Guidance Office

Seniors - College Boot Camp

College Planning Guide - Grades 9-11

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The Guidance Counseling Program

The Guidance Department at Saint John Vianney High School provides a variety of services in the areas of personal, academic, career, and college counseling. Our comprehensive counseling program includes such highlights as: college planning all four years, academic advising, schedule planning, standardized test preparation, annual parent information meetings, and individual student appointments for each grade level. All grade 9 students will work with our freshman counselor and transition to an assigned counselor by last name for the remaining three years. The guidance staff is here to assist, encourage, challenge, and support students as they set goals and make decisions that yield both personal and college-bound benefits. Above all, the mission of the Guidance Department is to guide all students as they develop the talents and gifts that God has given them.

Preparation for life beyond SJV

College admission focuses on academic and extracurricular achievement in grades nine through 12. Knowing the importance of this, students are guided beginning in grade nine. As freshmen, students are encouraged to set goals, develop study habits, practice time management skills, get involved in clubs, sports, and activities, give back through community service, and begin test preparation with the PSAT 8/9.

By grade 10, students should be aware of the importance of course selection, academic success, and extracurricular commitment. Students will continue to build upon their achievements and are encouraged to take the PSAT and Pre-ACT in preparation for the SAT and ACT that are offered in school to all sophomores and juniors. Parents and students will attend a Sophomore College Night to kick off the college planning process.

With an emphasis on grades 10 and 11, students should continue to choose courses in which they will be both challenged and successful. SJV offers honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment courses as part of the college prep curriculum. Students are encouraged to take the PSAT/NMSQT in grade 11 for National Merit Scholarship qualification. In addition to the SAT and ACT, students may also want to take SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate ability in a particular subject. Guidance Counselors meet one-on-one with every junior student and parent to guide them through the college admissions process.

Seniors attend a Student/Parent College Night to kick off the application season. Guidance counselors continue to work closely with seniors one-on-one to hone college lists, plan college visits and provide support to enable students to submit all application materials in a timely manner. The Guidance Staff also hosts a Financial Aid and Scholarship Night and assists students with scholarship applications.

Each year, approximately 100 college representatives visit Saint John Vianney High School to meet with students in all grades. College representatives conduct presentations, participate in mini-fairs and schedule Instant Decision opportunities for seniors to apply on the spot and receive an admissions decision.

The Guidance Staff Members