Important Information for College-Bound Students

One of the primary goals of the Penn State Educational Partnership Program (PEPP) is to encourage its participants to pursue post-secondary education beyond high school graduation. However, preparation for successful college attendance and graduation begins in the early school years through: solid student understanding of the academic basics (reading, writing, math); progressively expanding the student knowledge base and educational self-esteem; and by increasing the intensity of the coursework (college preparatory classes) in order that the PEPP student broadens and strengthens his/her ability to understand complex concepts that will be learned in college.

Additionally, other major factors to be considered by students and their families in the college matriculation process include:  entrance examinations (i.e. PSAT, SAT and ACT exams); college and academic major choices (ex. Penn State/Secondary Education); and student financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans, work study); among other considerations.

The following is a partial list of internet links to some of the most important organizations that college-bound PEPP participants and their families will need to contact in preparation for the college attendance process:

College Entrance Examination Board  -  Access to PSAT/NMSQT (pre-seniors), SAT, Advanced Placement, and CLEP exams  -  Most institutions of higher education require submission of applicant test scores along with high school grade point averages for entrance consideration.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid  -  Must be completed by all students/families wishing to be considered for higher education financial assistance at the federal, state and university/college levels.

PHEAA  -  Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency  -  Forms must be completed in addition to FAFSA to be considered for Pennsylvania based student aid.

The following internet links are examples of college scholarship search engines that students and their families may consider perusing for application information. (It should be noted that the Penn State University, the College of Education, and the Penn State Educational Partnership Program are not affiliated or associated with the following examples of scholarship search engines):

Scholarships.com

College Connection Scholarships

College Scholarships - On-line Degree Programs

For students/families who would like admission information relating to Penn State University and/or the College of Education, please use the following internet links:

Penn State University  -  Home on the Web  (Click "Prospective Students")

College of Education

Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus

Penn State Berks Campus