College Events & Information

Helping Colleges See the Heart Behind the Transcript

IN THIS SECTION

Welcome to the College Counseling Resource Hub

Welcome to your central destination for all things related to college counseling at Saint Francis High School. We’re excited to partner with you and your student throughout this important and exciting journey. The resources below are designed to provide timely information, helpful tools, guidance, and support as you navigate the college planning process together.

Be sure to stay connected through our Counseling Events. Attending scheduled events is an important part of the college counseling experience and gives families valuable opportunities to learn, ask questions, connect with our counselors, and stay informed about what to expect at each stage of the journey. We encourage you to make these events a priority and look forward to welcoming you along the way!

 

Counseling Events
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Virtual Financial Aid Night

Tuesday, September 22
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

In partnership with other high schools throughout the Diocese, junior and senior families are invited to join us for an overview of the financial aid process. We'll explain key steps, share helpful resources and answer questions. Join through Zoom. 

 

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Junior Family College Admission Kick-Off

Sunday, September 27 
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Hosted by our Guidance & Counseling team, this event is designed for junior students and their parents/guardians as they explore postsecondary education options. Through a series of interactive workshops, participants will gain a clearer understanding of their college goals and interests while learning about the resources available to support the college search process. By the end of the event, students will be better prepared to begin identifying and researching colleges that align with their academic, personal, and career aspirations. Click here to register.  

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Virtual College Athletic Recruiting Night

Wednesday, October 7 
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.


For students interested in competing at the collegiate level, this session will explore the recruiting landscape, provide an overview of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and highlight important steps students can take as they navigate the recruiting process. Check the calendar for the Zoom link which will be available at the end of September.  

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Virtual College Admission Testing Night

Wednesday, October 21 
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.


Join us for an overview of college admission testing, including recent SAT and ACT updates, test preparation options and guidance on navigating a test-optional admissions landscape. Families will leave with practical information to help students approach testing with confidence. Click here to register.  

 
Parent Surveys

Welcome to the Parent Highlights & Insight Corner!

In continuation with our focus on social emotional learning, we want to recognize the importance of your student’s character traits and how it relates to college admissions. In recent years, college admissions offices have relayed the importance of character assessment within college admissions. (More information about the Making Caring Common Project from Harvard University can be found here.)

With this in mind, on three occasions during your student’s high school career, the Counseling Department will reach out to parents/guardians to gather information that will help your student’s counselor learn what drives your student. These short surveys will occur at the end of sophomore year, the end of junior year, and the beginning of senior year. Each survey will ask a few questions that will allow you to share anecdotes that will help your student’s counselor to better understand your student and their individual strengths and motivations.

Examples of character traits include:
  • Compassion
  • Curiosity
  • Gratitude
  • Grit
  • Growth Mindset
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Optimism in the face of adversity or challenge
  • Perspective-Taking
  • Purpose
  • Resilience  
  • Respect
  • Self Awareness
  • Selflessness
  • Self Management
  • Thoughtful Decision Making

During the senior year, counselors use the information provided from these parent responses, anecdotes from teachers/coaches, and individual meetings with students to compose a counselor recommendation letter that demonstrates your student’s unique motivations and strengths.

Class of 2027 Senior Parent Survey
College Forms

College Forms -- Class of 2027 
Newsletters

Our Guidance & College Counseling newsletters are created specifically for students, encouraging them to take ownership of their high school journey and future pathway. While written with students in mind, copies are also shared here for families to stay informed and engaged in the process. 

Senior Newsletters
Junior/Sophomore Newsletters
Presentations

The Guidance & College Counseling program at Saint Francis focuses on three core areas of work with students: academic, college/career, and personal/social. As school counselors we advocate, mediate, coordinate, consult, lead and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parent/guardian(s) to help students be successful.

The resources below are primarily focused on academic planning and college resources. Parents seeking additional resources on mental health can visit our Mental Health Resources page.

 
Sophomore Presentations 

Meet and Greet Advisory Slides - August 26

Junior Presentations
Senior Presentations

Senior College Kick-Off Slides - August 23

 

How Can We Help?

Have a question, need support, or just want to talk? Our Guidance & Counseling team is here to help—whether you’re navigating academic choices, personal challenges, or planning for the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a call, email, or visit away.

Guidance & Counseling

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