College Counseling
At Providence Academy, we have taken a cue from our very name in crafting a college counseling program for our students. If it is the goal of a Catholic education to help students learn to desire the perfection that God desires for them, then we must affirm that the college search and application process is a critical period of discernment that is fully part of God’s plan for achieving this perfection. As a college preparatory school, our specific aim is to instill in our students the ardent desire to develop their gifts through postsecondary education in order share these talents with the world.
The College Counseling program at Providence Academy has a twofold mission. The first is to educate students (and their families) about college preparation (including academic planning, college entrance testing, and extracurricular development), the college search, the application and selection process, and financial aid with expert advice and perspective that leads to the selection of a best-fit college choice. The second is to serve in an integral educational role that helps students grow in personal responsibility and initiative while building skills in self-reflection, self-advocacy, communication, and decision-making that are critical for emerging adulthood.
The college counseling program spans all four years of Upper School and includes annual information nights for each class, regular programming that addresses various college-related topics, college visit programming including 90+ individual college visits each fall and an annual College Day each April, individual meetings beginning in winter of Grade 11, and much more. Please explore the links to learn more about our programs and staff.
College Counseling Staff
Mrs. Sarah Hogan
Phone: 763-258-5508
Biography
Mrs. Hogan joined the PA community in 2006, bringing nearly a decade of college administration experience to Providence Academy, having served as both Director of Alumni Relations and as a leader in the Admission and Financial Aid division at her alma mater. As a college administrator, she coordinated strategic planning and programming efforts in student recruitment and alumni engagement.
At PA, Mrs. Hogan has also served in multiple roles, including Director of College Counseling and Alumni Engagement, as well as Director of Admission, frequently attending and presenting at regional and national conferences and serving on both collegiate and edtech advisory boards.
Mrs. Hogan holds professional memberships with National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) and the Minnesota Association of College Admission Counselors (MACAC), for which she served as MACAC President, and enjoys supporting all PA students and families in the post-secondary planning process and staying connected with PA alumni after graduation.
Mr. Andrew Wolf
Phone: 763-258-5514
Biography
Mr. Andrew Wolf joined Providence Academy in 2022 and currently serves as a College Counselor and Academic Advisor. Prior to his time at PA, Mr. Wolf worked as a Twin Cities-based admission counselor for his alma mater, North Dakota State University. He holds B.A. degrees in Philosophy and English from NDSU as well as an M.A. in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College & Seminary.
College Counseling eBulletin
FINAL REMINDER: Register now for the PSAT and Plan Ahead for ACT/SAT Testing in 2026-2027
As a reminder, 2026-27 registration is open for both the ACT and SAT. These national test sittings occur offsite on select Saturdays throughout the year. Those interested in taking the SAT should be cognizant of registering early, as seats are limited in Minnesota...
College Visit Field Trip to UW-Madison and Marquette University
PA Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores (and Freshmen, space permitting) are invited to a PA-sponsored college trip to Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Madison, our 4th annual out-of-state college visit field trip November 12-13 (during the school holiday...
SEC College Fair at PA on October 6
In conjunction with our national conference the week of Homecoming, PA College Counseling will co-host a SEC College Fair with Wayzata High School. The event will be held in the Providence Academy Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. and...
College Financial Aid 101 Session and Access to College Aid Pro
For those families looking to use our subscription to College Aid Pro resources (i.e. shopping for colleges by net cost), please follow the steps below will allow you to create a free ‘Premium’ CAP parent account using PA’s discount code (please do not share outside...
UPDATE Your Calendars: 2026-27 Programming Dates (subject to change)
We invite parents to engage with us in our 2026-27 College Counseling programming, which includes virtual College Conversations, a series of informal morning programs (typically from 8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m.) we host on college-related topics throughout the year. These...
Senior Parent College Night and Senior Parent Feedback for College Counseling
Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30 p.m.: This is a friendly reminder that Senior parents are invited to attend this annual one hour presentation with the college counseling team. We will provide adult refreshments and discuss the year ahead and how you can best support...