2021 Senior Parent Night
Welcome!
Agenda
● Senior Exit Interview
● Trade/Technical Schools and CCAC
● College Applications and Deadlines
● How to Apply
● Test-Optional Policies
● College Visits
● Naviance
○ Requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation
○ Locating scholarships
○ Signing up for college visits
Senior Exit Interview - April 4, 2022
● A graduation requirement for all seniors
● An in-person interview between the student and a panel of South
Fayette teachers
● An opportunity for students to reflect on their high school experience
with a strong emphasis on career-readiness and preparation
● An assessment of the student’s ability to apply, analyze, synthesize,
evaluate, and communicate information regarding their career pathway
with significant knowledge and understanding
Senior Exit Interview continued- April 4, 2022
● A rubric for the Exit Interview will be provided to students
in advance of the interview date
● Parents will also receive email communication regarding
the expectations and rubric
● The final grade for the Exit Interview will be included on
the student’s final transcript
● Students will receive 1 credit for the Exit Interview
How to Help in the Admission Process
1. Attend parent-friendly events!
a. Gather information to be the support your son/daughter will need.
2. Empower your child to take control of their applications.
a. Your son/daughter should complete applications, request transcripts,
etc.
3. Cheer them on! All acceptances are worth celebrating.
a. Don’t give your child the impression that a GPA, test score, or a
college admissions decision will measure their self worth.
Trade/Technical School Application Process
● Rosedale Technical College, Penn Commercial Business/Technical
Institute, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, etc.
● First step would be to schedule a tour and speak directly with an
admissions rep about their enrollment process and any necessary
entrance exams.
● You will not have to use the Common Application or Coalition
Application for these schools. Deadlines for enrollment will also be
different from traditional 4-year application deadlines.
Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
● When to apply: August - March of senior year
● How to apply: You will use the online application on their website
● What do I do after I complete the application: You will receive an email
from the admissions department with a list of things to complete, as well
as instructions. If you need help, contact CCAC directly or visit the
Counseling office
How many schools should your child apply
to?
● No magic number
● Fit over quantity
● Set realistic
expectations
What deadline should my child follow?
DEADLINE
SUBMIT
DEPOSIT
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
● Can improve likelihood of getting
admitted
● May get deferred to regular decision
~Nov. 1 By May 1st
2
EARLY ACTION
● Binding agreement
● Must complete ED form in Counseling
● Can improve likelihood of getting admitted
● Can only apply to 1 school ED
~Nov. 1
BEFORE
May 1st
3
EARLY DECISION
● Final deadline to submit application
● Will get decision in the spring
~Jan. 1 By May 1st
4
REGULAR DECISION
● First come, first served basis (apply early!)
● Will receive a decision in 2-8 weeks
N/A By May 1st
1
ROLLING
By May 1st
BE AWARE OF APPLICATION
DEADLINES FOR MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
CONSIDERATION!
How to Apply
● The SRAR is a list of all of the classes taken in high school and the
corresponding grades.
● Many schools now use the SRAR in place of the transcript. If a
student completes the SRAR, they SHOULD NOT request their
transcript to be sent in Naviance. (Pitt, PSU, VT, Temple)
● Students need a copy of their transcript in order to complete the
SRAR. Students can email Mrs. Dana Bloom
(dmbloom@southfayette.org) or stop by the Counseling Office for a
copy of their transcript.
Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
Teacher Letters of Recommendation
● What kind of letters are your schools looking for?
○ Academic, supplemental, counselor
○ Should ideally be a core course teacher from 11th or
12th grade
● Ask your teachers in-person or via email BEFORE submitting
Naviance request
● Have your resume ready for recommenders
● Give recommenders at least two weeks
https://www.southfayette.org/CollegeApplicationResources.aspx
Counselor Letters of Recommendation
● Some schools may require a counselor letter of
recommendation
● Naviance does not allow students to request counselor
letters of recommendation
● Please use the form we have available on our website for
requesting a counselor letter
https://www.southfayette.org/CollegeApplicationResources.aspx
Test-Optional Policies
● If student has an SAT/ACT score that they feel accurately
reflects their abilities, they should submit their score with
their application
● Be aware of each school’s test-optional policy
○ “Committing” to test-optional
○ Requirements in lieu of a test score
● When in doubt, call admissions
● https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
College Visits
● Demonstrated interest can play a role in admissions decisions
● It is never too late to visit (even if it is virtually)
● Check websites or call admissions offices for visit information
and dates
● Visits also help students make decisions later about which
school they want to attend
Rep Visits at South Fayette
● These are the perfect way for students to connect with the
admissions reps for our region!
● Students have the opportunity to speak directly to the person
who will likely be reviewing their application.
● Students can attend even if they’ve submitted their
applications.
● Students can view the list of schools scheduled to visit, and sign
up to attend a visit, in Naviance.
● Schools can choose to visit us in-person or virtually.
Naviance
Students log into Naviance through ClassLink
● Matching the Common App
○ https://www.screencast.com/t/gxEQkElyo1
● Requesting Transcripts (this includes transcripts going to
CCAC/Trade and Technical Schools)
● Requesting Teacher Letters of Recommendation
● Signing up for College Visits
● Searching Scholarships
https://www.southfayette.org/CollegeApplicationResources.aspx
Upcoming Events
● Financial Aid Night - September 29, 2021
● Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens - October 1, 2021
● South Hills College and Career Fair (virtual) - October 19, 2021
● College Planning Night (for grades 9-11) - October 27, 2021
Reminders
● If your son/daughter is considering playing a Division I or Division II
sport, they must register with NCAA. Instructional packets are
available in the Counseling Office.
● All directions for Naviance related tasks are on the South Fayette
High School website under the Counseling tab.
● If you have not already done so:
○ Follow us on Twitter: @counselingsf
○ Encourage your son/daughter to check their lions email
accounts daily!
