Road to College

Preparing for college is not a one-size-fits-all process, and at Loyola College Preparatory, it never feels that way. Our College Counseling Program is built to guide students and families through every step of the college search and application journey, starting freshman year and continuing through graduation.

Loyola is the only school in the area that provides this level of personalized, one-on-one college counseling at no additional cost. Students receive individual attention, strategic guidance, and consistent support from experienced counselors who know them well and understand their goals, strengths, and interests.

This comprehensive approach ensures that Loyola graduates are not only competitive college applicants, but also well-prepared young adults ready to take their next step with clarity and confidence.

Freshman Year: Building the Foundation

• Group counseling on strong study habits and academic organization
• Education on what a high school transcript is, how grades are calculated, and why they matter
• Guidance on course selection and planning a four-year academic program
• Early conversations about interests, strengths, and long-term goals

Goal: Establish strong academic habits and a thoughtful four-year course plan.

Sophomore Year: Exploring Interests and Possibilities

• Introduction to Scoir, Loyola’s college and career planning platform
• Completion of the PrinciplesYou assessment to identify interests, strengths, and career pathways
• Guided college and career research using Scoir tools
• Continued advising on course selection and alignment with future goals

Goal: Increase self-awareness and begin exploring academic and career pathways.

Junior Year: Preparing for the Application Process

• Advising on testing goals and strategies (ACT/SAT planning)
• Guidance on resume development and activity tracking
• Continued college research using Scoir’s college match tools
• Support with senior year course selection
• Introduction to college applications, including:
  • Understanding application types 
  • Common Application
  • Early essay brainstorming and writing strategies
  • Requesting teacher letters of recommendation

Goal: Build a strong college list and prepare for a successful senior application season.

Senior Year: Applying and Making Decisions
Over the summer, rising seniors and their parents have the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Clark to finalize college lists, review important deadlines and application requirements, ensure all materials are in their strongest, polished form, and develop a strategic plan for a successful application season.
Completing Applications

• Instruction and support using the Common Application or school-specific applications
• Essay drafting, feedback, and revision support
• Advising on testing
• Ongoing monitoring of college portals and communications

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Guidance on financial aid applications
• Scholarship information shared throughout the year 
• Support with interpreting financial aid offers and next steps

Goal: Submit strong, complete applications and make informed, confident college decisions.

Ongoing Support
At every grade level:

• Students are encouraged to utilize Scoir
• All students receive one-on-one course planning 
• Mrs. Clark is available for individual meetings, guidance, and troubleshooting