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College & School Counseling

College Counseling

Our Philosophy and Goals

The Albertus Magnus Counselors works collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers, to provide informed guidance to our students as they explore options beyond graduation. We encourage a reflective approach, one that cultivates the self-knowledge they need to take ownership and make informed choices about their future.
 
While many of our students go on to attend selective colleges and universities, we believe that it is most important for every student to find colleges and universities that "fit" them, institutions where they are most likely to have room to grow and to meet their full potential, academically and personally. We encourage all students to approach the college search as a learning process, one of discovery, with the goal of enrolling at a school where they will thrive.
 
Done right, the college search and application process begins with self-assessment and the development of a list of colleges that is balanced and well-researched.
 

Timeline of College Process

Freshmen Year

Beginning freshman year students are encouraged to work toward achieving the best academic record possible as well as becoming part of the rich non-academic life at Albertus. The counselors help students to establish both their academic programs and their personal goals. All freshmen take the PSAT 9 in the Spring.

List of 4 items.

  • Fall

    • Participate in Extracurricular Activities
    • Meet with Counselors and Complete Naviance Activities
    • Introduction to the School’s academic and personal/social supports
    • Become Familiar with Graduation Requirements

  • Winter

    • Attend Individual Freshman Conference with Your Counselor
    • Review Grades, Activities, Community Service

  • Spring

    • Create A Resume to record school achievements, activities, and awards
    • Explore Career Interests and Resources on the Counseling Website
    • Research Summer Opportunities in Areas of Interest
    • Meet with Counselor to Discuss and Review Course Selection for Sophomore Year

  • Summer

    • Participate in Volunteering, Job, or Enrichment Programs
    • Improve Reading Skills by Visiting Your Local Library and Checking Out Books

Sophomore Year

During sophomore year students are asked not to focus on specific colleges, but to continue to build academic and personal profiles that may be assessed and matched with appropriate schools in junior year. Course planning meetings take place in the spring. Students are encouraged to meet with college representatives during college tables. Students explore their personalities through the personality inventory in Naviance. All sophomores take the PSAT 10 in the Spring.

List of 4 items.

  • Fall

    • All Students Take the PSAT 10
    • Parents Attend “Sophomore Parent Night” Meeting

  • Winter

    • Explore Naviance Family Connection and Research Careers and Colleges
    • Focus on Developing Reading and Writing Skills
    • Course Planning for Junior Year

  • Spring

    • Participate in 10th Grade Counseling Session and Take Personality and Learning Style Assessments in Naviance
    • Research Career Path
    • Visit Colleges of Interest during vacation days

  • Summer

    • Participate in Volunteering, Job, or Enrichment Programs

Junior Year

Juniors take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), in preparation for the SAT. Counselors meet with students and parents to further discuss the college search and create a working list. These meetings are designed to empower students with information so that they can take ownership of the process. Students complete personal inventories, create resumes, and research majors and careers.

List of 4 items.

  • Fall

    • Attend Financial Aid Night
    • Take PSAT/NMSQT and Become Aware of SAT and ACT Deadlines
    • Meet with Counselor
    • Create Test Plan for SAT, ACT, and AP Exams
    • Participate in Shadowing/Internship Experiences
    • Discuss Post-Secondary Options with Family
    • Register to Meet with College Representatives at School
    • Visit Colleges of Interest

  • Winter

    • Students and Parents Participate in Individual 11th Grade Conference with Counselor
    • In Counseling Session, Discuss “Gap Year” and Alternatives to Four Year College
    • Review the Post-Secondary Search Process Via Naviance
    • Register for AP Tests and Prepare for Standardized Tests
    • Take SAT, ACT, SAT Subjects, and AP Exams in Early Spring
    • Visit Colleges of Interest During

  • Spring

    • Maintain Strong Grades and Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer
    • Prepare Class Selections for Senior Year
    • Attend Career Day and Explore Career Interests
    • Research Scholarships
    • Meet with College Representatives and Attend Main Line Regional College Fair
    • Request Letters of Recommendation if needed
    • Take AP Exams
    • Visit Colleges of Interest

  • Summer

    • Review Financial Aid Information and Resources
    • Develop A List of Six to Nine Colleges in the Following Categories – Reach, Target, and Safety
    • Decide on Applying Early or Waiting
    • Participate in Volunteering, Working, or Summer Enrichment
    • Register for July ACT and August SAT

Senior Year

Individual meetings with counselors continue to aid the students in preparing a final list and address other concerns about college. Parents are welcome to schedule an appointment at any time as well. Students receive a high degree of personal attention as the application and admissions process unfolds. Teachers are available for evaluation of college essays and letters of recommendation. Each student is encouraged to seek help from faculty when developing and refining their college application essay. In the spring, the staff will help students review their college acceptance list in order to make a final decision.

List of 4 items.

  • Fall

    • Parents Attend College Process and Financial Aid Night
    • Finalize College List and Recommendation Letters
    • Individual Senior Conference with Counselor to Review Naviance and College Application Process
    • Parents Complete FAFSA Forms Online
    • If Needed Take SAT and ACTS
    • Meet with College Representatives at College tables/College visits. Attend Local College Fairs

  • Winter

    • Research and Follow Up on Scholarships
    • Decide on Early Acceptance
    • Follow Up on Submitted Applications
    • Upon Request of the Colleges, Submit Mid-Year Grades
    • Monitor Grades and Graduation Requirements Throughout the Year

  • Spring

    • Parents and Students Compare Financial Aid Packages and Reach Out to Each College’s Financial Aid Office If Additional Resources Are Needed
    • Check Your Email/Portal for Acceptance Letters and FAFSA Acknowledgments
    • Make College Acceptance Decision by May 1st
    • Update Naviance/Family Connection with Application Statuses (Accepted/Declined/Attending)

  • Pre-Graduation/Summer

    • Decide on Housing and Meal Plan Options
    • Prepare A Checklist of Essential Items Needed for the College Move
    • Identify Personal Needs and Locate College and Community Resources
    • Counselors to Advise Parents of Students with 504 to Contact College’s Academic Resource Center for Disability Services
    • Find Out Who Your College Advisor Is
 

Resources

Albertus Magnus High School
798 Route 304
Bardonia, NY 10954
(845) 623-8842
Fax: (845) 623-0009
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