Admissions 2010

Admissions Eligibility and Requirements

1. Participating Schools: Applicants must be currently enrolled in the fifth grade in a participating admissions school within the following districts: Carlisle, Chester Upland, Columbia Borough, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia Susquenita, or Steelton.

Current participating admissions schools

2. Student’s Academic Profile:  The academic profile of applicants should indicate that they are academically promising with respect to achievement and motivation. Specifically, a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale is required for eligibility.  The grades reported for students will be converted and weighted for this purpose by PFL in accordance with its policy.    

3. Economic and Social Profile:  The admissions application will require information from parents relative to their economic and social circumstances. While all students must satisfy the academic criteria for admission, at least 90% of admitted students will face economic, educational, and social disadvantages that create hurdles to achieving their full potential. Additional documentation will be required for exceptions.

 Regrettably, although we endeavor to admit five or more qualified applicants per school, Project Forward Leap can only accept a fraction of the many worthy students who apply. While the selection process is based on several criteria, we recognize that this process cannot completely reflect upon the applicant’s abilities or achievements. Nomination by teachers and counselors should itself be a source of pride for students and their families. Furthermore, while we strongly believe that “All Students Can Achieve!” Project Forward Leap, unfortunately, does not have the resources to adequately address the needs of students with severe learning disabilities, or emotional or disciplinary problems.

Completing the Application

Each of the following items must be completed in order to be considered for admissions:

• Completed Student/Parent Application (please print in blue or black ink).

• A copy of the applicant’s grades (Please include a copy of the applicant’s grades for each marking period during 5^th grade as well as a copy of the applicant’s final marking period grades for 4^th grade).

• The applicant’s Standardized Test Scores from 4^th grade

• Counselor Recommendation Form

• One Teacher Recommendation Form

• NOTE: Teachers are responsible to turn completed recommendation forms in to the guidance counselor.

• Optional: Obtain references from other professionals acquainted with the applicant’s academic potential.

Pre-Admissions Sessions

Qualifying students, along with their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to attend two local Pre-Admissions sessions to learn more about the program. These sessions are an essential component to the admissions process.

Student Interviews

Students that attend both pre-admissions sessions will qualify for an interview. Both students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will participate in the interview. Interviews will last between 20 to 25 minutes. Students are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled interview. Click here to view a sample of questions that may be asked during the interview.

Admissions Process

1. We ask that the applicant’s guidance counselor manage the distribution and collection of all application materials. Consequently, by utilizing the guidance counselor as a liaison between all individuals involved in the application process, PFL will be able to maintain the confidentiality of all portions of the application among applicants, parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, and third parties.

2. The applicant must submit his/her completed application form to their counselor by the specified date.

3. Counselors must add any additional required information and submit the entire packet to PFL by the specified date. NOTE: Only those applications submitted in entirety will be considered for admission.

4. Applicants that meet the required academic and economic/social profiles will be invited to move to the second phase of the admissions process. During this phase the student and at least one parent/guardian will be expected to attend two PFL Pre-Admissions Meetings (see calendar for specific dates). 

5. Applicants who attend both pre-admissions sessions will continue on to the next step of the process which consists of an interview. Interviews will take place locally in March and April. The interview will be conducted by two or more individuals assigned by PFL. Interviewers may include personnel such as school district representatives, PFL staff members, or PFL board members. The interview evaluation, grades, and recommendation ratings will be combined to produce an overall score which will be used to rank the applicant and make the actual selections for admissions. Test scores will be a factor if an applicant is more than a half year below grade level in reading. Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision at the beginning of May. 

6. Applicants who are accepted to the program will be required to attend a mandatory local orientation and  student  testing (see calendar), and be present at the Campus Orientation (see calendar) on the student’s assigned college campus. Further details on these functions will be given to students upon acceptance to the program.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us at (215) 568-2344 or visit our website at www.projectforwardleap.org.

2010 Admissions Calendar

* Dates subject to change