Crusader College Counseling Experience

Interactive and comprehensive approach to college counseling beginning in grade 9. Grade level meetings with students held by experienced counselors to assist students in getting an early start in the college planning process. All students upon entering grade 9 will be assigned both a college counselor AND a guidance counselor who will guide them socially, emotionally and educationally through their time as a Bergen Catholic student.

Grade 9: Activity & Academic resume creation with college counseling office to include an interactive document on Naviance that both student, parent and counselor can access. Should begin developing goals to participate in each areas of concentration: academic, athletic or extra-curricular activities, community service based experiences and attending a summer program. Counselors will meet with freshman multiple times throughout grade 9 to ensure all college preparation goals are met.

Grade 10: Students will continue building an outstanding academic profile that reflects all of the student’s accolades, he will be encouraged to start attending college fairs and college campus visits, take PSATs, learn with a BC teacher in an SAT/ACT prep course, participate in City as a Classroom cultural experience, attend a Crusader Mission based summer trip, and volunteer locally in the community.

Grade 11: Juniors will take PSAT/ ACT practice tests, take the SAT/ACT/SAT II, receive counsel on scores, attend Junior parent/student meetings to develop individualized list of schools to apply, participate in AP testing program, attend college open houses, attend the JET tour at BC, College Panel and organized College Fairs.

Grade 12: Students will receive assistance with the college application process: creating, preparing and sending a common and coalition application, assisting with teacher recommendation letter procurement, resume building and essay and supplement completion.

 

Flagship Opportunities Include:

SAT/ACT Test Preparation courses offered at no cost to all Bergen Catholic students. Students are encouraged to register for test preparation classes that will be offered beginning in November, March, June and August.

Mock University Interviews to be offered to prepare students to participate in the University requested Alumni interview process. Former Ivy League Alumni interviewers to conduct interview sessions by appointment.

Duke Writing Seminar: Assistant Dean of Admissions from Duke University provides an interactive seminar for students on writing the most effective college admissions essay.

JET Tour (Jesuit Excellence Tour): Jesuit colleges from all over the country come together to visit BC and hold a college fair for our students to meet with the college representatives.

College Admissions Panel: College representatives from universities such as Columbia University, Fordham, NYU, Marist College, Iona College, Siena College, Rutgers University and Bucknell University visit BC in the spring and provide a Q&A panel for all BC students and parents to attend.

Colleges Visit BC: Over 150 colleges visit BC each fall. Opportunity for students to meet admissions representatives from select schools on an individual basis.

 

Staff

Director of College Counseling:
Ms. Elisabeth Walter
ewalter@bergencatholic.org
201-261-1844 ext. 138

Associate College Counselor:
Mrs. Christine Sorrentino
csorrentino@bergencatholic.org