College Readiness

Central Catholic’s Guidance and Counseling Department is committed to promoting the “College Journey.” The following activities are designed to offer comprehensive assistance to students as they pursue their individual career path.
Freshmen Year
 
  • PSAT Exam—Information will be presented in our Fall briefing, which will include an orientation and preparation for the exam.
  • Personality Profiler—Counseling will assist students in the classroom when conducting this assessment in the Spring.
  • College Investigation—Information presented in the classroom in Spring.
  • Holistic Review—What every student should know about succeeding in high school (GPA, Rank, Extracurricular Activities, Internships/Volunteerism)—Information presented at Freshman Night Meeting in the Fall.
 
Sophomore Year
 
  • PSAT Exam—Information will be presented by the Sophomore teachers, which will include preparation for the exam.
  • Career Interest Profiler—Counseling will assist students in the classroom when conducting this assessment in the Spring.
  • Identify Individualized Career Clusters—Students will conduct personal research based on earlier presentations, along with counseling assistance.
  • Focused College Searches—Students will conduct personal research and create a list of college majors that matches his interests and abilities, along with counseling assistance.
  • Local College Visits/College Fairs—Students are encouraged to attend local college fairs in the fall.
    Continue Holistic Review—Information presented in the classroom in Spring.
  • Resume - begin your resume building in the spring, Include items from 9th - current.
Junior Year
 
  • PSAT Exam (Fall semester); SAT/ACT Exam (Spring semester) —Information will be presented by the Junior teachers, which will include preparation for the exam.
  • Refine Career Cluster/Career Selection—Students will conduct personal research based on earlier presentations, along with counseling assistance.
  • Compose College List—Students will refine list of majors and create a list of colleges that match his academic profile, along with counseling assistance.
  • Contact Colleges—Students can request a person college visit. 
  • College Visits— Visit colleges/universities in -state and out-of-state. Touring a campus is helpful in deciding where to apply. Attend college visits.
  • Resume— Continue to add to your resume in the spring. 
  • Essay - Begin your college essay this spring.
 
Senior Year
 
  • SAT/ACT Exam (Early Fall semester)
  • College Admissions Process—Information will be presented in Fall Senior Night Presentation.
  • College Applications
  • FAFSA- financial aid for college
  • Scholarship/Grant Search
  • Transcripts/ Recommendations
COLLEGE VISIT FORM
If your son is a junior or senior and is beginning the search for the university of his choice, he will likely be visiting various campuses around the country. Prior to his schedule college visit, he will need to print and complete the permission form and submit it to his counselor 2 days prior to the visit for approval.
Senior Year Mini Checklist:
1. Start your Applications
  • Research your schools of choice in the Naviance program.
  • Know the application deadlines for the colleges and universities you plan to send an application to.
  • Begin the Common Application online www.commonapp.org as soon as possible.
  • Fine tune your college essay(s). Have College counselor or other teacher read it.
 
2. Request Recommendations
  • Request letters of recommendation from teachers in person and in writing at least two weeks before the due dates. 
 
3. College Visits - in person or online
  • Counselors will be sending out information about college fairs, college visits, scholarship opportunities, and senior events. Make sure to check your emails and google classroom frequently. 
 
4. Stay connected
  • Make sure to follow the colleges or universities that you are interested in attending. Sign up for updates so you don't miss deadlines. Attend an in person tour. 
  • Contact your counselor if you have questions about the college process. But, make sure you check your selected college first for deadlines and answers to your questions, they are the expert.
 
5. Apply for scholarships
  • Check google classroom and Recommended Resources page of Guidance and Counseling for scholarship opportunities.