High School Specific School Counseling

Graduation takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. In the months leading up to graduation, students work closely with a school counselor to ensure all graduation requirements are met. This includes verifying required credits, finalizing post-secondary college or career plans, ordering graduation caps and gowns, and participating in graduation rehearsal and procession practice.

A CCHS Graduation Checklist is used by the school counselor to track student progress toward graduation. Students and families are encouraged to review the checklist and compare it with completed coursework to confirm readiness for graduation.

Access the CCHS Graduation Checklist here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bKrH6AYd0elCkl7_aii--vb3zcaq16w2WnGNc09U6V4/edit?usp=sharing 

The Baccalaureate Mass is a celebration of the Eucharist held in honor of high school seniors, their families, and teachers. It is a time to gather in gratitude for the experiences and growth of the past years and to seek God’s blessings as graduates begin a new chapter in their lives.

The Baccalaureate Mass and Senior Awards take place on the Wednesday before graduation. Seniors participate in Mass wearing their caps and gowns, followed by the presentation of Senior Scholarships and additional school achievement awards. In preparation for this meaningful event, seniors work with the school counselor to ensure all details are complete.

Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn school credit through employment. Students who are in good academic and attendance standing may apply for the School to Work and Youth Apprenticeship programs.

Students are responsible for finding and applying for their own jobs. However, those who are interested in working and unsure where to begin are encouraged to contact the school counselor for guidance and support during the job search process.

During the winter months, the school counselor gathers interest from juniors who wish to be considered for Badger Boys State or Badger Girls State. These week-long programs introduce students to government and leadership through participation in a simulated fifty-first state government in Wisconsin. Students take part in city, county, and state government activities such as electing officials, drafting legislation, and conducting court proceedings. Participants are selected based on leadership potential. Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion, and Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Expenses are often covered by local sponsors.

Selection for each of these leadership opportunities includes input from teachers, who provide recommendations and vote on student candidates.

Also during the winter, the school counselor collects student interest for the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar. This interactive seminar focuses on leadership development through activities such as group collaboration, motivational speakers, volunteer service, workshops, self reflection, and small group discussions. The program emphasizes four pillars of leadership: personal responsibility, service, inclusiveness, and decision-making.

Selection for each of these leadership opportunities includes input from teachers, who provide recommendations and vote on student candidates.

RYLA is offered in the spring and is Rotary’s leadership development program for young people. The Rotary District 6250 RYLA experience is a camp designed to build future leaders by strengthening communication skills, confidence, and teamwork.

Selection for each of these leadership opportunities includes input from teachers, who provide recommendations and vote on student candidates.

Juniors and seniors are allowed two excused absences for college visits. To have a visit excused, students must provide the school counselor with a confirmation email from the college, bring back a small item from the visit such as a pen, brochure, or bag, and submit a brief written reflection describing three things learned about the college.

College application deadlines vary by institution but are often around January 1. Students are encouraged to check individual college websites to confirm specific due dates.

When applying to colleges, students are required to have an official transcript sent. Transcript requests should be submitted using the Transcript Request Form available at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnwFtGqf-ajkscGwe4jvlJpCELJWHy3_2IFMkNRSo39C9qxA/viewform?usp=dialog 

Each college may require a specific application platform. One commonly used platform is the Common Application, which allows students to apply to multiple colleges at once. Not all colleges participate in the Common Application, so students should visit individual college websites for application instructions if needed.

Students applying to multiple Universities of Wisconsin campuses may use the Universities of Wisconsin application system, which allows applications to several UW schools through a single platform.

For information about Wisconsin Direct Admit, please visit: https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/parent-resources/direct-admit.cfm 

The Preliminary SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT NMSQT) is a standardized exam designed to provide students with practice for college entrance testing and to identify eligibility for National Merit Scholarship programs. These programs offer a variety of scholarship opportunities.

At Columbus Catholic Schools, the PSAT is administered to all 11th grade students each fall, typically in October. 10th grade students may also choose to take the test for practice purposes. A testing fee applies for sophomores who elect to participate.

The PSAT helps students prepare for the ACT, which is taken during the spring of the junior year. The exam allows students to become familiar with the test format and timing while identifying academic areas that may benefit from additional focus.

Important Information:

• PSAT Scores: Individual PSAT scores are not shared with colleges and are intended for student self awareness and skill development.
• PSAT Student Guide: Each student receives a PSAT Student Guide that includes detailed information about the exam, practice questions, and a full-length practice test for independent review.

Advanced Placement exams are offered each spring. Exam dates are set by the College Board and occur during the first two weeks of May. AP teachers review exam expectations with students, including preparation strategies and exam content, to help students determine whether they feel ready to take the test.

In the fall, students receive a Google Form to confirm whether they plan to take an AP exam. The cost is $99 per exam. Information regarding registration deadlines is shared with students and parents each year. Exams added or dropped after the stated deadline may result in additional fees. Student accounts are charged at the end of the school year.

All juniors take the ACT in the spring. Testing typically occurs in March, though the exact date may vary from year to year. Practice materials are provided by the school counselor. Additional practice resources and information are available through the ACT website at this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/students-and-parents.html 

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is administered to all sophomores in the spring. At CCHS, the ASVAB is offered as a career exploration tool. Test scores are not sent to military recruiters unless a student chooses otherwise.

After completing the ASVAB, students gain access to the Career Exploration Program, which helps identify careers aligned with their interests and strengths. Juniors and seniors may choose to take the ASVAB again if they wish to use their scores for military entrance purposes.

You can learn more at this link: https://www.officialasvab.com/ 

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is used to determine eligibility for financial assistance at colleges and career schools. Completing the FAFSA allows students to be considered for grants, scholarships, work study opportunities, and federal student loans. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own financial aid packages.

Helpful resources and links related to the FAFSA process are available below.

FAFSA Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FjfJxnY66yqFH_c97a1NHL5vvdwgJ4M13ncNqXQuySs/edit?usp=sharing 

The school counselor maintains a working Google document of scholarship opportunities that is updated regularly throughout the year. Students and families are encouraged to check this document often for new and upcoming scholarships.

Scholarship List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CubDJizy8lceFt3TN8HneT3qTl38G8Hko4qh4I1IvsI/edit?usp=sharing 

Seventh grade students travel to Mid-State Technical College to participate in Discovery Day. During this experience, students complete a career interest survey to identify careers that align with their skills and interests. They also learn about Mid-State programs and take part in hands-on sessions related to various career paths. This early exposure encourages students to begin thinking about future possibilities.

Learn more about Discovery Day at: https://www.mstc.edu/discovery-day 

Eighth grade students participate in the Heavy Metal Tour, where they explore local businesses through guided tours and hands-on activities. Students are introduced to a variety of career fields, including some they may not have previously considered, helping them determine potential areas of interest.

In addition, eighth grade students work with Mrs. Miller, the business teacher, and Ms. Varsho, the school counselor, to complete a career interest survey and develop a preliminary four-year high school course plan. This plan helps students consider how their class selections may support future goals.
 

Note: The four-year plan is not binding and serves as a starting point for future planning.

Learn more about the Trades for Tomorrow Heavy Metal Tour: https://www.cwimamfg.com/events/the-heavy-metal-tour-for-trades-of-tomorrow 

Freshmen attend the Clark County Business to Business Expo and Career Fair, where they meet representatives from more than sixty businesses and learn about over one hundred career options. This experience allows students to further explore interests and make updates to their four-year-high school plan.

Sophomores visit Mid-State Technical College and UWSP-Marshfield, where they meet business representatives from a wide range of career fields including medical, education, business, and trades. Students also participate in the Power of Ag Tour, which highlights careers in agriculture and related industries.

Sophomores take the ASVAB in the spring. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is offered at CCHS as a career exploration tool. Scores are not shared with recruiters unless students choose otherwise. After testing, students gain access to the Career Exploration Program, which helps identify careers aligned with their strengths and interests.

Learn more about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program: https://www.asvabprogram.com/ 

Juniors attend the Wisconsin Education Fair hosted by Mid-State in Wisconsin Rapids, where they meet representatives from colleges and universities across the Midwest to learn about majors, admissions, and financial aid.

Students also participate in Xtreme Xploration at UWSP Marshfield. This experience focuses on applications, resumes, and interview skills. Students take part in mock interviews with volunteer employers, gaining valuable real world experience and potential career connections.

Juniors also complete an Educational and Career Planning Conference with Ms. Varsho, the school counselor, to discuss current interests and future goals.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Education Fair at: https://www.mstc.edu/event/2025-9-25/wisconsin-education-fair 

During senior year, students focus on finalizing post-high school plans. This includes completing college or job applications, participating in job shadow experiences, and developing plans for education, employment, housing, and financing. Students also explore required certifications and discuss career expectations with employers or post-secondary institutions.

Juniors and seniors are allowed two excused absences for college visits. To receive an excused absence, students must provide Ms. Varsho, the school counselor, with a confirmation email, bring back a small item from the visit, and submit a brief written reflection describing three things learned.

Juniors and seniors may also participate in School to Work or Youth Apprenticeship programs, allowing students to work during the school day while gaining valuable career experience.