Academic/College Counseling
Academic and college counseling at Mercy Academy is led by the
Dean of Students, Liberty Ebright. At Mercy, we promote the
personal growth of students and provide them with the strategies
necessary for educational, spiritual, career, and social development.
Our educational philosophy
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All students are unique and have specific learning needs and styles.
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Education is a team endeavor; it requires commitment from
students, families, faculty, and the community.
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Students should be strong self-advocates.
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Mistakes and trials should not be feared; they are opportunities for
growth, learning, and building resilience.
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School should be fun and challenging.
The following plan highlights the process in which students will engage
throughout their time at Mercy Academy as they work towards
graduation and prepare for life after high school.
Helpful Resources
College Board (PSAT/SAT information, plus additional college planning resources)
Khan Academy (SAT preparation)
NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation
9TH GRADE
During their first year of school, students meet individually with the Dean of Students to get to know one another and to understand students' goals while at Mercy Academy. These are some of the questions addressed in those meetings.
* What types of classes interest you most?
* What classes do you find most challenging?
* What school clubs would you be interested in joining?
* What elective classes would you like to see us create at Mercy?
* Who do you usually eat lunch with?
* What are your academic goals?
* Are you already interested in a career path?
* Are you interested in going to college?
* What types of activities do you do when you’re not
in school?
During these initial meetings a plan for each student’s academic
career at Mercy Academy will be tentatively set.
NWEA MAP Testing
The NWEA MAP test will be administered during the fall and
spring to track student progress and achievement
over time.
PSAT8/9
Not all schools offer the PSAT8/9. If students are interested in
taking this test, they may contact the counseling department at
their home public high school. The PSAT8/9 follows the format
of the PSAT and SAT test that are continued in grades 10, 11, and
12. The ninth-grade test measures reading, writing and language,
and math. Ninth graders may share their results with
Khan Academy for a personalized practice program based on
their individual test scores.
10TH GRADE
Students meet individually with the Dean of Students during the first semester to discuss/review academic goals and
outline course selections for junior and senior year.
Sophomores are invited to attend any presentations given by college recruiters visiting Mercy Academy.
Exploration of different websites dedicated to focusing the college search process will begin during the sophomore year.
Students will take the Holland Interest Profile (RIASEC) to begin exploring career options. The profile tells students what types of careers are a good match for them based on their interests and personality.
PSAT10
All 10th grade students will take the PSAT10 during the spring at their home public
high school. Students are encouraged to link their test results to Khan Academy,
which will create personalized SAT practice recommendations based on their results.
Summer
Students should thoughtfully consider their summer plans. Plans may include getting
a job, attending a summer/sports camp, or participating in a campus program to
explore fields of interest and get a taste of college life.
11TH GRADE
This is the year that college and career planning really begins to ramp up. The
following is a list of activities that juniors will be engaged in throughout the year to
help prepare them for the next steps after Mercy Academy, as well as some
recommendations.
Juniors are invited to attend any presentations given by college recruiters visiting
Mercy Academy.
Students meet individually with the Dean of Students during the year to review
transcripts, ensuring that students are on track to meet all graduation requirements.
Students will also explore different websites focused on narrowing their college
search and major.
Parents will have the opportunity to complete a College/Career Future Planning
Survey to better help guide planning for the future after Mercy Academy.
PSAT/NMSQT
In October, all juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT at their home public high school.
Students will be encouraged to link their test results to Khan Academy, which will
create personalized SAT practice recommendations based on their results.
Starting in the month of December, the Dean of Students will be available during
Flex-time on Wednesdays and Fridays, by appointment, to discuss college and
career plans. All juniors are required to schedule at least one meeting.
Students should consider visiting colleges during Christmas, mid-Winter, and
Spring Break.
SAT
Juniors begin formal in-school preparations for the SAT with assistance from faculty
members beginning six weeks prior to the test date. All juniors take the SAT at Mercy Academy in March.
In May, students may consider scheduling a ‘mock interview’ with the Dean of Students. It is important to practice interviewing skills as some colleges offer or require interviews.
In June, students should schedule college campus visits for the summer and reach out to teachers, coaches, pastors, or employers who would be writing letters of recommendation.
July and August, students begin filling out college applications.
Applying to college or another career program is a joint process between the student, family and school; each has a role to play, but ideally it is driven by the student. This process is a great time for young adults to work on the independence, organizational skills, and motivation to succeed once they leave home and Mercy Academy.
12TH GRADE
This is a busy year preparing for life after Mercy Academy. The following is a list of some of the activities students will be engaging in throughout the year to help them and their families successfully navigate the transition to college or a career.
Students are encouraged to take the SAT during the fall. Both in school and Saturday options are available. The English and Math departments are available for students wishing to receive additional help during Flex-time.
The Dean of Students will meet individually with seniors during September and October to continue mapping out college and career plans.
In October, there will be a resume building and mock interview session to assist students in developing their job- seeking skills.
A workshop for parents will be given during October -- Financial Aid 101. Families may attend virtually to learn
how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Parents and students should review college websites for all requirements/deadlines.
Students should complete the Common Application, finalize essays and supplements, and send test scores prior to application deadlines.
Students and families should continue visiting college campuses. A brochure or website can only show you so much. It is important to get a firsthand view of campuses, students and classrooms.
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