The following is a concise summary of the college and career counseling program at Alverno. The philosophy of our college-prep high school refers to empowering young women and the college admission process presents an excellent opportunity for increased responsibility and preparation for the demands of university life. The college counseling process includes both students and parents and begins in 9th grade. Complete details and calendars for this process are found in the Guide to College Admission.

9th grade

• PSAT Testing (SAT)
• Students receive the results in groups, as well as general college and career information in this setting.

9th grade parents

There is a mandatory meeting for 9th and 10th grade parents in March to go over the PSAT test results as well as pertinent information regarding courses, GPA, testing, socialization, and more.

10th grade

• PLAN testing (ACT and career component)
• Students are gathered in groups to review the results and receive college and career information pertinent to sophomore year.
• Sophomore Seminar—all sophomores are invited to sign up on the college counseling calendar to be counseled in a small group (2-3 students) setting.

10th grade parents

• Sophomore parents attend the same meeting as the frosh parents, but are split into groups to receive college information pertinent to students in their second year of high school. There is a mandatory meeting for 9th and 10th grade parents in the spring which covers the PLAN test results as well as pertinent information regarding courses, GPA, testing, socialization, and more.

11th grade

Juniors and seniors can sign up for the 7th period class College Knowledge, which is designed to aid in the college application process, financial aid, and test prep. The class includes information regarding college visits and interviews.

• PSAT-NMSQT Testing
• Results are returned in small group settings and discussed at length in the individual appointment with the college counselor.
• Juniors meet in general session to discuss the college application process and financial aid.
• Juniors set individual appointments with the college counselor to discuss college and careers.

11th grade parents

• The Junior Parent College Information Evening in the spring offers details on the college application process, including testing dates, financial aid, campus visits, and college reps at Alverno.

12th grade

• Seniors attend a general session regarding the college application process.
• Students arrange individual appointments with the college counselor to discuss their college admission plans.
• Workshops are offered on applying to the University of California, California State University, and independent colleges and universities.
• Seniors attend a general session regarding financial aid which includes pertinent information for completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

12th grade parents

• Fall: Parents attend the senior parent meeting, which includes a review of the application process, timelines, financial aid information, and an important Q & A session.
• Spring: The Financial Aid Workshop held by a university financial aid officer covers the FAFSA and offers vital information on how to prepare a successful financial aid application.