COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Philosophy
The Counseling Department builds its goals on the belief that the needs of the whole person must be served. The department believes that it must offer students the opportunity to develop an awareness of their responsibilities to God, to themselves, to the school community, and to the community at large.
Throughout their years at Bishop Alemany, students collaborate with the Counseling Department in the planning of their academic programs. Counselors, working with the Studies Office, faculty, and parents, assist students in evaluating their abilities and guide them to pursue a course of studies that best suits their potential and future life goals. Where necessary, remediation and enrichment are encouraged. Standardized tests administered regularly according to national and local schedules are recommended to students as part of this evaluation and guidance process.
Each student has an appointed counselor who will contact him/her at various times each semester to discuss academic progress, to motivate the student to
reach his/her highest potential, and to offer encouragement and any help that is needed. Students are free to request appointments with their designated counselors or with another counselor at any time.
All counselors may assist students in the areas of academic, college, career, and personal counseling.
College Career Center
The College Career Center provides the latest in college and career information, and is open daily for use by the students.
Testing
Necessary information and applications for the following tests are available to students who attend Bishop Alemany:
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment (PSAT) (Grades 9-11)
These tests are designed as preparation for the SAT. The 11th grade test is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The College Board has redesigned this series of exams so that each grade level takes an appropriate version: PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and the traditional PSAT (primarily intended for 11th graders).
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT Test)
This is a three-part test on critical reading, mathematical abilities, and writing skills that the student has developed in high school. It is the basis of admission to most four-year colleges and universities. Any senior planning to go to a four-year college should take the SAT Reasoning Test by November of his or her senior year. Juniors are encouraged to take the SAT Reasoning Test in the spring of their junior year. Dates for this test are available in the College Career Center, the school calendar in the Student Handbook, and in the various bulletins distributed to students and parents throughout the year.
American College Testing Program (ACT)
The ACT, like the SAT Reasoning Test, is a college entrance test. Every senior should check the test requirements of the college he or she chooses. Bishop Alemany encourages all students intending to attend a four-year college to take both the SAT Reasoning Test and ACT.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
This test offers an evaluation of the abilities of a person in many different areas. The results of this test are most helpful in deciding a career. This test is offered free to all seniors (in the fall semester) and juniors (in the spring semester), whether or not they are considering a military career. See the annual school calendar for dates.
