The 4 Year Process

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School's counselors operate on the viewpoint that it is never too early to plan for college. Students are exposed to college counseling as early as the first semester of freshman year. All students attend the annual college fair held on campus in the fall where they have an opportunity to talk to as many as 100 different college admissions representatives. Colleges and university from all over the country are excited to be a part of Pope Prep's college fair because of our students' achievements, high standards, and commitment to excellence.

Freshman Year

Pope Prep’s counselors consider the freshman year a foundation for high school and extremely important in creating a solid foundation that college admissions officers will examine. Freshmen are encouraged to take an appropriately challenging schedule. It is our experience that colleges appreciate seeing a student with fewer advanced classes earning top scores, than a higher number of advanced courses with average results.

Sophomore Year

Sophomores are encouraged to take an appropriately challenging schedule from a wider variety of classes. A review of the student's four-year plan takes place, and adjustments are made as necessary so that students complete most academic requirements by the end of junior year. This process allows the student more opportunity to take advanced courses and branch out into areas of interest.

Junior Year

There is more emphasis on standardized testing and college selection in the junior year. The PSAT serves as the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships. Juniors are highly encouraged to push themselves to maintain and or improve academic standing. Often the final report card of the junior year is what a college admissions committee considers when reviewing an application.

The counseling office is busy hosting college representatives on campus in the fall. Students are encouraged to stay abreast of visiting admissions counselors and plan to meet those whose schools they have an interest. Students are urged to research sources of tuition assistance including scholarships and financial aid.

Senior Year

Senior year is the time to submit applications to the “best fit” colleges or universities. Students are once again encouraged to stay focused to maintain or improve their academic standing. Seniors may wish to retake the SAT or ACT. Pope Prep provides free test preparation through Family Connection, ePrep, and an optional Innov8 course. Students will request college recommendation letters from their teachers as part of the college application process. Pope Prep counselors will help students assemble and review all materials needed for college applications.