At this point in their education, freshmen must focus on their transition into high school and developing their academic interests. Group meetings focus on the importance of grades and activities and cursory instructions on college vocabulary and research tools. An evening parent program is held in the second semester where attendees will work with college admission reps on an Admission Case Study to better learn what parts of the application are weighed more heavily.

1Q – PSAT 8/9
2Q – GPA game
3Q – Review Underclassmen College Planning
4Q – Researching Colleges
Parent Program: Case Study

In the tenth grade, more focus is placed on what students are doing outside of the classroom. Students and parents are introduced to ASH’s college counseling platform and all parties can begin research on colleges of interest. A special program is held to link activities with students’ passions in an effort for them to pursue meaningful experiences, ones that can make a difference in their community. In addition, they will complete an interest and personality inventory that gives them insight into careers they may be interested in and successful at. An evening parent program is held in the second semester where attendees will work with college admission reps on an Admission Case Study to better learn what parts of the application are weighed more heavily.

1Q – Introduction to Scoir
2Q – Linking activities with passions PSAT
3Q – Case Study
4Q – YouScience Discovery Assessment
Parent Program: Case Study

This year students start the college search process in earnest. They meet with college admission representatives on Sacred Heart’s campus and are encouraged to visit college campuses during breaks. Standardized testing is offered on campus and students deepen their involvement in activities and learn about all the documents (and non-tangibles) required to submit a strong college application. In addition to the programming below, each student will meet individually with the college counselor at least twice this year.

1Q – College Kick-Off, PSAT/NMSQT 
2Q – Career exploration 
3Q – Junior Day, ACT
4Q – SAT, College Tour, Interview Training
Parent Program: Junior College Night Summer – Optional essay writing workshops

This is the year where all tasks are completed. Letters of recommendation and essays are written, applications are completed, and resumes are finalized. Group meetings are held less frequently as more individual attention is paid to every senior to ensure that her application is as strong and insightful as possible.

1Q – Common Application Workshop 
2Q – Scholarship Searching 
3Q – Alum Panel
4Q – T-shirt Day and Lunch
Parent Programs: Parent Night, Financial Aid Workshop