College Connections

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!

• 9th Grade Checklist 
• 10th Grade Checklist
• 11th Grade Checklist
• 12th Grade Checklist

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

• How to Add Colleges
• How to Request Transcripts
• How to Request Letters of Recommendation

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

• Request for Parent Sponsored School Visitation Form

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