College Admission
SDA prides itself on preparing its graduates to attend the finest colleges and universities in the country. We also help our students identify scholarship and financial aid opportunities which will enable them to receive a higher education: the members of class of 2005 earned over $5.6 million in scholarships.
The process leading to this success begins early. In sophomore year, our students take a career inventory, the Harrington-O'Shea Career Decision Making Test, helping them identify career possibilities and focus on the type of education and development required. We encourage them to research schools and scholarship availability before taking the first step in their road to college: the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
In junior year, students begin to work directly on how to prepare for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). We introduce them to the college application process, including the common application form accepted by a vast number of colleges. With Sr. Maureen Kelly, the Director of Guidance, and the other members of the department, Carolina Roc and Traci Grauer, the junior class attends the NACAC fair, where they can meet with representatives of top colleges from across the country.
By the summer between their junior and senior years, our students are visiting the schools of their choice to learn more about them first-hand. From September through December, they have an additional opportunity as representatives of top colleges visit SDA. Members of the senior class sign up to meet with them in classrooms during the 4th and 5th period.
On-going support for the college admission process means that we provide our students with up-to-date information on scholarship opportunities, college open houses, summer educational opportunities and special programs. We arrange financial aid meetings for all seniors and their parents in the fall and for all juniors and their parents in the Spring, covering all aspects of financial aid and filling out the appropriate forms.
A major contributor to our graduates' success is Sister Maureen Kelly, F.S.P., the Director of Guidance, who has been associated with SDA for nearly 25 years. In December 2001, Sister Maureen was recognized by Stevens Institute of Technology with the outstanding counselor service award, acknowledging her role in guiding students through the the college admission process and serving as advocates for them.