College Counseling

The Cooke College Scholarship Program

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.

Program Experience

Each award is intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational experience – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Awards vary by individual, based on the cost of tuition as well as other grants or scholarships they may receive. This highly competitive scholarship includes:

• Up to $55,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school.
• Ability to pursue any area of study.
• Personal advising about selecting a college and navigating financial aid.
• Multifaceted advising about how to transition to college and maximize the student experience.

The Cooke College Scholarship Program application will open on August 24, 2023 and close on November 16, 2023. Click here to learn more. If you have questions about the program, please direct them to scholarships@jkcf.org

---

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Scholarship

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is dedicated to promotion patriotism and investing in our future generations. Their Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students in grades 9 through 12 with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national participants receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC where they will get to form friendships with other participants while touring national monuments. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000 - $21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. The 2023-24 theme is: "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"

All Voice of Democracy entries must be submitted to the attention of Vanessa Barron, JR. Vice Commander, VFW Post 845 (Downingtown) by the October 31, 2023 deadline. Questions? Contact youthscholarships@vfw.org.

Click Here to Learn More

 

• College Board
• College Resource Network
• College Scholarships.org
• Fastweb
• Super College.com
• Scholarship Hunter
• Scholarship America
• Scholly

Boston University Pre-College Programs

Boston University is offering five pre-college programs, each of which provides rigorous and collaborative college life experiences that will enable students to gain a strong sense of their personal and academic potential. Here is a brief overview of each:

• High School Honors is a six-week residential, commuter, or online program in which students take Boston University undergraduate courses and earn up to 8 transferable college credits. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2023.
• RISE Internship/Practicum is a six-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which students conduct scientific research in a university lab under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students must be entering their senior year of high school in fall 2023.
• Academic Immersion (AIM) is a three-week, non-credit residential or commuter program for students to focus intensively on a single academic topic while experiencing life on a college campus. This summer there are three AIM tracks: Introduction to Experimental Psychology; Introduction to Medicine; and Creative Writing. Each track combines classroom work in the subject area with hands-on experiential learning activities. Students must be entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2023.
• Summer Challenge is a two-week residential or online program in which students take two non-credit seminars of their choice and experience college life. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school in fall 2023.
• Summer Preview is a one-week, non-credit residential or commuter program in which students explore one subject of interest while previewing the college experience. Students must be entering eighth grade or their freshman or sophomore year of high school in fall 2023.

Click here to learn more.

---

Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Program

The final application deadline for Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs is March 15, 2023.  Current sophomores and juniors who will be 16 years of age by July 2023 are eligible. Scholarship available!

Pre-College Programs* - Summer of 2023

• Architecture: Introduces design practice, creative problem solving, and critical thinking through a matrix of programming, celebrating curiosity and providing a strong foundation for architectural education. (4-week program)
   
• Art: Uses both traditional tools and cutting-edge technologies to explore creative ideas in a college-level studio environment. Students develop both conceptual and technical skills preparing them for a wide range of opportunities in both art studies and careers. (3- and 6-week program options)

• Computational Biology: Provides extensive training in both cutting-edge laboratory experiments to generate biological data and the computational analysis of that data. Uses real-world scenarios for exploration. (3-week program) - CLOSING SOON!
   
• Design: Introduces students to the discipline of Design, provides a foundation of skills, and gives a clear idea of what to expect from a college-level accredited program. (6-week program) - CLOSING SOON!
• Drama: Prepares students for the college audition and interview process, illustrating the kind of creativity and discipline required of students studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama curriculum. Students will be introduced to the intensity of a top-rated undergraduate conservatory experience. (6-week program)
   
• Music: Immerses high school students in a world-class conservatory experience within an internationally recognized university. The program mirrors the first weeks of Carnegie Mellon’s first-year undergraduate School of Music curriculum. (3- and 6-week program options, commuter part-time option)
   
• National High School Game Academy: Allows high school students to experience modern video game development using industry-standard technology. Students interested in art, music and audio, game design, and software development are encouraged to apply for this interdisciplinary program. (6-week program) - CLOSING SOON!
   
• Summer Session: Provides high school students with the opportunity to take summer courses offered by Carnegie Mellon. Students earn college credit while working in an academic setting that mirrors the supportive, rigorous environment of the first year of college. (6-week program)
   
• Writing & Culture: Storytelling is the process of uncovering, understanding, and sharing stories. Whether through words or images, stories unite us and help create a mutual space for understanding ourselves and each other. That’s what the Pre-College Writing & Culture program works to develop: skilled, reflective, engaged storytellers who can share our stories well. (6-week program)

*Scholarships available for programs above.
 

Fully-Funded, Merit-Based* Pre-College Programs - Summer of 2023

• AI Scholars: Provides opportunities for students who have been historically excluded in STEM to study artificial intelligence with full-time faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. (4-week program, rising seniors only)
   
• Computer Science Scholars: Provides students who have been historically excluded in the field of computer science an opportunity to explore the subject with full-time faculty, staff and researchers who are leaders in the field.  (4-week program, rising juniors only)
   
• Summer Academy for Math and Science:  Allows students from underrepresented communities to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. (5-week program, rising seniors only)

*No cost to participant.

---

Columbia University

Summer Immersion : NEW YORK CITY. Click here to learn more.

---

Northeastern University

Click here to learn more.

The Summer 2023 Boston Campus programs give talented high school rising juniors and seniors from around the world the opportunity to participate in immersive, experiential programs with acclaimed Northeastern faculty members right on the Boston campus.

---

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design announced that applications are now open for RISD Pre-College, their residential summer immersive. 

The year-round online intensive for changemakers, RISD Advanced Program Online, has also just opened registration for summer 2023.

Click here to learn more.

Pre-College isn’t just an education—it’s an experience

This summer, live like a RISD student and work alongside hundreds of other creative, highly motivated students who will inspire you to push your limits and produce your best work.

Click here to complete and submit your Pre-College application by December 1, 2022, and attend the program, to receive $100 in RISD Bucks upon your arrival to campus. 

June 24–July 29, 2023

---

University College Dublin - Ireland

2023 UCD High School Summer Program Applications Open November 1st!

If you have any students (age 16-17 at the time of the program) who are interested in studying in Ireland, please encourage them to apply for this wonderful opportunity! The UCD High School Summer Program dates are set for July 6-21 2023 and applications will open on November 1st! The early bird deadline is February 15th and, as the 2022 program reached capacity early, they strongly advise applying as early as possible.

Click here for the summer high school program information.

---

University of Delaware

Applications are OPEN! The Edge summer college program offers academically talented and motivated high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to live and learn on one of the most engaging college campuses on the East Coast. Click here to learn more.

---

University of Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Pre-College programs offer high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors the opportunity to earn college credit, experience world-class academics, and immerse themselves in the Notre Dame community. Courses take place on campus, abroad, and online.

Please encourage academically talented and emerging community leaders to apply. They offer need-based financial aid and grants to students.

Summer 2023 Program Information

Summer Scholars

• Session I: June 10 - June 24, 2023 (On Campus)
• Session II: July 1 - 15, 2023 (On Campus)
• Available to current high school sophomores and juniors
• Students explore a variety of exciting areas of study while living on campus!

 
Leadership Seminars

• July 22 - August 2, 2023 (On Campus)
• Available to current high school juniors
• Tuition and housing is paid for by the University in this highly competitive program. Students live on campus and take a college seminar with ND faculty.

 
Summer Scholars Online

• July 17 - 28, 2023 (Virtual)
• Available to current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
• Students will experience college-level academics in an online course, all taught by ND faculty with other students from across the U.S. and around the world.

 
Study Abroad

• Italy: June 3 - 17, 2023
• South Africa: June 14 - 30, 2023
• (NEW) London: July 8 - 22, 2023
• Ireland: July 22 - August 5, 2023
• Available to current high school juniors
• Students travel abroad to explore a new culture and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

---

Ursinus College

The Abele Scholars Program at Ursinus College is a great fit for higher achieving students in and out of the classroom with demonstrated financial need. Students will need to be a U.S. citizen residing in any of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C., have a high school GPA of 3.0+, and have an EFC of less than $30,000. Throughout their time at Ursinus, Abele Scholars will receive support with special programming such as mentorship and workshops.

They will also receive:

• $40,000 - Annual and renewable $10,000 per year scholarship
• $3,000 - Enrichment funds for conferences, internships, etc.
• $2,000 - Startup costs (like a laptop, books, dorm supplies)
• $8,000 - Maximum payment towards student's federal loans upon completion of the program ...For a total of $53,000 per student!

Click here to learn more.

In Partnership with the Connelly Foundation, Catholic high School students in grades 10-12 can attend a four-day Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program FREE OF CHARGE (a $525 value).  All program costs, meals, and room are covered for every selected Catholic high school student participating in Spirit of America. Click here to learn more.

Click Here to View the Class of 2022 Highlights

With the support of the BSHS College Advisor, our Guidance Counselors will meet with your student regularly  throughout  their high school career  and our college advisor will meet individually with them and their parents frequently during their junior and senior year, after the College Process Assembly.

JUNIOR YEAR

Spring:

• Choose challenging courses for senior year
• Make a list of potential colleges
• Call colleges to request to be put on their mailing list
• Take the SATs / ACT
• Complete the "Student Activities Resume"
• Request academic letters of recommendation
• Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan to participate in collegiate athletics
• Consider summer programs at various colleges in subject areas that interest you. 

Summer:

• Schedule tours/interviews at prospective colleges
• Register for the SATs / ACT if you plan to take them in the early fall
• Begin scholarship search

SENIOR YEAR

August/September:

• Meet with College Adviser to ensure decisions
• Start preparing applications; review the requirements, qualifications and deadlines for acceptance at the college of student's choice. 
• Begin to work on essay for college applications
• Get recommendation letters from teachers
• Visit college representatives that come to Shanahan at the Lunch Visits​
• Check registration dates for the fall SAT / ACT
• Attend BSHS College Fair​

​October:

• Take the SATs / ACT again
• Check to see if college of choice requires SAT II tests
• Continue to complete college applications. Check dates if applying Early Decision.
• Submit transcript requests to the Guidance Department

November:

• ​Ensure deadlines are being met with college applications, especially for those apply Early Decision
• If college needs 1st quarter grades, requests submitted to the Guidance Department
• Good grades check-in
• Search for scholarship opportunities both on the web and in the Guidance Department resource books

​December:

• College applications complete
• Transcripts requested before Christmas break
• Good grades check-in as students prepare for mid-terms

January/February:

• Parents complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Continue to explore scholarship opportunities

March/April:

• Make final visits to prospective colleges
• Financial packages from the colleges received
• Ensure the policy on depositing/confirming enrollment with college of choice

May/June:

• May 1st is the deadline for enrolling in college of choice
• Request final transcript to be sent to college   

Bishop Shanahan High School will host a workshop from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) on October 18, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation's leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guarantee, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs.

Mr. Michael Burke will review important information on how to complete and file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It's the most important part of the financial profile students/parents must complete to qualify for grants, scholarships and assistance to pay for college.
We encourage ALL SENIOR AND JUNIOR PARENTS to attend.

 

Students who normally submit applications in November or December can wait up to four or five months to hear a reply from the college or university of their choice. At BSHS, we help interested students to shorten their college/university admission process by hosting an Instant Decision Day. On this day, seniors or rising seniors apply, interview and receive an admissions decision (including, in some cases, financial or merit aid) all in a single day - a great alternative to the long wait. If accepted, students then have until National Decision Day, May 1, of their senior year, to accept or refuse the admissions offer.

Immaculata University Instant Decision Day  - October 20, 2022

Millersville University Instant Decision Day - December 6, 2022

The College Advising Office allows for 10 school days processing.  Please keep in mind once the documents are received by the colleges and universities, it takes at least 6 to 8 weeks for them to process.

College Counselors organize an annual small group session with colleges and universities who are interested in meeting with students who measure in the top 10% of their class. Sessions are informational and by invitation. 

Click here to view the CSS Profile.