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
Plan Ahead for ACT, SAT, and PSAT/NMSQT Testing in 2026-2027
In recent days, 2026-2027 registration opened for both the ACT and SAT. These national test sittings occur offsite on predetermined Saturdays throughout the year. Those interested in taking the SAT should be especially cognizant of registering early, as seats are...
Class of 2027 College Essay/Application Workshops
This is the final call to register for either (or both) of our summer college essay workshops using the August College "Bootcamp" Registration Form and June Essay Workshop Registration Form. After June 1, registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis....
June 10 College Visit Field Trip to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
We invite Upper School students (grades 9th-12th in 2026-2027) to join us on a sponsored field trip to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (visit to the Minneapolis campus as well as the Anselm House Christian and Newman Centerstudent ministries). Our tentative...
June 10 College Visit Field Trip to U of MN-Twin Cities
We invite current freshmen, sophomores and juniors to join us on a sponsored field trip to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (visit to the Minneapolis campus including stops at Anselm House Christian Ministry and St. Lawrence Newman Center). The timing will be from...
Reminder: College Aid Pro Resource and Webinar Series for Parents
HOW TO PAY THE BILL Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm ET Please join Providence Academy Counseling Department and College Aid Pro for this free webinar: How to Pay the Bill, a quick, practical webinar to help families plan for fall tuition—before the bill arrives. We’ll...
Reminder: ACT Summer Prep Course at PA
Providence Academy and Flying Colors Prep (formerly known as Breakaway Test Prep) will be offering small group ACT instruction at PA this coming summer (2026). This group course hosted at PA begins on Friday mornings from 9am-12pm on July 31, August 7, 14, 21 and 28...