College Planning Night at MHS

Manchester High School students and their parents were given an intense one hour briefing Thursday evening on the college admission process.

The college planning presentation, held in the Bailey Auditorium and geared to members of the junior class, was offered by the through the high school's Counseling Department. About 60 parents and students attended. 

Mark Danaher, Career Services Educator at Manchester High, welcomed everyone to the event, which had been postponed from Wednesday due to the weather. He thanked his colleagues who had worked with him on planning the evening, and introduced the main speaker, Patti Pasquariello, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Pasquariello began her presentation by going over what a typical college student's week was like.

Pasquariello then described the different types of colleges and universities, the pros and cons of urban and rural settings, and various degree programs that are available to students. She went over the process and time frame for college applications, and offered many practical tips on how to be chosen for admission.

 She advised students to volunteer for community service, get involved in extracurricular activities, and get at least three letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors, and employers for submission with their college applications. She described the types of admissions policies offered by various schools: early decision, early action, regular and rolling admissions.

Pasquariello strongly suggested that students visit the colleges they were interested in attending, as well as meeting with admissions officials in person. She also advised students to frequently stay in touch with admission staff by phone and e-mail during the time that their applications are being considered.

Linda Curtis who attended with her son Tommy, who is interested in becoming a theater major, found the program “very informative and much better than last year”. Alyssa Peck who came with her mother Annette found the evening “really helpful” although somewhat intimidating.

Getting parents interested in following up with the guidance department was one of Danaher's goals for the event. He will be holding office hours to meet with students and parents starting at six in the morning, so that parents do not need to miss work. Danaher will also be placing the slides from the presentation on the Guidance Department's website. Another program specifically geared to financial aid for college will be offered later in the year, he said.