PASSHE School Applications are Now Open!

SENIORS!

Are you ready to start applying for college?

All the PASSHE (PA State System of Higher Education) universities now have their applications open for Fall 2016! If you know that you want to apply to any of these schools, now is your chance to get your applications in early!

The admissions counselors should begin reading applications by September 1st, which means you could have your first college acceptance by Labor Day!

Just as a reminder, the following are considered "PASSHE" schools: 
Bloomsburg
Cal U
Cheyney
Clarion
East Stroudsburg
Edinboro
Indiana U
Kutztown
Lock Haven
Mansfield
Millersville
Shippensburg
Slippery Rock
West Chester University

Here is the link to the application website: http://www.passhe.edu/answers/Pages/start_now.aspx

Happy applying!

JUNE SAT ERROR

ATTENTION JUNIORS WHO TOOK THE JUNE 6 SAT:

CollegeBoard discovered there was an error on the exam. Please see the following information, which was posted by Collegeboard.org on 6/8. Call CollegeBoard with any questions or concerns that you may have. See here for the official posting.

Information Regarding the Saturday, June 6, SAT Administration

Last updated June 8, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. EDT

On Saturday, June 6, Educational Testing Service (ETS) informed the College Board that there was a printing error in the standard test books ETS provided to students taking the SAT that day in the United States.

We apologize for this error.

After a comprehensive review and statistical analysis, the College Board and ETS have determined that the affected sections will not be scored and we will still be able to provide reliable scores for all students who took the SAT on June 6. We expect to deliver scores within the usual timeframe.

To accommodate the wide range of incidents that can impact a testing experience, the SAT is designed to collect enough information to provide valid and reliable scores even with an additional unscored section. From fire drills and power outages to mistiming and disruptive behavior, school-based test administrations can be fragile, so our assessments are not.

We take our responsibility to students very seriously, and we regret the confusion some students experienced. For more information, we encourage students and their families to check back here for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Q: What happened during the June 6 administration of the SAT?

Shortly before noon Eastern time on Saturday, June 6, Educational Testing Service (ETS) informed the College Board that there was a printing error in the standard test books ETS provided to students taking the SAT® on June 6 in the United States. The time allotted for a specific math or reading section — either section 8 or 9, depending on the edition — was incorrect in the student test books but correct in the script and manual provided to test center supervisors. The copy in the student test books indicated “25 minutes” while the manual and script indicated the correct time limit of "20 minutes."

As soon as ETS became aware of the error during the administration of the test, it worked to provide accurate guidance to supervisors and administrators.

Q: Will my scores be available and still be delivered to colleges and universities?

After a comprehensive review and statistical analysis, the College Board and ETS have determined that the affected sections will not be scored, and that we will still be able to provide reliable scores for all students who took the SAT on June 6. We expect to deliver scores within the usual time frame.

Colleges and universities will know these scores are valid.

Q: How is it possible to not score a whole section and still have valid scores?

To accommodate the wide range of incidents that can impact a testing experience, the SAT is designed to collect enough information to provide valid and reliable scores even with an additional unscored section. From fire drills and power outages to mistiming and disruptive behavior, school-based test administrations can be fragile, so our assessments are not.

We have deliberately constructed both the Reading and the Math Tests to include three equal sections with roughly the same level of difficulty. If one of the three sections is jeopardized, the correlation among sections is sufficient to be able to deliver reliable scores.

Q: When will I get my scores?

We expect to deliver scores to students within the usual time frame.

Q: Who does this affect?

All students who took the SAT on June 6 in the United States are affected. This does not affect students who took the SAT on Sunday, June 7, or any SAT Subject Test offered that day.

Q: Where can I go for additional information?

To address any additional questions from students and families, our customer service professionals are available at sat@info.collegeboard.org.

 

Advice to the Class of 2016

As our awesome Class of 2015 gets ready to receive their diplomas on June 6, they took some time to share some advice to our underclassmen, especially advice for our juniors just beginning their college processes. Below are some words of wisdom. Thank you Class of 2015 - you will be missed!

On Choosing Colleges to Apply to...

* Branch out and get to know all of your options. Think about what you like and choose a path to build upon that! 

* Visit colleges before you apply to them!

* Find your best fit!

* Don’t worry about not applying because of the fear of not getting accepted

* Always have a back-up school

* Do your research. Find out everything you can about the college you want to go to and ask lots of questions

* If you are going to apply to a school with a low acceptance rate, make sure you'd be equally happy at your "back-up" school

* Reach out to students you know who go to your desired school, they will be open and honest about their experiences

* Visit a school twice before enrolling

* Going on college visits during your junior year and the summer is a lot better than cramming it into senior year 

* Never let the price tag scare you from applying 

On the Application Process...

* Spend more time than you think is necessary studying for the SAT/ACT

* If you are taking SAT subject tests, take them in June of your junior year when the material is still fresh

* Use the college adviser!!

* Don’t procrastinate and wait until the last minute to get everything done

* Stay on top of all of your deadlines!

* Get things done early so you aren’t rushing!

* If you are thinking about majoring in art, do NOT wait until March/April to finish your portfolios

* It is okay (and encouraged) to meet with the college adviser monthly to check up and hold yourself accountable

* The sooner you get your college applications in, the sooner you can find out, and make a decision!

On Financial Aid...

* Start saving for college sooner! Funds sneak up on you and you end up regretting spending the $10 back in 2009. Start saving now!

* Try to win as many scholarships as possible! 

* Always account for your money situations before making decisions

On surviving high school...

* Keep your grades up!

* Do community service - it looks good on your resume and applications

* Make time for yourself and your friends!

* High school is just one small part of life - there is more out there to enjoy and experience

General Advice...

* Always set goals, both big and small

* Dream big, anything is possible!

* Be tenacious!

·     

College Preparation Opportunities

Attention Juniors!

Have you started preparing for college? If not, please consider some of these opportunities! These programs are built to help students succeed during the college application process!

1.       University of Pittsburgh’s College Prep and Leadership Academy (July 12-17, 2015)

a.       Receive collegiate preparation, attending leadership workshops, and gain SAT/ACT preparation (including a practice test). Students get to stay in the dorms and check out college life in the city of Pittsburgh!

b.      Program fee: $800

c.       To register: http://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/BridgeHome

d.      Deadline: June 1

2.       Franklin & Marshall College Collegiate Leadership Summit (Session 1: Sept 27-Sept 29 or Session 2: Nov 8 – Nov 10)

a.       Learn how to be a leader in college! Interact with members of the F&M community and experience life in a selective liberal arts environment. Participants will also do a mock interview to prepare them for the college application process

b.      Program fee: FREE!

c.       Students must be nominated by their college adviser (AKA MISS LOH) in order to apply for this program.

d.      Deadline to be nominated: June 1

3.       Summer Fly-Out Programs (Dates vary by program)

a.       Some schools understand that paying for transportation to visit their campuses can be quite tough. The schools listed here are willing to fly/drive you to their campus for FREE! Spend a day or a weekend on campus and explore what these schools have to offer!  

b.      Deadlines: Vary – depends on the school

See Miss Loh for more details! 

Visiting Colleges

College Experiences by Alex Angle

College is an extraordinary place. I have visited a lot of colleges, and I wanted to share what I have seen. Some of you would like a larger public school while others would like a smaller liberal arts school. There is nothing wrong with liking either of them! I am going to give my views on each from the schools I have visited.

I personally visited Penn State. Penn State’s tour was in a huge group because there were so many people visiting the school. We walked and visited the dorm rooms, but walking to them was very crowded. Also, the classrooms were filled with students and some of them seemed to have around 50 people for each class. Penn State is a great school for people who like larger schools and larger classes. Also, it is a great place to see if you can go above and beyond and stand out in a 50 person classroom.

If Penn State doesn't seem to be the school for you I would suggest looking at a private or liberal arts school. My example that I will be using is High Point University. It is a private university in North Carolina. My tour for High Point started in a fancy room where the president of the school introduced himself and told us everything great about the school. Then, there was a tour of the campus and dorms and we were separated into three groups. There was around eight other students on my tour. So if you like a smaller school with less students I would recommend a private university. Also, when my sister was touring this campus we scheduled a private tour which was just for my family and one of the students from High Point rode us around in a golf cart. The classes were also very small, maybe 10 to 15 students per class.

Make your life easier and tour colleges now. Once again make it easier and tour colleges now because you can’t tell which type of school you will like until you go out and see for yourself. Also, pick a school where you seem at home. You are going to be spending two, four, or maybe more years at this campus, so make sure you love it.

College Crack

Here is our last blog question! Submit your answers to Miss Loh by the end of the day TOMORROW (Wednesday) so we have enough time to calculate the scores!!

Which 3 Ivy League universities require students to pass a swim test before earning their diploma?

Meet Our Ambassadors: Carly Hawk

Our final College Ambassador spotlight goes to Carly Hawk. Not only is Carly involved in College Ambassadors, but she is also a member of varsity cheerleading and a member of the softball team. Carly wants to be an occupational therapist and fittingly enjoys her anatomy and physiology class here at JBHS. Something you may not know about Carly is that she has met Heath Miller, tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carly’s favorite books are the Harry Potter series and her favorite movie is Armageddon. Carly is very excited about Decision Day.

This concludes our Ambassador profile series. We really hope you have enjoyed getting to know more about our 2015 College Ambassadors!

College Crack: Blog question of the Week

This is the last blog question of the week for College Crack since the competition ends next Thursday! Be sure to answer so you can boost your score!

What was the first coeducational college in America and where is it located?

Answers need to be in before the school day ends on Thursday!

Meet Our Ambassadors: Lauren Dukehart

This week’s Ambassador spotlight is on Lauren Dukehart. Lauren is involved in messa voce, chorus, international exchange club, drama club, NHS, and managed the cross country team. Lauren’s favorite class has always been chorus. When she graduates, Lauren isn’t totally sure what she wants to major in, but is thinking about journalism. Lauren’s favorite school memory is when she got the lead of Kim McAfee in JB’s production of Bye Bye Birdie last year. As an Ambassador, Lauren is most looking forward to our upcoming Decision Day.

College Crack: Question of the Week

Just because you graduate college doesn't mean you sever ties with your alma mater! Alumni play a big role in a college's success. They provide donations, mentoring, connections, and support for the institution. 

Here is today's trivia question:
What college has the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country?

Send all answers to Miss Loh by Thursday!  

Meet Our Ambassadors: Emily Hoffeditz

Our College Ambassador spotlight this week goes to Emily Hoffeditz. Emily is involved in Tri-M honor society, band, orchestra, symphony, and NHS and her favorite class was American History. Emily loves Marvel movies and the Harry Potter series. Many colleges offer interesting classes and when asked to find one she found most interesting, Emily chose the class “Gender and the American Civil War.” As a College Ambassador, Emily is looking forward to Decision Day in May and decorating the Ambassador bulletin board.

Field Trip!

On March 17th, JBHS took a field trip to Lebanon Valley College (LVC) and Harrisburg Area Community College. 

LVC has a very nice environment. One thing I learned is that LVC does not put a lot of pressure on your SAT scores, as they are an SAT-optional school. As we toured the campus, I discovered that the dorms were nicely laid out. If you are a person who likes small classrooms, this is the place for you.

This is the cafeteria where they have lots of food choices!

The library was multiple floors - some just for studying!

Students also visited HACC, Harrisburg Area Community College. This school is nice for multiple reasons. One reason is if you don’t have the best grades in high school you can go to community college for the first 2 years and then transfer to a four-year college. This also is nice for students who want to get their basic classes done then focus on their specific major later on.

While visiting both schools, students got to tour the campus with students who currently attend school there. There was also a time to sit and ask questions about the day to day lives of the students. College visits are an awesome opportunity for students to experience a general view of college life.

Here is our tour guide for HACC about to enter the dining hall.

   

Here is a picture of a classroom where students are hard at work

Here is a piece of art that is hanging up in the art department

By Austin Shoop

College Crack: Question of the Week

Here is today's question:

Every year, students who are enrolled in the mandatory International Relations class for the Social Sciences (generally referred to as the "SOSH" class) have to turn in a 15 page research paper that accounts for about 25% of the course grade. Typically, students' busy schedules prevent them from turning paper in early, so students tend to rush to turn the paper in by the 4:30pm deadline.

To mix things up, students dress up in costume and run to the building to turn in their paper. It has become tradition that all faculty, students, and staff line the sidewalks of campus to cheer on (or distract) the students as they run in their costumes.

Name this school.

E-mail your answer to Miss Loh by the end of the school day on Thursday!

Only THREE WEEKS until the College Crack winners will be announced: will it be you??

MY SAT EXPERIENCE - By Alex Angle


Starting out, I was really nervous and tired. I walked in and had no idea where to go. That’s how I met “what’s her face.” She was a nice girl and she showed me where to go. I was the second person into the room because she was first. I was sitting in the front waiting nervously. I decided why be nervous when I can complain about how tired I was. “What’s her face” listened and told me that it was her third time taking the test which made me feel better because I could always take it again. Then, more people started occupying the empty seats. I continued to talk to the girl beside me. Skipping ahead I found out halfway through the test that she also worked at Whitetail. Meeting new people really made the experience a little less crummy. 

Once the test began, I was sweating bricks. Why was I sweating bricks? If I’m being honest, I hadn't studied very hard for it. I kept telling myself “you have time study later, study later”...bad decision on my part. Also, remember to bring a snack with you. I personally forgot to bring one because I thought that I wouldn’t get hungry if I ate breakfast. There is nothing more painful that being hungry and watching everyone around you eating delicious snacks. I also forgot to bring a bottle of water, but it isn’t needed necessarily because they have water fountains at the test center. 

One thing that I did remember was my calculator. It would have been a very bad situation if I would have forgotten it because I used it a lot during this test. Also, remember to put the calculator under your desk when you are not working on a math section, or the ladies working there will give you the “what do you think you’re doing” look. For some of the math sections I felt confident because I remembered learning about it. However, for a lot of the sections I had no idea what to do especially in the reading and writing portions. All you have to remember is to stay calm, work fast, and skip problems you are unsure of.  

Anyways, the SAT wasn't too bad. It went by pretty quick and I was happy that I didn’t sit there with no one to talk too. So everyone who is going to take the SAT my advice is to make new friends. It makes the experience a lot better because you can complain and laugh about other fun things instead of stressing out. Another fun fact, I was reunited with my old friend. I knew him back in middle school before he went to the Academy. I was able to talk to him during the breaks….. after the lady was done yelling at people for standing up too early. Looking back, the SAT was a learning opportunity: a chance to make new friends, and see old ones.   

Meet Our Ambassadors: Alex Angle

Alex Angle is another one of our dedicated College Ambassadors here at JBHS. Besides being an Ambassador, Alex is involved in track and field and cross country at JB. Alex’s favorite class he’s taken is personal finance. Some other favorites of Alex’s include the book Of Mice and Men and the movie The Interview. Something you probably didn't know about Alex is that he goes scuba diving every year. As an Ambassador, Alex is most looking forward to our upcoming Decision Day.

This week's College Crack Question

Piggybacking off of this morning's trivia question, here is another basketball-related college question.

Remember to e-mail Miss Loh by the end of school on Thursday with the correct answer.

The NCAA women's basketball championship is TONIGHT (8:30pm on ESPN). 

Which two teams are playing and what are their mascots?

Meet Our Ambassadors: Sammy Fritsche

This week’s college ambassador spotlight goes to Sammy Fritsche. Sammy is involved in the orchestra at JB and her favorite class is Mrs. Yoder’s AP Literature class. In the future, Sammy is looking for a college that is small and rural, has many extra curricular activities, and an emphasis on education. Sammy is interested in majoring in English and after changing her mind a few times, currently wants to be a secondary English teacher. As a College Ambassador, Sammy most enjoys running the Trivia Crack game at lunch.

College Debt

One of the most common things a student says to me during our advising meetings is "I can't go to that school. It's too expensive."  In this post, I am going to address student debt, loans, and smart shopping.

First off, about 70% of graduating college seniors leave college with some sort of student loan debt. This means you are not alone! Many students take on debt in order to fund their education, as they are fully aware that the perks of spending money on a college degree are greater than saving your money and not getting an education.

So, if 7 of every 10 students has taken out at least one loan, the next question then becomes "how much money should I take out?" Well, it really depends. The rule of thumb is you should never take out more money in loans than what you will make your first year out of college. It is important to think about your potential career then research it (bls.org) to determine your average salary. That average salary should be your loan limit while in college.

When looking at schools, it is important to ask admissions counselors the following questions about student loans/debt:
1. What is the average student debt at this school? (How much money do students still owe after graduation)
2. What is the total cost of attendance at this school?
3. How many students graduate each year? (Then compare this number with the number of students who start freshman year. If there is a wide gap, then you know that a lot of people are not graduating on time!)

When in doubt, use this great tool: http://ticas.org/posd/map-state-data#

Be a smart shopper!

-Miss Loh

College Crack - New Question!

Here is the question for the week of 3/30:

Let's talk about alternative colleges. Sometimes, the traditional four year dormitory experience is not for everyone!

Some schools offer a tuition-free college experience. One school in particular is located on a cattle-ranch and alfalfa farm and focuses on academic ability, leadership, and a desire to assume practical responsibility for life in a community. What is the name of the college in Inyo County, CA that only enrolls 26 students a year? 

Get the answer to Miss Loh by the end of 4/2!

Meet Our Ambassadors: Luke Leidy

To continue our College Ambassador Bio series, we would like you to meet Luke Leidy. Luke is greatly involved here at JBHS. His activities include being Vice President of Student Council, Drama Club, Relay for Life, Chorus, Messa Voce, Varsity Tennis, Tri-M, NHS, Prom Committee, and is the President of the Junior Class. Luke’s favorite class at JB was Mr. Hillwig’s English 10 class. When he graduates, Luke would like to be a pre-med student and study health sciences. Luke’s favorite memory from high school so far was freshmen year when he performed a Grease medley with Messa Voce at the District Wide chorus concert in front of over 1100 people.

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

Here is today's question! 

What two colleges played the first football game and what year did they play it?

Send your answers to Miss Loh (amanda.loh@tus.k12.pa.us) by the end of the school day on Thursday! 

JUNIOR COLLEGE NIGHT

See the video for more details on our Junior College Night!

Answer the question in the video to earn 4 extra College Crack points! Just e-mail the answer to Miss Loh by 3/30 to get the points.

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

This week is all about sports in honor of the March Madness basketball bracket!

Here is today's Blog Question. Don't forget to e-mail Miss Loh by the end of the school day on Thursday.

Question: There are THREE basketball teams from PA that are participating in the March Madness 64 Bracket. One of these teams has a play-in spot and may not necessarily complete the pool. HOWEVER, e-mail Miss Loh the name of the three colleges that are in the bracket and identify their locations.

Good luck!

Meet Our Ambassadors: Samie Parson

This week the College Ambassadors would like you to meet Samie Parson. Samie wants to major in biology or chemistry and favors her chemistry class this year. Besides College Ambassadors, Samie is involved in chorus and is on the volleyball team where she makes great memories with her friends on the bus rides to matches. Her favorite movie is The Little Mermaid and outside of school Samie works at The New Oak Forest Restaurant. As a College Ambassador, Samie is looking forward to planning Decision Day coming up in May.

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

This week's questions are all about age! 

Did you know the first institution of higher learning was Harvard? They were founded in 1636!

Colleges across the United States love to brag about their rich history. So, which colleges in PA have the most to brag about? You might already know the oldest college in PA after yesterday's morning announcement question, but just in case - see the picture below for a hint!

Today's official question:
Name the 5 colleges in Pennsylvania that are among the Top 25 oldest colleges in the United States. Give Miss Loh the name of the school and the year they were founded.

Remember, you have until the end of school on 3/12 to submit your answer to amanda.loh@tus.k12.pa.us.

Happy history hunting!

JBHS Goes to...F&M College

Last Wednesday, 16 juniors got to visit Franklin & Marshall College for the annual F&M Summit trip. High-achieving juniors across PA are invited to see F&M, meet with professors, and learn about what it takes to succeed on a college campus. F&M and the College Advising Corps sponsor and run the entire event. Below is College Ambassador Alex Angle's reflection on the Summit and what he learned about F&M.

Last Wednesday, a few juniors attended a trip to F&M College. This trip did not include the full tour of the campus. However, the outside of the campus was very beautiful. The trip was a great opportunity to see a liberal arts college. We were able to talk to actual professors from the college about different majors. This trip was a great chance to learn more about college life and all of the different majors that colleges offer.

On our arrival to the college we were greeted with great breakfast foods like bagels, muffins, juices, and coffee. We then met with the professors and they explained the general details about their majors. The professors at F&M were all very polite and it was obvious that they were passionate about their jobs and fields of study. We were then able to ask those professors any questions about college in general or specifically about the majors that they taught.

One of the interesting and unique qualities of F&M would have to be their college houses. These houses are the students’ dorms. However, they are not like an average dorm, as these facilities are student-run. Freshmen are sorted into houses based on the freshmen seminar that they select. Then, the house is governed by students and students serve as House Advisors to help students with their problems. Each house is unique and the students can run for offices under their house, and gain leadership experience.

Also, during the major sessions we were able to talk to some students that attend F&M. All of them had great things to say about the school. One student went on about all of the community service and extra activities that he does at college. He believed that he wouldn’t do much in college other than his work. That was not true. He said that he helped to clean out nearby homes, is the secretary of his college house, and participated in all different kinds of school events.

F&M offers a wide variety of activities for their students. Some of them include formal dances, pizza parties, dinners with artists, authors, and business leaders. They also have community events to help others like meals for the homeless, campus yard sales to raise money, and many more.

Going on this trip was a great experience to really understand college life. Also, to realize what majors interested who, and what type of college they’d want to attend. F&M was a great school for students who like smaller classes, smaller campuses, and a closer relationship with professors. The one professor stated “I know all my students names by the second week.” F&M is a must visit and a college to remember.

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

If you are an underclassman, chances are you have started meeting with admissions counselors from colleges you are interested in. This is great! It is important to meet with admissions counselors so that they know who you are. Counselors can advocate for you when you apply to their school if they think you are a good candidate. It is much easier for a counselor to root for a student if they have met you or had some interaction with you. Your first interaction with a counselor should not be when they are reading your application!

That being said, here's today's College Crack Question of the Week. Remember - submit your answer to amanda.loh@tus.k12.pa.us by Thursday.

Colleges often have admissions counselors who are assigned to specific high schools. Identify five counselors (preferably from schools you are interested in) who are specifically assigned to Franklin County, PA and/or JBHS. Write down their names and the college they represent.

Meet Our Ambassadors: Chelsey Black

As College Ambassadors, we are excited for you to meet another one of our members, Chelsey Black. Chelsey’s favorite class so far at JB was Mr. Hillwig’s Honors English 10 class. Chelsey is also involved in band, symphony, Tri-M, cross country, and NHS. Chelsey is excited to create fun and eye catching bulletin boards for the College Ambassadors this year. When Chelsey graduates from JB, she is interested in nursing. This summer, Chelsey is going to Costa Rica with Mr. Lum and some other students and staff from JB. Have any questions about SAT registration? Make sure to ask Chelsey or any of our Ambassadors!  

FAFSA!

Don't forget to file your FAFSA!

www.fafsa.gov

Check your college's deadline to make sure you turn things in on time!

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

Happy Trivia Tuesday!

Here is your College Crack question of the week. Remember to e-mail Miss Loh (amanda.loh@tus.k12.pa.us) by Thursday before school ends to receive your four points.


Let's try an SAT prep question for those of you gearing up for the test!

 Both ____ and _____, Wilson seldom spoke and never spent money.

u  A: Vociferous…generous

u  B: Garrulous…Stingy

u  C: Effusive..Frugal

u  D: Taciturn…miserly

u  E: Reticient…munificent

Send Miss Loh the multiple choice answer that you think is correct, but ALSO provide the definitions of two of the other vocabulary words from another answer choice (What an easy way to learn some new vocabulary before the exam!)

Meet Our Ambassadors: Kaylee Kriner

Meet Kaylee Kriner, one of our nine college ambassadors! Kaylee is interested in majoring in Biology and enjoys her AP Biology class here at JBHS. Kaylee is involved in all aspects of JB, including Drama Club, Messa Voce, Tri-M Music Honor Society, NHS, volleyball, and track. Something you may not know about Kaylee is that she plays the piano. As a College Ambassador, Kaylee is most looking forward to planning Decision Day this year.

College Crack: Blog Question of the Week

The time is here! College Crack is starting in FULL FORCE at JBHS.

Remember...the students with the highest number of points at the end of the semester will win gift cards. Who doesn't love free money??

Here is today's question. Please e-mail your answer to Miss Loh (amanda.loh@tus.k12.pa.us) by 3pm on Thursday to receive points. ALL students who answer correctly will receive points.

4 year universities and colleges sometimes do not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissions applications. These schools are labeled as having "SAT-optional test policies." Identify FIVE schools in Pennsylvania that offer SAT/ACT-optional admissions policies. 

JBHS Goes to....McDaniel and Gettysburg Colleges

Fun Fact: Mr. Dickey attended McDaniel College

On Tuesday, twenty-three juniors and seniors attended a trip to McDaniel College and Gettysburg College. This trip included tours of both campuses as well as opportunities to talk to admissions counselors and current students about any concerns we had regarding college. This was a fantastic opportunity to see a college campus without taking time out of our already-swamped schedules as students.

Our first stop on the trip was McDaniel College; a private, liberal arts school in Westminster, Maryland. This school is about an hour and half away from Mercersburg. As I attend more and more college visits, I have began to realize that many colleges begin to offer the same things and the same speeches are given by admissions counselors. But McDaniel was different. There are so many unique opportunities offered at this campus!

McDaniel has a sister college in Budapest, Hungary. Students who attend McDaniel can attend the school in Budapest for a semester and all financial aid and credits are guaranteed to transfer. Imagine if there was a James Buchanan not only in Mercersburg, but in Italy!

Something else that struck my attention was the fact that McDaniel offers a class where the students read a science fiction novel during the first half of the semester, and then during the second half of the semester they perform the same science lab from the book in class. This was a way to bring in interdisciplinary learning to the same subject.

McDaniel is known for tailgating at sports games. In fact, they are number six in the country for tailgating. The bleachers are rarely used. Students bring chairs, couches, even RV’s to outdoor sports games and enjoy food and fellowship as they show their school spirit.

After the introductory presentation from our McDaniel regional admissions counselor Rebecca Rother, we were split up into groups and take tours of the beautiful campus. Each group was led by a current student of the college. McDaniel’s campus was smaller than most other campuses I have been to, but as a result it was much less overwhelming.

Since we were on a strict schedule, all twenty-three of us boarded the bus around 11:45 A.M. in order to make it to Gettysburg college on time for lunch.

Our group enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the dining hall of Gettysburg College. This really made us feel like actual college students. Although the lunch lines are much more confusing than in high school! A man even approached my friend, Violet and I and directed us to where each type of food was because we looked so lost! Even though we felt like college students, I am sure we did not look like them.

One of the unique things about the Gettysburg tour is that the student tour guides actually came up to each table of JB students and ate lunch with us, allowing us to personally ask questions and learn more about the campus. The guide who came to my table assured us that it is very possible to still be involved and have a social life along with doing well in classes. This was relieving!

Gettysburg College or Hogwarts?

Gettysburg College is in a beautiful location. This private, liberal arts college is full of history. There is even a building on campus that was used as a hospital during the Civil War!

With the class sizes averaging at eighteen students, Gettysburg is the perfect place if you want to get a more personal education. Each student is also automatically considered for four scholarships along with acceptance - which means less applications to fill out!

Us students were all able to sit in on a presentation by Mary Smith, one of the admissions counselors from the college. This presentation was unlike any other that I have ever been to. Instead of just giving us a speech on the monotonous facts about the college you can easily find on the website, Mary Smith left the presentation entirely up to us and what we actually wanted to know about the school. The presentation was very interactive and definitely kept my attention and helped me to remember the information.

Going on this trip was such a benefit to all of the students in attendance. There is not one student in the entire group who will say they regretted going on this trip. If anyone is interested in participating in this wonderful experience, our next trip will be to Lebanon Valley College and Harrisburg Area Community College in March. See the counseling office for more details!

Have any questions regarding the college process? Comment below and we will make sure to answer!