College & School Counseling - St. Joseph High School

The St. Joes Difference

Every student’s journey through high school is unique and the school counselors at St. Joseph are dedicated to assisting students every step along this journey- academically, emotionally, physically and socially. Our experienced and professional staff of school counselors will help each SJ Cadet find the college that is the best “fit” for them.

“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” -Frank Sachs

Important Information from College Counseling

College Representative Visit Schedule

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.

Federal Student Aid, an Office of the U.S. Department of Education provides information about financial aid provided by the federal government, along with other resources.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a required financial aid form for any college in the United States.
Fastweb is a free scholarship search tool.
Bigfuture, by the College Board, includes college and scholarship search tools useful information and tutorials about the financial aid process.

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.

Click here to read a presentation given by Corry Unis (Farfield University) at St. Joes in 2021.

SCOIR

SCOIR is the new platform St Joes will be using to replace Naviance. SCOIR is a customized, secure website that supports 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.

Both students and parents can access SCOIR. If you need an invitation to create an account, please contact your child’s counselor.

You can access SCOIR via www.scoir.com or by downloading the SCOIR app to your phone or Ipad.

NCAA Eligibility Center

SAT/ACT Information

Important Information to bring into ACT and SAT Testing Days:

Bring a copy of your printed ticket with you on the day of the test and a photo ID
Bring two No.2 pencils the day of the exam
Bring a calculator to use on the designated math sections of either exams
You are allowed a bottle of water and snack-this can be eaten outside of the testing room

Things are you are not allowed to bring into the exams:

Books, dictionaries, scratch paper or notes
Highlight pens, colored pens or correction fluid
NO electronic devices other than a permitted calculator

SAT Dates 2023-2024

August 26, 203 (Register by July 28)
October 7, 2023 (Register by Sept. 7)
November 4, 2023 (Register by Oct. 5)
December 2, 2023 (Register by Nov. 2)
March 9, 2024* - (Register by Feb. 23)
May 4, 2024* - (Register by Apr. 19)
June 1, 2024* - (Register by May 17)

* Digital exams

ACT Dates

September 9, 2023 (Register by Aug. 4)
October 28, 2023 (Register by Sept. 22)
December 9, 2023 (Register by Nov. 3)
February 10, 2023 (Register by Jan. 5)
April 13, 2024 (Register by Mar. 8)
June 8, 2024 (Register by May 3)
July 13, 2024 (Register by June 7)

Test-Optional Information

380+ “Top Tier” Schools that Deemphasize the ACT/SAT in Admissions Decisions

While standardized test scores are important to many colleges and universities here in the United States, an increasing number of institutions are transitioning to a “test- optional” model, and no longer requiring test results. Currently more than 950 colleges and universities do not require standardized test scores as part of the admission application.

That said, know that some of the colleges and universities to which you aspire to apply may not require test results in certain circumstances. This will be an important question to ask the admission counselors you meet along the way on your journey so you can be certain you’re meeting their requirements to apply. FairTest.org is a great first step to check those institutions in which you’re interested in applying, but always confirm with the college or university admission office directly to ensure the information is accurate and current.

Useful Links

Navigation

College Counseling Four-Year Plan

Our College & School Counseling Team is made up of experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring our students achieve their collegiate goals. Counselors help to set collaborative goals and prepare events to ensure students are meeting benchmarks every step of the way while simultaneously offering support on the journey to finding that "perfect fit" college.

First Year

Transition to high school and new academic expectations.
Develop appropriate study habits, time management skills and explore organizational techniques (executive and metacognitive skills).
Become involved-participate in sports, clubs, activities and community service opportunities.
Take the PSAT 8/9 Identify and select courses that best prepare you for college.
Sign up for a SCOIR account and explore this college admissions software tool.
Enhance conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Increase communication, confidence and self-advocacy.
Select courses for 10th grade

Sophomore Year

Refine executive and metacognitive skills.
Enhance social connections and participate in a variety of activities.
Attend the SJHS College Fair and the Jesuit College Fair Identify academic and extracurricular personal strengths and interests; seek out leadership opportunities in these areas.
Discover career clusters to compliment skills and interests.
Self-monitor academic performance Select courses for 11th grade

Junior Year

Enhance metacognitive skills and set individualized short and long-term goals for personal and academic achievement.
Develop deeper interpersonal relationships.
Create a detailed post-secondary planning timeline and use SCOIR more frequently in the college search process.

September

Attend the SJHS College Fair Prepare to take the PSAT’s
Attend college admission representative presentations at SJHS

October-November

Take the PSAT
Attend the Jesuit College Fair at SJHS

December-January

Meet with school counselor to review your PSAT scores and make a testing plan
Begin to formulate a list of colleges based on preferences
Sign up for SAT and/or ACT

February

Attend the Junior College planning workshops
Meet with school counselor to identify and select senior year courses
Register for classes
Consider taking the ACT test

March

Sign up for the May or June SAT
Make an appointment with school counselor to begin generating a list of colleges

April

Sign up for May SAT’s
The ACT will be offered
Use Spring Break as College visit week
Begin brainstorming the college essay

May

The SAT Test will be offered
Sign up for June ACT or SAT
Make a verbal request to teachers for recommendation letters
Register for the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan on playing Division I or Division II sports. (See Mr. Nogueira with any questions)

June

The SAT test and ACT test are both offered
Complete student self-evaluation and parent brag sheet
Meet with the school counselor before summer break!

Senior Year

Counsel students through decision-making to create the best fit post-secondary plan

July-August

The SAT and ACT tests are offered
Visit colleges
Reduce the initial list to 8-12 balanced colleges (target, safety and dream)
Sign up for the October or November SAT or ACT
Start working on college applications
Complete the resume and college essay

September

ACT test will be offered
Attend the Senior College planning workshops
Schedule a meeting with school counselor to discuss the final list of schools
Provide all information to recommendation writers and request in SCOIR
Sign up for college visits with the admission representatives at SJHS through SCOIR
Work on applications
Make a list of application deadlines

October

Oct. 1: begin filling out the FAFSA
SAT and ACT tests will be offered
Complete the CSS profile for schools that require it for financial aid
Request SJ transcripts 10 full school days prior to the Nov. 1 - Nov. 15 deadlines
Send ACT and/or SAT scores to schools that are not “test optional”

November

Nov. 1 - Nov. 15: Submit your early action/early decision applications
SAT test will be offered
Complete and submit all applications and transcript requests for the December 1 deadline
Check with teachers to make sure they have completed your letter of recommendation

December

Begin researching scholarship opportunities
Complete and submit all applications and transcript requests for the Jan. 1 - Jan 15 deadlines

January

Finish completing all applications and request transcripts

February

Submit FAFSA and CSS profile for financial aid
Notify the School Counseling Office on college decision and scholarships (provide copies of scholarship letters)

March

end thank you notes to recommendation writers
Notify the School Counseling Office on college decision and scholarships (provide copies of scholarship letters)

April

Attend “Accepted Student” days
Notify the School Counseling Office on college decision and scholarships (provide copies of scholarship letters)

May

May 1: Send deposit to the attending college
Notify school counselor of attending college and scholarships (provide copies of scholarship letters)

June

Graduate from SJHS!

Helpful Resources

For All: An Overview of SCOIR

For All: SCOIR College Search

For All: Common App

For All: Your College Essay

For All: NCAA Overview

For Sophomores: College Planning Presentation

For Juniors: College Planning Checklist

For Seniors: Accepted...Now What?

Helpful Articles

Director of Admission Shares the Truth About College Essays

Director of Admission Shares the Truth About College Essays

The Truth About College Essays

by Rick Clark, Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech

March 11, 2022

Last week I talked to a high school senior as a favor to a friend. The student is not applying to Georgia Tech, so I was giving him general application advice.

We discussed prioritizing extra-curricular activities, such as putting the things you care about most and have the most involvement first. While an application may have 8, 10, or 30 lines for involvement, busy admission officers who speed-read this section may only get to third on the list. Make them want to keep learning about you by telling them clearly and thoroughly what’s most important to you.

Then we talked about his supplemental responses. Since I don’t work for the schools he’s applying to, I told him to research their websites, social media, and literature and pay attention to themes, key messages, and mission statements. At Tech, we focus on our motto of Progress and Service and improving the human condition.

Students applying to us will see questions along those lines or should be astute enough to find opportunities to provide connections to those concepts. Every school has these; you have to dig deeper at some places.

Insider Tip: if you can’t identify what’s essential to a school, then they haven’t done an excellent job articulating it, or they can’t differentiate themselves, or they’re just not resonating with you. Any of these is a red flag.

Tips About the College Application Essay:

Finally, we talked about his essay. I’ll be honest; the topic was trite (about learning through basketball and overcoming odds). Admittedly, I was packing for a trip at that point, so I was a bit distracted (and not being paid for this time or advice). But here’s the bottom line: the topic doesn’t matter anyway.

I’ve been reading essays for over 15 years. I’ve read for several institutions, two testing agencies, and various scholarship competitions. Conservatively, I’ve looked at more than 10,000 essays by now. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more and I know plenty of people on my staff and around the country who put that number to shame.

But as somewhat of an expert, I firmly believe there is no utterly unique topic. Sports analogy about life, failure, and triumph? Heard it. Mission trip to a third-world country, including multiple transportation modes, animal crossings, and flat tires? Check. Family drama where you displayed tremendous patience, empathy, and wisdom beyond your years? Sure.

The list goes on: brutal coach/teacher turned advocate… stuck out a horrible summer job that provided valuable lessons and renewed focus and direction … beloved grandparent who moved in, built close friendships, died, but taught a lot of valuable lessons in life and death (this one often doubles as an excuse for late app submission as well)…second verse, same as the first.

As Ecclesiastes says, “When it comes to college admission, there is nothing new under the sun” RCV (Rick Clark Version). Does that mean the essay does not matter? That you should resign yourself to mediocrity? Not at all!

I think your energy should not be spent on selecting the topic. Start writing once you figure out which question you want to answer, meaning you have something to say or are somewhat excited to respond.

How to Write a Memorable College Application Essay:

Find Your Voice

Knowing the topic won’t differentiate you; it must be something else, right? This is where your voice has to be evident. And like the list of extra-curricular activities, it must be clear in the first sentence or two. I know many readers who read the first and last paragraphs and only go back if those are compelling. Otherwise, it’s a dime a dozen, and the ratings are average.

Some schools will tell you that two separate readers evaluate every essay. Given the volume, staff sizes, and compressed timelines between application deadlines and decision release, that seems a blatant lie and, at best, an incredibly inefficient process.

Step 1: Read it aloud. There is something magical about reading out loud. As adults, we don’t do this enough. Reading aloud to kids, colleagues, or friends, we hear things differently and find room for improvement when the writing is flat. So start by voice recording your essay.

Step 2: Do it again and Listen. REALLY listen. Is there emotion in it? Does your humor come out? Can the reader feel your sadness? Does it sound like you? If you can’t tell, play it for someone you know and trust. What do they say?

Step 3: Do the Math. (What?! I was told there would be no math in the essay section.) Will your essay be noticed if 5,000 other applicants choose the same prompt and 100 choose the same topic? Does it provide specifics and descriptions of you or others, as well as the setting and moment?

Step 4: Keep it simple. Three steps are enough. Once you’ve gone through those, hit submit and move on. Sitting on your essay until deadline day will only drive you nuts. So pray over it, dance, catch a falling leaf, or whatever else you think will help, and then be done.

Your essay topic may not be entirely different or unique, but your senior year can be. Enjoy it!

Rick Clark is the Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech. In this role, he directs the Institute’s recruitment and enrollment efforts, manages the review and selection of all undergraduate applications, and leads the admission team. Under his leadership, the Institute has dramatically increased brand awareness, improved overall academic class profile, and exceeded goals for geographic, gender and ethnic diversity.

Over the last four years he has written a regular blog on the college admission process and topics regarding affordability of college. Rick is frequently quoted and referenced in national and international publications. He is the co-author of newly-released The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together (September 10).

A native of Atlanta, he earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.Ed. from Georgia State University. Prior to coming to Tech, Rick was on the admissions staff at Georgia State, The McCallie School and Wake Forest University. He and his family live in Avondale Estates, Ga.

Class of 2024 College Acceptances! (as of 1/3/24)

Adelphi University	Long Island University (Post)	Southern New Hampshire University
Albertus Magnus College	Louisiana State University	Spelman College
Alvernia University	Loyola Marymount University	Springfield College
Arcadia University	Loyola University Chicago	St. John's University
Arizona State University (Tempe)	Loyola University Maryland	Stevenson University
Assumption University	Loyola University New Orleans	Stonehill College
Auburn University	Lynn University	Stony Brook University
Barry University	Macalester College	Suffolk University
Belmont University	Manhattan College	The Ohio State University
Binghamton University	Marist College	The University of Alabama
Bob Jones University	Marywood University	Tulane University of Louisiana
Boston University	MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences	University of Arizona
Catholic University of America	McGill University	University of Bridgeport
Central Connecticut State University	Merrimack College	University of Delaware
Charleston Southern University	Miami University (Oxford)	University of Denver
Clemson University	Michigan State University	University of Georgia
Coastal Carolina University	Monmouth College	University of Hartford
College of Charleston	Monmouth University	University of Hawaii at Manoa
Curry College	Mount Saint Mary's University	University of Iowa
Duquesne University	New England College	University of Kentucky
East Carolina University	Nichols College	University of Maine
Eastern Connecticut State University	Nova Southeastern University	University of Maine at Farmington
Eastern University	Pace University (New York City)	University of Maine at Fort Kent
Eckerd College	Palm Beach Atlantic University	University of Massachusetts (Boston)
Elon University	Penn State University (Altoona)	University of Mississippi
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	Penn State University (University Park)	University of New England
Emory University	Pennsylvania College of Technology	University of New Hampshire
Endicott College	Pepperdine University	University of New Haven
Fairfield University	Plymouth State University	University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
Fairleigh Dickinson University	Providence College	University of Portland
Florida Atlantic University	Quinnipiac University	University of Rhode Island
Fordham University	Regis College	University of Saint Joseph
Franklin Pierce University	Rivier University	University of Scranton
Gannon University	Roger Williams University	University of South Carolina
High Point University	Rutgers University (Camden)	University of Southern Maine
Hofstra University	Sacred Heart University	University of St Andrews
Howard University	Saint Anselm College	University of Vermont
Husson University	Saint Joseph's College of Maine	Vermont State University
Indiana University (Bloomington)	Saint Joseph's University	Wells College
Iona University	Saint Leo University	Wentworth Institute of Technology
Johnson & Wales University	Saint Peter's University	West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Juniata College	Salve Regina University	West Virginia University
Keene State College	Samford University	Western Connecticut State University
La Salle University	San Diego State University	Western New England University
Lasell University	Sarah Lawrence College	Westfield State University
Le Moyne College	Seton Hall University	Westmont College
	Siena College	Wichita State University
	Southern Connecticut State University	Williams College
		Xavier University

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