- St. John Paul II Catholic High School | Tallahassee College Guidance

Approach

St. John Paul II Catholic High School is committed to supporting every student throughout the college search and admissions process. Our full-time College Counselor offers personalized assistance to students and their parents in selecting a college through one-on-one interactions, guiding them through the entire college search and admissions journey to help them choose institutions that align with their academic, spiritual, personal, and financial needs.

Upon entering high school, students meet with our College Counselor in group settings for presentations and individually upon request. Every semester, a College Admissions 101 Seminar is offered to families during the evening to help them prepare for the competitive world of college admissions.

As students progress into their junior year, College Counselors intensify their support, with individual family meetings for every student focusing on preparing the SAT/ACT testing timeline and creating a preliminary list of colleges.

In the senior year, College Counseling collaborates frequently with students to finalize their list of schools. Students receive unlimited assistance in completing applications, guidance on essay editing, information on scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and more.

To further support families, workshops and information sessions are conducted in the evenings, starting from freshman year. Participation is strongly encouraged.

St. John Paul II Catholic High School also facilitates engagement with many college admission representatives at on-site Information Session visits open to all students.

College Counseling Services

Knowledgeable

Counselor is knowledgeable about colleges, admission requirements, and application processes. Counselor regularly monitors trends in college admissions as well as industry changes.
Awareness of different academic programs, majors, and career paths is crucial for providing informed guidance.

Personalized Guidance

Students receive personalized advice based on individual student strengths, interests, and goals.
Offers guidance on college choices that align with a student’s academic profile and career aspirations.

Accessibility

Availability and accessibility to students and parents through regular office hours, appointments, and responsive communication channels.
Timely responses to inquiries and concerns to ensure students feel supported throughout the application process.

Resource Availability

We provide comprehensive resources on college options, standardized testing, financial aid, scholarships, and application procedures.
We offer workshops, seminars, and informational sessions to educate students and parents.

Assistance with Applications

Support in preparing and submitting college applications, including assistance with essays, recommendation letters, and other required documentation.
We make individual recommendations on standardized test preparation and understanding testing requirements.

Financial Aid Support

Families receive assistance in navigating the financial aid process, including information on scholarships, grants, loans, and FAFSA applications.
College Counseling helps students explore affordable college options and understand the costs associated with higher education.

Career Counseling

Integrating career counseling into college guidance to help students align their academic pursuits with future career goals.

Cultural Competence

Being culturally competent and understanding the diverse needs and backgrounds of students.
Providing support for international students or those with unique circumstances.

Advocacy and Support

Advocating for students in the college admissions process and addressing challenges or obstacles.
Offering emotional support and guidance during a stressful period for students and their families.

Our college counseling office combines these qualities to create a supportive and informed environment that empowers students to make well-informed decisions about their post-high school education.

College Representative Campus Visits

St. John Paul II Catholic High welcomes college representatives to campus during our lunchtime in the conference room. Representatives must bring a valid ID and enter through the Front Office.

A visit time can be requested through our SCOIR Calendar or Rep Visits.

Contact Sara Bayliss at sbayliss@jpiichs.org with questions or request another visit time (if it can be accommodated).