For a family, the route to college can be confusing and full of unexpected obstacles. The St. John’s College Counseling Office provides a comprehensive college counseling curriculum that educates students and families about all aspects of the college search and application process. Ours is a student-driven process, and communication among the student, parent, and counselor is encouraged. We foster an environment that emphasizes the unique talents, interests, and skills of each of our students as they determine the path they will take after graduation.
Beginning freshman year, college counselors will help students understand transcripts, course registration. and their grade point average. The focus during this year is the academic side of college preparation.
The focus during the sophomore year expands to the holistic factors including letters of recommendation and involvement in activities based on their areas of interest.
Programming for students and parents begins in Junior year with College Financial Aid Night, Junior College Night, and Case Study Night held across late Fall and Winter. Students meet one-on-one with their college counselor throughout the Spring semester: first to get to know each other, select appropriate courses for senior year, and discuss prospective teachers to ask for a letter of recommendation. Follow-up meetings focus on refining the student’s college search and how to determine “good fit” institutions. College counselors will assist students in identifying their academic, social, and financial interests, priorities, and fit to conduct a thorough college search.
At the start of senior year, college counselors host Senior Kick Off before the first day of school to prepare students to complete their applications and request documents. College counselors update students and parents on the details and expectations of the fall application season at Senior College Night in early September. Throughout the fall students will meet with their college counselors as they navigate college and scholarship applications. College counselors continue to support students and assist with questions about financial aid and how to make the best decision once acceptances are received.
Throughout the school year, St. John’s hosts numerous admissions counselors from national colleges and universities to provide our students the opportunity to meet with a representative from a school they may be interested in attending. St. John’s spring college fair for sophomores and juniors draws representatives from across the country.
At St. John’s, students and parents have several resources available to help simplify the complex college application process. Beginning junior year, students and parents are given access to SCOIR, a web-based resource that contains information about colleges and scholarships.
100% College Placement
Whether our students need assistance writing an essay, preparing for an interview, or deciding what college or university to ultimately attend, we are here to help.
The counselors also host evening events for parents covering a wide range of topics in the ever-changing world of college admissions, including applications, recommendations, financial aid, and scholarships. CEEB Code: 090185
ATTENTION, COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
To schedule a visit with our seniors, please contact Sr. Anne Mary Smith at asmithstjohnschs.org. Visits may be scheduled most days between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
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Class of '26, Free ACT Practice Test w/ Revolution Prep
Taking a practice test is the best way for students to preview what’s ahead and help inform their decisions about submitting a test score in their college application.
Revolution Prep ACT Practice Exam: Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 9:00 am–1:00 pm ET | Live Online
*Please note that these live exams are proctored in standard time only. If you have been approved for an extended time accommodation register for the exam and then use this ACT self-proctoring manual to review the process of using our on-demand video proctor w/ extended time.
Step 1: Register here.
Step 2: Schedule a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare. Schedule this appointment for the few days after the exam. Click here to pre-schedule.
Step 3: Attend the mock exam and get your results immediately with Revolution Prep’s mobile scoring app.
Questions? Contact Del Ali at (240) 883-6774 or [email protected].
Last updated: 10/30/24 at 09:16
FIDELITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (FSP): Helping students reach their potential! The Fidelity Scholars Program isn't just a scholarship; it's a comprehensive support system designed to empower students to achieve their full potential. More than just financial assistance, this program provides a wealth of resources and the support to help them complete their degree. Apply by January 30, 2025. Visit website for full details, deadline and resources. FLYER.
2024-2025 PROFILE IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST The JFK Library Foundation is committed to empowering and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. Students have a chance to share their voices and win up to $10,000 for their future through this essay contest. This annual competition invites high school students to delve into the concept of political courage, using President Kennedy's book "Profiles in Courage" as a guide. Visit the website for ESSAY PROMPT AMD PRIZES. Submissions are open now and through the deadline of January 17, 2025.
- TEEN LIFE MAGAZINE: Teen Life Magazine offers a broad perspective of information for the high school level students. Exposure to an array of opportunities and interests. This month's edition focuses on the performing and visual arts and a view of upcoming TeenLife Events. Here is a look at future events: Live Gap Year Virtual Fair (November 14, 2024) and Summer Opportunities Virtual Fair (December 12, 2024). Other TeenLife guides available here or the TeenLife newsletter.
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CIVIC INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS: TurnUp is a non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to increasing youth civic education, empowerment, and engagement. The program's format is tailored to accommodate the ever fluctuating commitments and responsibilities of student's lifestyle. The program is fully remote, has start dates each month and has flexible time frame and schedule. All students have access to grow into more capable and responsible citizens and to develop their professional skills for a successful future. Check their website, flyer. and program description. Information session with Director available by appointment.
STEAMFITTERS' APPRENTICESHIP: Students who are interested in serving an apprenticeship in the Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Process Piping and Environmental Systems Trades are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted online ONLY starting November 1, 2024 at 8:00am and closing on November 30, 2024 at 4:00pm. Details can be found here the Washington, D.C. Joint Steamfitting website. Please visit to apply. 602training.org/apply-now. Questions may be directed to the Washington, D.C. Joint Steamfitting Apprenticeship Committee at 201-341-1555.
WHAT DO GAP YEARS, INTERNSHIPS, LIFE SKILLS, MENTORS & INDEPENDENT LIVING All have in Common? Join Dynamy Internship Year for a REMOTE OPEN HOUSE on OCTOBER 16 AT 7PM to find out! This event is intended for high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates and their families. All are welcome to attend. What can you expect? Program overview, virtual apartment tour, next steps and live Q&A session with Dynamy Staff. We are currently accepting application for: Spring 2025, Fall 2025 Semester and Full Internship Year 2025-2026.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK OPEN HOUSE: The Washington, D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026. Their Open house is Friday, November 22, 2024 at 5000 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706 from 10 am to 5 pm. Tours, exhibits and demonstrations; along with food and drinks will be available. Learn all about it here. It is a multi-trade event with earn-while-you-learn construction apprenticeships from around our region. Great pay & benefits: medical/wellness, pension, and retirement savings.
EXPERIENCE YOUR FUTURE WITH VETERINARY ACADEMY Sloths, elephants, and horses, oh my! See the world as you learn from leading conservationists and teaching verterinarians, and get a firsthand look at a life and career dedicated to caring for animals. Forget boring summer camps! Veterinary Academy programs offer endless possibilities to explore. You can care for stray dogs and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in Costa Rica, connect with the public about the importance of habitat preservation at the Texas Zoo, or live amongst the elephants in Thailand. Where in the world will your passion for animals take you?
SUMMER DISCOVERY & SUMMER DISCOVERY INSTITUTE FOR THE GIFTED: As the industry leader, Summer Discovery has been inspiring young minds for 58 years, partnering with the world's most prestigous universities to deliver exceptional pre-college academic summer experiences that change students' lives. Programs perfectly balance academic rigor and personal growth, with on-and-off campus exploration. Check it out here.
EMERGING JOURNALISTS PROGRAM AT ELON UNIVERSITY: Elon University is proud to announce for the fourth year this free workshop. It is an ideal opportunity for high school students to explore what it means to be a journalist, to report and produce news that informs communities. Applications are now open and the first of four monthly virtual interactive learning sessions is scheduled for January. Students may apply for the virtual sessions only or for both the virtual. component and the on-campus summer experience scheduled for June 16-27, 2025 at Elon. This on-campus residential learning workshop is open to interested students and is completely free. EJP pays for students travel, lodging, meals and instructional materials.Last summer's cohort produced a website, newspaper and 45 minutes newscast. Check out the snapshot of what students id while on campus last year.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM. University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, announces their 38th year of Cultural Exchange Program for American and Japanese high school students.The program will take place July 24 through August 2, 2025. Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Full scholarship available. Application available from October 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025.
FOCUS COLLEGIATE SUMMER 2025 COHORT Join us for three weeks of fun and learning in one of the country’s most academically prominent cities! From July 13 - August 2, 2025 at Simmons University in Boston, MA. Students entering college are headed to a new world of opportunities. Our summer experience prepares them for that adventure. While building academic independence, collegiate residential skills, and invaluable life experience, the Summer Cohort provides a comprehensive gateway to college life, regardless of which school our students are attending in the fall. The Focus Collegiate Summer Cohort supports inbound and returning college students in a smoother transition to college.
SUMMER DISCOVERY At Summer Discovery, students are summer fanatics, travel enthusiasts, and lovers of learning. For nearly six decades, Summer Discovery has offered the most immersive, inspired, and unforgettable summer experiences at the most prestigious university campuses across the country. Located in world-famous locations that are perfect for travel and adventure. Three distinct academic enrichment programs: High School: Grades 9-12; Middle School: Grades 6-8 and Institute for the Gifted (DIG): Grades 1-12. Discover Summer Discovery!
SUMMER PROGRAMS WITH COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL Columbia Business School's enrichment program is the perfect way for students to explore their interests while still in high school. Get an inside look at one of the nation's top business schools. Study at the very center of business where the format is highly flexible, so fitting an online program that will fit into their schedule. Programs feature dynamic video lessons that allow students to tune in anytime that works for them. Explore the summer programs offered. Find your interests!
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER ONLINE SUMMER PROGRAMS. If you have a passion for certain subjects and would like to explore them before college, here is your chance to do so—with one of the world's leading research universities. The Rochester Pre-College Online Program offers courses designed for high school students ages 13 and up. Each course features engaging video by Rochester faculty and access to mentors. The program is available year-round, and the online format lets you study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. This flexibility allows students to take multiple courses and discover a variety of academic areas of interest.
SUMMER COHORT - YOUNG FOUNDERS LAB Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs. Young Founders Lab is an elective start-up bootcamp for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work under the guidance of mentors from places like Google, Microsoft, and Meta to build your own revenue generating start-ups. The deadline to apply is November 24, 2024 for the summer cohort. Here is the application form and the brochure is found in the title above.
WILLIAM & MARY PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM. Summer is a perfect time for motivated high school students to learn from William & Mary's world-renowned professors and experts in today's most sought after industries. The pre-college online courses help students ages 13 and older explore their interests and discover if an interest could lead to a college major or even a future career. Apply now.
CASE WESTERN RESERVE PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM Summer is a perfect time for motivated high school students to start thinking about college. Case Western Reserve University offers an online pre-college program to help students ages 13 and older explore their interest. The summer application period is now open. For nearly 20 years, Case Western Reserve has prepared ambitious students for futures in the arts, business, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, nursing and social sciences. Explore their summer courses!
2025 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INSTITUTE - NORTHWESTERN CHERUBS PROGRAM The Cherubs program dates back to 1931 and is made up of four Summer Institutes: Theater Arts, Film & Video, Play Writing and Debate. The Theater Arts application is open exclusively to current high school juniors. Generous financial aid packages are available to students that demonstrate a need. Information Session available in above link. Also in the link above, you will find the 2025 application deadlines. Rolling admission beginning Winter of 2025.