Looking ahead, we invite parents to engage with us in our 2024-25 College Counseling programming, which includes virtual College Conversations, a series of informal morning programs (typically from 8:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) we host on college related topics throughout the year. These programs are intended to provide additional opportunities for Upper School parents to connect with us about college related concerns, hear more about a specific topic (e.g. the college search, financial aid and scholarships, how to spend summers), and ask any questions.
We have started making plans for our 18th annual College Day program, which is scheduled for April 9, 2025. Parents are invited (and highly encouraged) to attend College Day, an ideal opportunity for underclassmen and their families to set the agenda for future college research.
We will continue to include important information and reminders in the E-Bulletin (and via email) regarding the milestones in the college/post-secondary planning process. Regarding our revamped approach to college entrance testing, please note that sophomore and junior students will have the option to sit for the digital PSAT exam on Saturday, October 12. The PSAT in Grade 10 is a practice exam intended to start familiarizing students with SAT test content and digital format, as well as to help students identify areas of testing strength and weakness.
Schedule of Tentative 2024-2025 Programming Dates
Semester 1
July 30-Aug. 2 College Application Workshop for Seniors (a.k.a. Bootcamp)
August 12 Lions Cup Golf at Woodhill Country Club
September 12 Virtual Parent College Conversation (Topic: Tips on College Entrance Testing)
September 18 Senior Parent College Night
October 5 Fall College Essay Workshop for Seniors
October 12 Saturday Opt-in digital PSAT Exam at PA for 11th (and 10th grade)
October 15 ACT Exam at PA for all juniors (opt-in for seniors)
November 7-8 Opt-in College Visit Field Trip (Creighton University and Benedictine College)
November 14 Grade 11 College Planning Keynote Speaker/Session (afternoon)
December 5 Virtual Parent College Conversaton (Topic: Financial Aid)
December 21 Annual Alumni Homecoming Christmas Party
January 8 Annual PA Alumni Home-From-College Forum
Semester 2
January 16 Virtual Parent College Conversation (Topic: Summer College Programs)
February 6 Grade 9 Parent Virtual College Conversation
March 6-7 Local College Visit Field Trips
March 13 Grade 10 Virtual Parent College Conversation
April 3 Parent Virtual College Conversation (Preview to College Day)
April 9 Providence Academy Annual College Day (afternoon)
April 12 Grade 10 Free Optional Practice ACT Exam at PA
May 8 Parent College Conversation (Topic: Highly Selective College Admission)
May 29 College Recognitions Activity Period Ceremony for Juniors (a.k.a. Book Awards)
In addition to the date above, we will schedule additional student encounters with alumni regarding college/career advice, especially through student clubs (e.g. Medical Club, Finance Club, etc.).
Finally, as a reminder, Upper School students are invited to schedule a college meeting with their assigned college counselor. Juniors should be scheduling their final check-in meeting of the school year, while freshman and sophomore families who would find it helpful are also welcome to schedule a meeting (we recognize that the college search unfolds at different paces for different students):
Schedule a Meeting with Mrs. Hogan
Schedule a Meeting with Mr. Wolf
We are also available via phone, email, when questions or a need for facetime do arise.
For questions regarding college counseling programming, please contact Mrs. Sarah Hogan, Director of College Counseling & Alumni Engagement.