HPHS Postsecondary Counseling News

Congratulations, you're about to become graduates of Highland Park High School! Your four years here have held so many changes and adaptations, and yet you each have made your mark on our House on Vine! The Class of 2024 began your years here in a remote learning setting and you have demonstrated how to be flexible, adapt and grow each and every year of high school. You have made connections, shared your talents and gifts and made our community better because you have been here. We want you to know that you should be very proud of all of your accomplishments at Highland Park High School. Below you will find a few items that you need to consider or take action on as you wrap up your time as an HPHS student and become an HPHS alum. Remember that you will always be part of this Giant family. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and we wish you all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Rob Becker - rbecker@dist113.org

Dr. Bill Morrison - wmorrison@dist113.org

Mrs. Jennifer Pendergast - jpendergast@dist113.org

Ms. Holly Siegel - hsiegel@dist113.org

Whether you are choosing a trade school, college, work, a GAP year or the military, we know you are on your way to do great things! If you have not done so already, or did not get to complete the senior survey in homeroom this past week, please email Mr. Becker at rbecker@dist113.org with your final plan, including the name of the college you will be attending if that is the route you will be taking. Please also check your account in MaiaLearning to ensure that all of your college applications and decisions are accurately reflected in the program.

For those of you who will be attending college, you will need to submit a final high school transcript to the institution you will be attending. Instructions for this were shared in homeroom but this video will also walk you through the process. You can also read the instructions on how to do so on the Postsecondary Counseling site. It is vital that you request and submit your final transcript as your college registration could be held up if you do not complete this important step.

For those of you who self-reported test scores to your final college choice during the admission process, and HAVE NEVER HAD OFFICIAL SCORE REPORTS SENT, you will need to request official copies of your score report(s) to be sent from the testing agencies. Visit ACT or College Board to complete the process.

Each year the Counseling Department surveys the senior class to learn more about their experiences at HPHS and to inform us on how we might improve our services. We shared this during homeroom but only 30% of the class completed it. Please take a moment to complete this year’s Senior Survey.

We realize that this year, with financial aid packages delayed, there may be more students who are still looking to find the best fit college for a Fall '24 start. The National Association for College Admissions Counseling recently posted this link that shows any college that is a part of NACAC that is still accepting Fall '24 applications. We do not encourage you to rethink your decision if you have made one, but did want to provide this resource to those who may need it.

If you are planning to enroll at the College of Lake County in the Fall and have not met with Erin yet, please be sure to set up a meeting with Erin Martin, virtual or in-person at CLC. Her contact information is:

College and Career Navigator

Phone: (847) 543-2429

Email: emartin8@clcillinois.edu

Calendar to make an appt: [https://calendly.com/erinmartinclc

We would suggest meeting with Erin and taking care of your CLC application and registration details right away so you are ready to go when CLC classes begin in August.

When we are starting a new path in life, there are always a number of things to consider and the "to do" list can feel a bit overwhelming. We hope that this document with suggested items to consider if you are enrolling at either a four year college or the College of Lake County will be helpful as you look ahead at what to expect in the year ahead of you!

As you plan for your son or daughter to head off to college in a couple of months, you will want to familiarize yourself with various forms you may want or need to consider for a smooth transition into "adulthood". Here is a good summary of the types of forms and things to consider. We encourage you to also reach out to the individual university your child will be attending as they may have these forms available to you.