College Counseling

Counseling
The Counseling department at Saint Francis School provides services for academic guidance, personal/social growth, and college and career planning.

Academic Advising Counselors partner with teachers in monitoring academic progress throughout the school year. They meet with each student in their assigned division at least twice a year to review their academic plan and their personal and academic goals.

Guidance Classes
Students meet with their counselor in small classroom settings once a cycle throughout the school year. Following the guidelines for the American School Counselor Association, counselors engage students in age appropriate activities aimed to help ”prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s adults.”

Topics addressing the personal and social development include Safety, Healthy Relationships, Substance Abuse, and Bullying. Academic development includes a review of annual Standardized Testing results and study tools available through the testing program. Students also participate in career exploration through classroom activities and online resources.

College Counseling Calendar:
Senior Parent Night - September

• An important evening for all senior and their parents.
• College admissions and application process
• Review senior calendar (important dates and events)
• Information for Ordering Cap, gown, tassel set
• Ask questions; refreshments will be served

College Financial Aid Night - December
Seniors and their parents are invited to a presentation that will provide information and tips on applying for financial aid and scholarships for college. Our guest presenter from The Pacific Financial Aid Association will address the following questions and more!

• What is the difference between financial aid and scholarship monies?
• What types of loans and federal funding are available and to whom?
• What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aida (FAFSA), and do I need to complete one?
• What are some pointers for filling out the FAFSA?

Testing
ASVAB (Grade 12)
The ASVAB Career Exploration test is administered to seniors in October. This career exploration program is designed to help seniors identify their strengths and interests as they explore the ’world of work’ and decisions about college.

PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 9-11)
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in October. This test measures critical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and writing abilities generally associated with academic performance in college. Test scores can be used to estimate performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and are considered when making decisions for student advancement to AP courses.

The PSAT/NMSQT is also the route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

SAT & ACT (Grades 11-12)
The SAT and ACT are administered throughout the school year at specified test centers. Most colleges and universities require submission of SAT or ACT scores as part of their admissions. Students must register in advance. Online registration is recommended.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A student whose first language is not English is required to take the TOEFL. This test measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.
www.ets.org/toefl