Academics
College Counseling
Role of Student
So as to ensure a student-centered experience aligned with the values of a Sacred Heart education, the Student pledges to:
- Read closely the Sacred Heart College Counseling handbook (Gator Guide).
- Be honest and candid with the SHP College Counselor as well as be open to new suggestions.
- Attend and actively participate in all workshops hosted by the SHP College Counseling Office.
- Read the weekly College Counseling Newsletter and tend to each task featured in the “What You Should Be Doing Now” section.
- Thoughtfully contemplate each prospective college, identify its unique fit factors, and maintain confidence in its fit.
- Complete and submit required information and forms by the established deadlines and in an honest, thorough, and thoughtful manner.
- Compile research notes on each college's attributes and application requirements.
- Consistently check the Scoir site as well as your SHP email for information from the College Counseling Office regarding programs, workshops, scholarships, and visits from college representatives.
- Keep your parents informed of your progress. We suggest a weekly family meeting to regularly share updates.
- Keep your SHP College Counselor updated about new activities, accomplishments, and interests.
- Spend as much time thinking about likely schools as reach schools. A greater chance of admission does not mean that the institution’s programs are of lesser quality. In fact, most present highly compelling educational opportunities.
- Complete each component of application work by its designated deadlines.
- Adhere to the SHP College Counseling Office’s overall timeline, which ensures that all applications have been completed and submitted before Christmas break of senior year.
- Confirm the accuracy of the college list in Scoir in December and again in January of senior year.
- Include at least two likely options in your college list.
- Proofread essays and spend time editing several drafts. Your SHP College Counselors will guide you in this effort. Colleges expect students to submit their own, authentic writing. Keep in mind that each time you submit an application, you affirm the work as your own. Be sure that it is: utilizing someone else’s work is unethical. It is the high school’s responsibility to notify colleges if the writing submitted is not authentically yours. You should also be aware that admission offices quickly discern applicants who have been professionally packaged.
- Review applications and make sure all sections are complete before you submit. Always retain a copy for your records.
- Once an application has been submitted, create an applicant portal and monitor it regularly.
- Remain attentive to communication from each college to which you’ve applied.
- Share college admission outcomes with your SHP College Counselor as soon as they become available.
- Resist the temptation to compare your process and choices to anyone else’s. As with most things in life, it is in honoring your individual goals and distinctive needs that you achieve appropriate and satisfying results.
Sacred Heart Schools Atherton
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12
