Use this slideshow to understand and compare your financial aid package.
College Night for the Class of 2023
Presentation Links:
Paying for College, Daniel Yannuzi, Arcadia University
What to Consider in the College Essay, Danielle Fitzgerald, University of Pennsylvania
Applying Test Optional and How that Affects Admission, Dana Gowder, University of Pittsburgh
Merit Aid, Need Based Aid, Scholarships, Erica Woods, Villanova University
Differences in Application Deadlines (ED, EA, Rolling, RD), Cyncoya Dillingham-Johnson, Penn State
Class of 2022 Postsecondary Planning Google Doc
Refer often to this document for guidance, tips, opportunities and much more!
Explore Your Options
Students in every grade can learn about trade schools, non-traditional careers, and resources HERE
It’s OK to Feel not OK
Are you feeling lonely, depressed, confused, stressed? Feelings like these are common during the pandemic in all age groups, especially among college students. You may be worried about beginning college, or making the right decisions about college, or about what you want to do when you ‘grow up’ – or lots of other areas of your life and that of your family. Remember, you are not alone, and you can find different ways to cope and work through these problems. Students are changing their college plans; or discovering the advantages of community college; or considering other post-secondary plans such as a gap year with City Year, or trade schools. Many people, here at SLA and among your friends and relatives, are available to help you cope with your thoughts and struggles. You can find lots of articles on almost every aspect of student life and its challenges. The #1 action for you to take: ask for help when you need it!
Further reading on teens and mental health: Teens and COVID Isolation; Coping with Social Isolation;
Temple University Summer Opportunities for Grades 9 through 12
Temple Summer Programs: Temple University provides several opportunities for students entering grades 9 through 12 to experience the academics, energy, and culture of Temple University through their rigorous summer programs. Students can earn Temple college credits as well as access non-credit enrichment classes in leadership, language, or visual arts. For more information, visit HERE for updates. Be sure to apply early for limited financial aid.
Temple B4USoar: The Fox School of Business at Temple offers free, transferable 3-credit courses for high school students. Students are mentored by college students and community professionals. For information and course options visit here.
Temple’s Upward Bound and Upward Bound Science and Math: Temple UB and UBMS are college access programs that support the academic success of Philadelphia students in high school and college. Programming for 9th – 12th graders includes academic coursework and tutoring, college tours, career panels, enrichment activities in social entrepreneurship (UB) or science research (UBMS), and internships. More information here.
Summer Media at Temple: Klein College (Temple) media workshop* is a FREE two week program for rising juniors and seniors. Visit the site to receive notification when the program opens.
Post-Secondary Plan at SLA
Our four year plan supports all students as they explore their strengths and discover their personal path to career success.
When accepted to SLA, every student is assigned an Advisor who follows him/her through high school, ensuring consistency and exceptional personal support. Explained below are a few of the exercises, presentations, group and individual meetings, and resources with which Advisors and the College Office guide our students. Information, individual needs, and best practices are frequently reviewed and revised.
9th Grade: Advisors focus on helping students adjust to high school and complete career readiness tasks in Naviance, a School District software platform. Teachers and Advisors work with the College Counselor to help students explore options and learn about their own interests.
Continue reading11th & 12th Graders: Colleges Visit SLA
Student-Athletes: Choosing a College
College Selection and Application Process: https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/prepare/athletes/college
NCAA Eligibility Basics:
https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/prepare/athletes/ncaa-eligibility-basics

SAT & ACT Fee Waivers
The College Board and ACT offer fee waivers for payment to students who are economically disadvantaged and meet income eligibility guidelines. Find PDF of fee waiver form HERE. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, come to the virtual College Office during your lunch band. Fill out the registration questions in advance and when you get to the fee waiver section, ask Mrs. Hirschfield for the fee waiver number.
Grants for 9th-12th Grade Girls
The Ellis Trust provides financial support to enhance the high school experience of Philadelphia girls. Rising 9th-12th graders can receive funding for school supplies, summer courses, STEM training, arts lessons, and much more: learn more and apply at THIS SITE.
Common App Help Guide and FAQs
THIS GUIDE will help you understand the layout of the Common App and acquaint you with the information you will need prior to creating a Common App account.
Sign Up to Get College Office Text Message Alerts!
When you sign up, you will be able to receive notifications and reminders from the college office. We want to help you stay on top of the college search process and deadlines!
Class of 2022: SIGN UP HERE
Grades 9-11 Transcript Request
Students are sometimes asked to provide an official transcript to an academic institution, summer program, or community agency. All SLA students in grades 9-11 can request official transcripts by completing a Transcript Request form HERE. (When students are asked for unofficial grades, a report card or grade printout from SchoolNet will be sufficient.) Bring all completed requests to the College Office, room 312.
Notes:
- Allow TWO WEEKS to process the request.
- If sending a request via email, complete the Transcript Request form, scan, and email (preferably in .PDF) back to Mrs. Hirschfield at khirschfield@scienceleaderhsip.org.
- Seniors who need official transcripts must add it to the Transcript Request Log in the College Office.
Class of 2022 School Profile
Click HERE to view the Class of 2022 School Profile.