“When you have a choice between college application night and a possible tornado…for some parents… there’s a similarity there,” said Mr. Bill Travers as he opened College application night.

Despite the absurd rainy and windy weather outside, parents and students gathered at North Penn to learn tips and strategies for surviving the upcoming stressful time of year for high school seniors: college application season.

Lighthearted Mr. Travers greeted students and parents of the Class of 2013 on Tuesday night with lots of smiles and jokes. His easy-going and humorous natured provided for a calming atmosphere to ease the anxious parents and students.

“This looks like a tense crowd, but you shouldn’t be. We’ll let you know when to get nervous…it’s when the bill comes,” chuckled Travers.

“The process seems overwhelming,” mentioned Travers numerous times throughout the night. And to most people in the audience, those words were truly relieving. Almost half of the auditorium raised their hand in response to a question if this is their first child applying to college.

This can be both a stressful and time consuming process, but parents and students can breathe a somewhat sigh of relief knowing that the North Penn guidance department extends their helping hand and travels above and beyond to provide assistance to each and every family in the school during this tough process.

“As someone who had four children graduate college, I know a lot about financial aid, loans, and….bills,” Travers expressed with cheerful sarcasm.

Much advice and tips were displayed on a PowerPoint presented by Mr. Travers, newest member in the College & Career Center (check out featured article on Travers’ new position), Mr. Brett of Home Office F040, and Mr. Daly of D103.

Applying to college is broken down into seven steps.

One– complete your application.

Two– obtain and sign NPHS Records Release Form found in the Transcript Office and on the College & Career Center website.

Three– Bring signed Records Release form along with an addressed envelope for each college. A $2 processing fee is required for each transcript.

Four-Officially send SAT/ACT scores to choice colleges

Five-Transcript office automatically sends a Mid-year report to colleges

Six– Collect admission decisions, weigh offers and make decision by May 1, inform colleges that you do not plan to attend of your decision, and complete a Post-High School Plans survey in May.

Seven-A copy of your final transcript will be sent to the college you plan to attend

Of course, one of the most important things when applying to college is to know your deadlines like the back of your hand. Travers suggests to make spreadsheets or to create reminder alarms on your smart phones. An important suggestion of his is to have the student assume responsibility in this aspect of the process because the student is the one who will be attending the university in the fall.

In regards to the infamous SAT and ACT, Travers challenges false rumors and myths. “You CAN improve, even as a senior, and it has happened to a lot of good kids.”

Travers couldn’t emphasize enough how much he identifies with the parents. “I’ve been in your shoes, sitting there, [thinking] this is like a Calculus class.”

Daly took to the microphone to further explain the importance of essays.

“This is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants.”

“We certainly encourage all seniors to utilize their English teachers,” he said. The writing lab in D09 is another option, with two teachers “who will help polish the essays.”

Travers also warns to all students: “Choose your teacher recommendations wisely.” Eleventh grade major teachers (English, Math, History, Science) are suggested as wise decisions.

In closing, Travers explained that the first and foremost job of the student is to get accepted into a college. After that, the decision is about what is the best financial choice for the family.

The guidance counselors of North Penn made a sure point to explain their honest availability for anyone who needs help, especially the College and Career Center. It remains open past school hours for appointments and meetings with students and parents.

“As long as we have customers, we’ll stay.”

On October 9th, North Penn will be holding a Financial Aid Night. Montgomery County Regional College Fair will be held on October 10th, and the National College Fair in Philadelphia will be on November 4th.