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Career & College Readiness Program

The purpose of the St. Michael’s School’s Career and College Readiness Program is to address our school’s mission of preparing our students to study any career in any institution of higher learning. While our academic program is the backbone of such preparation, the following focused activities are in place to ensure optimal results and a seamless transition.

9th grade

  1. Beginner’s Orientation: Information session for all 9th grade students. Topics will include an introduction to the high school transcript and scoring, overview of the college application process, extra-curricular options available and graduation awards. 
  2. Reflection and Goal Setting Activity: During the second semester of freshman year, students will reflect on academic and social strengths as well as areas of improvement. They will also begin to consider career likes/dislikes. 
  3. Individual Meetings: Our counselor will meet with students individually to discuss their reflection and make observations and recommendations accordingly.

10th grade

  1. PSAT: All students will take the PSAT in October of their sophomore year. The purpose of this test is to measure student’s progress in the areas of reading, writing/ language and math as well as get acquainted with college-type standardized testing. PSAT results are also used to determine AP Potential. Cost is included in tuition. 
  2. Access to College Board Platform and Targeted Practice: Once students receive their PSAT scores, they will also receive an access code to view results and targeted practice on the College Board platform. In this platform, students may also read about different majors/universities and learn more about admissions requirements. 
  3. Course Selection Advising: Students in 10th grade are able to register for courses through our online providers. Our counselor will meet with students deciding which elective or online course to take upon request of the student or parent.

11th grade

  1. PSAT: All students will re-take the PSAT in October of their junior year. The purpose of this test is to measure student’s progress in the areas of reading, writing/language and math and compare growth with the previous testing year. PSAT results are also used to determine AP Potential. Cost is included in tuition. 
  2. College Visits/Fairs: Students will begin to participate in periodic information sessions according to their areas of interest. 
  3. CareerTalks: Alumni students and/or parents visit our school to give a short talk about different career options. 
  4. Myers-Brigs Vocational Test: All students will take a vocational test in November of their junior year. The results include a comprehensive assessment of possible careers, professions, work style and recommended extra curricular activities.
  5. Operational Orientation: In this session, 11th grade students will go deeper into the application steps and procedures including deadlines, budget and recommendations for the last summer.
  6. Parent Orientation: Individual meeting with junior parents to discuss the action plans for their son/daughter. We will go over the student's portfolio and discuss future plans and how we will work together.
  7. SAT: All students will take the SATs in school in April of their junior year (starting 2019.) This exam measures their performance in reading, writing/language and math. Cost is included in tuition.

12th grade

  1. College Visits/Fairs: Students will continue to participate in periodic information sessions according to their interests. 
  2. Alumini Panel: SMS Alumni students visit our senior class to give an overview of their transition and college experience. Students are able to sit in an informal setting to ask questions.  
  3. CareerTalks: Alumni students and/or parents visit our school to give a short talk about different career options. 
  4. Application Planning Meeting: Once students have complete the MyFuture pack, our counselor will meet with students individually to determine a more definite action plan and time frame to complete the applications.
  5. SAT Retakes and SAT II: Students who want to improve SAT scores may take it again. They may also choose to take SAT Subject Tests if required. 
  6. SMS AlumniConnect: Students can connect with an SMS alumni in their new city/state or in the same field they have chosen to serve as a mentor.