Fall On-Site College Admissions Yield Significant Scholarship Awards

This past fall, Huntington High School students achieved strong outcomes through the district’s On-Site College Admissions initiative, resulting in 52 students earning a total of 72 college acceptances and more than $3.5 million in scholarships awarded over four years.

Eight colleges and universities participated in the on-site admissions program, which allows students to meet directly with admissions representatives during the school day and often receive same-day decisions.

Participating institutions included Hofstra University, Long Island University, Molloy University, St. John’s University, Johnson & Wales University, St. Joseph’s University, Suffolk County Community College, and Nassau Community College.

“These on-site admissions opportunities remove barriers for students and make the college process more accessible and less intimidating,” said Dr. Ricky Papandrea, director of school counseling and testing, K–12. “Students are able to engage in real conversations with admissions representatives and leave knowing they’ve been accepted.”

In addition to multiple acceptances, several students received substantial merit-based scholarships. Among four-year institutions, scholarship awards totaled $3,510,000, reflecting strong institutional support for Huntington students.

“Affordability is often one of the biggest concerns for families,” Dr. Papandrea added. “Seeing this level of scholarship support reinforces the importance of creating opportunities where students can be seen, valued, and supported by colleges directly.”

The success of the Fall On-Site Admissions program reflects the collaborative efforts of the Huntington High School counseling staff and the district’s higher education partners. The initiative aligns with the district’s ongoing efforts to expand college access, improve affordability, and strengthen postsecondary planning for all students.

The district looks forward to continuing and expanding on-site admissions opportunities in the future as a way to support student success beyond high school.