Individualized guidance & support

St Joseph High School's Office of College and School Counseling includes a professional staff of experienced counselors dedicated to the college, career, and personal needs of our students.

Counselors work closely with administration, faculty, and parents to provide a supportive environment for all students. From the moment freshman year begins, formal meetings between students and counselors take place throughout the year in small group, seminar, and one-to-one settings. This active environment of the office in the life and success of each of our students continues through the four year at St Joseph High School.

The College Counseling office uses the SCOIR platform to prepare our students for post-secondary, college and career planning. It is designed to assist students and their parents/guardians in making informed decisions about college opportunities and career choices. This online resource allows students the ability to research colleges, view statistical and historical data on other SJHS students anonymously, build a resume, and view the schedule of college representatives visiting the high school and much more.

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college matriculation

100% of St Joseph High School students are accepted into college or university.

St Joseph High School students apply to a range of colleges and universities, nationwide and internationally. Click here to view which Colleges & Universities graduates from the Class of 2021 are attending.

St Joseph High School students apply to a range of colleges and universities, nationwide and internationally. Click here to view which Colleges & Universities graduates from the Class of 2021 are attending.

AdventHealth University	Ohio University
Albertus Magnus College	Pace University NYC
American International College	Pennsylvania State University
American University	Providence College
Arizona State University	Quinnipiac University
Auburn University	Roanoke College
Avon Old Farms	Roger Williams University
Ball State University	Sacred Heart University
Bentley University	Saint Anselm College
Bowdoin College	Saint Joseph’s University
Brandeis University	Saint Louis University
Bryant University	Salve Regina University
California Polytechnic State University	San Diego State University
Carnegie Mellon University	Santa Clara University
Central Connecticut State University	Savannah College of Art & Design
Cheshire Academy	Seton Hall University
Clemson University	Siena College
Coastal Carolina University	Skidmore College
CUNY City College	Southern Connecticut State University
Curry College	St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Dartmouth College	Stonehill College
DePaul University	Stony Brook University
Dickinson College	SUNY Binghamton
Eastern Connecticut State University	Syracuse University
Emerson College	The University of Scranton
Endicott College	The University of Tampa
Fairfield University	Thomas College
Flagler College	Tunxis Community College
Florida State University	United States Coast Guard Academy
Fordham University	University of Arizona
Franciscan University of Steubenville	University of Bridgeport
Franklin Pierce University	University of California Davis
Gateway Community College	University of California Irvine
Hartwick College	University of California Los Angeles
High Point University	University of Cincinnati
Housatonic Community College	University of Connecticut
Iona College	University of Delaware
Ithaca College	University of Edinburgh
James Madison University	University of Florida
Johnson & Wales University	University of Hartford
Kent School	University of Kentucky
Lake Forest College	University of Maryland
Lehigh University	University of Miami
Lincoln Technical Institute	University of New Hampshire
Loyola University Maryland	University of New Haven
Lynn University	University of Notre Dame
Manhattan School of Music	University of Rhode Island
Marist College	University of Richmond
Massachusetts College of Art & Design	University of South Carolina
Massachusetts Maritime Academy	University of St. Andrews
Merrimack College	University of Tampa
Michigan State University	University of the Arts London
Milford Academy	University of Toronto
Monmouth University	University of Vermont
Musicians Institute Los Angeles	University of Washington Seattle
New York University	Villanova University
Nichols College	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Northeastern University	Western New England University
Norwalk Community College	Wisconsin Lutheran College
Norwich University	Xavier University
Nova Southeastern University	Yale University
	York College Pennsylvania

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COLLEGE PLANNING timelines

The College and School Counseling Office is dedicated to empowering students and ensuring that they find the perfect college for their career and social goals. We understand that the college application process can be daunting and we are here to help every step of the way. Counselors work with students and their families to ensure each student positions themselves for admission at the college or university that is perfect for them.

Freshmen Year

During their Freshman year, the College & School Counseling Office works with students on the following:

Developing good study habits
Participating in sports and activities
Performing community service work
Looking for ways to improve students' writing skills.
Taking the PSAT.
Thinking about the courses to take that will best prepare students for college
Assisting International students with practicing their English at every opportunity
Learning about the SCOIR College software.

Sophomore Year

During their Sophomore year, the College & School Counseling Office works with students on the following:

Exploring careers and college majors through SCOIR
Setting a few goals that students may want to accomplish by graduation
Continuing to develop good study habits
Continuing to participate in sports and activities
Assisting students with which courses will best prepare them for college
Taking the PSAT

Junior Year

During their Junior year, the College & School Counseling Office works with students on the following:

September

Recommending that students attend College Fairs in their area to pick up materials on potential colleges
Offering College presentations to our students during the school day
Helping students Identify which SAT and ACT tests they will take this year

October-November

Beginning the College Planning process with their counselor
Taking the PSAT (the scores are not sent to colleges but count for National Merit Scholarship eligibility)
Planning their Senior year courses with their counselor (specific college majors require specific high school courses taken)
Attending the Jesuit College Fair here at St Joes
Beginning Test Prep for Spring Testing (SAT-ACT)

December-January

Registering to take the SAT and ACT test at least one month prior to exam date
Continuing to research and develop their college list
Reviewing PSAT scores
Continuing with Test Prep

February-May

Visiting their top colleges to get a “feel” for the college o ftheir choice
Taking the SAT and ACT exams
Beginning to think about teachers you will write their letters of recommendation
Considering topics for their College Essay.

June-August

Making sure students have a Common Application account
Inviting two teachers to write them a letter of recommendation
Finalizing their College List.
Completing their Essay.
Continuing College Visits
Searching for outside scholarship opportunities

Senior Year

During their Senior year, the College & School Counseling Office works with students on the following:

September-December

Meeting with their counselor about their College list and the types of application each college requires
Potentially re-taking the SAT or ACT
Finalizing college essays and resumes
Requesting recommendation letters through SCOIR
Meeting with College Admission representatives when they visit SJHS
Completing all college applications
Continuing to focus on academics. Most colleges will want to evaluate your first quarter or semester senior grades.
Remaining active in the community.
Applying for Financial Aid

January-March

Analyzing financial aid packages from colleges
Meeting with their school counselor about their college decision

April-June

Making their final college decision!
Finishing strong with all classes and exams

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SCHOOL COUNSELING timelines

The College and School Counseling Office aims to meet the unique needs of each and every student through our comprehensive school counseling curriculum. Our multifaceted curriculum, comprised of individual counseling, group counseling and developmental school counseling lessons, is designed to develop students into well adjusted, empathetic and emotionally intelligent young adults. Our office recognizes social emotional wellness as an influential factor in academic achievement and collaborates with parents, faculty and administrators to promote student success. Though our proactive and holistic approach, we assist students in reaching their goals by focusing on the following areas:

Freshmen Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

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PROSPECTIVE COLLEGE ATHLETES

St Joseph High School is proud to boast a large number of students each year who commit to playing College Athletics at either the Division I, II, or III level. In 2021, we had 24 students sign at these levels and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishment.

The College & School Counseling office will assist all students with a potential interest in college athletics.

Click here to read a guide for prospective athletes

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additional programs

Coffee & Conversation with Counselors
- A great way for parents to get to know their students' counselors in an informal setting, in the morning, and over coffee! Our Counselors provide a general topic of discussion but all parents are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback.
Partnering With Peer Ministry
- In partnership with Peer Ministry, College Counselors visit our Freshmen Theology classes to talk about the transition into high school and the importance of being kind to each other. Senior students share their experiences and provide direction, advice, and support to our underclassmen.
College of the Month
- A wonderful way to find a college that might otherwise be ignored or undiscovered. College Counselors offer students the opportunity to attend a presentation from a College Admissions Officer.