Academics

School & College Counseling

The School & College Counseling Department at Mount Saint Mary Academy is dedicated to supporting each student's academic, personal, and post-secondary journey through individualized, relationship-based counseling. Our team of counselors works for each student to be known deeply, supported intentionally, and guided thoughtfully throughout her four years at the Mount. Our program is designed to meet students where they are and walk alongside them as they grow into confident, capable, and independent young women.

At the Mount, counseling is both personal and purposeful. Students benefit from:

Assigned school counselors who remain with them throughout their high school journey
Individual meetings for academic planning, goal setting, and personal support
A structured college counseling program
Close collaboration with families to ensure shared understanding and support
A balance of academic advising, social-emotional guidance, and college preparation.

Our goal is to ensure that every student is empowered to explore her potential and prepared to take the next step with confidence.

Four-Year Counseling Roadmap

List of 4 items.

FRESHMAN YEAR: Foundation & Transition
Freshman year focuses on building a strong academic and personal foundation while transitioning to high school.

Students will:
- Transition into the college-preparatory environment at the Mount
- Develop essential study skills and time management strategies
- Learn organization and self-advocacy skills
- Begin exploring interests, strengths, and learning styles
- Participate in freshman seminar programming focused on academic success and wellness
- Establish a relationship with their assigned counselor
SOPHOMORE YEAR: Exploration & Skill Building
Sophomore year expands student awareness, strengthens academic habits and begin to determine potential future careers in college.

Students will:
- Deepen study skills and executive functioning strategies
- Begin standardized testing awareness and preparation (PSAT/ Pre-ACT)
- Explore career interests and college pathways
- Participate in sophomore seminar programming focused on planning and preparation
- Continue individual meetings with counselors for academic course planning
JUNIOR YEAR: College Discovery & Planning
Junior year is the beginning of the formal college counseling process.

Students will:
- Engage in structured college counseling programming
- Explore college options based on academic profile and interests
- Build a balanced college list with counselor guidance
- Participate in college fairs, admissions visits, and workshops
- Begin resume development and activity reflection
- Work closely with counselors on academic and extracurricular alignment
SENIOR YEAR: Application & Transition
Senior year focuses on applications, decisions, and transition planning.

Students will:
- Receive individualized college application guidance and support
- Complete essays, applications, and supplemental materials with counseling support
- Finalize college lists and application strategy
- Participate in one-on-one college counseling meetings throughout the year
- Transition confidently from high school to college with personalized support

College Counseling Program

Beginning in junior year and continuing through senior year, students work closely with College Counseling through:

College counseling classes and workshops
Individual college planning meetings
Application and essay support sessions
College representative visits and admissions programming

Our program is designed to help students identify best-fit colleges, present their strongest applications, and gain admission to institutions where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.

As students progress through junior and senior year, they receive individualized guidance through each stage of the college search, selection and application process from College Counseling. Through College Skills classes, family meetings, and one-on-one consultations, students are encouraged to explore their interests, strengths, and goals while developing a thoughtful and balanced college list. This comprehensive approach helps students make informed decisions about their future, navigate the admissions process with confidence, and maximize opportunities for admission and scholarship consideration.