College Counseling

Your Journey Starts Here.....

St. Johns' College Counselors are passionate about partnering with every Spartan and their family throughout the entire college application and selection process to find the best college fit. There are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States alone, so there is a perfect match for everyone. Our college counseling team is dedicated to supporting and guiding you through the process. From researching colleges and universities, to applying and choosing the right one – we will be with you every step of the way. The College Counseling Office has an open door policy and is happy to meet with students at any time throughout Upper School.

Class of 2023 Fast Facts

St. Johns Roadmap to College

Grade 8

Grade 9

In the fall, freshmen meet with college counselors as a group during the first few weeks of school. This gives everyone a chance to get to know each other and introduces our Grade 9 students to the college journey ahead. Freshmen also take the PSAT. Beyond providing an idea of where a student stands on the SAT, research shows that repeat testings improve scores. St. Johns wants students to get familiar with the test, know their strengths and weaknesses, and have time to work on those before taking the test “for real” as a junior.

Parents and students are welcome to come in and sit down with college counselors at any time individually or together to discuss the college journey, expectations, and their student’s schedule.

Grade 10

Within the first few weeks of school, sophomores will meet with the College Counseling Office to get started on their college planning year ahead. Sophomores take the PSAT each fall for practice and to identify strengths and weaknesses, and will sit down individually with college counselors each winter to discuss their junior year schedules.

Starting in the spring, sophomores meet with college counselors in small groups to discuss the college counseling process and set up their accounts in SCOIR, St. Johns’ college prep software. Students will take the practice SAT and ACT and will work with College Counselors to complete and analyze the results of a career and personality assessment. Parents are invited to meet with college counselors at any time to discuss the college journey, expectations, and their student’s schedule.

Grade 11

Within the first few weeks of school, juniors begin weekly class meetings with the College Counseling Office to get started on their college planning year ahead. Juniors take the PSAT in the fall and practice for the ACT and SAT throughout the first semester. Students schedule to take the SAT and ACT in the winter of their junior year. All juniors participate in a career shadowing project.

Starting in the spring, juniors begin 1:1 meetings with their assigned college counselor. Parents are encouraged to come in and visit as well. Discussions include the college journey, expectations, and their student’s schedule. Students will begin researching colleges, updating their resume and planning college visits. Juniors will also ask for teacher letter of recommendations and will register for AP and/or subject tests as needed.

Grade 12

Within the first few weeks of school, seniors finalize their college lists and update their resumes. Students begin the college application process with their counselor's support and guidance. College Counselors will assist in outlining and reviewing all college essays. Students will continue to take the ACT and/or SAT as needed. Seniors will submit their college applications under the guidance of their counselor. Assistance with financial aid applications will be provided to both students and families as requested.

In the spring, seniors will begin receiving college acceptances and letters of financial aid awards. With their families, seniors along with guidance from their counselor, will discuss acceptances and begin choosing their next school. When applicable, seniors register for AP and/or subject tests.

OFF TO COLLEGE!