College and Career Info

  • Step 1:  Develop a College Plan

    Wm. Penn Schoology Reminders

    If you wish to receive information from the School Counselors via Schoology, please login to your account and accept the request that was sent to you.

    Business College Senior Schoology join codes:
    A-K (Dr. Capone’s seniors):  RH2T8-SKNQ9
    L – Z (Mrs. Bailey-Smiley’s seniors):  V64KM-CSKT2

    Humanities College Senior Schoology join codes:
    A- K (Ms. Young’s seniors):   3NV54-72V4D
    L-Z (Mrs. McPhee’s seniors):  PDX84-W4XSQ

    STEM College Senior Schoology join codes:
    A-G (Ms. Kosh): TQG2S-T4Z88
    H-O (Ms. Handy): K3SH4-KVDTF
    P-Z (Mrs. Huynh-ba):  ZHN8S-HP4KC

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Eligible Juniors & Seniors Can Apply for the  Delaware Goes to College Academy 

    What is the Delaware Goes to College Academy?

    The Delaware Goes to College Academy is designed as a blended “in-person and online” program to provide students with FREE high-quality college admissions consulting. All the expenses for this program are paid for through funding by TeenSHARP, the Department of Education, the Arsht-Cannon Fund, and Capital One. The program will assist students with the selection of high school courses to prepare them for college, selection of colleges to apply to, writing college essays, visiting college campuses, applying to scholarships, and completing and negotiating financial aid. Students will have consistent access to a pool of highly qualified college advisors who will be prepared to respond to any questions within 24 hours.

    Eligibility
    Students must be a rising Junior or Senior, and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. This program is designed for students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds as long as they meet the eligibility requirements stated above. Students from low income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

    _______________________________________________________________________________

Step 2: Research Schools & Your Personal Preferences

Colleges Coming to Penn!

College Admissions Officers will meet you in the Innovation Center to share college information with you during the school day!  Register Now!

 

Local College Fairs

  • College Kickoff Event – October 26th, 2018, 9 a.m. – 11:30 pm @ Wm. Penn Gym 1 (Flyer)
  • New Castle County College Fair – November 14, 2018, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Bob Carpenter Center; How to pay for College presentation from 6:15 – 7:pm

College Open House

Schedule a visit to a college on your list by going to your school’s website or choose from this list below.

Explore Summer College Options

Summer College Options – Schedule of summer college options for students.  This list is updated as we receive information in the School Counseling office.

Step 3:  Apply to College!

College Application Checklist

Although every college is unique, we have compiled a list of potential information you will need to fill out the average, 4 year college application.  Some colleges will require less and some colleges will require more.  It is imperative that you follow the instructions for your individual college.

  • Student & Parent Bio and Demographic Information
    • SSN#
    • Citizenship Status
    • DOB (City, State and Country of birth)
    • Address & County of Residency
    • Parent Marital Status & Educational Level
    • Parent & Student Driver’s License #
    • Student GPA & Class Rank (Free Online GPA Calculator)
  • List of Courses and Course Level of Classes taken throughout high school, including Senior Year courses.
  • Application Fee Payment or Waiver
  • College Essay
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • SAT/ACT Scores
  • Personal Statement

William Penn School Counselors recommend that all students apply to four or more colleges!  At least one of these schools should be your dream school and one should be a back up school.

Quick Facts about applying to College

 

In this age of technology, most college applications are completed online.  You can acquire an application by going to the college’s website and completing the application online, downloading a paper application, or apply to multiple schools at once by using a common application.


With more than 600 Member colleges and only one application, The Common Application is comprised of a rich and diverse membership – colleges that are public, private, large, small, secular, and religious. No other college application system matches the diversity of institutions accessible through The Common Application, which is why more than 1 million students, counselors and teachers rely on us every year.

Apply to any one of 54 Historically Black Colleges or Universities with one application and pay only a one time fee.

 

An unprecedented coalition of diverse public and private colleges and universities has come together to improve the college admission application process for all students. The Coalition has developed a free platform of online tools to streamline the experience of applying to college. The initial iteration of the platform is now available for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in high school. START YOUR FREE ACCOUNT

 

Is a degree program you’d like to pursue not available in your state? Have you found a degree program at an out-of-state institution, but the higher tuition is a barrier?Looking for options with lower tuition?  You’re in the right place. For more than 35 years, SREB’s Academic Common Market has enabled students to pursue out-of-state college degrees at in-state tuition rates, through agreements among the states and colleges and universities. Search from more than 1,900 undergraduate and graduate degree programs available in the 15 SREB states. It’s quick and easy.

 

 

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

 

Step 1:  Fill out a College Planning Survey Online

  • Plan your responses to the questionnaire carefully, as it will be published to the staff at WP.
  • Once you ask a staff member, we will access this information electronically and use it to write you a quality letter of recommendation.

Step 2:  Choose Wisely

  • Must be someone who knows or has taught you in your Junior & Senior years.
  • Someone who can write well.
  • Ask two different teachers (most colleges do not require more than two and some require none).
  • The person writing the recommendation cannot be related to you.
  • You should request your letter two weeks prior to the deadline.
  • Be clear as to how you would like the recommendation submitted.
    • Online:  Provide the link or invite the person to submit a letter on your behalf.
    • Paper:  Provide a letter and a stamped envelope.

Step 3: Understand the Process

  • The person you ask will be honest about your ability, behavior, integrity, and character.
  • The LOR does not have to be given back to you for your review.  Most LOR are confidential.
  • It is in your best interest to “Waive Your Right” to view these documents when submitted electronically.

Tips from Big Future

The College Essay & Personal Statement

  • Understand the essay question and be sure to answer the question relevantly.
  • Research your college and explore their mission statement.  You want to find out what they are looking for in a student.
  • Your essay should help you “JUMP OFF THE PAGE”.
  • DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST SECOND to write or review your essay.
  • Have an adult/teacher proof read your essay before you submit it.

Relevant Big Future Articles:

Tips

Potential Essay Questions

Samples

Need your Transcript?

Wm. Penn has chosen Parchment for all transcript requests.  Send your official transcript anywhere in the world with just a few clicks!

Student, parents, and alumni can use Parchment, the leader in eTranscript exchange, to send high school transcripts electronically, securely and confidentially, all with real-time tracking.

Parchment transcript-button1To order your transcript, click the REQUEST MY TRANSCRIPT button to the left. The first thing you’ll do is create an account, then you’ll place your order, and then you can track your order 24/7.  This can be done by current students and alumni.

Visit parchment.com/studentkit to access the Parchment Student Tool Kit Containing: Video Tutorials, User Guides, Frequently Asked Questions, and Support Resources.

 

 

Transcripts, Midyear Reports & Final Transcripts

  • The initial transcript (with grades from your 9-11th grade years) should be requested through parchment to be be sent along with your application at the beginning of your senior year.  This means your GPA from your first three years will be the one reported on your applications.  If you must send a paper copy of your transcript, you can request one through parchment and they will send you a pdf link or opt to have them mail a copy for a small fee.
  • Mid Year reports – After the completion of the first semester at Wm. Penn, your mid year reports (aka – 2nd marking period report card), will be submitted to the college/university.
  • Final Transcripts – Once you decide which school you will be attending, be sure to use Parchment to request a final transcript to be sent to the college or university of your choosing.  Your final transcript includes the culmination of your academic 4 years in high school.  You will run into several issues during your college freshman year if you forget to complete this step.

Take a College Entrance Exam

College Board 

PSAT

Check out this video to help you interpret your scores

SAT – At Wm. Penn, we host the SAT two times a year:  Seniors – 10/6/18 (students must register individually), Juniors – 4/10/18

  • SAT Prep – Khan Academy, During Advisory Periods, enroll in an SAT prep class during the school day.

AP Exams

Subject Tests

ACT.org

What are the differences between the SAT & ACT?

Fee Waivers

SAT Fee Waivers – see your assigned school counselor

College Application Fee Waivers

ACT Fee Waivers – see Mr. Capone in the N2 staff center

 

 

College Application Month/Week (CAM/CAW)

As a member of the Delaware Goes to College Initiative, Wm. Penn seniors will once again participate in CAM.  During this month, all Delaware College and Universities are offering to waive college application fees (typically from mid October until Thanksgiving Break).

October 31st through November 4th at Wm. Penn, all seniors will be asked to complete at least one application during CAW.  During these 1.5 hour long sessions, students will have access to counselors, community members, and fee waiver codes while they are applying to college.

It is recommended that any student looking to complete the Common Application during CAW should work on their application prior to CAW.  The Common Application has many parts and can take an extended amount of time.

CAW Participants Enter Here!

 

Step 4:  Apply for Financial Aid

Wm. Penn High School celebrates FAFSA Month!

William Penn High School is proud to announce January as Financial Aid Awareness Month. In Conjunction with Delaware College Application Week, we as a school and community want to increase family and student awareness of the financial aid process associated with post-secondary education. William Penn High School is partnering with Stand By Me to work with our Seniors and their families.

FAFSA Week – What seniors and their Guardians need to know!

In order for Seniors to be prepared for FAFSA week, running from December 3-7th, students should have handy the following:

·         Your Social Security Number

·         Your parents’ Social Security Numbers (if you are a dependent student)

·         Your driver’s license number (if you have one)

·         Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)

·         Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information (1040s, 1040As, 1040EZs) for you and your parents (if you are a dependent student)

·         Records of your untaxed income (such as child support received, interest income, veterans non-educational benefits) for you and your parents (if you are a dependent student)

·         Information on cash, savings and checking account balances, investments (including stocks, bonds, real estate but not including the home in which you live), and business/farm assets for you and your parents (if you are a dependent student).

Stand By Me Presentations

Financial Aid Night;  November 7, 2018, 6:00-7:00 PM A financial aid officer will facilitate an hour long session discussing the types of financial aid to assist with college costs and steps for completing the FAFSA application. More information to follow at a later date.

Financial Aid Workshops:  3-6 PM on the following days:  November 15, December 13, January 17, February 21.
This is a “hands-on” workshop that will provide students and their families with actual real-time assistance in completing the FAFSA. Stand By Me staff and trained volunteers will provide one-on-one advice. Financial Aid Workshop 2018

Scholarship Presentation- January 16, 2019, 6:00-7:00PM- A representative from Stand By Me will present a variety of information concerning scholarships and how to apply for them

60 Minute PFC PPT

StandByMe Scholarship Presentation.2017-2018

WP FAFSA Week enter here!

William Penn High School will host FAFSA week December 5 – 9th, 2017 in English Classes. In Conjunction with Delaware College Application Week, we as a school and community want to increase family and student awareness of the financial aid process associated with post-secondary education. William Penn High School is partnering with Stand By Me to work with our Seniors and their families. Please download the Prepare for FAFSA Flyer to organize yourself for your FAFSA appointment with your school counselor.

STEP 5:  Avoid the summer melt…

Graduating Seniors Summer Checklist 2016

Popular Scholarships

Inspire Scholarship

Delaware State University

 

  • GPA 2.75 or Higher
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Award up to $3,000/year

 

SEED Scholarship

Del Tech or U of DE (Associate in Arts)

 

  • GPA 2.5 or Higher
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Delaware Tech has a separate application for SEED
  • U of DE complete the Common Application

Quest Bridge Scholarship

The Quest Bridge National College Match helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s most selective colleges.

UD Give Something Back Scholarships

New U of DE Scholarship announced: A $3 million Give Something Back Foundation gift to the University of Delaware will provide full scholarships and academic mentoring to 150 in-state high-need students.
  • Must be Black/African American.
  • Must excel academically.
  • Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
  • Must participate in community service activities.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
  • Be a current high school senior at the time of your application.  NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Horatio Alger

National, State, and specific scholarships

Details here!

Congratulations on your Scholarship!

If you have been selected for scholarship monies, please notify your school counselor. This information is tracked by each school counselor and is compiled and presented at the graduation ceremony. The guidance office will ask for a copy of the acceptance letter, the amount awarded, and the number of years you would be eligible for that amount. If you are awarded multiple scholarships, even if you do not plan to attend that particular school, please notify us as well.

Click here to report any scholarship awards that you have received. 

Congratulations…You’ve been accepted!

What is the next step?  Click here for a detailed list of what you need to do.  If you have been accepted to a college or university, please notify your school counselor by using this form:  College acceptance form.  This information is due by the end of April every year. In addition, completion of this form will automatically enter your name into our Bed Bath and Beyond Dorm Room Raffle. Prizes to be announced at our College Acceptance Celebration in May.