The path to college is a process that typically starts in high school. Our Undergraduate Admissions Office is devoted to helping students and their families through this important and exciting time by arranging visits, hosting events, and answering questions to help you meet future goals and craft a fulfilling life. And, we want you to experience the many ways that Alvernia can help you do this!

To aid those with questions, we offer this general timeline. Please feel free to email the Undergraduate Admissions Office or call us at 610-796-8269 with questions about attending Alvernia. Documents may also be faxed to us at 610-790-2873.

Parents & Families

A female student works at her laptop near Francis Hall.
Sophomore Year: Time To Start Thinking About College!
All four years of high school are considered when your student applies for college, so make sure they maintain good grades, take challenging courses, and get involved in extracurricular activities that interest them.

If the high school allows it, your student should consider taking the PSAT in October of sophomore year. The consequences of doing poorly are zero, and the practice can help your family figure out what type of test preparation may be needed before SAT time in the junior and senior years. The PSAT won't be part of your student's college application, but it can help prepare them for the SAT. If your student is planning on taking the ACT instead of the SAT, ask your school about taking the PLAN.

Sophomore year is a good time to do some low-pressure exploration of the college options that meet your student's criteria. If you find yourself near a school of interest, stop by to look around. Also investigate if the school has an online tour (Alvernia does on its YouTube channel). This preliminary research will help your family make good decisions in the junior and senior years.
Sign Up For the PSAT
Male student at laptop
Junior Year: The Search Picks Up Speed!
In October, your student should plan to take the PSAT, if they haven't already. We won't ever see your student's PSAT scores, yet a good score on the exam can translate into thousands of dollars in scholarship money. Also, the exam will give your student a good sense of his/her preparedness for the SAT.

In the spring, your student should take the SAT and/or ACT. Keep track of SAT registration deadlines and test dates (and ACT dates). If your student doesn't test well on the first attempt, retaking the exam is important. We consider only the highest scores, and if your student takes the test multiple times, we will recombine scores to give them the highest possible total score. At Alvernia, SAT and ACT scores are tied directly to scholarship amounts.

By the summer between junior & senior years, your student should begin making a list of colleges to which they will apply. Take advantage of every opportunity to visit a prospective college, for instance Alvernia offers summer information sessions for your convenience. Search the web to learn more about any schools under consideration.
SAT Testing Dates
Female students study in Bernardine Hall Lounge
Senior Year: August Kick-Off!
- Come up with a realistic wish list of colleges. Decide where Alvernia fits on that list (we are hoping for the top of the list!)
- Explore the websites of the colleges that interest your family to learn about admissions requirements. We can help you find Alvernia's requirements!
- Check your student's senior year class schedule to make sure they are taking the classes that meet any admission requirements.
Visit Alvernia!
Campus trees in autumn
September
- Have your student meet with his/her guidance counselor to discuss colleges.
- Continue to visit campuses and meet college admissions representatives. Alvernia hosts individual visits, information sessions and open houses year-round.
- Check application deadlines for all schools under consideration.
- Register for the SAT (link above) and consider taking the ACT exam.
Register for the ACT Test
Carved pumpkins
October
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It impacts a student's financial aid, so applying early can make the Admissions process easier.
- Alvernia begins sending letters of acceptance in early October - make sure your student is among the first by applying early!
- Take the SAT and/or ACT.
- Continue to research schools and help your student narrow down the list.
- Take advantage of college fairs in your area and virtual tours online.
- Research financial aid and scholarships. The high school guidance office and internet are helpful.
Complete the FAFSA
Student Center in the evening
November
- Register for the December SAT or ACT.
- Maintain best grades possible.
- File the FAFSA if your family hasn't already.
- Continue to research scholarships and make use of the high school guidance office.
SAT Website
Campus Commons in winter
December & January
- Make sure your student has applied for admission via our Alvernia application or The Common Application.
- Make sure all SAT &/or ACT scores have been sent to Alvernia.
- Have the student's midyear high school grades sent to Alvernia for review.
- Apply for any scholarships well ahead of any deadline.
Apply Now
Nate Keller Studying
February through April
- Review your family's Student Aid Report from FAFSA to be sure it is accurate.
- Make sure we have your child's admission application.
- Continue to search and apply for scholarships.
- If you student is accepted, come to our Accepted Students Day &/or our Spring Open House.
- Enjoy the last few months of high school (keep those grades up)!
Financial Aid Office
Volunteer fun on move in day
May through August
- Ensure your student's enrollment deposit is paid by May 1st (extension is available).
- Contact the Student Financial Planning Office with questions about your aid package.
- Read Alvernia mailings carefully - important class registration & housing info in summer.
- Your student should log into the MyAlvernia Student Portal.
- Encourage your child to contact their roommate to say hello.
- Get ready to move in and start classes as a Golden Wolf!
Student Portal Login Info