College Counseling
Our Commitment to Families
The College Counseling Office believes there is no one-size-fits-all path after Central Catholic. Through classroom sessions, individual meetings, college fairs, and consistent communication, we partner with families to ensure students feel supported, confident, and prepared.
9th Grade – Building the Foundation
What parents can expect:
- Introduction to the college counseling process and long-term planning
- Emphasis on strong academic habits and course selection
- Guidance on involvement in activities, athletics, service, and leadership
- Early conversations about interests and strengths
- Opportunities to attend college fairs hosted at Central
Parent takeaway: Grades matter from the start, but this year is about adjustment, confidence, and healthy involvement.
10th Grade – Awareness & Direction
What parents can expect:
- Review of academic progress and course rigor
- Explanation of how colleges evaluate transcripts and activities
- Introduction to SAT and ACT testing (what they are and when to consider them)
- Guidance on summer programs and enrichment opportunities
- Continued access to college fairs and visiting college representatives
Parent takeaway: Sophomore year helps students begin thinking intentionally about the future while staying focused on academics.
11th Grade – Planning Year (A Key Year)
What parents can expect:
- Essay preparation begins
- Brainstorming and early drafts of the personal statement
- Focus on authentic student voice and storytelling
- Individual Junior Family Meetings
- One-on-one meetings with the student and family
- Discussion of college, military, or trade school options
- Development of a personalized after–high school plan
- College research and creation of a balanced list
- Guidance on teacher recommendations
- SAT/ACT planning, registration support, and testing strategy
- Introduction to scholarships and financial planning conversations
- College fairs and campus visit guidance
Parent takeaway: Students finish junior year with a clear plan, strong essay foundation, and reduced senior-year stress.
12th Grade – Application & Decision Support
What parents can expect:
- Applications completed with guidance
- Common App and individual college applications
- Clear timelines and deadline management (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision)
- Final editing and polishing of essays
- Regular individual check-ins with students
- Scholarship assistance
- Help finding and applying for merit- and need-based scholarships
- School-specific and outside scholarship guidance
- Financial aid support, including FAFSA-related guidance
- Assistance with final decisions and next steps after graduation
Parent takeaway: Families are supported step-by-step through applications, scholarships, and final decisions.
SAT / ACT Support
- Explanation of the differences between the SAT and ACT
- Guidance on whether testing is recommended for each student
- Help with registration and testing timelines
- Recommendations for preparation resources
- Updates on test-required vs. test-optional colleges
Military Academies & ROTC
- Individual guidance for students applying to:
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Support with nominations, applications, interviews, and timelines
- ROTC scholarship advising and application support
Trade Schools & Alternative Pathways
- Guidance for students pursuing:
- Trade and technical schools
- Apprenticeships
- Certification programs or direct workforce entry
- Support with applications, timelines, and financial considerations
- Emphasis on identifying the right-fit path for each student
