WELCOME! to College Counseling at Father Ryan High School. College counseling is an important aspect of the guidance services offered at Father Ryan High School. The purpose of college counseling at Father Ryan is to encourage students to prepare early for college admission and to consider a variety of colleges. Our college counseling office, with two full-time college counselors, is committed to providing the highest possible level of support to aid in the successful completion of the college planning/application/admission process. Beginning with the freshman year, students are advised as to the minimal course requirements for the public universities in Tennessee, as well as encouraged to use the College Counseling Center to investigate other college options and their requirements. College prep for 9th grade In the sophomore year, information on college requirements is repeated so the students may continue to choose courses which will keep many college options open to them. College prep for 10th grade During October of the junior year, students will take the PSAT or "practice" SAT. (The PSAT is also the basis for the designation of National Merit Scholars.) Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of early testing opportunities. Remember, your junior year is one of your most important years because colleges can accept you after six semesters of course work. College prep for 11th grade

During the spring and summer prior to the senior year, the College Counseling Office will be available for individual meetings with rising seniors and their parents. These meetings are intended to get to know the student and his/her plans for college and the future as well as offer suggestions to guide in the student's search and application process. Students and parents also have access to a library of college catalogs and reference guides, internet resources, college videocassettes, and computerized college search and financial aid software which are available in the College Counseling Center. College prep for 12th grade

MISSION STATEMENT

The College Counseling Office at Father Ryan High School serves to prepare students for success in college by:

• CHALLENGING each student to their highest level of achievement.
• ENCOURAGING each student to select a curriculum that will prepare them for their next academic level.
• EXPOSING students to a variety of academic options above the high school level.
• KNOWING INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES of each student in order to better guide students in selecting a college environment that will maximize these strengths and accommodate for the weaknesses.
• PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES for both parents and students to acquire skills that will help in the successful completion of the college admission process.
  

If you have any questions or comments, you can e-mail Sarah Wilkinson or Casey Cossitt.