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College Placement
Our college counseling staff has over 30 years of combined college placement experience. St. Thomas More School has had close to a 100% placement rate into college during that time. Our students are in good hands when it comes to the college selection process. The staff is well versed in placement, learning differences, NCAA requirements, and international student issues.
College Placement Staff:
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(860) 859-1900 X123
Director of College Placement
BFA Alfred University 1989
Antioch New England Grad Masters 1996
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(860) 823-1845
College Placement Counselor/Post-Graduate Students
Central Connecticut University B.A. Sacred Heart University M.Ed. |
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(860) 859-1900 X961
Interim English Department Chair
College Placement Counselor University of Connecticut B.F.A. |
Testing Calendar
Junior Year:
PSAT in October
SAT in May
TOEFL for International students in May
Senior Year:
SAT in November, December (January, March if needed)
SAT II if needed in December & January
TOEFL for International students in November, December, January
The College Application Process
In the spring of the junior year, students will meet with a counselor to begin creating a list of schools of interest to the student. Geographic preference, size of school, competitiveness, academic programs, and extracurricular interests are all factors taken into consideration. A working list is created and forwarded to parents. Parents and students should visit schools over the summer to refine the list of schools. Students take the PSAT in October and the SAT in May. Students attend a college fair in early April.
In the fall of senior / post-graduate year, bi-weekly meetings are held with the student and the counselor. During these meetings, the list is honed and plans are made to get essays, recommendations, testing and other necessary items completed for each school’s application deadline. The list is also checked to make certain that the list contains an appropriate range of schools in terms of competitiveness. The goal is to have all applications out by the end of January. Students are required to take the SAT in November and December. Student attend a college fair in late September.
At all times, parents are encouraged to contact the counselor with updates, questions, or concerns regarding the process. This will insure that the student, parent, and counselor are all working together toward a common goal.
The Application Packet:A completed application packet contains:
Typed or Neatly Printed Application
Supplements to the application (if applicable)
Application Fee via Check
A cover letter introducing yourself
A college essay
Official Transcripts from all schools the student has attended from 9th – 12th grade
At least 3 letters of recommendation (English, Math and College Counselor)
School Profile
SAT, SAT 2, ACT and/or TOEFL Test Scores (It is the responsibility of the student to make sure these scores are submitted officially if it is required by the college)
Student Responsibilities during the College Admissions Process:
Cover Letter: Each student will write a cover letter to be sent with every application. This letter will detail his high school experience and seek to explain any academic irregularities in his background. This is worked on in the senior English classes and should be completed by November.
College Essays: Each college has different expectations for the essay requirement. The student is responsible for writing the essays and getting them proofed by an advisor or teacher. The due date is set by the counselor to coincide with the application deadlines.
Teacher Recommendation Requests: Each student must write a letter asking for a recommendation from at least two teachers. The letter should contain any information he wishes to be highlighted by the teacher as well as a clear date by which the letter must be completed. It is expected that each teacher will have at least six weeks to write the recommendation.
Completed College Applications: Each student will be responsible for completing and signing applications to all of the schools on his list. This should be neatly written or typed and should be handed to the counselor on the date set by him at least one week before the due date.
Checks payable to each school for the amount of the application fee must be handed in with the application.
The Placement Counselor’s Responsibilities:
A Counselor Recommendation: The counselor will write a detailed personal recommendation for each student to be included in each application.
Transcripts: Transcripts will be prepared with the most current grade information. Early applicants will have their first quarter grades sent and then will have updated grades sent out when available. The counselor will also forward a copy of the year-end transcript to the college or university that the student will be attending.
SAT scores will be sent by the counselor to all schools. Note- It is the students responsibility to arrange OFFICIAL SCORES should the college want them.
The counselor will bundle all application materials together and mail them to the school. This packet will include the cover letter, essays, three recommendations, SAT test scores, transcripts, , school profile, the application and application fee.
Parent / Guardian Responsibilities: Fees: Parents are responsible to make sure there are sufficient funds in their son’s student spending accounts to cover APPLICATION FEES and all STANDARDIZED TESTING. Parents are welcome to mail in checks for the application fees to their son’s college counselor. College Visits: It is wise to use school vacations to visit colleges. Communication: The School welcomes communication from parents and encourages active participation in the selection and application process. Extra Accommodations for SAT Testing: If your son has a documented disability, he may be eligible for accommodations on SAT Program tests. Arrangements can be made if he needs adjustments to the test setting, such as a printed copy of spoken directions, extended time or access to snacks or medicine due to a medical condition. To receive test accommodations, you need to apply for and receive College Board approval. To receive accomodations, your son must obtain an Eligibility Form from his placement counselor as soon as possible. Oftentimes, the college board will require documentation to be sent along with the form. This documentation includes IEP’s and psycho-educational testing. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more information.
NAVIANCE:
The college placement staff utilize NAVIANCE, a web-based college placement management platform. Students receive a password to access their accounts. Parents may request access via NAVIANCE PARENT CONNECTION by contacting Mr. Jason Naylor.
