Calendar of Events 2025-2026

*UPDATED September 2, 2025

ASK UC: INFORMATION NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 30 6:30PM GYM

The College Career Center presents ASK UC: Information Night on Tuesday, September 30^th at 6:30P in the GYM. Ffiona Rees, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at University of California, Los Angeles will be here to answer your questions about UC admissions, the UC application process, attending UCs, Personal Insight Questions, whatever you would like to know. Submit your questions here!

PRACTICE ACT/SAT - SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 at 9A

The College Career Center will offer a PRACTICE ACT or SAT for Seniors and Juniors only, on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00A. (This is not an official PRELIMINARY SAT which will be offered in October). This practice test is not official in any way and is intended to provide a simulated test experience for students.

Students must register and can begin on Tuesday, September 2nd in the CCC during Panther time and lunch, with a $20 donation which is appreciated, please make checks out to PVPHS CCC or cash is accepted. Registration closes when the limited seats are full or on Friday, September 12th at the conclusion of lunch - whichever comes first. NO LATE REGISTRANTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.

Students can decide which test to take, ACT or SAT. Both tests are administered digitally and students MUST bring their own fully charged laptop, chrome book or iPad. They will not be able to sit near an outlet during the test.

Students are expected to arrive by 8:45A on 9/27, to check-in at the CCC and testing should be done by 1:00P.

Students MUST be available for the full practice test time on SEPTEMBER 27.

• The University of York
• Durham University
• Newcastle University
• The University of Bristol
• Queen’s University Belfast

COLLEGE NIGHT

5:30P - KEYNOTE SPEAKER in GYM

TIMOTHY BRUNOLD, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management at University of Southern California

College Admissions Today 

for Juniors and their parents/guardians

5:30P - COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS FOR SENIORS (locations TBA)

PVPHS Counselors will present information presented to the Seniors during English Class

for Senior parents/guardians

SESSIONS

Schedule * Topics * Locations

All grade levels of PVPHS parents and students are welcome to attend these sessions.

How do Schools Decide: Understanding the Holistic Admissions Process

Tim Brunold, Dean of Admissions at University of Southern California

Your transcript is important but what about everything else, you are more than your grades? How does a college look at each applicant to determine an admissions decision. In this world of numbers and data, understand how colleges and universities really look at the application and what the holistic admissions process details.

What is your Story? The College Essay

Rick Diaz, Regional Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Southern Methodist University  Students have spent their entire life trying to fit in, now they have to stand out. The essay is the only opportunity for the admissions committee to hear directly from the student. Find out what is important, what to include, how to start and how to keep the readers engaged. Rick Diaz will discuss how important the essay is and important factors to keep in mind while writing.

Community College Path – How Does It Work?

Pam Schachter, Independent Educational Consultant

Learn the benefits of attending Community College and transferring to a 4-year college, how the process works and resources to navigate it.

Your GPS for College Admissions Testing

Torsten Sannar, Managing Director, Group Instruction at Compass Education Group

What role do test scores play in college admissions? What are the differences between the SAT and ACT?  When and how should I prepare? What is the new ACT and Science is OPTIONAL? We will cover all of this and help you navigate the college testing process.

Highly Selective Colleges: The Reality

Kaelyn Turkmany, Admission Counselor at Tulane University

As admission rates at highly selective institutions decrease, what is the reality of getting accepted. Is there a secret handshake? What is the key to being prepared.

Financial Aid 101

Nancy Shafer, Financial Aid & Scholarship Advisor at PVPHS - As tuition costs continue to rise, how to pay is an important discussion for parents/guardians and students to discuss throughout the entire decision process. Understanding the basic building blocks of Financial Aid will assist in the process for informed decisions. Mrs. Shafer of the PVPHS College Career Center will go over financial aid basics.

Choosing a Major

Vee Alidema, Admissions Counselor at University of Utah

Many students struggle with what to study and the #1 major of incoming college freshman is Undecided. But students need to start thinking about majors even if it is not finalized when they apply.

Benefits of Liberal Arts College

Chris O’Sullivan, Admissions Representative at Whittier College

Bigger is not always better. What are the benefits of attending a small Liberal Arts college and how does it prepare a student for the ever-changing world we live in? As technology continues to evolve does a liberal arts education better prepare students to navigate the world we live in.