Important Dates for Sophomores
At the end of November or early December, parents and students are invited to Financial Aid Night. The freshman/sophomore presentation is designed to help get the conversation started about how to plan for college costs. We will explain how need-based aid is determined, how merit scholarships might fit into the picture, and ways to anticipate college costs.
During the spring semester, the college counselors visit sophomore classes and introduce some of the material that is available to students when researching colleges. At this time, we also invite sophomores to start exploring Naviance, our college application database, and to visit with college reps at St. Mary’s.
Sophomores take the Pre-ACT at St. Mary's in October. The ACT is one of two standardized tests students can take as juniors for their college entrance exams. We offer the PreACT to sophomores and the PSAT to juniors as a basis for comparison in making their choice regarding college admissions testing.
Sophomores and their parents are invited to attend Fall College Night in November and Spring College Night in February. The presentations are designed to help get the conversation started about how to plan for college and begin learning about important topics around the college search process.
During the spring semester, the college counselors visit sophomore classes and introduce some of the material that is available to students when researching colleges. At this time, we also invite sophomores to start exploring Naviance, our college application database, and to visit with college reps at St. Mary's
Finally, before the end of the school year, a Sophomore College Night is scheduled to give parents and students an overview of the college research and application process.
While we have touch points with sophomores as a class, each student has an assigned college counselor, should any college-specific questions arise.
A message for parents: The early high school years are a good time to talk generally with your daughter about your hopes and plans for their education after St. Mary’s. This is a great time to learn about higher education, types of colleges, college costs, and your values as they relate to college. Discussing affordability and setting expectations are important steps to help prepare students for future college decisions. We can help you find resources to do that.
It may be too early for students to actively research colleges – student interest and readiness should drive that and it usually happens in junior and senior years – but noticing colleges when you are out and about or on family vacations, and taking time to stop at a campus book store or attend a cultural event on a college campus can help students build college awareness. Share stories about your own young adult years, college experiences, and how you prepared for your career.