For a family, the route to college can be confusing and full of unexpected obstacles. The St. John’s College Counseling Office provides a comprehensive college counseling curriculum that educates students and families about all aspects of the college search and application process. Ours is a student-driven process, and communication among the student, parent, and counselor is encouraged. We foster an environment that emphasizes the unique talents, interests, and skills of each of our students as they determine the path they will take after graduation.
Beginning freshman year, college counselors will help students understand transcripts, course registration. and their grade point average. The focus during this year is the academic side of college preparation.
The focus during the sophomore year expands to the holistic factors including letters of recommendation and involvement in activities based on their areas of interest.
Programming for students and parents begins in Junior year with College Financial Aid Night, Junior College Night, and Case Study Night held across late Fall and Winter. Students meet one-on-one with their college counselor throughout the Spring semester: first to get to know each other, select appropriate courses for senior year, and discuss prospective teachers to ask for a letter of recommendation. Follow-up meetings focus on refining the student’s college search and how to determine “good fit” institutions. College counselors will assist students in identifying their academic, social, and financial interests, priorities, and fit to conduct a thorough college search.
At the start of senior year, college counselors host Senior Kick Off before the first day of school to prepare students to complete their applications and request documents. College counselors update students and parents on the details and expectations of the fall application season at Senior College Night in early September. Throughout the fall students will meet with their college counselors as they navigate college and scholarship applications. College counselors continue to support students and assist with questions about financial aid and how to make the best decision once acceptances are received.
Throughout the school year, St. John’s hosts numerous admissions counselors from national colleges and universities to provide our students the opportunity to meet with a representative from a school they may be interested in attending. St. John’s spring college fair for sophomores and juniors draws representatives from across the country.
At St. John’s, students and parents have several resources available to help simplify the complex college application process. Beginning junior year, students and parents are given access to SCOIR, a web-based resource that contains information about colleges and scholarships.
100% College Placement
Whether our students need assistance writing an essay, preparing for an interview, or deciding what college or university to ultimately attend, we are here to help.
The counselors also host evening events for parents covering a wide range of topics in the ever-changing world of college admissions, including applications, recommendations, financial aid, and scholarships. CEEB Code: 090185
ATTENTION, COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES
To schedule a visit with our seniors, please contact Sr. Anne Mary Smith at asmithstjohnschs.org. Visits may be scheduled most days between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Resources:
- 2024 SCHOLASTIC ARTS AND WRITING AWARDS - The Scholastic Awards are presented by the Alliance for young Artists & Writers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering creative teens and celebrating youth voices. Recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarship (up to $12,500) opportunities for students in Grades 7-12, ages 13 and up. Application fee waivers are available. To learn more, visit artandwriting.org. Check the program out on social media: Facebook, Instagram and TikToc.
- CITIZENS SCHOLARSHIP - Citizens is giving away up to $55,000 in scholarships. No essay, no contest, no sweat! The application is open to students 16 years and older, undergrads, grads, parents and guardians. If you pay tuition, you could win. Entries for a $2,500 monthly prize roll over to the $15,000 annual grand prize towards school expenses. Quarterly, a student who meets the required criteria for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship Prize will be eligible to win $2,500. See Official Rules. Deadline is June 30, 2024.
- SCHOLARSHIP NEWSLETTER - IPRETTY PRESETS SCHOLARSHIP $500-deadline: April 15, 2024;
- CATHOLIC COLLEGE ADMISSION ASSOCIATION (CCAA) - The National CCAA First-Year Scholarship is awarded tp 16 randomly selected students from various geographic regions who attend one of our 116 member institutions in fall 2024. The scholarship was established to celebrate and promote Catholic higher education. This year's application is available here. Deadline to apply is Monday, April 1st.
- THE ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH is offering need-based scholarships for graduating seniors who will enroll in a four-year college or university in the fall of 2024. Since 2007, the Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to 657 high school seniors in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. In 2023, 112 high school seniors received $326,000 in scholarships. Deadline: April 1, 2024
- DUNKIN SCHOLARSHIP - $2,500 College Scholarships! Applicants must be either high school seniors or current undergraduate students who plan to enroll in a part-time or full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the Fall 2024. Dunkin' will distribute 50 scholarships: 10 of which are for Dunkin' employees and the remaining 40 are open to the general public. See rules for eligibility details and terms. Applications are open now and will conclude on April 15, 2024.
- BOOK SCHOLARSHIP FOR COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS - Federal City Public Service Foundation will award two high school seniors with $500 each to purchase educational resources for their college journey. Visit the FCPSF website and discover how you can enter the contest. Application period ends on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:59pm.
- ORGANIZATION OF LATINO ACTUARIES - OLA's 2024-2025 Academic Year Scholarship's deadline has been extended to Sunday, April 13, 2024. Reminder: there are tow types of scholarships being awarded: General Scholarships-winners can received up to $7,500; Named Scholarships: (OPTIONAL): Employers fund a $5,000 scholarship that includes an actuarial internship for next summer (SUMMER OF 2025). Click here to learn more about these offers and to apply. Further information here.
- GAP YEAR EXPLORATION - Students considering a Gap Year exploration will find this site full of possibilities. Visit GAP YEAR PROGRAMS.
- ARCC GAP SEMESTERS - Since 1983, ARCC has offered life-changing experiences to thousands of young adults through our educational programing. Join us for more information at the USA Gap Year Fairs, visit our website for more details and see our summer catalogue.
- DYNAMY INTERNSHIP - Is your student unsure about their college plans? Does your student identify as "college bound" but not yet "college ready"? If so, perhaps they would benefit from a gap year or semester to explore their interest outside of the classroom and strengthen skills before transitioning to college or a career? If this sounds familiar, consider Dynamy Internship Year. Students work with an advisor to select from 100+ internship opportunities and have weekly workshops to hone their individual program. Along with all of the above opportunities, students have the option of taking college courses through a partnership with Clark University.
- MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF SERVICE AND CIVIC INNOVATION - THIS IS A GAP YEAR AND JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR A YEAR. If you are looking for a way to serve your community, consider joining Maryland’s new Maryland Corps/Service Year Option. Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers a year of professional growth and career exploration where you can earn a salary, gain new skills, and identify where your talents and purpose intersect, all while serving your community with your fellow Marylanders. Service roles will provide you with job training, an on-site mentor, and resources to be successful (personal money management training, career exploration, etc.) all while earning at least $15 an hour in your role. Upon successful completion of the program, members earn $6,000 toward tuition costs or as a cash stipend.
- STEM POTENTIALS AND MORE - The STEM field is competitive but it doesn't have to be difficult to navigate. Explore the latest Teen Life Guide.
- PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS COLLEGES - Aspiring artists are invited to discover institutions that fuel creativity and pave the way for a flourishing career in the arts.
- HS NAVIGATOR - This free platform is to help high school students with summer opportunities, internships, and scholarships aligned with their career interests. Once registered, all students will receive prompt notifications whenever new summer internships or opportunities relevant to their chosen fields are posted on this website. Check out some HSN additional features: Comprehensive Database, Free Summer Young Scholars Program and Healthcare Career Database.
- SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS 2024 - Montgomery County Recreation is hiring for Program Site/Assistant Site Directors, Senior Nutrition Managers, Cashiers, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Pool Operators and much more. For full details and job announcements visit Montgomery County Recreation. Also, check out Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center for their available position which include: Front Desk Staff, Lifeguards IRC60067, (Training Provided), Swim Instructor, IRC60068 and Senior Nutrition Manager. Limited number of flyers in school counseling. For more information, email: [email protected]
- TURNUP - TurnUp was, recently featured in Forbes as the standout non-profit organization dedicated to increasing youth civic education, empowerment and engagement. The program is free and has not costs. It is fully remote, has rolling admission and has a flexible time frame and schedule. All students have access to grow into more capable and responsible citizens and to develop their professional skills for a successful future. Visit the TurnUp website for full details and information on their remote internship and a description of the organization.
- DYNAMY INTERNSHIP - Is your student unsure about their college plans? Does your student identify as "college bound" but not yet "college ready"? If so, perhaps they would benefit from a gap year or semester to explore their interest outside of the classroom and strengthen skills before transitioning to college or a career? If this sounds familiar, consider Dynamy Internship Year. Students work with an advisor to select from 100+ internship opportunities and have weekly workshops to hone their individual program. Along with all of the above opportunities, students have the option of taking college courses through a partnership with Clark University.
- UNITED NATIONS ADVANCE TRAINING (UNAT) is a Global Leadership provider offering educational internships for students and scholars worldwide. Check out the exclusive discounts they are offering. The United Nations Advanced Training (UNAT), offers insights into the works of the United Nations, the World Bank, the White House, and the U.S. Congress by engaging with top diplomats, bankers and government policy-makers that move the world. They offer three distinct global programs. Visit their site to see the tailored programs for different student needs. If interested and you want to know and explore more, visit the United Nations Advanced Training (UNAT) site. This site is open to rising 11th and 12 graders. United Nations Online (UNO) : for top-performing rising 11th and 12th graders who cannot join in-person. Direct questions to Global Leadership. The UNAT program is held in the United Nations Headquarters in NY and DC. The UNT program for rising 9th to 12th graders interested in leadership=building will be held in NYC and Ivy League campuses.
- DC ALPHAS COLLEGE FAIR - The DC Alphas are holding a college fair on May 4, 2024 at Paul Public Charter School in Washington, DC. Details here.
- PLUMBERS AND PIPEFITTERS APPRENTICESHIP - The Washington, D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Apprenticeship Training Program school year. Visit website for full details and to apply online at local5training.org. The application process is open year-round, however, the school calendar year is September through July. Our final entrance exam procedures for the upcoming school year will take place in late May 2024. This is a earn-while-you-learn program.
- METAL SUPERMARKET TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - Metal Supermarkets has kicked off the 3rd annual trade school scholarships program which includes four $2,500 scholarships to support young people seeking careers in the valuable trade industries. More information and the link to learn about the programs is on the website. QR on poster for applying. Deadline is June 28, 2024.
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER STUDY & TRAVEL PROGRAMS - This summer stand face to face with history! Earn three college credits and travel the world this summer studying with Hillsdale College faculty. All courses begin with lectures on the Hillsdale campus and continue on site at cultural and historic destinations, domestic and abroad. Rising high school juniors and seniors age 15 or older are eligible with applications encouraged by February 15 and being accepted until programs reach capacity. Learn more online.
- OXBRIDGE SUMMER PROGRAMS - Oxford - Cambridge - Paris - Barcelona - New York! Check out Oxbridge Academic Programs', educational experiences for students ages 13-18.
- BROWN UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY - Brown Pre-College program is to provide students with an experience that prepares them to be an undergraduate at any college or university. This experience leaves students better prepared to engage in the college application process as they approach their senior year. Interested students are invited to create an account to learn all about this pre-college opportunity. Resources to assist your application process. Application opens January 17, 2024 and deadline is May 14, 2024. Follow on social media.
- WILLIAM & MARY'S PRE-COLLEGE ONLINE PROGRAM: William & Mary is offering an online pre-college summer program. For full details and registration information, visit Summer Pre-College courses.
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY - Wake Forest University is offering online immersion, pre-college courses to help students ages 13 and older explore their interests.. The summer application period is now open. Through participating in these courses, students discover if an interest could lead to a college major or even a future career. Check it out on this flyer. Explore the summer courses being offered.
- RICE UNIVERSITY - Rice University is offering four new online courses. They are The Business of Economics, explore economics; Global Affairs: Exploring Changing Political Systems, explore Global Affairs; Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World, explore Law; and Psychology in Our Everyday Lives, explore Psychology. Courses are 100% online, allowing students to study at their own pace. They will be guided by mentors and earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University.
- ROCHESTER PRE-COLLEGE ONLINE PROGRAM - Summer is a perfect time for motivated high school students to start thinking about college. The University of Rochester offers courses to help pre-college students ages 13 and older to explore their interests. The summer application process is now open. View the courses they are offering.
- GEORGETOWN ONLINE COURSES - Georgetown University is happy to announce that they are offering four new online summer courses: Biology: The Science of Cells and Innovations; Becoming a Leader, Motivate, Inspire and Persuade; Discover the Power of Marketing; Explore Advance Practice Nursing and, their newest course offering: Anatomy and Physiology: How the Body works in Harmony. Visit Georgetown's program website. Also happening at Georgetown this summer, the SUMMER LEGAL INSTITUTE. This program, will be held from 8:30-4:30pm at Georgetown School of Law & Howard School of Law. It invites students to partake in an engaging and educational program tailored to introduce them to the legal system and diverse career paths within the legal field. Cost: FREE
- GANNON UNIVERSITY ONLINE COURSES - What do you love to do? Where do you imagine yourself working? What do you want to accomplish in the future? Your possibilities begin at Gannon. We offer 67 bachelor’s degrees and 56 minors to customize your education. Each of our majors includes opportunities to work and learn in hands-on, professional settings. Meet one of the many Professors at Gannon University to learn more about the dedicated faculty. Visit their College of Engineering and Business. Take several tours of Gannon's College of Humanities, Education and Social Services along with a tour of Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences. Apply.
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE - If you have a passion for a certain subject and would like to explore it in-depth before college, here is your chance to do so with one of the nation's premier research institutions. For nearly 200 years, Case Western Reserve University has prepared ambitious students for their futures—in that spirit, we offer our pre-college online courses, designed for high school students ages 13 and up. Each course features video lessons by Case Western Reserve instructors and access to mentors. The program is available year-round, and the online format lets you study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
- SMITH COLLEGE - Join our 1-, 2- or 4-week academic and residential programs at Smith College in Northampton, MA. Meet other high school students from all over the world as you live and study on-campus. Check out the type of schedule you would follow. DATES: Program-specific- varies between July 6-19 and July 21-August 3.TUITION: Varies between $2,660- $4,745 per session. Financial aid available.Tuition includes class materials, room and board; Courses are not for credit.
- STEVENS 2024 PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS - Are you interested in summer programs, particularly those related to STEM fields? Questions may be directed to [email protected]
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS - Interested in Pre-College programs? Visit Columbia University Pre-Summer Programs. Choices for residential, commuter or online attendance.
- GREAT BOOKS SUMMER PROGRAM - ON-CAMPUS, ONLINE, YEAR-ROUND. Special Invitation for Students and Families. Learn about Great Books Summer Program 2024. Students in current grades 5-8 and 9-12 are invited to get a taste of Great Books and share in a free class. RSVP for the info session and free class today!
- WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE - WPI is gearing up for a fantastic summer full of programs for high school students. Here are some pre-collegiate outreach programs they would like to highlight and share with you. Read to learn more about upcoming application dates and program offerings. Launch, a day program for rising 9, 10 & 11 graders. Frontiers, an in-person program for rising 10, 11 & 12th grades. Jumpstart, a virtual college credt program for rising 11th & 12th graders.
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY - PreCollege Program for High School Students offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience life as an NYU student in the heart of New York City. PreCollege programs are offered in the fall, spring and summer. For full details and the most up to date information, visit NYU. A scholarship is available for students participating in the summer program with a deadline of April 1 for applying. In addition to NYU PreCollege, students have access to more than 50 different high school programs offered throughout the year. Check these programs out.
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER - If you are a student interested in a career in engineering, medicine or business , U of Rochester's Pre-College Online Programs may be just for you. Check out Rochester's programs for this summer.
- CORNELL UNIVERSITY - PreCollege Summer Program. Are you interested in college-level summer student, if so, Cornell may be the place for you! Check out their PreCollege Studies Program which offers online courses. You can choose from dozens of three and six week online undergraduate Cornell courses.
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO - The University of Chicago's summer programs draws from the multidisciplinary emphasis and intellectual richness of the College's Core curriculum. A variety of courses in diverse subject areas and engagement levels that match any highly motivated school student. For Summer 2024, they will host residential programs and online courses. Visit their Enrichment Program, Immersion Program, and Pre-College Connect. See their flyer.
- CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA SUMMER CAMP - Rising Junior and Seniors, are you interested in becoming an architect or having a career in any design-related field? Then make Washington D.C. your classroom this summer. Join others for a fun and immersive summer program. For detailed information visit becoming an architect above. Deadline for applying is May 1st 2024.
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, offers an online-only virtual program called, The Joy of Coding. Visit the website for detailed information. All students who apply will then be provided with an online screening module to ensure that they are where the level of the course is offered. Direct questions to this contact and use this connection to apply. Rolling admissions, deadline: June 13, 2024.
- RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE - Rensselaer is offering a 2024 PREFACE Program this summer for talented rising 11th and 12th graders in the fall. Students who have been historically under-represented in science, engineering, and the technological fields and who express a strong, early interest in pursuing careers in these areas. This year's program will take place in-person, Sunday, July 28 through Saturday,August 10, 2024 (2 weeks) on the Rensselaer campus in Troy, NY. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on April 19, 2024.
- SUMMER DISCOVERY 2024 - Summer Discovery offers programs across five prestigious university campuses with full-day, half-day and options for both residential and commute students. Visit their website for more information and to apply.
- UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY - West Point's Summer Leaders Experience at West Point is designed to develop Leaders of Character and are looking for high-achieving young people who are in great standing with their school and community and who want to challenge themselves. Check out the flyer and website to see if you want to be part of this program. Application deadline for SLE is Friday, March 15th but will continue to accept applications until April 15th.
- SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE - Experience College as a high school student this summer! Check out the many opportunities Syracuse University is offering interested students. Click here for full details and to view the areas of study that are being offered.
- UVA NORTHERN VIRGINIA - Inspire: Summer 2024 offers summer programming for rising 10 through 12th graders to explore new interests and skills. Are you interested in accounting, business, marketing and so much more? Find the program that feeds your curiosity.
- ACAP - ACCOUNTING CAREER AWARENESS - Immerse yourself in the college experience through ACAP, a week-long summer program that uncovers the world of accounting, business, finance, entrepreneurship and related business fields. Since 1980, ACAP has been a game-changer for thousands of high school students, igniting their academic journey and inspiring them to reach for the stars
- SUMMER READING SKILLS PROGRAMS - Loyola University of Maryland is offering Summer Reading Skills Programs this summer covering Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension, Love of Reading, Study Skills and Reading Speed. Classes will be offered in Olney, Chevy Chase, College Park and Rockville. The progran ranges from 4 year olds through 12th grade and College Freshman. All programs meet once each week. Tuition varies by grade level. Please ask about our family discount. Questions may be directed to 1-800-499-8557. Visit website for details, readingprograms.org
- UNITED NATIONS ONLINE (UNO) - In the fall of 2024, UNO invites top performing rising 11th & 12th graders to join the highly selective United Nations Online project. The program is designed to help students learn about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the decision-making process of international organizations. For w0 weeks starting September 6th, 2024 the UNO will feature weekly online workshops, seminars, and lecture sessions led by the World Federation of United Nations Associations. (WFUNA) Deadline for submission of the UNAT application is April 30th, 2024. Students can get a $200 application waiver when they join in a 1:1 Q&A session. Visit the UNO website for more information.
- YMCA ARYRLAWN AND YMCA BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE (BCC) are now HIRING CAMP COUNSELORS who are 16 or older, for Summer 2024. This job opportunity is perfect if you are looking to work with kids, build leadership and communication skills, and create lifelong memories and friendships. Visit this flyer which outlines all that is offered and the dates of operation. Camp is Monday-Friday from 730am-6pm. Shifts are 9 hours with a 1 hour break and they are looking for at least 6 weeks of commitment. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.ymcadc.org for day camp descriptions and registration information. FYI: an SJC graduate, 2020, is the Summer 2024 Camp Director at the UMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase.