The Guidance Office is available for all scholars to use as a means of discovering talents and interests, pursuing career goals, and preparing for college entrance upon graduation from Saint Frances Academy. The College Adviser is in charge of making sure that all scholars have an active plan for the future before exiting SFA and entering the world of post-secondary education and work.
Seniors are welcome to utilize the Guidance Office to register for the SAT or ACT; apply to colleges; explore interests, careers, and college majors; and develop concrete goals for the future. Scholars are assisted with academic counseling to understand how their grades and standardized test scores are an integral part of their future success in college. Scholars receive assistance with the preparation and submission of college applications, recommendation letters, college essays, fee waivers, scholarships, and federal and state financial aid to pay for college. Juniors are advised in the Spring for college and career planning. Seniors work intensely with the College Adviser in the Fall for college application submission.
GENERAL INFO
COLLEGE PLANNING
MY STUDENT EDGE
SFA scholars and families have access to Peterson’s Student Edge, a resource for customized SAT test preparation, college planning, scholarship searches, career exploration, homework help, and the creation of resumes at MyStudentEdge.com. SFA’s access code is: PKTEMHDQ. This website is a must for any student who wants to plan and prepare for college.
SAT & ACT
Saint Frances Academy is an approved testing site for both the SAT and ACT.
We encourage our scholars to register for the SAT at CollegeBoard.org and the ACT at ActStudent.org. If they qualify, scholars may be eligible to receive up to two fee waivers. Scholars should speak with the College Adviser to determine eligibility.
COLLEGE VISITS & OPPORTUNITIES
Many prestigious colleges and universities visit Saint Frances Academy throughout the year. Please take advantage of these opportunities by signing up in the Guidance Office. Parents are always welcome!
Seniors will have the opportunity to interact with four prestigious colleges on the last Friday in September for the annual College Round Robin. Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of College Fairs such as the Fall National College Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center. Fairs are designed for high school students to meet admissions representatives and discover where they want to apply to college.
Seniors may apply for financial aid for college from January 1 through March 1. Parents may use their tax returns or W2s to apply. The FAFSA form is available online at www.fafsa.gov and should be completed online.
PROCEDURES TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Apply for a PIN for both parent and student. The PIN is a four-digit number, which allows you to electronically sign your online application. www.pin.ed.gov.
Gather documents needed to apply, including last year’s tax return, W-2 forms and PIN.
Go to www.fafsa.gov to begin the process. Submit the FAFSA online and print out your confirmation number. If you haven’t completed your tax return yet, you can estimate your answers and return later to make corrections. March 1 is the Maryland deadline, and financial aid is on a “first-come, first-serve basis.” Do NOT go to www.fafsa.com or you will have to pay.
Include a Maryland college on your FAFSA, even if you don’t want to go to college in-state. If you apply for a college after submitting the FAFSA, you will need to add that college to your FAFSA.
You will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR). If necessary, make changes or corrections and resubmit for processing.
College award letters will be sent to you.
Review award packages from your colleges and compare amounts and types of aid.
As soon as you know which college you want to attend, call the Financial Aid office of that college. The office will assist you with any financial issues.
Don’t forget – you need to re-apply for financial aid each year that you are in college.