College Preparation

As a college preparatory school, Padua Academy readies students for success at the college level. As the student's academic instruction occurs, our Guidance Department assists students with the process of college planning.  School counselors are an integral link in the college guidance program at Padua Academy. Counselors promote academic and personal success by facilitating self-understanding and goal-setting, and provide information that is vital in the college selection process.

Counselors work closely with students and parents throughout the college selection process. Each year as students plan their course schedules counselors review student choices to insure that their academic program is congruent with their educational goals. In their junior year, all students take a course entitled "College Seminar." This class provides students with information concerning the college selection process, admission criteria, and the application and financial aid process. In addition to the use of a group guidance format, individual appointments are scheduled with students. Individual appointments with parents also may be scheduled at the request of the parent. Additionally, a general meeting with the parents of juniors is scheduled, which provides parents with the opportunity to learn about the many facets of the college admission process. In the junior year, students and parents are also invited to attend a college fair, organized and planned by Catholic school counselors.

In the senior year, students continue to work closely with their counselor as they begin to work on college and scholarship applications. An evening meeting is planned with the parents of seniors to review the procedures related to the college process. A meeting on the topic of financial aid for college is also scheduled during senior year, and all parents are encouraged to attend.

Resources in the Guidance Office are available for student and parent use. A variety of college catalogues and handbooks are available, as well as computers with Internet access. Information about college admission testing and financial aid/scholarships is provided.