Counselor Corner

 Who are we?

School Counselors are certified/licensed educators who work to improve student success for all students! School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for
all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all.

School counselors help all students:

• apply academic achievement strategies
• manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
• plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce)

Prep has 3 School Counselors who are here to support you in all that you need! We are: Mrs. Fontalvo, Mrs. Mold, and Mrs. Sano! Our offices are located in the main office if you would like to speak with us at any time.

We also have incredible School counseling interns are here to learn and grow into professional School Counselors while providing valuable support.

Upcoming Events

• November 26: PASE is hosting an FSA ID event for our students

• December (TBD): Prep is hosting a FAFSA completion event.

• December 3, 4, 5: Sophomore Seminar (Periods 1-3)

• December 16: WPUNJ Instant Decision Day

Register here for our College Workshop Series.

Tips for School

Middle School

Middle school is a great opportunity to meet new people and begin to explore who you are and what you want to do with the rest of your life. It can also be a difficult time, as there are a lot of things that are changing in your life. You are meeting new people. There are more choices and decisions to make. Instead of being in one classroom with one teacher all day, you now have multiple teachers. You no longer stay in one classroom; instead, you have to switch classes for different subjects. You will be faced with more responsibilities. Here are a few tips to help you with the middle school transition. Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers, counselors, or staff at your school if you need help.

• Get organized
• Do your homework.
• Talk to your Teachers by asking questions. If you are unsure of an assignment, what you need to be doing, or anything, just ask. Your teachers are there to help you.
• Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Find things you enjoy – sports, clubs, activities, and get involved. This is a great way to meet new
  people and to have fun.
• Get good grades. Turn your assignments in on time, ask questions, and take advantage of extra credit opportunities if available. Remember to get absent work and check in with your teachers when you return.
• Stay Healthy. Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before school.
• Talk to your parents and keep them informed of what is going on in your middle school life.
• Find an adult you trust to talk to when you have problems.
• Choose your friends wisely.
• Come to school and have fun!

High School

Freshman year of high school is a big transition for any student. Whether you’re moving to a big regional school, starting at a new private school, or continuing at your same school, the beginning of ninth-grade signals change on a number of different levels.

Sophomore year of high school is a great time to start getting ready for the college process!

Junior year is the most important year when it comes to college admissions.

Senior year  the end of an era but also a fresh start!

Pre-College Summer Programs

• Boston University Pre-College Summer Programs
• FDU Programs for High School Students
• New York Institute of Technology Pre-College Program
• New York University High School and Middle School Programs
• Montclair State University Pre-College Programs
• William Paterson University Youth Programs
• Summer Pre-College Programs for High School Students 
• William & Mary Pre-College Programs

College Testing- PSAT / SAT / ACT

PSAT

• PSAT Practice Tests
• Inside the Test

SAT

• Registration
• Test Dates & Guidelines
• What is a good SAT Score

ACT

• Registration
• Test Dates
• Practice Test- Prep Scholar
• What is a good ACT Score

Resources for the college application and financial aid processes

• The Educational Opportunity Fund provides access and opportunity for NJ residents to attend a NJ college and university.
• Going to College in New Jersey is a publication of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), the administrator of New Jersey’s student financial aid programs for postsecondary education.
• NCAA: Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
• The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application allows NJ Dreamers enrolled in eligible New Jersey colleges and universities to apply for state financial aid.
• State of New Jersey Financial Aid Shopping Sheet for Academic Year 2023-2024 for Bachelor’s Degrees and Associate’s Degrees.
• Understanding College Affordability
• Financial Aid Toolkit
• Understanding the 3 types of student loans to help pay for college
• Understanding College Scholarships and where to get them and why you never pay for them
• College Admissions and Financial Aid Scams, Frauds and things to avoid
• The Financial Aid Basics: Fafsa, CSS Profile, What are Grants, What are Scholarships & student loans

College Application Resources

• College Planning Checklist for Student-Athletes
• College Interviews: Practice Questions and Strategies
• Crafting a College Essay
• Early Decision and Early Action
• College Scorecard Website
• Going to College in New Jersey is a publication of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), the administrator of New Jersey’s student financial aid programs for postsecondary education

Career information and assistance

• Teen Job Interview Questions, Answers, and Tips
• New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN) is an Internet-based delivery system for accurate, comprehensive, current, and relevant occupational, post-secondary school and financial aid information. NJCAN contains the latest national, New Jersey and local labor market data and projections.