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McDowell High School

College Connections Home

College Connections

Email Jennifer Gilroy

Resources

  • Select your current grade level below to view or print your college planning checklist. These lists tell you what you should be doing at this point in your academic career to ensure you're ready for higher education by the time you graduate from McDowell!

  • McDowell seniors should be using Naviance to add colleges, request transcripts, and request letters of recommendation. Use the below links to access "how-to guides" to learn how to accomplish each of these tasks in Naviance!

    ACCESS NAVIANCE

  • If you are attending a college visit during the day, please fill out the Request for Parent Sponsored School Visitation form below

  • Students should apply to a variety of colleges consisting of reach, match, and safety options.

    Big Future
    ★ College match, college quiz, career quiz

    Naviance
    ★ Super Match, college search

    College rep visits to McDowell
    ★ Juniors and seniors can sign up on Naviance

    College tours
    ★ Offered through Mrs. Gilroy
    ★ Communicated to student through email and announcements

    1. Common App vs. Direct
      • Applying directly on the college website is usually best.
      • Check colleges’ websites to see if direct is an option
      • If Common App, resume MUST be updated for counselor’s letter and student must match Naviance w/CA
    2. Test Scores
      • Many schools are still test optional
      • Some award scholarships based on scores
      • Visit College Board (SAT) or ACT.org to send scores
      • Consult schools’ website for their avg. test scores
    3. Essay
      • Often called “personal statement”
      • Keep between 500-650 words
      • Often optional, but recommended
      • Student’s chance to share more about who they are and what makes them unique
    4. Letters of Recommendation
      • Not always required
      • If needed, student should talk to teacher(s) first
      • Must formally request on Naviance
      • Choose recommenders that know them well
      • Make sure resume updated in Naviance
    5. Transcripts
      • Request through Naviance -Pitt and Penn State require SRAR instead of transcript -Only need to request “initial” at time of application -Must indicate if they applied “direct” or “Common App”

  • INSTITUTIONAL
    Students are are typically considered for MERIT scholarships automatically when they apply. Check colleges’ websites for athletic or departmental scholarships (search scholarships available for incoming freshmen)

    PRIVATE
    Many companies, foundations, community organizations and clubs sponsor scholarships! Check Naviance and a database like Big Future or Going Merry to find scholarships.

    *Millcreek Education Foundation and Erie Community Foundation offer many local scholarships to McDowell and Erie County students*

    SCHOLARSHIP TIPS

  • FAFSA- (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
    *Typically opens in October*

    This application determines if you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, loans, and/or work study All seniors considering College or Trade school should complete the FAFSA.

    PHEAA- (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency)
    To be considered for a PA State Grant, you must fill out the FAFSA and complete the PA State Grant Form.

    *Link to app on FAFSA confirmation page

    Check out Types of Financial Aid Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs for more information

What Can the College Connections Advisor do for Me?

MTSD's College Connections Advisor can help students navigate the road to higher education throughout their senior year. The advisor schedules various college tours for students to attend, help with ACT and SAT readiness, give feedback on essays for scholarships and college admissions, and so much more!

  • Aids students in finding colleges that align with their aspirations and interests, organizes the McDowell College Fair, and coordinates college campus tours

  • Helps with the college admission application process, provides feedback on college essays, and assists with college-related tasks on Naviance.

  • Helps students identify scholarships they are eligible for and guides them through the scholarship application process

  • Assists students with their FAFSA and PHEAA applications for federal and state aid. Helps compare financial aid offers and provides student loan resources

How was College Connections created?

Black and white portrait of Jim Conner.

Mr. William Conner and his daughter, Cynthia, are responsible for creating and funding the College Connections Advisor position at McDowell. Their goal is to provide students with the resources, tools, and support they need to successfully navigate the often overwhelming college application and admission process. This position is a welcome addition to our school, but the Conner family’s support of McDowell students started long ago. In May 1977, Mr. Conner founded the Jim Conner Memorial Foundation after his son, Jim, a McDowell High School sophomore, died at the age of 15 as the result of a motorcycle accident. In the depths of grief, after the unimaginable loss of his son, Mr. Conner chose generosity and kindness. He sought to touch the lives of others in a very real and tangible way. Within one month of his son’s tragic death, using memorial donations, Mr. Conner gave a McDowell senior a $2,000 scholarship. For the years since, Mr. Conner has privately funded the Jim Conner Memorial scholarships. 

More Information on the Jim Conner Memorial Scholarship