Senior Year will be marked by many tasks and critical deadlines. These tasks are currently being updated and will remain fluid all year long.

Some important dates to note are the ACT and SAT test dates. Please be sure to sign up for a test date(s) administered this Fall.

Please email Mrs. Monica Nugent if you have any questions or concerns.

Academic & College Counseling Tips:

Read. Read often.
Visit your Family Connection account no fewer than five times per week. Update all fields (resume, etc.) as needed.
Use your Family Connection account to identify additional goals while tending to existing goals previously entered into portal.
Schedule to meet with Mrs. Nugent immediately upon the beginning of the school year. Look to meet twice per month until February.
Sign up for the Fall and Spring test dates for the SAT and ACT. If you have a documented learning difference, work with Mrs. Nugent to make accommodations for this.
Consider taking SAT Subject tests. If you are seeking a selective college or university, the subject tests will be a requirement.
Expand the college search by utilizing the SuperMatch College Search on Family Connection. Your list should consist of no fewer than five schools.
Visit the National College Fair in Chicago at McCormick Place - see a listing of schools here
Visit the Kankakee Community College Fair in September
Students with writing or Fine Arts portfolios should prepare them during the Fall Semester. Work with department chairpersons to develop a thorough portfolio.
Visit colleges, especially when school is not in session. Use Family Connection to sign up for these visits. Advanced notice is required.
Ask thoughtful, creative questions of college representatives who are visiting Bishop McNamara. Some universities will require a private meeting here at Bishop McNamara. You will need to sign up for these visits in advance, not the day of, and are responsible for all class work you may miss.
Engage in self-taught or professional test preparation for the standardized tests.
Add a reputable out-of-state college or university to your list. While you can receive a good education at any school, some employers prefer the more reputable schools. Many of these schools do not necessarily have a higher price tag to them.
Discuss your schools and future with your guidance counselor, teachers, parents and other adults.
Check your email twice daily. Push it to any phone or other data device.
Consider summer employment to help save for college costs. Begin to explore scholarship opportunities at the links provided here.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (aka "clearinghouse") if you are interested in playing a sport at the Division I or II level. Meet with Mr. Rutter to discuss your plans. Email him at jrutter@bishopmac.org to schedule a meeting. Have your parents/guardians with you.
Over the summer of Junior-Senior year, organize your college list. Update the Colleges I'm Thinking About page on Family Connection
Work on your college essay. Meet with your English teacher to discuss your topic(s).
Begin completing online applications for colleges.

General:

Finish Strong.
Consider your legacy as a member of the school community and work to build a solid reputation and a respectable contribution to the well-being of the school. Contribute to a healthy, exciting school community.
Serve as chairperson or committee members of clubs and projects (i.e. food drive, House activities, etc.).
Ensure your priorities - academic, spiritual, social and athletic/cultural, are all in line with your future. Make responsible decisions.
Fine tune the aspects of your personality and personal mastery - communication, presence, etc. throughout this final year of school.

Academics:

Keep focused on your assignments and keeping up with readings.
Continue good study habits and skills.
Engage your teachers. Ask them what they would like to see from you. Then do it.
Attend any and all review sessions.
Read. Read often. Maintaining a healthy reading schedule will allow you greater ease on the standardized tests. You'll know the words and you can browse through the reading comprehension sections more easily.

Co-Curriculars:

Aim to be a well-balanced student, one who is involved in meaningful activities and engaged in their entire school experience.
Explore. Try new things. Take on leadership roles. Be a solid follower.
Make a steady commitment to co-curricular clubs and activities. Demonstrate your dependability as a committee member.
Learn how to balance school, co-curricular activities and personal health.
Attend as many school events (cultural ones especially) as possible. Demonstrate Pride in Place!
Volunteer or work during the summer.
Commit to a service project. Consider initiating a service project for the community (school or local community). Seek support. Lend support to others' initiatives.
Find a passion. Be willing to work hard for that project/passion.

Bishop McNamara Catholic School

College & Scholarship Resources

Resources

College visits at Bishop McNamara

Local College Scholarships

College Scholarship Links

Student Timelines

Jason Franklin Online Act Class

College Counseling Links