Nolan Catholic College Counseling
Class of 2024 - December 2022
STUDENT TO DO LIST - February 2023
- Forecast for Senior Year Classes - Guidance Counselors will be presenting Senior year course options in Junior English classes on February 14 & 16. Remember colleges take rigor of schedule into consideration and Senior year courses will be reported on your transcript that will be sent to colleges.
- Keep your grades up! Junior year grades are usually the last set of grades that colleges will consider for college admissions (but colleges will see the classes you are taking your Senior year!).
- SAT and/or ACT? Many colleges are not requiring test scores. See a list of test optional schools HERE.
- SAT School Day at Nolan Catholic, Wednesday, April 12. All Juniors will take the SAT on Wed, April 12 from 8am to noon. See below for information.
- Practice for the SAT or the ACT. See below for test prep suggestions.
- Use Naviance Student to begin researching careers, colleges, majors and minors (see below for more info and instructions).
PARENT TO DO LIST - Feb 2023
- Complete a NetPrice Calculator for every school your student is interested in applying to. See below for instructions.
- Talk to your student! Have conversations about goals, expectations, budget, location, and all things college related. 9 Conversations to Have With a Future College Student - HERE
- .Explore Naviance Student, a comprehensive website that students and parents can use to research colleges and careers. Work together with your student to explore the following:
- Get involved in the planning and advising process -- build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage college application timelines and deadlines.
- Research colleges – compare GPA and standardized test scores of Nolan Catholic students who have applied and been admitted in the past.
- Research careers – research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments.
JUNIOR YEAR COLLEGE COUNSELING TIMELINE
NOVEMBER 2022
- Kick off to College Counseling - presentation is attached.
FEBRUARY 14 & 16, 2023
- Classroom Presentation on course selections for senior year.
February & MARCH 2023
- Individual Meetings
- Classroom Presentation - Explore career and college options!
APRIL - MAY 2023
- College Planning Night - April 13 5:30-7:30pm, Nolan Catholic High School Library. See information below.
- Classroom Presentation - The nuts and bolts of applying to college: what to do now and over the summer to prepare to apply to college.
COLLEGE APPLICATION -- GET PREPARED TO APPLY
COLLEGE EVENTS
1. Catholic Colleges and Universities - provided by the Christian Connector
The Christian Connector is a "one-stop-shop" for receiving free information from Catholic colleges and universities.
- Complete our free Catholic College request form and you will be automatically entered in a $2,000 Catholic College Scholarship drawing.
2. Real Talk: HBCU Edition, Presented by CollegeBoard
A two-night event exploring and comparing HBCU colleges, advice on how to make your application stand out, special scholarships information, and questions answered in real time.
REGISTER HERE
- Night 1 - Wednesday, March 1, at 6pm, featuring:
- Dillard University
- Fayetteville State University
- Florida A&M University
- Morgan State University
- Tuskegee University
- Night 2 - Thursday, March 2, 6pm, featuring:
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Morehouse College
- Norfolk State University
- Tennessee State University
- Texas Southern University
3. College Planning Night At Nolan Catholic
Thursday, April 13, 2023
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Nolan Catholic High School Library
Parents and Students are Invited
College representatives and guests will present on the following topics:
- The College Application - How to make your application stand out, Presented by Lizette Green, Associate Director of Admission, Texas Christian University.
- The College Essay - What should I write about? Presented by Natalie Williams, Admission Counselor, University of Dallas.
- Choosing a Catholic College - TBD
- Applying to Military Academies, Presented by George Salerno, Academy Admissions Representative.
- Paying for College, Presented by James Breen, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor.
SAT Testing Information
SAT School Day at Nolan Catholic
- Wednesday April 12th 8am
- Nolan Catholic High School
- All Juniors will take the test
- Do not register for the test via CollegeBoard.
- The exam fee is $52 and will be charged to each student's FACTS account.
- If you have alternate testing plans this spring and would like to opt-out of the SAT School DAy test on 4/12/23, please email Mr. Faller (rfaller@nchstx.org).
How to register for the SAT...(other than the April 12th SAT at NCHS)
It's a good idea to plan ahead—and get comfy—before you start!
- Determine which administration you plan to take. See the full SAT schedule.
- Sign in to your free College Board account. Do not create a new account if you already have one! Your parent or counselor can't register for you.
- Provide your full, legal name and other identifying information. Make sure it’s the exact same name and information shown on your photo ID.
- Decide if you want to answer other questions about yourself. This takes time, but it’s worth it if you want colleges and scholarship organizations to find you. Learn why you should opt in to Student Search Service®.
- Explore test center locations and dates for when you can take the SAT.
- Upload a photo that meets very specific photo requirements.
- Check out, and print your admission ticket.
Note: Online SAT registration can take up to 30 minutes to complete, but you can start your registration process and come back to finish it later.
ACT Testing Information
How to register for the ACT....
It will take you about 30 minutes to register! You will need:
- Computer with internet
- Credit card or other payment
- High School course details
- Headshot photo
REGISTER HERE
TEST OPTIONAL
Test Prep Options
College Prep Genius Test Prep for the SAT School Day on April 12
- 8 week Course (15 lessons)
- Beginning on Tuesday, 2/14/23
- Before and After school sessions
- FEE: $395 ($26.33/lesson) for new enrollees and $195 ($13/lesson) for those who took the course in the summer or fall and who need to brush up on skills.
- Register HERE
Khan Academy is a FREE Test Prep Option
Khan Academy is a great FREE test prep resource. It provides:
- Personalized practice just for you! Khan creates a tailored practice plan for you based on your PSAT/NMSQT scores or a diagnostic test.
- Provides 8 full-length, real practice tests and content created in partnership with CollegeBoard.
- It's interactive and has thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints plus study and test-taking tips and strategies
- Gives you instant feedback and progress so you know where you stand!
Students can link their CollegeBoard PSAT scores and Khan Academy accounts. Follow these steps (or see the video and pdf instructions below):
- Go to satpractice.org. Create an account on Khan Academy or sign in to your existing account.
- When prompted, agree to link your Khan Academy and College Board accounts.
- Send your scores.
ACT Test Preparation
- The Official ACT Live Online Class, Powered by Kaplan - A team of top-rated teachers show students what to study and how to study during a series of engaging live classes. Get all of your questions answered in real time. Learn more about ACT Live Online.
- The Official ACT Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan - Learn anywhere, anytime with on-demand tutorials. These bite-sized lessons offer the perfect mix of structure and flexibility. Learn more about ACT Self-Paced Course.
- The Official ACT Tutoring, Powered by Kaplan - Learn test content and test-day strategies in individual tutoring sessions led by an expert from Kaplan, who will adapt to your needs in real time, answer your questions, and provide you with personalized recommendations. Learn more about ACT Tutoring.
- The Official ACT Prep Guide 2021-2022 Edition - Practice with real ACT tests so you know what to expect on test day. Now with 6 official practice tests and 400 new digital flashcards, you can familiarize yourself with the test format and review explanations for all your answers. Learn more about the Prep Guide.
NAVIANCE STUDENT
Start Your College Search Now!
In November, Guidance Counselors met with all Juniors in their Theology classes. We discussed:
- Goal Setting
- Career Assessment
- College Searches
See below for a pdf of our presentation.
Naviance Student is a comprehensive website that students and parents can use to:
- Build a resume
- Research colleges
- Research careers
- Manage college applications including timelines and required materials.
- Students -- email Mrs. Martin, nmartin@nchstx.org if you need your password reset.
- Parents - email Mrs. Martin to register for an account.
FINANCIAL AID & COLLEGE COST
Financial Aid 101, University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame has a reputation for academic excellence and is also committed to need-blind admission and to meeting 100 percent of financial need.
Wondering what these statements really mean? Click to learn more.
Estimate Your Cost - HERE
Net Price Calculators - How much will a college really cost?
Search for Net Price Calculators on each college's financial aid page or search HERE
What is a Net Price Calculator?
Net price calculators are available on a college or university’s website and allow prospective
students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to
attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.
What does Net Price mean?
Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year
AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are
forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.
Complete a NETPRICE CALCULATOR for each school on your list! Students and parents will
need to work together to provide the required information.
COLLEGE NEWS
Summer Programs
University of Dallas Summer Programs
Arete: An Introduction to the Classics: Students will enroll in an intensive two-week college experience as residents on UD’s Irving campus. By studying important classical texts, students will develop indispensable reading and writing skills for advancing their college aspirations and will earn three hours of college credit. The university looks forward to holding the program in summer 2023.
College Citizens, Seeking Wisdom, Truth, and Virtue: Building First-Generation College Citizens: Students will engage in a rigorous two weeks of in-depth reading, writing, and discussion about some of the most fundamental topics in our society: What is citizenship? What does it mean to pursue truth or seek a virtuous life? What is our responsibility to the members of our community?
Summer Art Academy: The Summer Art Academy on the University of Dallas campus in Irving, Texas, is an opportunity for art students to immerse themselves in the language and techniques of art making, expanding their abilities and developing their artistic potential.
Summer Music Academy: Set on the University of Dallas campus in Irving, Texas, the Summer Music Academy is an opportunity for string, piano and vocal students to immerse themselves in the language of music, expanding their musical abilities and developing their artistic potential.
University of Notre Dame Pre-College Programs
University of Notre Dame Summer Scholars participants spend two intensive weeks on Notre Dame's campus taking a challenging college-level course taught by Notre Dame faculty. The coursework is a true preview of college academics—it is both rigorous and rewarding, and students earn one transferable college credit upon the completion of a program track.
- Session 1: June 10-24, 2023
- Session 2: July 1-15, 2023
- See a complete list of course offerings HERE
- Program Date: July 17-28
- See a complete list of course offerings HERE
Other Summer Programs
- Boston University Summer Journalism Academy: Boston University presents a hands-on experience for high school students interested in journalism, writing or photography.
- The Witherspoon Institute, Moral Life and Classical Tradition: The Moral Life and the Classical Tradition Seminar is a week-long program for rising high school juniors and seniors as well as rising college freshmen interested in the ancient philosophical tradition and its influence in the Christian moral life.
- SAME, STEM Engineering and Construction Camps: Campers gain a sense of what it takes to become a STEM professional and what options exist to explore that interest from high school to college and beyond. Each camp has a unique curriculum that features hands-on activities that are conducted in competitive environments that promote teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem solving.
- TCU Fine Arts Camps: Percussion, band, flute, saxophone, harp, choir, etc.
- TCU - Neeley School of Business: The deadline for applications is April 21st, 2023.
High School Students Experience College Life and Business Careers Through a Variety of TCU Neeley Summer Bridge Programs in Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics and Supply Chain
- UTA Youth Programs: STEM Academy, Honors Academy, Trio Pre-College Programs, Athletic Summer Camps.
- High School Zoo Camp: Campers get special behind-the-scenes access themed for each day of the week. Register your camper for individual days, or a week! From mammals and ectotherms to veterinary and nutrition, each session allows campers to focus on their areas of interest as they get up close to their favorite Zoo residents.
- USC Summer Programs - HERE
Many of these may only be applicable to seniors but it's good to plan ahead and be prepared to apply next year.
Scholarship search engines
- Texas Scholarship List - Stand Out College Prep
- Access Scholarships
Scholarships Awarded By A College Or University
Most Colleges award admitted applicants automatic scholarships. The criteria for these scholarships are as varied as the school's themselves. Many of these scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission and are based on the student's admissions application. So, there is nothing else for you to do -- except make sure your application for admission is strong!
Check the Financial Aid and Scholarship webpages of each college you're applying to! Are there any additional applications needed (besides the admissions application)? Are there any scholarships that fit your profile and need an additional application?
Complete a Net Price Calculator for every college on your list! Net Price Calculator's, available on every college's website, are an easy tool to use to estimate how much each college might give you in scholarship money!
Scholarships for Juniors
- QuestBridge - High school juniors: The application is now open for the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program! Awards include full scholarships to college summer programs, essay feedback, $1,000 awards, and more. Visit questbridge.org
- 25 Scholarships for High School Juniors to Apply for Right Now
- Scholarships for High School Juniors
- The Coolidge Scholarship for America - Due Feb 23.The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. This one-of-a-kind scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university in the U.S.