As an independent, college preparatory school, Xavier employs a team approach to prepare all students and parents for competitive college admissions. As a Jesuit school, we imbue that process with a firm emphasis on cura personalis—care for the whole person.

Students are empowered to take responsibility for their college choices and encouraged to consider thoroughly where they will be most successful in the next stage of their education.

We take a team approach to college counseling, maximizing the partnership between students, families, and college counselors to help students accomplish their goals.

The College Counseling Department welcomes admissions representatives from more than 120 colleges and universities throughout the year. Representatives meet with seniors from September through November and with juniors during April and May.

College Counseling Timeline

Xavier's personalized college counseling program, notable for its college prep classes for juniors and seniors, seeks to guide each student and his family throughout the course of the application and selection process.

Although the bulk of Xavier's college counseling work will occur during junior and senior years, we engage with students and parents throughout their four years on 16th Street.

Click here to download a college counseling checklist for the 2024-25 academic year.

Freshman Year

For Students:

Freshmen meet with their guidance counselor in Group Guidance once a cycle to discuss a number of transition topics in order to support students in a successful start at Xavier.
Freshmen are encouraged to get involved at Xavier and in the community.
When selecting courses for sophomore year, students are encouraged to pursue advanced standing.

For Parents:

Freshman/Sophomore Parent College Information Night (March).
Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Parent Meeting: Financial Aid (April).
Discuss your expectations with your son for grades, homework, social life, extracurriculars, and family obligations.
Discuss summer plans and career interests.

Sophomore Year

For Students:

In September, sophomores receive PSAT information in Group Guidance along with an overview of the test.
Sophomores sit for the PSAT exam at Xavier in mid October. PSAT score results are distributed and discussed in Group Guidance around Christmas break.
Counselors instruct sophomores on creating a College Board account to show their PSAT results and useful practice tools.
In the spring, counselors instruct sophomores in creating a Naviance account and introduce this college tool.
When selecting courses for junior year, students are encouraged to add electives in subjects of interest and pursue multiple AP options.

For Parents:

Freshman/Sophomore Parent College Information Night (March).
Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Parent Meeting: Financial Aid (April).
Consider your son’s involvement at Xavier and in outside activities.
Discuss summer plans and possible career paths.
Occasionally discuss some of the college materials arriving in the mail with your son.
If possible, visit a nearby college and plan a college trip for February or April break of junior year.

Junior Year: First Semester

For Students:

In September, juniors receive the PSAT/NMSQT information in Group Guidance along with an overview of the test.
Juniors sit for the PSAT exam at Xavier in October; score results are distributed and discussed with juniors in Group Guidance around Christmas break.
Juniors begin using Naviance as the primary tool in the college application process.
When selecting courses for senior year, students are encouraged to demonstrate rigor through the courses they choose.

For Parents:

Junior Parent Meeting: Intro to the College Process (November).
Discuss a standardized test plan, including which test to take, when, and if test prep is an option. Begin discussing the different types of colleges and universities, developing a rough draft list of potential colleges.
Consider visiting a few schools during February or April break to get comfortable with the visit process.

Junior Year: Second Semester

For Students:

Junior College Group Guidance begins in early February. Topics include: self-reflection, brag sheet, college search and list development, teacher recommendation process, admissions process, financial aid, visiting schools, careers and majors, and essays.
Many students take their first SAT in March, May, or June and/or ACT in February, April, or June.
Junior Career Day (March). Complete brag sheet (April).
Start planning senior courses to match their possible majors or career interests and develop an appropriately rigorous schedule.
College admission rep visits open to juniors (April and May).

For Parents:

Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Parent Meeting: Financial Aid (April).
Parents receive parent account for Naviance.
Parents and students sign records release form, allowing Xavier to send school documents (i.e., transcript) to colleges.
Discuss best courses for senior year, considering balance of challenge, interest, and potential majors in college.
Plan to visit colleges, especially open houses.
One-on-one junior family meetings with college counselor.

Senior Year: First Semester

For Students:

Senior College Group Guidance runs through September and October.
Students learn entire application process, including how to navigate the Common Application and request transcripts.
August, September, October, November, and December are possible dates for seniors to take their final SAT/ACT.
College admissions representatives visit Xavier from September through November. College lists finalized by November, and most applications are sent out by November.
Apply for external scholarships.

For Parents:

Senior Parent Meeting: Applying to College (mid September).
Parents reach out to college counselors for individual conversations if needed.
Senior/Parent Financial Aid Workshop (October).
Visit colleges, especially open houses.
FAFSA (available in December) required for financial aid consideration for ALL colleges.
CSS Profile (available in October) required for financial aid from many private colleges (in addition to FAFSA).

Senior Year: Second Semester

For Students:

Finalize remaining applications.
Visit colleges they have been accepted to and start narrowing down schools they may attend.
Continue to work hard with the awareness that most colleges require mid-year grades sent after the second quarter.
Share admissions and scholarship decisions with college counselor.
Deposit at one school by May 1.
Celebrate your college choices and ultimate decision!

For Parents:

Closely analyze and compare financial award letters from colleges and contact financial aid offices at colleges with questions and appeals if necessary.
Possibly revisit colleges in order to make decision on where student will enroll.
Pat yourself on the back for all your hard work and caring support!

Meet Our Counselors

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