APRIL 2020
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Rochester High Counseling Department

Mrs. O'Toole-Seyka                  A to BQ
Ms. Kinney                                  BR - DA
Ms. Caggins                                 DB - H
Mr. Green                                    I - MON
Ms. Sorentino                           MOO - SE
Mrs. Messing-Mirabito              SF - Z
Ms. Allen                   Counseling Intern

Kathy Karwacki - Secretary                      248-726-5407
Karen Garr - Registrar                                248-726-5427

Rochester Community Schools' Counseling Mission Statement

​The Mission of the Rochester Community Schools guidance counselors is to provide a comprehensive program of counseling and guidance services to all students. Designed to meet the developmental needs for academic planning, along with personal and social growth, this program assists students in their pursuit of rewarding educational and career goals and positive life choices.
District High School Counselors collaborated together for the purpose of providing quick and easy access to resources and information for high school students and families regarding this unusual time away from school and issues surrounding the coronavirus. We can get through this together with the support of each other, proper resources and good intention.  Click here to access this resource.
https://sites.google.com/a/rcs-k12.us/rcs-high-school-counseling/home

NHS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR NEXT YEAR!

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​The Rochester High School NHS Chapter will be accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year beginning March 1st
and will be due by April 13, 2020.  An application should include
GPA of 3.5 or higher, membership in school activities and involvement in the community.  If your child meets this criteria, please encourage them to apply today at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyS_Gxnp9VvEA76Z55Zet3XeWv1ErBXU3pQui-LJvqIThQUQ/viewform

A Message From Western Michigan University:

Here are some of the changes and opportunities that we've implemented:
  • Admission and scholarship offers will be honored through at least June 1. We'll continue to monitor and will extend if necessary. Honors college invitations will be honored throughout the summer.
  • Starting immediately and going through the 2021 entry term, WMU will be test optional for admission. Students who wish to submit ACT/SAT scores may self-report scores on their application. Visit our testing policy page for more information.
  • If students or you are not able to request/submit official transcripts to us, we will accept unofficial transcripts for the remainder of 2020 entry. Students will be required to submit official final transcripts upon enrollment.
  • Admission counselors are working remotely and are available to connect via phone, video, and email. You may find your WMU representative on our website.
  • While our office will not be physically open until at least April 27, we continue to operate and are able to process applications, transcripts, and are continuing with business as close to normal as the situation allows. This includes answering phones and emails during normal business hours.
Campus tours have been suspended until April 27 and large events will be postponed until CDC guidelines permit. In the meantime, students can learn more and connect with us in a few ways:
  • Current seniors who have been admitted to WMU will be invited to a virtual admitted student event. We're working out the details, but we expect to host in mid-April.
  • Current juniors and sophomores should save the date for our summer Open House on Friday, July 31. Registration is available now.
  • Western Wednesdays. Interactive, virtual webinars with colleges, students, admissions, and other key departments.
  • Videos, including messages from current WMU students. We'll continue to add content, so encourage students to check frequently.
  • Virtual tour.
  • Social Media.

The Honors College at Oakland University is offering a "Doing Honors in College" discussion and question session for high school students.
Oakland University thought they would reach out and give students who are interested in joining an Honors College or Program - in the future - a chance to hear more about such Colleges and Programs.
 
This virtual event will be general (not only about Oakland University's Honors College). The aim is to give some positive and lively information that students can use.  Interested High School students and Parents can register and ask questions.
 *** INVITATION ***
 DOING HONORS IN COLLEGE
 
Join us! All Welcome!  (this will be most suited to High School Freshmen through to Juniors)
 3.30 - 4.30 pm
Wednesday April 8 2020
 
https://doodle.com/poll/hdezd4r4zf4udtrz
(include a contact email)



​A Message From Lake Superior State University
We are very committed to identifying potential, creating access and empowering each student's pursuit of their college education. Given the state of our environmental situation LSSU wants to assist families with their college search process in any way we can. Subsequently, we are now enabling students to submit self reported high school cumulative grade point averages and we will make admissions and financial aid decisions using that submission. These decisions are binding pending verification of the self reported scores through our receipt of the official final transcript. As a reminder we are test optional so no ACT or SAT submission is required to be admitted and a financial aid package offered.
Michigan State University and the Honors College are committed to reaching out and connecting to prospective students and families, wherever they may be. Even in our mostly digital climate as we collectively do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19, our goal is simple - to provide as much information as possible during a student's college search. To that end, we have organized a Spring schedule of online web chats that will allow any prospective student interested in learning more about the MSU Honors College a chance to engage with us in real time. Please see the details below for all upcoming dates and times, subject to change:

Informational presentation and Chats (All times Eastern)
Friday March 27th from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Thursday April 9th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday April 24th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
 
All that is required for these events is an internet connection - students and their families can log on from any internet browser and join us. Once there, we will be able to answer questions and talk about a variety of topics that may be of interest to them: Honors College admissions, housing options, scholarships, and more. Participants will be muted upon entry but will be able to submit questions through our chat function.

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​Wesleyan University is pleased to announce that beginning on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, their office will be offering online information sessions for prospective students. Much like n-campus information sessions, these will consist of a one-hour discussion hosted by a Wesleyan admission dean and a current student. They will provide an inside look at the Wesleyan community both academically and socially, as well as an overview of the admission and financial aid processes. Attendees will be able to see the presenters and submit questions throughout the sessions. While designed for prospective students, counselors are welcome to join, as well as students admitted to the Class of 2024.
Our online information sessions will be offered on the days/times below.
Tuesdays at 3:00 pm EDT
Thursdays at 9:00 am EDT and 6:00 pm EDT
Students/Counselors can register here.
You can access our video tour here.

Purpose: To provide admissions updates for students, families, and partners to ensure you’re aware of any changes caused by the pandemic that could impact the enrollment process.
What to know:

REQUESTING TRANSCIPTS WITH PARCHMENT

NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE?
Click on this link to access the counseling website for all the up to date information on the scholarships we know about at this time.

Summer 2020 Young Women's Business Institute at Calvin University

​The Calvin Center for Innovation in Business welcomes to campus exceptional students interested in studying business, networking, and personal growth.
 
From Wednesday, June 17 through Friday, June 19, Calvin University's Center for Innovation in Business will host the annual Calvin Young Women's Business Institute. This three-day program will expose students to innovative business theories, disciplines and practices as they work alongside and network with business leaders.
 
This is a selective, resume-building program open to young women who are rising high school juniors and seniors during the 2020-2021 academic year.
 
Applications for the program are due Friday, May 17. For more information, visit www.calvin.edu/go/ywbi or visit Facebook and Instagram!

College Admissions UPDATE

​ACT -- The April 4 test has rescheduled to June 13 across the US in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The next ACT national test dates are June 13 and July 18. The ACT will be offering online testing options with an all essay option. FAQ: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html.
 
SAT -- College Board has canceled the May 2 test. More FAQ can be found here: https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters.

College Admissions Exams

SAT Quick Facts
Frequency    7 times/year
Duration       3 hours, 50 minutes
Sections         Math, Evidence-Based Reading and
                         Writing, Optional Essay
Cost                 $46-$60
Max. Score     800/section (Essay reported separately)
Avg. Score      Score information not available
ACT Quick Facts
Frequency   6 times/year
Duration      3 hours, 3 hours 40 minutes including essay
Sections       English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing
Cost               $46-$62.50
Max. Score    36
Avg. Score     21


​Special Message for High School Juniors Applying to Harvard
In the face of unprecedented uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus and the economy, we want to be helpful in any way we can. We have heard from students, parents, and college counselors about a number of specific concerns they have regarding next year’s application process at Harvard and we wish to address them:
  1. Standardized Testing:
    • We know that there are fewer opportunities to take the SAT or ACT given the cancellations to date. This means that many students may not be able to take these tests more than once. The fact is that there are diminishing returns in taking these tests multiple times, and we hope students will not feel compelled to do so now or in the future.
    • You will not be disadvantaged in any way if you do not submit subject tests.
    • Similarly, you will not be disadvantaged if you are unable to submit AP results.
    • Standardized testing is only one of many factors considered in our admissions process. Please refer to our application requirements for more information about our testing policies.
  2. Spring Semester Grades: We know that many students will only be able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts this spring. They will not be disadvantaged as a result.
  3. Whole Person Review: We will continue to look at the whole person as we consider applications next year – as always. Accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years - including community involvement, employment, and help given to your family – will all be considered. Students who find themselves limited in the activities they can pursue due to the current coronavirus outbreak will not be disadvantaged as a result. Learn more about what we look for.
  4. Financial Aid: As was the case during the economic down a decade ago and in similar situations before, our revolutionary financial aid program will not be compromised in any way. A majority of Harvard students receive need based financial aid - and loans are not required. Our office stands ready to help and you can use our net price calculator to get an estimate of the aid your family would receive.