Freshman Year
Beginning
at freshman orientation we encourage students to work toward achieving
the best academic record possible as well as becoming part of the rich
non-academic life at Albertus. Our freshman counselor, Noreen Power, helps students to establish both their academic programs and their personal goals. Some freshmen may take the Subject Area Test (SATII) in Biology in June.
Sophomore Year
During
the sophomore year students are asked not to focus on specific
colleges, but to continue to build academic and personal profiles that
may be assessed and matched with appropriate schools in the junior year. At
course planning meetings with sophomores in the spring, guidance
counselors will also answer any questions about the college admissions
process. Several Subject Area
Tests (SAT II) are available in June for sophomores: World History,
Biology, Chemistry, and Math I (for advanced math students).
Junior Year
In
the fall, all of our juniors will take the Preliminary Scholastic
Assessment Test (PSAT) for the first time in preparation for the SAT I. In late
winter, counselors will meet with individual students to begin the
preliminary college search work. All juniors are given a folder of
helpful information to assist with the application process.
Topics include: sources of information about colleges and admissions;
the value of interviews and college visits; tips on self assessment and
getting started with the college search. These meetings are designed to empower students with information so that they can take ownership of the process. Students do self audits, compile lists of activities, and get more specific information on what has to be done. Families are encouraged to visit as many colleges as possible in the summer.
Additionally,
in the fall, approximately 70 colleges visit Albertus to meet with
students. Rockland Community College also hosts a college fair. Students and parents are encouraged to attend, as it provides
an excellent opportunity for students to to speak with college
representatives, place their names on mailing lists and pick up
literature.
Senior Year
By September of senior year students should have visited campuses, and have narrowed their list of colleges. During the fall, seniors
will be meeting with their counselors. Individual meetings with
guidance counselors help the student prepare a final list and address
other concerns about college. Parents are welcome to schedule an
appointment at any time by calling their child's counselor at the
numbers listed above. Students receive a high degree of personal attention as the application and admissions process unfolds. Each
student is encouraged to seek help from faculty or their adviser when
developing and refining their college application essay. In the spring, the staff will help students review their college acceptance list in order to make a final decision.