The 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 also 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.
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Freshman Year - College Planning Timeline
Sophomore Year - College Planning Timeline
Junior Year - College Planning Timeline:
September
October-November
December-January
February-May
June-August
Senior Year - College Planning Timeline:
September-December
January-March
April-June
It is more important than ever for students to make sound decisions about financing their college education. All colleges require you to file the FAFSA (see website below) and some require both the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Below you will find a few links that will serve as a starting point for this journey.
CSS Profile - required by some selective colleges
Below are two videos that will help you fill out the FAFSA and CSS profile line by line.
Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness program that helps our students align their strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life. https://id.naviance.com
INTRODUCING NAVIANCE STUDENT!
Naviance Student, just like Family Connection, is accessible to both students and parents.
If you already have a username and password for Family Connection, you can use it to log in to Naviance Student at:
student.naviance.com/sjhs
Otherwise, expect to receive a username/password prior to the start of the academic year.
If you are interested in competing in athletics in college, please read the information from the links below.
SAT Registration Dates 2019-2020
|
Test |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
| 10/5 | Sept 6 | Sept 24 |
| 11/2 | Oct 3 | Oct 22 |
| 12/7 | Nov 8 | Nov 26 |
| 3/14 | Feb 8 | March 3 |
| 5/2 | April 3 | April 21 |
| 6/6 | May 8 | May 27 |
ACT Registration Dates 2019-2020
|
Test |
Registration Deadline |
Late Registration Deadline |
| 9/14 | Aug 16 | Aug 30 |
| 10/26 | Sept 20 | Oct 4 |
| 12/14 | Nov 8 | Nov 22 |
| 2/8 | Jan 10 | Jan 17 |
| 4/14 | Feb 28 | March 13 |
| 6/13 | May 8 | May 22 |
| 7/18 | June 19 | June 26 |
Important Information to bring into ACT and SAT Testing Days:
Things are you are not allowed to bring into the exams:
Transcript Releases for Seniors:
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:
Grade 9:
Grade 10:
Grade 11:
Grade 12:
University of Connecticut (20)
University of Hartford
University of Kansas
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Maine (3)
University of New Hampshire (2)
University of New Haven
University of North Carolina
University of South Carolina
University of Rhode Island (4)
University of Scranton (2)
University of Tampa (2)
University of Tennessee (2)
University of Toronto
University of Vermont (2)
University of Wisconsin
Utica College
Villanova University (2)
Virginia Commonwealth University
Western Connecticut State University (2)
Wheaton College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University (2)
Tim has close to 30 years of experience in college admission. His admission career path included stops at 5 catholic colleges, one private university and as an enrollment consultant at a higher education marketing company. He has presented at a number of regional and national conferences on the following: athletic recruitment, interview strategies, financial aid and other enrollment management topics.
Mrs Baird received her MS, Counseling, Fordham University in 2007 and BA, Psychology, Quinnipiac University in 2005. Mrs Baird has been working in the Guidance and College Counseling Office at St Joseph High School since 2005. Mrs Baird is a proud St Joseph Alum - Class of 2001. She is married to Peter Baird, Class of 2000 and they have two beautiful children: Lexi and PJ.
Ms Clark received her BA in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and continued her studies at Fairfield University, earning her MA in School Counseling. Ms Clark is a recipient of Fairfield University’s Excellence in School Counseling Award. She holds certifications from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Education and the National Board of Certified Counselors. Ms Clark has training in both group and individual counseling practices and is currently working towards her License in Professional Counseling.
Ms Schiels obtained her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island and her MA in School Counseling from Caldwell University. She is a Certified School Counselor in the state of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Prior to working at St Joes, Ms Schiels was a school counselor at a catholic high school in New York City and also taught Kindergarten and Pre-K.
Mr Cirisoli received his BA in history with a minor in American Studies and a concentration in anthropology/sociology from Roger Williams University. He holds a MS in counselor education/student development in higher education from Central Connecticut State University and is completing a MA in history from Western Connecticut State University. Prior to SJHS, Mr Cirisoli worked in college and university administration at Gateway Community College, Albertus Magnus College, and most recently at Southern Connecticut State University. He has college-level experience in the areas of academic advising/registration, campus activities, orientation, residence life, and academic program development.
Mrs Seperack received her BA from Fordham University and her MSW from Southern Connecticut State University. She has also earned a License in Social Work. Mrs Seperack has worked at Bridgeport Hospital, Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport, Wooster Middle School, St Augustine School and St Raphael School.
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College: American International College
Major: Psychology
"My guidance counselor helped me so much in deciding the perfect college for me. What I loved about St Joes is that they take high school seriously -- the teachers really want to help you and see you succeed."
College: Providence College
Major: Psychology
"St Joes has helped me learn who I am and has taught me the ability to express myself, especially in Creative Writing. I learned how to express what I felt and showcase my ideas and thoughts on paper."
College: Sacred Heart University
Major: Nursing
"During my senior year, I participated in the Futures Internship Program. I was able to shadow a nurse at Griffin Hospital and it was incredible. I worked in different departments and was able to find where I might want to work one day!"
College: Wheaton College
Major: Business Management & Fashion Marketing
Aspiration: Producer/Marketer of a NYC Fashion Show
"Going to St Joes actually led me to choose a smaller college -- one where I could get to know the students and teachers one-on-one. While at St Joes, I discovered my love of speaking to people and being a part of a team."
College: University of North Carolina
Major: Political Science
"I wouldn't be as great a writer and able to explain myself thoroughly without St Joes. It's made such a positive impact on my mindset and how I view the world."
College: Xavier University
Major: TBD
Aspiration: Politics
"Being a part of the Student Ambassadors program has been an incredible experience. I loved being the first person people met when they came to St Joes; I took pride in making them feel welcome and helping them love the school as much as I do."
College: IONA College
Major: Social Work
"All of the teachers at St Joes have helped me to push myself and work harder. They taught me to the best version of myself."
College: College of the Holy Cross
Major: Psychology & Theatre
Aspiration: School Counselor
"The St Joes difference for me was Peer Ministry. It's a self-evaluation class that led me to find who I am today. It helped me to discover my true gifts and talents."
College: Manhattanville College
Major: Child Pyschology
Aspiration: School Psychologist
"The essence of friendship and community at St Joes is unlike any other. They've taught us so much about our morals and our own values. I feel so much more well-rounded as a person."
College: St. John's University
Major: Criminal Justice
Aspiration: Forensic Scientist
"Being part of the Futures Program gave me a once-in-a-lifetime experience. St Joes has given me a lifetime of moments that I could not have gotten any where else. I've made so many friends that I know I will never forget."
College: Central CT State University
Major: Political Science
Aspiration: Lawyer
"I chose to attend St Joes because of it's strong Catholic identity. The morals and values of the school are what led me to realize that what I want to do is help people. My goal is to become a lawyer and help people in any way I can."
College: Marist College
Major: Undecided
"The SJ guidance counselors are incredible. I struggled with the college process because I had so many options and I became overwhelmed with the decision. My guidance counselor knew me for four years and helped me think about college in ways I hadn’t thought of. I know Marist is the right school for me because my guidance counselor and I did the research, I feel confident and prepared for my next chapter."
College: Providence College
Major: Undecided
"I chose to challenge myself with honors and AP courses throughout high school. The faculty at St Joes allowed me to be successful with such a rigorous schedule. They stayed after school with me and provided me the support I needed to balance tough classes and extracurricular leadership opportunities."
College: Morgan State University
Major: Marketing
"I plan to study marketing and international business. At St Joes, I was able to meet international students and learn from them about our cultural differences and similarities. It is these friendships, developed in high school that lead me to my future career."
College: Sarah Lawrence College
Major: Political Science & Film
"The guidance staff here were incredible. Mrs Baird took the time to get to know me, allow me to take courses of interest, and then help me find my next great fit, which is Sarah Lawrence.
I was also able to take Honors Political Philosophy and Women in Literature courses which allowed me to understand the fundamentals of democracy and find my passion."
College: High Point University
Major: Marketing
Minor: International Business
"I chose to come to St Joes because I wanted to be surrounded by students and faculty who were all working together toward our college goals. Here at SJ, I felt accepted, loved and supported in the new things I tried and for me that was the most important thing in a high school."
College: Xavier University
Major: Acting/Film
"I chose to come to St Joes not knowing that the community would be the factor that lead to my success in high school. I didn’t realize I needed it until I was here and experienced the support and friendship."
College: Southern CT State University (Soccer)
Major: Undecided
"I came to St Joes not knowing anyone. However, I knew I wanted to be part of this community so I had to open myself up to try new things and meet new people. Now I have life-long friends as well as the skills to communicate with people from all different backgrounds. These social and communication skills are important for the rest of my life."
College: Tufts University (Baseball)
Major: Economics
Minor: Finance
"One of the best things about St Joes was that I had some of the most rigorous teachers who challenged me, but also cared very much about me as a student. When the academic work was hard, I knew it was because they cared and were preparing me for college."
Coffee & Conversation with Counselors
Offered from 7AM - 8AM, Coffee and Conversation will be held in the Student Commons on the following dates and topics. Parents are welcome to attend a few or all of our events.
October 24, 2019
Topic: Developing the College List and Visiting the Campus
Best For: Sophomore/Junior Parents
October 31, 2019
Topic: Helping Students Cope With Anxiety.
Best For: All Parents
November 7, 2019
Topic: Considering Highly Competitive Colleges
Special Guest! Debra Johns, Associate Director of Admission at Yale
Best For: Sophomore/Junior Parents
November 14, 2019
Topic: Accepted, Now What?
Special Guest! Andrew Strickler, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid, Connecticut College
Best For: Senior Parents
November 21, 2019
Topic: Communicating With Your High School Student
Best For: All Parents
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College of the Month - DePauw University (Indiana)
Each month, St Joe's College & School Counseling Office will host an information session on a particular college that might be a hidden gem among all the others. We invite all students to join us for these sessions to learn more about each school.
October's College of the Month is Depauw University in Indiana. The information session will be held on October 15 from 1:30pm-2:15pm. Click here to learn more about DePauw.
