer program for juniors who are seriously considering a career in the
healthcare field. Applications and information are available in Guidance. Deadline is
March 4, 2016.
Boston University, Boston, MA – www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs
Brown University, Providence, RI – www.brown.edu/scs/pre-college
Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA – www.cmu.edu/enrollment/pre-college
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY – www.summercollege.cornell.edu
Duke University, Durham, NC – summersession.duke.edu
Georgetown University, Washington, DC – scs.georgetown.edu/departments/21/summerprograms-for-high-school-students
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA – www.summer.harvard.edu
Miami University, Oxford, OH – www.muohio.edu/juniorscholars
Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy, various locations – http://mmla.middlebury.edu
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ – www.njit.edu/precollege
Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN – www.precollege.nd.edu
NYU, New York, NY – www.nyu.edu/summer
Penn State, Colorado State, Fordham, American and The Sorbonne – www.summerstudy.com
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ – summerscholars.rutgers.edu
Stanford University, Stanford, CA – https://spcs.stanford.edu/programs
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY – www.summercollege.syr.edu
UCLA, Los Angeles, CA – www.summer.ucla.edu/ushsstudent
Washington University, St. Louis, MO – http://summerscholars.wustl.edu.
Yale University, New Haven, CT – summer.yale.edu/apply/student-information
Additional Information
Feel free to borrow a college catalog or any other resource material from the Guidance Office.
Please let one of the counselors or our secretary know if you take something out. We have
FREE career and college brochures and pamphlets available that you can keep! Check on our
table and shelves.
JUNIORS and SENIORS: Important Reminder: You must complete 25 hours of
Community Service as part of your graduation requirement. See Ms. Piano for further
information on placements and hours.
Miscellaneous
Let us know if you get a job! Working papers may be obtained in the Assistant Principal’s
office after you obtain the job.
Important information will be posted outside the Guidance Office on the small bulletin board.
Such information will include test dates for PSAT, SAT and ACT tests. Be sure to check it
periodically.