College Counseling

List of 5 items.

• Freshman Year

  While much of the Rockhurst High School college counseling focus during freshman year is on helping a student answer the "Who am I?" question, freshmen can also benefit from getting the feel of college campuses and from researching general entrance requirements and a few of the "nuts and bolts" of the process. Getting college facts helps freshmen in their academic planning and the first steps of analyzing potential "matches" in the college process. College events are open to parents in grades 9-12.
  
  

  The best way to prepare for college is to continuously work to the best of your ability and build a strong academic record in high school.
  
  

  Explore and develop your interests both in and out of the classroom. Take the initiative and begin to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to your schoolwork, ask for help when needed, and be willing to try new things.

   

  It is recommended to take the PreACT in January. This test is offered on campus. (Contact the RHS Testing Coordinator or School Counselor for details). The best test prep is doing well in your classes. 
  
  

  Attend the Catholic College Fair and Kansas City Private High Schools' College Fair at RHS in the fall.
  
  

  Keep track of your activities, service experiences, and any awards received.
  
  

  Use the summer to explore interests you may not have time for during the school year.
  
  

  Parents: In the fall, you are invited to attend the college fairs offered at RHS. Additionally, all freshmen and sophomores and their parents are invited to attend the Making High School Count program offered at RHS in the fall. 

  
  

   

• Sophomore Year

  In the fall, sophomores and their parents are invited to attend the college fairs offered at RHS. Additionally, all freshmen and sophomores and their parents are invited to attend the Making High School Count program in the fall. 

   

  Network with over 100 college representatives that visit RHS each fall for small student group visits.

  Preparing and taking the PreACT in January and the PSAT in October is recommended. These tests are offered on campus. (Contact the RHS Academic Services Director or your assigned School Counselor for details). The best test prep is doing well in your classes. 

  Continue involvement in extracurricular activities with a desire to take on leadership positions.

   

  Visit a college or two over Spring Break.

  If enrolled in any AP classes, prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) test(s).

• Junior Year

  The college admission process, rather than being the main focus of a student’s time at Rockhurst, is instead a natural outcome of the rigorous secondary education that Rockhurst High School provides. Our goal as college counselors is to work individually with each student, as well as his family, to make him aware of the full range of college options and ultimately to help him find one that continues to challenge him academically and aligns with his interests, values, and career goals. 

  
  

  In early fall, students and parents should attend the High School Junior Family College Planning Workshop at RHS.

   

  All juniors are encouraged to network with over 100 college representatives that visit RHS each fall and connect with college admissions representatives that attend regional college fairs (Catholic College Fair, KC Private High Schools Fair, National College Fair, Shawnee Mission College Clinic, National Visual & Performing Arts College Fair).

   

  Participate in test preparation exercises and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. This test also provides exposure to college standardized testing. (See the RHS Academic Services Director for more information or your assigned School Counselor).

  
  Students may begin to prepare for college admission standardized tests during the second semester of their junior year.

   

  College counselors will meet with juniors in small group sessions beginning in December of their junior year. Students will learn about factors that may influence their college choices and be informed about the application process.

   

  Parents are invited to attend the High School Junior Parent College Counseling Program held early in the spring semester.

   

  Juniors are encouraged to visit a college or two over Spring Break.

   

  Prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) test(s) if enrolled in any AP classes.

   

  Potential college athletes should register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center. 
  
  

   

• Senior Year

  The college counselor will work closely with seniors to provide guidance on the college application and decision-making process. College events are open to parents in grades 9-12.
  
  

  Seniors and their parents are invited to attend the fall Senior College Application Kick-Off Workshop.

   

  In the fall, seniors are required to meet with their college counselor. Parents are welcome to schedule an appointment with their son’s college counselor. Counselors and students will use this time to finalize college application lists, the scholarship process, application essays, and all other requirements.

   

  All seniors are encouraged to network with over 100 college representatives that visit RHS each fall as well as to connect with college admissions representatives that attend regional college fairs (Catholic College Fair, KC Private High Schools Fair, National College Fair, Shawnee Mission College Clinic, National Visual & Performing Arts College Fair).

   

  Students are encouraged to attend College Counseling sponsored Lunch & Learn sessions offered throughout the year. Lunch & Learn programs focus on a wide variety of topics relevant to the college search and selection process. 

   

  Parents: In the fall and spring, we invite you to attend one of the two College Coffee Talks for college admissions advice and perspective from the Rockhurst High School college counselors and presenters from various universities across the nation.

   

• College Admission Representatives

  Our relationship with colleges and universities is important to us. We hope you find the information here helpful as you plan your visit to Rockhurst High School. We host over 100 college admission representatives during the fall each year. Rockhurst High School will host in-person and virtual visits this fall, beginning in late August and ending the Friday before Thanksgiving. These visits will be open to seniors and juniors. Spring visits will occur during our Activity Period, running from mid-January through when Spring Break begins. College representatives interested in a visit to Rockhurst, please find us on RepVisits.

  
  If your visit is virtual, we ask that the admission representative host the visit on their preferred platform, record the session (if possible), and provide us with the recording to share with students who couldn’t attend. Students will meet in a designated space on campus and meet with you on their personal devices during the virtual visit. We encourage our visitors to bring their iPads/laptops to show their campuses and options by connecting with a projector in the college counseling presentation space for in-person visits.
  
  One of the three college counselors will join every virtual college presentation.
  
  Parking is located on the west side of the building, off State Line Road, by the main entrance. When you enter the driveway, turn left for the main entrance. If there is no parking there, proceed to the attached parking lot on the south side. To enter the building, you will need to be buzzed in to check in with our front desk. From here, the receptionist will guide you to the College Counseling Office. 
  
  

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  If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of us.