Volume 12: Issue 3 | October 11, 2018
Counselors' Corner
Guidance, College & Career Information
SAT/ACT Information
SAT Dates for 2018-19
Test Date: November 3 (LATE Registration Deadline: October 24)
Test Date: December 1 (Registration Deadline: November 2)
Test Date: March 9 (Registration Deadline: February 8)
Test Date: May 4 (Registration Deadline: April 5)
Test Date: June 1 (Registration Deadline: May 3)
 
Register for the SAT at sat.collegeboard.org/register .
 
ACT Dates for 2018-19
Test Date: October 27 (LATE Registration Deadline: October 14)
Test Date: December 8 (Registration Deadline: November 2)
Test Date: February 9 (Registration Deadline: January 11)
Test Date: April 13 (Registration Deadline: March 8)
Test Date: June 8 (Registration Deadline: March 3)
Test Date: July 13 (Registration Deadline: June 14)
 
 
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING TEST DAY PROCEDURE
Students must present a valid photo ID on the day of the SAT and ACT tests. Accepted IDs include a current, unexpired school year ID, Drivers License, or Passport. If you do not have ID, please see Mrs. Pihlblad or Mrs. Woynar as soon as possible.  If you do not have an acceptable photo ID, you will NOT be admitted into the test.
SAT/ACT Accommodations
If your child has a documented disability, he or she may be eligible for certain accommodations on the ACT or SAT. Accommodations for the SAT must be requested six to eight weeks in advance of the testing date. If you are interested in applying for accommodations for either test, please contact your child’s school counselor to initiate the process.

Mrs. Darcy Pihlblad          
School Counselor A-L
412-262-3975

Mrs. Regina Woynar
School Counselor M-Z
412-264-4650
SAT & ACT Prep
3RPrep is offering a four-session SAT Super Crash Course which will prepare students for all four sections of the SAT, including Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, as well as the optional essay. Students will learn about the major concepts tested on the SAT and how to improve their accuracy. They will also receive guided instruction about testing strategy and pacing. This course will be held at the 3RPrep Studio (1400 Church St., Ambridge, PA 15003) from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, October 28 – November 18. A similar ACT Super Crash Course will take place from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. on four consecutive Saturday afternoons, November 3 – 24. Register for both course here .
 
3RPrep also offers a proctored practice SAT or ACT on the second Saturday of every month during the school year. These tests are open to the public, and the cost is only $25. Students may take whichever test they prefer, and will receive their scores and analysis within a week of the test. New students who take a proctored practice test are eligible to receive one free hour of tutoring. Registration is required. To register, go to www.3rprep.com and select “Take a Proctored Test.”
 
Goldstein Test Prep is offering an SAT prep course at OLSH beginning Saturday, October 27 and concluding on Monday, November 26. The course includes 16 hours of instruction and four proctored SAT exams. Students who have taken a previous course with Goldstein Test Prep are welcome to sit-in on later courses at no additional charge. The cost of the course is $650, but OLSH students will receive a $100 discount.  For more information or to register, click here .
 
Method Test Prep is offering two-hour, online “Power Classes” on October 2, 3 & 4 for the PSAT/SAT Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections. “Power Classes” are highly focused, 2-hour, section-specific classes designed to teach students the most important strategies and content they'll need to master to do their best on test day. The classes are taught live online, but are also recorded for viewing later. Individual courses are $70, but students who sign up for an All Access Pass will save ten percent. Click here to register. 
 
A limited number of ACT practice booklets are available in the Counseling Center. Please stop by any time to pick one up.
2019-2020 FAFSA Available as of October 1, 2018
If you are the parent of a current senior who is planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, or trade school, you may now apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid , or FAFSA . The 2019-20 FAFSA Application has been available since October 1, 2018 at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa . 
 
If you need to fill out the FAFSA for more than one student, please read this helpful article about the process:  https://blog.ed.gov/2018/09/fafsa-more-than-one-child/
 
While the Pennsylvania deadline for filling out the 2019-20 FAFSA is May 1, 2019 , some colleges and universities have earlier deadlines. When submitting college applications, please be sure to inquire about FAFSA deadlines for each individual school.   
 
Parents who would like assistance filling out the FAFSA are encouraged to attend our College Financial Aid/FAFSA Completion Night event on December 13 (see details below).
Counseling Center Events at OLSH
College Information Night              
Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 7:00 PM in the OLSH Auditorium
 
School counselors Mrs. Darcy Pihlblad and Mrs. Regina Woynar--along with guest speaker Miles Vida, Associate Director of Admissions at Gannon University--will give a presentation covering a variety of topics, including: college admission testing (SAT/ACT), college selection, the college application and admissions process, and choosing a college major. OLSH graduation requirements as well as policies and procedures related to the release of OLSH transcripts will also be discussed. All OLSH parents and guardians are invited to attend.
 
College Financial Aid Night/FAFSA Completion Night
Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the OLSH Auditorium
 
Kimberly McCurdy, Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), will give a presentation about financing a college education. Topics covered will include: grants, scholarships, low interest loans, work-study jobs, federal aid programs, state aid programs, private aid sources, college financial aid, and how need is determined. All OLSH parents and guardians (especially those of juniors and seniors) are invited to attend.
 
Immediately following the Financial Aid presentation, Ms. McCurdy will be available to help families of college-bound seniors complete the online Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). Federal student aid is available for students who wish to pursue a post-secondary degree at any accredited college, university, trade or technical school, whether public or private. 
Registering for Selective Service
Did you know that in order to be eligible for Federal Student Aid, all young men 18-25 years of age must register for Selective Service? The law says men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. That means men are required to register with Selective Service sometime during the 30 days before their 18th birthday, their 18th birthday, and the following 29 days after their 18th birthday – a 60-day registration period. Men who do not register with Selective Service within the 60-day window are technically in violation of the law and should register as soon as possible. Registration is quick and easy. Just have your Social Security Number ready and fill out this online registration form . Male students 18 years of age and older who have not registered for Selective Service will be prompted to do so while filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
College Speakers
Admissions representatives from the colleges and universities listed below will be visiting OLSH to speak with interested juniors and seniors. This list will be updated frequently. Students may attend up to 10 College Speaker events per academic year, with teacher permission.  Sign up to attend with Mrs. Pontiere in the Counseling Center.

Saint Francis University (PA) – October 11, pd. 1
Slippery Rock University (PA) – October 11, pd. 4
Gannon University (PA) – October 11, pd. 9
Ohio Wesleyan University – October 15, pd. 1
Carlow University – October 15, pd. 4
University of Dayton (OH) – October 17, pd. 3
Seton Hill University (PA) – October 18, pd. 1
Boston University (MA) – October 18, pd. 8
Wheeling Jesuit University (PA) - October 19, pd. 8
Saint Vincent College (PA) – October 22, pd. 3
Penn State Beaver – October 23, pd. 8
Bethany College (WV) – November 9, pd. 9
College Acceptances & Scholarship Offers
Seniors are asked to turn in copies of all college acceptance letters and scholarship offers to the Counseling Center. If necessary, we can make copies for you and return your originals. Acceptance and scholarship information will be kept confidential if requested.
 
Nicholas Kotek
Robert Morris University
 
Shelby Thewes
West Virginia University
 
Rebecca Voss
University of Pittsburgh
Admissions Events & College Fairs
Allegheny College
Open House: October 20; November 17   Register    
“Fall into Allegheny” Senior Overnight: November 11-12  Register
 
Assumption College (MA)
Open House: October 21   Register
               
Beacon College (FL)
Beacon College is the first accredited college offering 4-year degrees designed around the needs of students who learn differently: those diagnosed with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD and related conditions. They offer both bachelor and associate degrees in an environment specifically created to help students thrive and engineer amazing, abundant lives for themselves.
Open House Events: November 10, December 8, February 16, March 9, April 13, May 18   Register
 
Becker College (MA)
Fall Open House: October 20   Register  
 
Bridgewater College (VA)
Open House: November 17; February 2; March 16   Register
 
Bryant University (RI)
Fall Open House: October 20   Register
Bryant 101: October 27; November 10 & 12   Register
 
Cabrini University (PA)
Open House: October 21; November 18   Register
 
California University of Pennsylvania
Open House: October 27; November 10   Register
 
Capital University (OH)
Undergraduate and Transfer Fall Open House: October 20   Register
 
Carlow University (PA)
Saturday Tour Visits: October 20; January 19; February 9; March 16   Register
 
Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Multiple campus visit options are available. Click here to learn more or register.  
 
Case Western Reserve University (OH)
Open House Dates: November 12   Register
Diversity Overnight: November 11-12   Register
 
Clarion University (PA)
Open House: October 20, November 10, April 27   Register
       
Congregation of Holy Cross (IN)
Come and See Weekend for high school juniors: March 21-23, 2018   Register
In collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross College, the Congregation of Holy Cross “Old College Undergraduate Program” is designed for young men considering a vocation to the religious life or priesthood. To learn more about this program, click here . 
 
Drexel University (PA)
Open House Dates: October 13 & 14; November 10 & 11   Register
 
Duke University (NC)
Discover Duke Information Session in Pittsburgh: October 21   Register
 
Edinboro University (PA)
Open House: October 20; November 10   Register
 
Hamilton College (NY)
Hamilton Saturdays: October 6, 20 & 27; November 3 & 10  Register
 
Holy Family University (PA)
Open House: November 4   Register
 
Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
Multiple visit options available. Plan your visit here .
 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Open House: October 14; November 10   Register
Weekday Programs: Most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through December 10   Register
Decision Days for Seniors: November 12 & 26   Register
 
Ithaca College (NY)
Open House: October 27; November 12   Register
 
Juniata College (PA)
Open House: November 17  Register  
 
Kent State University (OH)
Multiple visit options are available. Click here for more information.
Hugh A. Glausner School of Music Open House: November 6, 2018   Register
 
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) (PA & FL)
Erie, PA Campus Open House: November 17   Register
Bradenton, FL Campus Open House: November 17   Register
LECOM at Seton Hill (Greensburg, PA) Campus Open House: November 30  Register
 
La Roche College (PA)
Discover STEM: October 13   Register   
Fall Open House: November 10   Register
 
Lock Haven University (PA)
Open House: October 20; November 10 & 17; March 2; April 6   Register
 
Loyola University (MD)
Open House: November 10   Register
 
Messiah College (PA)
Open House: October 27; February 18; April 6   Register   
 
Mount Aloysius College (PA)
Open House: October 21; November 12   Register
 
Neumann University (PA)
Open House: November 17   Register
 
Norwich University (VT)
Open House: November 10 (stay overnight Nov. 9)   Register
 
Penn State Beaver
The $65 application fee will be waived for students who follow the application steps outlined here prior to visiting!
Penn State Day Fall Open House: October 20   Register
Majors Night for Biology, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology: November 7  Register
Be a PSU Student for a Day: March 15; April 5   Register
Spring Open House: April 13   Register
 
Penn State University (Main Campus)
Multiple visit options are available. Click here for more information.
 
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Open House: November 17; January 19; March 30  Register
 
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – School of Architecture (NY)
Open House: October 27   Register
 
Robert Morris University (PA)
Fall Discovery Days: October 13   Register
 
Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
Fall Open House: November 10; December 7   Register
 
Rosedale Technical College (PA)
Open House: October 27   Register
 
Saint Vincent College (PA)
Get Acquainted Days: October 20; November 11   Register
 
Seton Hall University (NJ)
Open House Dates: October 14, November 18, February 17, April 14   Register
 
Slippery Rock University
Open House: October 20 & 27; November 3; April 13; June 22; August 16   Register
 
University of California Santa Cruz
Saturday Tours: October 20; November 10   Register
 
University of Notre Dame (IN)
Multiple visit options are available. Plan your visit here .
 
University of Dayton (OH)
Open House: November 11   Register
 
University of Pittsburgh
Blue & Gold Days: October 13 & 20  Register  
 
Washington & Jefferson College (PA)
Senior Overnight: November 11-12   Register
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Open House: January 21   Register
Presidents Day Open House: February 18   Register
 
Widener University (PA)
Widener Days Open House: October 27; November 17; January 26   Register
College Admissions Information Sessions in Pittsburgh
Duke University (NC)
Discover Duke: Sunday, October 21, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Southside Works   Register
Discover Duke events are admissions information sessions that typically last between one and one half hours. Duke admissions officers will provide an overview of the various academic and signature opportunities available to undergraduates and will share information about the application and financial aid processes.
Employment Opportunities
Caring Heights Community Care and Rehabilitation Center in Kennedy Township has an opening for a part-time Dietary Aide. This position will involve 16-20 hours of work per week, with shifts of 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays. Applicants must be 17 years of age or older. The position pays $10.25/ hour, plus an additional .50 for working the 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. shift. This is a great position for a high school student and the manager can work around sports schedules. Interested students should contact Food Service Director Karen Cimino at 412-331-6060.
 
The Moon and Robinson Township Dunkin’ Donuts locations are hiring! Interested students can apply online www.pleaseapplyonline.com/hrg or call Erica at 724-454-6931. Flyers are available in the Counseling Center.

McDonald’s is now hiring! Positions are available at the Beaver County, Kennedy Township, Coraopolis, Gibsonia and Allison Park locations. McDonald’s offers competitive pay, free meals and uniforms, a flexible schedule, scholarship opportunities, and up to $3,000 per year in tuition assistance for eligible employees. Apply in person or text “apply” to 36453. For more information, go to https://restaurantjobs.mcdonalds.com/  .

 
Rea’s Restaurant in Coraopolis (401 Ferree Street) is seeking a reliable student worker to wash dishes and bus tables on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Interested students should call Joanna at 412-262-4730. Flyers are available in the Counseling Center.
Volunteer Opportunity
The St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Stores in Coraopolis and Castle Shannon are in need of volunteers to help presort and prepare donated goods for display and sale in the stores. This is a good opportunity for high school students who have service hour requirements. The work is not difficult and the hours are flexible. Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Coraopolis Manager, Carolyn at 412-264-2378, or the Castle Shannon Manager, Laurie at 412-882-8519.  
Athletic Training Workshop
UPMC Sports Medicine is offering a one-day “Introduction to Athletic Training” workshop for high school students on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township. This interactive workshop is designed for students who are interested in a career in athletic training or who wish to enhance the skills they use daily in their high school athletic training room. Students will learn through both lecture and hands-on practice of techniques and procedures. The schedule will also include a session with a collegiate program director who will present on how to prepare for an athletic training major. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as all course and lab materials. Parking is free. The fee for the program in $50 if paid by October 26, 2018, and $70 after that date. Space is limited so please register early. Flyers are available in the Counseling Center. You can learn more or register here .
New Data Science Major at the University of New England
The University of New England has just announced the creation of a new major, Data Science, beginning fall 2019. UNE’s Data Science major provides students the opportunity to apply their passion for mathematical modeling and computing to problems involving the analysis of data and the design of systems for making predictions, information extraction, and decision-making. Glassdoor named Data Scientist the best job in America for the last three years due to its dramatic growth, high earning potential, and overall job satisfaction. Find out more about new Data Science major here . 
New Physical Activity and Fitness Management Major at Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock University is pleased to announce the creation of the Physical Activity and Fitness Management (PAFM) major , a non-teaching major designed to prepare professionals to lead and manage physical activity and fitness programs in community and commercial settings. Graduates of the PAFM program will be employed in a wide variety of settings including, but not limited to: 
 
  • Fitness Centers
  • Aquatic Facilities (YMCA, YWCA, water parks)
  • Beach and Waterfront Programming
  • Youth Camps and Adventure Programs
  • Urban Adventure Recreation Programs
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Coaching at College or Professional Ranks
  • Adapted Physical Activity Programs (Para Olympics, Special Olympics)
  • Campus Recreation Centers
  • Community Recreation Programs
  • Interscholastic Sports Programs
  • Youth Sports Programs
  • Sport Skill Training/Conditioning
 
For those who seek a career in education, SRU offers School Wellness Education (SWE) , the newly-revised Heath and Physical Education-Teacher Education program. The SWE prepares future K-12 teachers to take a comprehensive, “Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community” approach, one that impacts positively on the health and wellness of children, their families, their schools, and their communities. Graduates of the SWE program will not only be highly qualified health and physical educators, but they will also be prepared to be innovators in making schools the cornerstone for healthy behaviors in their communities.
 
Flyers about both majors are available in the OLSH Counseling Center. Students who are interested in either program are encouraged to contact Dr. Joanne Leight, Professor and Chairperson of the Physical Health and Education Department, at joanne.leight@sru.edu or 724-738-2795.  To learn more about the new FAFM major, click  here . 
Tuition Reset at Elmira College
Elmira College (NY) is excited to share that, effective with the 2019-2020 academic year, tuition and fees for all full-time undergraduate students will be reset to $35,400 ($33,900 tuition plus $1,500 fees) – a decrease of 15%.
 
This reset narrows the gap between the school’s published tuition rate and the anticipated amount families will pay, making an Elmira education a real possibility for more students.  The reset moves Elmira’s tuition rate to one of the lowest undergraduate tuition prices of any four-year private college or university in the region. Additional information and details can be found online here .
FREE Tuition at Williamson College of the Trades
Williamson College of the Trades (Media, PA) prepares qualified young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society. Begun in the 19th century, Williamson provides a free, quality trade and technical education and continues to upgrade its programs to meet the current challenges of advancing technology. About 100 young men are admitted per year. Admission is open to all qualifying young men, but special consideration is given to those who come from families of financial need and would otherwise not be able to further their education. Six trade programs are available: Carpentry, Masonry, Horticulture, Machine, Paint, and Power Plant.  Prospective students must apply no later than December 15. To learn more, go to https://www.williamson.edu/
RMU Public Price Match Plus
Robert Morris University now offers Public Price Match Plus , a scholarship program that makes the cost to attend Robert Morris lower than Pitt or Penn State for qualified students. For Pennsylvania residents who are accepted to the main campus at either the University of Pittsburgh or Penn State, RMU will guarantee to match the average cost of attendance at those two public institutions. Plus, RMU will give those students an additional scholarship of $3,000, making RMU a more affordable option than either Pitt or Penn State. Eligibility is open to incoming first-year students who are accepted to RMU and to either Penn State’s University Park campus or Pitt’s Oakland campus. Students must be Pennsylvania residents and plan to live on RMU’s campus in Moon Township. Students who qualify must submit a copy of their letters of acceptance to Pitt or Penn State’s main campus and a letter from their high school guidance counselor affirming their acceptance to Pitt or Penn State. The scholarship is renewable for up to four academic years, and will be re-calculated each year, based on the annual cost of attendance. The award may go up from year to year, but it will never decrease . To find out more, email pricematch@rmu.edu, click here , or call 412-397-COST.
RMU Public Price Match Plus
Robert Morris University now offers Public Price Match Plus , a scholarship program that makes the cost to attend Robert Morris lower than Pitt or Penn State for qualified students. For Pennsylvania residents who are accepted to the main campus at either the University of Pittsburgh or Penn State, RMU will guarantee to match the average cost of attendance at those two public institutions. Plus, RMU will give those students an additional scholarship of $3,000, making RMU a more affordable option than either Pitt or Penn State. Eligibility is open to incoming first-year students who are accepted to RMU and to either Penn State’s University Park campus or Pitt’s Oakland campus. Students must be Pennsylvania residents and plan to live on RMU’s campus in Moon Township. Students who qualify must submit a copy of their letters of acceptance to Pitt or Penn State’s main campus and a letter from their high school guidance counselor affirming their acceptance to Pitt or Penn State. The scholarship is renewable for up to four academic years, and will be re-calculated each year, based on the annual cost of attendance. The award may go up from year to year, but it will never decrease . To find out more, email pricematch@rmu.edu, click here , or call 412-397-COST.
Creative Writing Workshop at Susquehanna University
High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend the annual Creative Writing Day workshops at Susquehanna University (Selinsgrove, PA) on Monday, October 22, 2018. Creative Writing Day is a day of workshops, readings and information sessions hosted by the Susquehanna Writers Institute. This program will also give students a chance to learn more about what the Huffington Post calls one of the top creative writing programs in the country! When registering for Creative Writing Day, students will be asked to indicate their first and second choice from the following workshops: Journalism, Fantasy Novel Writing, Novel, Performance Writing, Poetry, Screenwriting, Short Story, and Sports Journalism. There is NO COST to attend, but space is limited. The University is happy to host students who wish to visit with their parents as well as students who come in small groups with a teacher. Learn more and register here . Registrations will be accepted through October 12, or until full. 
Cardiology Outreach Program for Female Students
Female students in the 11 th and 12 th grades who have a strong interest in medicine are invited to apply to the “She Looks Like A Cardiologist Conference” hosted by Dr. Kathryn Berlacher, head of the Cardiology Fellowship Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The event will include:
  • A panel discussion with diverse young female cardiologists on being a pre-medical student in college, medical school admissions, and the process of becoming a doctor
  • An interactive workshop about women in medicine
  • Information about free and paid summer programs for pre-med high school and college students
  • Mentoring sessions
  • A crash course in cardiology with Dr. Berlacher
It is the hope of the program organizers that each young woman who attends will be paired with a current female physician who can provide mentoring throughout the student’s high school and college years. Only 25 students will be selected to attend. Students may apply online at www.shelookslikeacardiologist.weebly.com .
Deadline:  November 3, 2018
Private Student Loan Resource
If you are considering private student loans to help pay for college, LENDedu has a newly-updated list of the best private lenders. The site also features a guide to refinancing existing loans. Click here to learn more.
Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
Students can access over 1.5 million scholarships to help pay for college at www.fastweb.com .

TheBestColleges.org , a site that focuses on helping people to get the best education possible, just recently created a guide to The Best Scholarships for Women. With the cost of education on the rise, all students need to know their options in paying for education. This guide focuses specifically on scholarship and grant opportunities for female students. For more information, the guide can be found here: http://www.thebestcolleges.org/scholarships-for-women/ .

Mount Aloysius College (PA), one of the most affordable private colleges in the country, offers merit scholarships of $2,000 - $9,000 per year. In addition, the school awards 30 competitive “Mercy Presidential Scholarships” of $14,000 per year (for four years) to incoming freshmen. Candidates must demonstrate a solid academic record and a commitment to home, school and community. They should also possess leadership abilities, participate in extra-curricular activities, volunteer, and be involved in community service projects. Numerous other scholarship opportunities are available. For more information, click here or contact the Office of Undergraduate & Graduate Admissions at 888-823-2220.

Seton Hall University (NJ) will award an automatic $8,000 ($2,000/yr. for four years) Catholic High School Achievement Award to students who attend Catholic high schools and meet other eligibility requirements. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in a Catholic high school and have a minimum, unweighted GPA of 3.0 and an SAT score of at 1350 or better, or an ACT composite score of 29 or better. To learn more, click here .

Thrivent Student Services is a business helping Christians to be wise with money, especially when planning and paying for college. They don't sell products; they offer online, do-it-yourself resources for navigating the college journey and beyond. Thrivent is offering $5,000 to FOUR lucky winners to help them cover college costs. To be eligible, students must be legal U.S. residents, age 14 or older. Learn more and enter the sweepstakes here .  
Deadline:  October 12, 2018

The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education and a desire to contribute to society. The Horatio Alger National and State Scholarships will award college scholarships of $6,000 to $25,000 to high school seniors who plan to pursue a 4-year degree and who meet the selection criteria. Student must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in order to apply. To learn more or apply, click here .
Deadline:  October 25, 2018

The Elks National Foundation awards $2.44 million in college scholarships to a total of 500 high school seniors each year through its Most Valuable Student scholarship contest . Scholarships are awarded based on service, leadership, and financial need. Apply online here . Please note: To be eligible, the applicant is required to have a counselor complete an online counselor’s report. Through the online application, an applicant will enter his/her counselor’s email address to notify the counselor of the applicant’s request.
Deadline:  November 15, 2018

Are you a high school senior who is considering a Gap Year experience before starting college?  Verto Education offers the only international gap year experience that partners with colleges to give full class credit so students graduate in four years. Verto’s mission is to provide an affordable and innovative way for students to incorporate travel into their four-year college experience. When you apply to Verto for free, you simply check the box for each Verto partner college you're considering, and you will get admissions answer within just a few weeks. If you apply to Verto by November 15, 2018, you will also receive an automatic $1,000 scholarship towards your degree. Learn more or apply for free here .  
Application deadline for the $1,000 scholarship:  November 15, 2018

Fireside Catholic Publishing will award $1,000 in cash to five graduating Catholic High School seniors in their annual Fireside Essay Scholarship Contest. The essay question this year is: “How is your religious education influencing your life?” For more information or to enter, visit the Fireside Catholic Publishing Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/FiresideCatholic/
Deadline:  December 7, 2018

Founded in 1904, Assumption College (MA) stands today as one of the top New England Catholic colleges, combining a foundation of liberal arts and sciences with more than 40 majors across the life sciences, business, education and communications fields. Each year, Assumption College awards up to fifty $25,000 Light the Way scholarships, renewable all four years. Click here to learn more. Assumption also awards all Catholic high school students the $2,500/year, renewable Brassard Scholarship, for a total gift of $10,000 over four years. To learn more about Assumption College, visit  www.assumption.edu .
Deadline:  December 15, 2018

Sign up to receive helpful college tips on the Discover Student Loans “College Covered” website , and you could win a $10,000 scholarship ! Throughout the year, eleven eligible students will be randomly selected to receive $10,000 scholarships. Sign up and enter to win here .
Deadline:  January 31, 2019

Each year, through their National Scholarship Competition, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (CA) awards more than 28 scholarships, including eight full-tuition scholarships worth $31,500 each. Student interested in studying Fashion, Visual Arts, Graphics, Interior Design, Social Media and Entertainment are encouraged to apply. Click here for entry details and the most up-to-date information.
Deadline:  March 29, 2019

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School students can apply for an exclusive “My Favorite Advisor” College Scholarship worth $5,000 by registering with Innate.com, taking a free, 5-minute college and career assessment, and answering the following essay question:  Based on your assessment results, is there a specific career you think you would thrive in? Tell us why.  Learn more an enter online at www.innate.com/$5000scholarship . The promo code (OLSH CEEB code) is: 390845.
Deadline:  May 31, 2019

Guardian Protection Services will award 10 scholarships of $1,001 to students (1 national scholarship and 9 state scholarships) through its First Annual Guardian Protection Services Scholarship . The Guardian scholarship is open to high school seniors or current college students in the United States who are planning to study a field that promotes safety, protection, security, technology, home and building automation, or cybersecurity. To apply for the Guardian Scholarship, students are asked to use the Instagram “Stories” feature to tell a digital story about the ways the technology in their lives could be even smarter than it is today. Learn more and enter here .
Deadline:  November 30, 2018.  
Darcy Pihlblad
School Counselor A-L
(412) 262-3975
Regina Woynar
School Counselor M-Z
(412) 264-4650