The application process for 4 year colleges, 2 year colleges, and trade schools was discussed in depth during the senior conference held on September 27, 2023. Click through the slide show to review the information. All college application forms can be found HERE.

College Visits at HSE

See the attached list of when college representatives are coming to visit us at High School East. Sign up in Guidance!

Be sure to click the Month at the bottom of the page to see the visits that are scheduled.

College Fee Waivers

Looking for schools that have free applications or to see if East received a fee waiver code for any of the schools you are interested in? Check my fee waiver list (it is updated regularly as I receive new codes/information)

Pre College Programs

Pre College Programs are educational opportunities that usually take place over the summer (but sometimes are weekends during the school year) that allow students to attend that college to take coursework to prepare for college. Students typically stay at the college for the duration of the program to get collegiate experience. Often students engage in research and have an opportunity to network with faculty. These programs do have a cost but sometimes colleges will offer scholarships. Check out the list of available Pre College programs.

Financial Aid Appeal Letter Generator

Did you know you may be able to get more money from your dream college? Going Merry just released an Appeal Letter Generator to assist you in generating an appeal letter in 4 simple steps. 

A financial aid appeal letter is a formal request asking a school to reconsider its decision on your financial aid. The letter is a chance to explain a unique circumstance, financial situation, and anything else that has changed since you submitted the FAFSA®. Here are some common reasons students (like yourself), should consider submitting an appeal letter.

• You got admitted, but it’s not enough.

• You received a better offer at another school.

• Your FAFSA® didn’t reflect some nuanced financial situation.

• Your financial circumstances have changed.

• You made a mistake (or multiple) on your FAFSA®.  

You will only know if you are eligible for additional free money if you ask! Here are your next steps to begin this process.

1. Sign up for a student account – you can also download Going Merry’s mobile app on iOS or Android. 

2. Once logged in, go to Menu and click Appeal Letter Generator.

3. Begin generating your letter in 4 simple steps – here are some tips! Unsure where to begin? Watch this walkthrough video. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact support@goingmerry.com.

Scholarships

The majority of scholarships are for graduating seniors but there sometimes are a few available to underclassman. Scholarships are posted frequently between November and April. It is recommended as a Senior you check the site often (at least once per week) to ensure you don't miss scholarships you may be eligible for. Scholarships are listed on our Scholarship site in order of upcoming due date. The majority of scholarships will require you to print the cover sheet and application (this can be done in Guidance or the Media Center if you don't have a printer). You will need to gather the items listed on the cover sheet checklist and bring them into Guidance with the cover sheet by the listed deadline. If a scholarship requires a transcript or recommendation letters we will add them to your application prior to sending the scholarship on your behalf. Remember it is your responsibility to have requested letters of recommendation from teachers. Letters of recommendation on file for college applications can be used for scholarships as well. Any scholarships that require you to submit the application independently will say so in bold. All others should be turned into the Guidance office prior to the deadline date listed.

The second option is Early College at HSE or Dual Enrollment. This is where you can receive both high school and college credits for a course you are taking here at High School East. You will need to have an eligible course or courses in your high school schedule, complete the registration process in the Fall by the designated deadline, and pay the fee to OCC in order to register. All directions and registration information will be posted to my Google Classroom in September.  Please see the list of approved courses to the right. New courses may be added prior to the registration period and prerequisites are subject to change.

The registration deadline for Spring courses is Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

***Keep in mind there is no guarantee that the 4 year college you attend after high school will accept the credits you've received from OCC. It is up to that specific college as each college has different requirements for transfer credits.

Toms River Schools Dual Enrollment Webpage

Early College OCC website

Online Registration Tutorial Video

Toms River Schools Dual Enrollment Scholarship Application - Spring Deadline 3/28/2024

Ocean County College Foundation Grant Application - Deadline 4/8/24