College Resources

Framework for Use of AI in the College Application Process - Danial Villanueva

Ethical Uses

Brainstorming ideas or generating practice prompts

Grammar and spell-checking using tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor

Rephrasing for clarity without altering tone or intent

Researching the college application process

Formatting résumés or activity sections with guidance

Unethical Uses of AI

• Copying and pasting AI-generated content without edit

• Using AI to write or translate essays

• Replacing the unique voice or personal story of the author with AI -suggested content

• Submitting work that doesn’t reflect original thought or effort

“We rely on your writing to get to know the real you.

AI can’t capture how you think or what you value.”

(Fordham University)

Counselor Summer Institute: AI, Authenticity, and College Admissions Essays

counselors.collegeboard.org/professional-learning/counselor-summer-institute

College 101 Workshop- PAST Presentation- Great Information!

On March 27, 2025, sophomores, juniors and their parents joined us for a “College 101 Workshop.” We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our guest speaker, Joni Klopp, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at Millersville University. You can find a copy of her fantastic presentation covering the college search and admissions process HERE.

Example timeline for 12th graders

This is an example of what school counselors pass out to the seniors at the start of the fall semester.

Junior Timeline Checklist 2025

Example timeline for 11th graders

This is an example of what school counselors pass out to juniors in the winter at the start of spring semseter.

College Application Workshop 2024

The Counseling Department hosted a comprehensive workshop to equip seniors with the tools they need to navigate the college application process. Topics covered included crafting compelling essays, understanding admissions timelines, and navigating platforms like the Common App and Xello.

Attached is a copy of the presentation for your review. And remember, your counselor is always available to answer any questions you may have!

College_Application_Workshop.pdf

Penn Manor Counseling Department Recommended Post-Secondary Planning Resources-

from searching and visiting, to applying and accepting!

Pre-College Planners and Checklists:

How to Apply for College - A great resource filled with a timeline, templates and checklist that covers the college application process.

Download the Pre-College Planner and use it to guide you through your college planning and search!

Senior Year Prep Checklist– A shareable one-pager for students and parents to help them prioritize tasks each month from August through next summer.

College-Prep-Checklist–excellent resource to confirm that you are on track!

College Covered is a college planning website with information on getting into college and paying for it. They have resources including a planner, quizzes to help find the right fit, essay tips, loan information, FAFSA help and more!

University HQ– A leading independent education organization that provides students with the necessary resources to prepare and plan their career path in their chosen field.

Use the “Greenlight to College Scavenger Hunt” to conduct a college search and compare schools.

ACT Ultimate Guide to Campus Visits is a resource to help you plan college visits.

Common App has announced the 2025-2026 essay prompts

Here is the full set of essay prompts for 2025–2026.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design

This is the updated “Challenges and circumstances” question language students will see beginning August 1, 2025

Sometimes a student’s application and achievements may be impacted by challenges or other circumstances. This could involve:

Access to a safe and quiet study space
Access to reliable technology and internet
Community disruption (violence, protests, teacher strikes, etc.)
Discrimination
Family disruptions (divorce, incarceration, job loss, health, loss of a family member, addiction, etc.)
Family or other obligations (care-taking, financial support, etc.)
Housing instability, displacement, or homelessness
Military deployment or activation
Natural disasters
Physical health and mental well-being
War, conflict, or other hardships

If you’re comfortable sharing, this information can help colleges better understand the context of your application. Colleges may use this information to provide you and your fellow students with support and resources.

Would you like to share any details about challenges or other circumstances you’ve experienced?*

( ) Yes

( ) No

Please describe the challenges or circumstances and how they have impacted you.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

We will also retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section.

Recap on College 101

A huge thank you to all the students and families who made College 101 Night such a success! We were delighted to have the event in-person again and appreciated the wealth of information provided by our guest speakers Joni Klopp (Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Millersville University), Kelly Lowery (Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment, West Virginia University), and Valerie Smith (Admissions Counselor, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology).

The evening focused on the college planning, search, and admissions process. A copy of Ms. Klopp’s presentation on Admissions Fundamentals can be found here: https://bit.ly/3t8dz81

Thank you again to everyone involved for helping prepare our students for this important next chapter in their lives!

Sites to get you thinking about the Post-Secondary Education planning process:

My Next Move is a fantastic starting point https://www.mynextmove.org/

The ultimate guide to applying for college: how to complete a college application that stands out!

Career Blog- has some helpful information about choosing a major and more!

College Grazing– This is a great site to start your college planning process and start brainstorming ideas for your future!

College Stats: Good explanation of self assessment tests to help figure out possible areas of strength, study, etc!

American Education Services: Education planner has articles, information, and tips on everything associated with the college planning process.

Answers to Common College Admissions Questions

Sites for Searching for and Comparing Schools:

Soundboard College List Builder: This free college list builder, developed by two recent MIT graduates, allows you to input your preferences based on location, majors, test scores, and more. It then generates a personalized Google Sheets document with potential college matches.

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education: Information about the 14 PA state universities.

College Scorecard: This is a fantastic site to find schools as well as compare schools. All you have to do is enter in the information for your ideal school (program/degrees, location, size, name) and the schools that match the criteria will pop up!

Peterson’s Guide has college planning, scholarships, resume builder and more.

Community Colleges are a fantastic option for many students. Check out this source of information about Community Colleges that offer on-campus housing #dormlife.

Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process.

www.princetonreview.com The Princeton Review: College searches, practice tests available.

www.usnews.com/education U.S. News & World Report: College rankings and career information.

www.schoolguides.com— check college profiles, financial aid info, scholarship tips, college news and more…

www.bigfuture.org Free website that improves college planning for students, families, and educators

www.collegenet.com CollegeNet: Two and four-year college searches available.

Sites for First-Generation and Underrepresented Students:

College Greenlight connects first-generation and underrepresented students to caring colleges, generous scholarships, and life-changing counselors and mentors. https://www.collegegreenlight.com/

Sites to help you conduct a College Visit:

The ultimate guide to conquering campus visits! – http://pages.act.org/rs/480-GCQ-034/images/act-campus-visit-ebook.pdf?aliId=368909837

www.youvisit.com/colleges Allows you take college virtual tours in virtual reality.

How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit

Sites to help you Write your College Essay:

Collegeessayguy.com – check out this website to get tips on writing your college essays.

6 Types of Essays Admissions Officers Are Tired of Reading – Essays are the perfect opportunity for a student to showcase their best self. Help them avoid these overused topics.

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays GREAT tips for writing application essays, pitfalls to avoid, and sample essays!

http://www.dearadmissions.com/ Great resource to write your college essay. “The Art of the Personal Statement,” is available for download here. It’s a free full-length book, featuring advice and sample essays, each followed by comment and analysis.

Writing the Successful College Application Essay

Sites to learn about taking a gap year or study abroad:

http://www.aie.org/ An excellent site with tons of links to college information, taking a gap year, study abroad, and making the most out of high school

https://www.ciee.org/ CIEE is a nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between individuals and nations by sponsoring a wide variety of opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Sites to help you choose a college major:

http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/ Gives information and future careers that fall within a specific major in college.

Colleges For Specific Careers:

For COSMETOLOGY Schools

Interested in a career as a: Hair stylist, Cosmetologist, Masseuse, Esthetician, Nail care artist, Salon owner or Barber? Check out the link below for schools to check out.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/education/beauty-schools/#guide-reviews

For THEATER MAJORS

http://collegedirectory.schooltheatre.org online searchable database for about 270 colleges theater programs.

www.Schooltheatre.org The official website of the Education Theatre Association.

Apprenticeship Opportunities:

The Link Below will take you to the Apprenticeship Application for the Central PA Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors.

centralpaied.org

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