College guidance begins the moment a student enrolls in Xaverian Brothers High School. As a college preparatory high school, we make every effort to prepare our students for the competitive world of college admissions. College admission departments, when making a decision about a student’s application, review grades from freshmen through senior years. Therefore, it is extremely important that a student maintain good grades and take the most competitive courses in order to be competitive in the process.
The following materials/information are reviewed by college admissions departments in making decisions:
- High School Transcripts: (Courses, Level of Difficulty, & Grades)
- SAT I/ ACT scores
- SAT II Subject Tests (Only for the more competitive schools)
- Teacher & Counselor Recommendations
- Extra-curricular Activities
- Additional Materials (Alumni connections, special considerations, etc.)
College Timeline
JUNIOR YEAR
February
- Counselors remind juniors to register for the April SAT I (Offered at Xaverian).
- Counselors remind juniors to register for the April ACT (Offered at Xaverian).
March
- Attend Junior Parent Night (Students are encouraged to attend).
- Juniors meet in small groups to discuss admissions process.
- Counselors begin to meet individually with juniors to plan strategy.
- Parents schedule an appointment with their son’s counselor.
- Begin to visit colleges.
- Register for the May SAT I or SAT II (Offered at Xaverian).
April
- Counselors continue to meet with parents and juniors.
- Juniors should consider attending the Boston Expo National College Fair.
- Juniors are encouraged to continue visiting colleges.
- Register for the June SAT I or SAT II (XBHS is NOT a test center).
- Register for the June ACT (XBHS is NOT a test center).
May
- Counselors complete individual and parent meetings.
- Students should have a strategy in place regarding application plans.
- Juniors are encouraged to continue visiting colleges.
- Advanced Placement Exams given.
- Potential Division I or II athletes should register with the NCAA clearinghouse.
June – August
- Students and families should continue visiting colleges.
- Students should narrow college list to 5-10 schools.
- Write rough drafts of application essays.
- Prepare a resume.
- Register for October ACT (Offered at Xaverian).
- Register for October SAT I or SAT II (Offered at Xaverian).
SENIOR YEAR
September
- Register for October SAT I or SAT II (Offered at Xaverian).
- Register for November SAT I or SATII (Offered at Xaverian).
- Register for the October ACT (Offered at Xaverian).
- Seniors meet in small groups to discuss application process.
- Early action/decision students meet with their counselor.
- Parents contact counselors with concerns.
- Students attend the Mini-College Fairs and meet with admissions officers.
- Seniors should ask teachers to write letters of recommendation.
October
- Register for the December ACT (Not offered at Xaverian).
- Register for the December SAT I or SAT II (Not offered at Xaverian).
- EARLY ACTION/DECISION Applications due by Oct. 1 to the Guidance Office.
- All students should have their schools chosen and a strategy in place.
- Release SAT/ACT scores to colleges.
- Consult www.collegeboard.com for PROFILE financial aid information.
November
- Complete all college applications.
- Applications are due in the guidance office by Thanksgiving.
- Research scholarship opportunities.
December
- Register for a FAFSA pin number at www.pin.ed.gov.
- Begin working on FAFSA worksheet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Complete any last minute applications.
- Continue researching scholarship opportunities.
January
- Attend the Financial Aid Night at Stonehill College.
- Early admissions decisions should be reported to guidance.
- FAFSA should be completed.
February – May
- College admission decisions should be reported to Guidance.
- Review acceptances.
- Attend accepted student open houses.
- Consult guidance counselor if wait listed.
- Notify the college that you choose to attend and send in deposit.
- Notify guidance of final selection.