School & College Counseling

St. Mary’s has a dedicated and experienced team of school and college counselors to provide services to all of our students in their academic, personal and career development through comprehensive counseling services.

College Counseling

Introduction to the Guidance Department begins freshmen year with a focus on students' college-preparatory classes and ensuring our grade nine students have the tools they need to achieve.

As our students progress through sophomore year, we provide assistance with course selection, academic achievement and encourage our students to participate beyond the classroom.

Junior year focuses on preparing our students for the college application process, including testing, essay and resume writing and continuing to focus on academic achievements through their school curriculum.

Senior year all efforts are geared toward the college application and acceptance process. This is the most exciting and important time for all St. Mary’s students. Students are encouraged to meet with their counselor as often as needed.

See St. Mary's College and Career Readiness Timeline below for more information on the steps that are laid out for our high school students.

St. Mary's College and Career Readiness Timeline

Freshmen Year

Meet with your school counselor
Create a schedule to manage your time
Set short- and long-term goals
Take classes that interest and challenge you
Join a new club or sport
Take the PSAT in October
Find somewhere to volunteer in the community
Job shadow a career that you are curious about
Attend a college fair in your area or look into virtual college fairs
Figure out how and where you study best
Attend after-school study sessions in the Academic Center or with your teacher
Begin your Naviance journey, researching post-secondary options
Start building a resume
Explore summer job opportunities
Attend family nights related to college and career readiness, mental health, and/or academic support
Determine course selection

Sophomore Year

Meet with your school counselor
Create a schedule to manage your time
Review and update your academic, career, and post-secondary goals
Think about where you see yourself after high school and begin to explore that path
Research potential colleges and review their average GPA and test scores
Take the PSAT in October
Attend a college fair in your area or look into virtual college fairs
Solidify your productive study habits
Take personality and career assessments to explore your strengths and weaknesses
Continue volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities
Take on leadership roles within your school and community
Continue Naviance tasks, including building your resume
Explore job opportunities
Attend family nights related to college and career readiness, mental health, and/or academic support
Determine course selection

Junior Year

Meet with your school counselor
Create a schedule to manage your time
Continue Naviance tasks, including the exploration of careers
Research college majors related to career interests
Start looking for colleges that have your desired major; plus, consider other factors that are important to you
Take the PSAT in October (this can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships) and the SAT in the spring
Attend college fairs, virtual visits
Meet with college admissions reps who visit your school (spring)
Attend financial aid workshops/college nights hosted by your school
Understand and have conversations around money for college
Continue volunteering, participating in extracurriculars, taking leadership opportunities, working, resume building
Participate in practice interviews
Shadow people in careers of interest
Determine course selection
Workshop and Finalize your College Essay
Enroll in on-campus college visits (continued demonstrated interest)
Explore internship opportunities
Explore summer programs at colleges in which you are interested
Attend summer college application boot camp at SMH
Set up Common App account and match with Naviance account (summer junior/fall senior)

Senior Year

Meet with your school counselor
Complete FERPA Release
Meet with college admissions reps who visit your school (fall)
Complete Brag Sheet (for recommendations)
Create a schedule to manage your time
Meet with college admissions reps who visit your school (fall)
Take the Fall SAT
Set up your Common App account
Attend school-based meetings related to the post-secondary process and options
Narrow down your list of colleges to which you would like to apply
Understand Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision for college applications
Work with your counselor if you prefer military or Career/Technical Education
Begin applying to colleges
Stay organized with your deadlines and understand the requirements for each college
Explore internship opportunities
Visit the campuses of colleges to which you applied if you have not done so already
Schedule an interview with an admissions rep
Seek letters of recommendation; send thank you notes to those who wrote on your behalf
Fill out the FAFSA (and possibly CSS Profile)
Decide whether to send test scores for test-optional schools
Apply for scholarships
Make a college decision and secure your spot by paying your deposit (usually by May 1)
School counselors will be sending your transcripts (at time of application and at year-end)
CELEBRATE!

Students & Families Support Center

The St. Mary's counseling department has partnered with Cartwheel, a virtual mental health resource for students and families. Cartwheel offers individual therapy and parent guidance models, as well as group and family therapy programs. The turnaround time for Cartwheel is 1-2 weeks from the time of referral to the first appointment. Cartwheel partners with schools and families to build success plans for each individual student, so they can better navigate their mental health challenges.

Learn more about Cartwheel here and reach out to your student's school counselor if you are interested in Cartwheel supports for your student.