College Guidance Resources

Graduates that are standing together with family in their gowns during commencement

As college admissions becomes increasingly competitive, it becomes vital that students capably navigate the process of researching and applying to post-secondary institutions. The guidance counselors at Salesian College Preparatory are specialists at helping students on their journey. Our Guidance Counseling program includes:

One-to-one counseling
College resources
Naviance Connection
Campus visits by colleges and universities
Career days and nights
College essay preparation
College application assistance
Financial aid information

Guidance counselors schedule individual appointments for seniors during September and October to assist with the college application process. They arm students with information, suggest college options, and act as cheerleaders throughout the process. While few students know exactly what they want to be when they grow up, our counselors help students identify strengths and weaknesses to assess which universities might be a good fit.

They also provide seniors with feedback on college applications and personal essays, to ensure that Salesian candidates stand out in the applicant pool. The final step is evaluating acceptances – helping students understand their choices and providing counsel about schools that align with their particular interests and abilities.

Academic counselors also schedule individual appointments with freshmen, sophomores and juniors to discuss their academic progress and college plans. All students are welcome to visit the Guidance Department for additional help during break, lunch and after school.

Perhaps most importantly, Salesian college guidance counselors respect the worth and dignity of each student. They encourage each young scholar to strive to reach their potential. Our counselors work cooperatively with students and their families to support academic and emotional growth.

Resources

College Guidance Resources

Summer Opportunities

Graduation Requirements

Financial Aid

Student Planning Guide

Transcripts

Naviance

Course Catalog

College Applications

Please take note that for all college applications:

UC has a filing period from November 1 until November 30^th.
CSU has a “priority filing period” of October 1 until November 30^th.
Private and out-of-state universities have different deadlines. Check the application carefully and apply on time.
UC requires personal insight questions. Be sure to have someone else proofread your responses.

Many private universities require a personal essay and letter of recommendation. Ask a teacher and/or counselor to write a recommendation. Give them at least two weeks notice to complete the letter. Complete a “Senior Questionnaire” to provide the writer more detailed information about you. The Senior Questionnaire is available in the Guidance Office.

Salesian College Preparatory CEEB code: 052-637

College Resource Websites

College Entrance Testing

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (11^th and 12^th Grade) and American College Tests (ACT) (11^th and 12^th Grade) - The UCs and CSUs no longer use these tests for admissions purposes. Almost all private universities are currently "test optional," meaning it may or may not be in the student's best interest to send in an exam score. The Guidance Department will counsel students individually and help them determine whether or not they should sign up for or send scores in from standardized testing. For additional questions about the SAT and/or ACT test, contact Guidance Director Mr. Stevens, jstevens@salesian.com.
Register online at http://www.sat.org/register or http://www.actstudent.org/
Students should register early for tests as they will have a better chance of getting their first choice of test center (Salesian College Preparatory is not a test center).
All testing should be completed no later December of senior year.
Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- College Board SAT: https://www.collegeboard.com/
- ACT: https://www.actstudent.org/

Letters of Recommendation

Senior Students: Please complete the Student "Brag" Sheet prior to asking your teacher or counselor for a Letter of Recommendation. If you have a specific form that must be completed, be sure to fill out the top portion entirely and sign your name if required. Your recommendation may not be completed in time if you do not fill out your portion of the form.

Senior Brag Sheet

Timeline for College Admissions

Career Exploration

Students complete a career interest and skills survey with their academic counselor during an individual meeting in the sophomore year. The surveys are saved in the student's Naviance account for future reference. Students can access their Naviance account from home to update their career and college ideas.