Walter Panas High School

Senior Newsletter and Scholarships

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COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete the necessary forms in the college application packet* and follow the instructions to create a Common App account, match to Naviance, and request letters of recommendation. All college applicants are required to utilize their Naviance account.  Request recommendation letters from your teachers early so there is enough time to meet your application deadline. Ideally, teachers should have three weeks to write a letter.

*The college application packet can be found by clicking here.  Hard copies are available in each school counseling office.

IMPORTANT: Transcript Request forms are due to your counselor 15 school days before your deadline!

F.Y.I.

  • Read all application instructions carefully.
  • The Common Application is used by more than 1,000
  • The CUNY application is completely online. Application worksheets are available in the School Counseling office.
  • The EDU, Inc. Common Black College Application allows students to apply to 42 Historically Black Colleges and Universities at once and pay a one-time fee of only $35. Application information is available at eduinconline.com .
  • The SUNY online application allows you to apply to multiple SUNY
  • Students are responsible for contacting SAT or ACT to have scores sent directly to the colleges.
  • Reach out to your school counselor with any questions!

COLLEGE FAIRS

Southern Westchester College Fair: Tuesday, October 24th, 6-8:30pm, Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY.  Representatives from more than 300 colleges will participate.  Officers and enlisted personnel from various branches of the military will also be on hand.  Visit https://www.westchestercollegefair.com/ for a list of participants.

Northern Westchester College Fair: Wednesday, October 25th, 6-8:30pm, Jefferson Valley Mall, Yorktown Heights, NY.  Representatives from more than 300 colleges will participate.  Officers and enlisted personnel from various branches of the military will also be on hand.  Visit https://www.westchestercollegefair.com/ for a list of participants.

NACAC Virtual College Fairs:  October 15th, November 12th.  During each NACAC Virtual College Fair, more than 600 college and university representatives will be available to talk with you and other students! https://www.nacacnet.org/nacac-college-fairs/

The State University of New York:   Virtual SUNY Expo on October 13th and 19th, 5:30 to 7:30pm. During the expo, you will be able to communicate with SUNY campus representatives to discuss academic offerings, student life, financial aid, and more.  To register please visit: https://www.suny.edu/attend/events/virtual-college-fair/

 

FINANCIAL AID

FINANCIAL AID FORMS
Beginning in December 2023, the 2024-2025 FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) can be filed using your 2022 income and tax information. Prior to submitting the FAFSA, students and parents are required to have an FSA ID to access and electronically sign federal student aid documents.  Go to fafsa.ed.gov to create FSA IDs and to complete the FAFSA form. Visit studentaid.ed.gov for detailed information on financial aid including the FAFSA process, Grants, Scholarships, Loans & Work-Study.  If you list a New York college on your FAFSA, you can link directly to the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).  For more information on TAP, visit https://www.hesc.ny.gov .

The CSS/FINANCIAL AID PROFILE  is an online application that collects information that is used by nearly 250 colleges and scholarship programs to help them award private, non-federal student aid funds.  There is an initial fee for the application and one college report and a fee for each additional report. Information and the online application are available starting October 1, 2023 at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ . The colleges requiring the PROFILE are listed on the website.

TIPS

  • It’s always better to submit applications early. Don’t wait until the last minute.  Pay close attention to deadlines.  YOU are responsible!
  • The LCSD School Counseling page at lakelandschools.org is your source for a number of helpful links including:  college planning, college applications, financial aid, testing, college/scholarship/career searches, NCAA and access to your Naviance account.
  • Don’t be fooled by scholarship scams. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website for tips on what to look for at  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams .

SAT TESTING POLICIES

An Admission Ticket and an acceptable photo ID are required for entry into the Testing Area—no exceptions.  Changes to the test type, test date or test center cannot be made at the test center on test day. Standby/Walk-in testing is not permitted. Test-takers who miss the last registration deadline for an administration may request Waitlist Status online up until five days before the test


SAT/ACT Test Dates

Many colleges will accept either SAT or ACT scores when making admissions decisions.  Registering early gives you the best chance of being assigned to the test center you want.  Note:  Regulations require that you submit an acceptable photo when registering for the SAT or ACT.  Register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org or for the ACT at www.actstudent.org.

SAT TESTS@ LHS:  

Oct. 7, 2023
Nov. 4, 2023: Regular registration deadline: Oct. 5, 2023
                      Late registration deadline:  Oct. 24, 2023
*Dec. 2, 2023:  Regular registration deadline: Nov. 2, 2023
                         Late registration deadline:  Nov. 21, 2023
*Please note the December SAT will not be offered in the Lakeland Central School District.


ACT TEST:  
Oct. 28, 2023:  Late registration deadline, Oct. 6, 2023 
Dec. 9, 2023:   Regular registration deadline:  Nov. 3, 2023
                        Late registration deadline:  Nov. 17, 2023

If you are an 18-year old male, you need to register with Selective Service within 30 days of your 18th birthday.  It’s the law.  If you’re 17 years and 3 months old, you can submit registration information and when you turn 18, you will be registered automatically.  If you fail to register, it will affect your ability to receive Federal college loans and grants, and student aid in most states.  

How to Register for Selective Service:  On-line at www.sss.gov, or fill out a Selective Service “mail back” registration form at any U.S. Post Office, or check the “Register Me” box on the application form for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA form). 





WALTER PANAS HIGH SCHOOL, 300 Croton Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, NY  10567
PH:  (914) 739-2823 (press 3, Guidance), FAX: (914) 739-3545
ADMINISTRATION:  Joseph Spero, Principal, Samantha Sherwood, Asst. Principal, Christian Clarke, Asst. Principal
COUNSELING OFFICE: Frank Gizzo , Director of Guidance
SCHOOL COUNSELORS:  Chelsea Aversano, Dale Chappelle, Laurainne Mosca, Sonia Recuppio, Brandon Thomas
SUPPORT STAFF:  Mary Ellen Brown, Kathy Giordano, Kathy Zadra, College and Career Ct