
College & Career Counseling
SJCP is committed to providing our families with the most comprehensive college planning available. One of the main goals of our department is to encourage students to prepare early for their college plans after high school. We work closely with students considering their academic, personal, vocational, social, and financial needs. We also provide resources, programming, and serve as the liaison to college admission officers.
Our staff meets with students both individually and in a classroom setting throughout their four years at SJCP. Formal introduction to the college search, selection, and application process begins in the fall of the junior year. During this time, students and parents meet individually with the college counselor to develop a personal plan for the student's college and career journey.
If you have any questions regarding the College Planning Process, please contact our College & Career Counseling staff.
- College and Career Planning
- What Seniors Need to Know
- SJCP Campus College Visits
- Guaranteed College Acceptance and Scholarship Program Partners
- The Mount/SJCP Senior Year Experience
College and Career Planning
Searching fo the right college and career path is a process that should be enjoyed! It is a time to explore, grow, and learn. As with many things in life, it is the journey- not the destination- where we discover who we are and what is most important to us. This process takes time, but with planning, guidance, and an open mind, students and families will navigate the journey successfully. The choice of a college is all about finding the BEST FIT for YOU. To that end, the SJCP Student Support Center builds trusting and supportive relationships with our students to best guide them while encouraging them to take the reins on their future.
- Career Exploration
- College Exploration
- SAT/ACT
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Tools
- Scholarships
- Pre-College Programs & Events
Career Exploration
College Exploration
SAT/ACT
Financial Aid & Scholarships Tools
Scholarships
- Central Scholarships
- Charm City Run
- Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
- Community Foundation of Frederick County
- Discover SMCM Grant
- Frederick Health Auxiliary Scholarships
- Hagan Scholarship
- Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
- Intelligence Community Scholarships
- John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
- Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Programs
- Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship
- MyMozaic
- Navy Family Scholarships by NOSCDC
- Optimist Club of Frederick
- Scholarship360
- Tennessee State University Watkins Scholarship
- UCB Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship
- University of Maryland & Frederick County Master Gardeners
- Zonta International Young Women in Leadership
Central Scholarships
Central Scholarships lists over 70 scholarship opportunities to support college, career training, or graduate education for Maryland residents of all ages. Awards range up to $10,000 and can be used for various programs throughout the state of Maryland.
Charm City Run
Charm City Run proudly sponsors the Amy Schuerholz Metz Scholarship, recognizing two exceptional student-athletes who embody Amy’s passion for running and community, and exemplifies Charm City Run’s mission “To Inspire and Move the Human Spirit, One Sole at a Time.”
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 to high school students across the United States through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Community Foundation of Frederick County
The Community Foundation of Frederick County general scholarship application is open through March 31.
More than $1 million in scholarship funds is available to students pursuing post-secondary education and career training. Scholarships are available for all fields of study and for students in all phases of their post-secondary education journey (i.e., not just for graduating seniors). By completing one general application, students may qualify for more than 200 scholarships. Last year, Community Foundation scholarships supported more than 400 students and totaled $2.4 million.
Discover SMCM Grant
St. Mary's College of Maryland introduces the Discover SMCM Grant of $ 1,000 for MD/DC residents and $ 2,000 for non-MD/DC residents to make your visit even more beneficial.
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- Schedule and complete your official campus visit by:
- December 1, 2025, if applying for the Spring or Fall 2026 semester.
- December 1, 2026, if applying for the Spring or Fall 2027 semester.
- Apply and be admitted to SMCM.
- Enroll as a full-time student, and your one-time Discover SMCM Grant will be applied to your first year’s charges
- $500 on your first semester bill and $500 on your second semester bill (for MD/DC residents).
- $1,000 on your first semester bill and $1,000 on your second semester bill (for non-MD/DC residents).
- Schedule and complete your official campus visit by:
If you have already visited campus, good news, the grant will be retroactively applied for visiting during your junior or senior year of high school—or, for transfer students, the year before enrolling—provided all requirements are met.
Frederick Health Auxiliary Scholarships
Frederick Health Auxiliary Scholarships are awarded annually to qualified graduating seniors who will be attending a college or university in the fall after their graduation. Last year, 4 students were rewarded a total of $10,000.
Qualifying applicants must be:
- a high school graduate in the class of 2026.
- planning a career in a health-related field.
- enrolling full-time in a college or university in the Fall of 2026.
Any questions should be emailed directly to Bonnie Walters at bwalters@frederick.health. Applications must be received by March 13, 2026.
Hagan Scholarship
The Hagan Scholarship is a need-based merit scholarship for goal-driven students in their senior year. Students must have a 3.5 GPA, be enrolling in a four-year college or university, and must work 240 hours from January 1, 2026, to September 1, 2026.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
The Horatio Alger Association is seeking students who display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students must have financial need and a determination to turn adversity into opportunity and pursue their American Dream. The application opens on December 1st, and the deadline is February 15th for seniors and March 1, 2026, for juniors.
Intelligence Community Scholarships
Visit Intelligence Community Careers to find scholarship opportunities.
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest™ is now accepting submissions until January 12, 2026. Students can use their winter break to research and write an original essay analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official and enter for the chance to win a cash award!
Top Prizes:
- $10,000 for the first-place winner
- $3,000 for second place
- $1,000 each for three finalists
Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Programs
Launched in 2018, the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Program supports undergraduate students enrolled at the following Washington, DC–area institutions:
- University of Maryland (UMD-CP, UMB, UMBC)
- George Mason University (GMU)
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
- Montgomery College (MC)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT)
- University of Virginia (UVA)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
- University of the District of Columbia (UDC)
Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship
Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship is a $2500 CASH scholarship you can use for any educational purpose, from books to summer camp.
MyMozaic
MyMozaic is offering a monthly scholarship, "$1,000 A Portrait of You." No essay, GPA, or letters of recommendation.
Navy Family Scholarships by NOSCDC
Visit Navy Family Scholarships by NOSCDC for more information. Deadline is March 1, 2026.
Optimist Club of Frederick
Scholarship360
Tennessee State University Watkins Scholarship
The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute and Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for outstanding high school graduates and enrolled students who meet the criteria for admission and choose a career in medicine or dentistry. Funds from this Scholarship Fund will support students enrolled in the Meharry Medical College – Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Health Care Scholars and Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society,
This is a full scholarship opportunity for a BLACK MALE senior high school student who aspires to be a medical doctor.
UCB Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship
The UCB Myasthenia Gravis Scholarship™ Program is now accepting applications. The deadline is Saturday, January 31, 2026. This program aims to help individuals living with myasthenia gravis (MG) and their immediate family members pursue further education.
University of Maryland & Frederick County Master Gardeners
Frederick County Master Gardeners have established a new scholarship fund to support students pursuing higher education in agriculture and natural resources.
The scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or current college students who reside in Frederick County and plan to attend the University of Maryland for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible applicants must intend to enroll in a program within the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The application may be submitted electronically by scanning all required documents and emailing them to arembold@umd.edu, or by being postmarked by June 30. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 15.
Zonta International Young Women in Leadership
Zonta International Young Women in Leadership award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.
Pre-College Programs & Events
- Ball State University
- Boston University
- C2 Education
- Dartmouth College
- Emory University Oxford College
- Goucher College
- Georgetown University
- Guilford College
- Harvard Medical School
- High Point University
- Intelligence Community Internships
- Johns Hopkins University
- Juniata College
- Lebanon Valley College
- Malcom Bernard HBCU College Fair
- McDaniel College
- Northwestern University
- University of Notre Dame
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rice University
- Stanford University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- University of Delaware
- University of Maryland
- University of Scranton
- University of Virginia
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Jefferson University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wild Rockies Field Institute
- Worchester Polytechnic Institute
- Yale University
Ball State University
Ball State University is offering Interior Design summer workshops for high school students. Online and residential programs are available. For more information, contact Reza Ahmadi at rahmadi@bsu.edu.
Boston University
Boston University is offering four distinct pre-college programs, each of which provides rigorous and collaborative college life experiences that will enable high school students to gain a strong sense of their personal and academic potential and get a glimpse of their futures.
C2 Education
C2 Education Ultimate AP Prep Event March 21, 2026 9 AM - 4 PM.
C2 Education of UrbanaTutoring, Test Prep & College Counseling
- GPA & Classwork/Homework Support
- SAT, ACT, PSAT, NMSQT
- All Advance Placement (AP) Subjects
- All International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Programs
- College Essays & College Applications
- And More.
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth Precollege Online Program allows high school students to explore college-level subjects like business, law, and STEM in a flexible online format. All courses are designed by Dartmouth instructors to be engaging and challenging, helping students build skills and experience that will serve them well.
Emory University Oxford College
The Oxford College of Emory University Pre-College Summer Program is designed to give motivated high school students an authentic introduction to college-level learning in a highly supportive academic environment.
Each two-week residential session emphasizes:
- Discussion-based, seminar-style classes
- Interdisciplinary learning across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences
- Critical thinking, academic writing, and collaborative problem-solving
- Faculty-led instruction in small class settings
Goucher College
Goucher College offers FREE College Preparation Webinars for high school students and their families. Designed to support students at every stage of the college planning process, these virtual webinars feature experienced professionals and college access experts.
- August 11 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Creating a Common App Account
Presented by Chris Miller, Sandy Spring Friends School - August 12 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Athletic Recruitment
Presented by Joel Lang, Padua Academy - August 25 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Comparing Financial Aid Offers
Presented by Alisha Mondloch, Goucher College
All webinars are free, virtual, and open to high school students and their families across Maryland. Registration is required for each webinar.
Georgetown University
Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program is now accepting applications for summer 2026.
Guilford College
Guilford College is hosting an Open House on 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 6 at 5800 West Friendly Ave, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Harvard Medical School
The Harvard Medical School Pre-College Online Certificate Program introduces high school students to topics related to medicine, health care, and scientific discovery through flexible online learning.
High Point University
High Point University Student Receptions take place across the country throughout late summer and early fall. These special events are designed to introduce seniors- the Class of 2026- to what makes HPU such an extraordinary place to live and learn.
Intelligence Community Internships
Visit Intelligence Community Careers to find internships.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University hosts a first-generation or families with limited financial resources, all-expenses-paid program, Senior Fly-In, on October 12-13. The deadline to apply for Senior Fly-In is Friday, September 5. This program covers all travel, accommodation, and meals for students and one member of their support system to visit us in Baltimore. By application only.
Juniata College
Juniata College announces its new bachelor's degree in nursing. Sign up and register to visit Juniata.
Lebanon Valley College
Actuarial Science and Computer Programming camps at LVC:
Malcom Bernard HBCU College Fair
Malcom Bernard HBCU College Fair at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore from 5-7 pm. Registration is required.
McDaniel College
McDaniel College’s Summer College Readiness Program is a fun and supportive three‑night, four‑day residential experience designed specifically for high school students with diagnosed disabilities. Register by May 8th.
Northwestern University
The Northwestern Pre-College Online Program gives students the freedom to try new subjects like business, law, medicine, and STEM on their own terms. Coursework is flexible, so it fits with their school schedules while still offering a meaningful challenge. And importantly, students who complete a course receive a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University—a recognition they can include in their college applications.
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame’s “ND on the Road” opportunity events include information on academic, community, and spiritual life at the University of Notre Dame, as well as insights into the admissions and financial aid processes.
Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program is officially open for summer 2026. This is a valuable resource for your high school students who are looking to explore potential majors, build new skills, and get a head start on college-level content. Courses are taught by experts in the field, 100% online, and designed to fit around a busy student’s schedule.
Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design has summer programs for high school students. Join the RISD Pre-College community of dedicated art and design students committed to the concept of critical making. Experiment with new materials, tools, and techniques, test your theories, and challenge your ideas.
Rice University
Rice University announces its summer programs. Their program offers a unique chance for motivated high school students to engage with college-level academics in a flexible, online format. Our courses, designed by Rice University faculty, cover a range of compelling subjects, from aerospace and engineering to medicine and business.
Stanford University
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies offers a range of online and residential programs designed for motivated, intellectually curious pre-college students. These programs provide students with the chance to delve into advanced topics beyond the standard high school curriculum, with subjects spanning art, business, computer science, humanities, math, science, and social justice.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology’s iSTEM@Stevens is a selective program that empowers clever students who see interesting problems in the world around them and encourages them to use their unique ways of thinking and innovative approaches to find solutions, create technologies and start businesses that will shape the future.
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware Edge program is now accepting applications for its summer program from seniors and juniors. The program is from July 19 to August 8.
University of Maryland
University of Maryland Terp Young Scholars is a pre-college summer program July 13- 31, 2026, for high school students (rising grade 10 to graduating grade 12).
University of Scranton
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia has upcoming engineering open houses.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison's Badger Precollege creates innovative programming for students who want to explore their academic interests, gain insight into the college experience, and meet new friends. Their programs offer a unique opportunity to help prepare students for academic and social success in high school and college.
Badger Precollege encourages students to:
- Challenge their curiosity and expand their academic interests
- Learn from experienced educators, UW faculty and other experts
- Participate online or in person on the UW–Madison campus
- Meet like-minded peers from around the world
- Enjoy the resources and reputation of a top-ranked university
- Explore their personal path to college
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University offers an online program of pre-college courses designed for high school students to help you explore your interests. This summer, discover if a subject you are passionate about could lead to a college major or even a future career.
Washington and Jefferson University
Washington and Jefferson University is hosting Fall Admissions Events.
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is offering WashU FLI-In, a special small-group opportunity designed to introduce First-generation and Limited-Income students to the college application process and to WashU. Applications are due May 15, 2026.
Wild Rockies Field Institute
Wild Rockies Field Institute offers a Pre-College Montana Field Experience - Biking the Bitterroot: Sustainability Studies in Western MT.
12 Field Days | 2 College Credits | $3,250 - $4,500 | Enrolling Now For 2026
Worchester Polytechnic Institute
Worchester Polytechnic Institute Frontiers is a two-week residential program that gives participants a glimpse of a WPI education. Students will study a STEM or business major, as well as a humanities, arts, or business minor. They'll also live in a residence hall, eat in the dining hall, and participate in several extra-curricular activities with peers from around the globe. Deadline to apply is April 30th.
Frontiers I: July 5 - 17, 2026
Frontiers II: July 19 - 31, 2026
Yale University
Yale University is hosting a multicultural open house on September 27, 2025.
What Seniors Need to Know
Seniors – What You Need to Know
How to Sign up for College Visits
- Go to the Student Dashboard in SCOIR.
- Scroll down to the Register for Office Hours & Visits title.
- Click the Register button underneath the college visit or office hour you would like to attend. This will then show as Registered if you did this successfully
- You will receive an email, as well as a notification in SCOIR, the day before the visit reminding you of the visit date and time. You can download the SCOIR mobile application (on iOS or Android) to receive a push notification reminding you of the upcoming visit.
Adding Colleges to the Applying column in Scoir
- Once you mark a college as Applying or drag it to the Applying column, you will be instantly prompted to provide additional information including application type and method (Apply with Scoir, Common App, Coalition, directly on college website). SJCP seniors should always apply through Common App or directly to the college. DO NOT APPY THROUGH SCOIR
- To provide an application type, select the type from those available in the Applying window. (Apply with Common App if you are applying to more than one CA school)
- To provide an application method, select the method from those available in the Applying window, then provide additional detail such as Type and Application IDs, if available.
- Once a college is moved to the Applied state, your assigned counselor will be notified in Scoir, and will know to send documents on your behalf.
Requesting Transcripts
- Moving a college to the Applying or Applied column of your My Colleges list is what will alert your counselor that a transcript is required. Your counselor will be notified of what documents are required for this college and will be able to send forward your transcript if it is required.
Send ACT or SAT test scores (if needed) to your colleges
- Students are responsible for sending their scores to their colleges/universities. Scores can take up to 2 weeks to arrive at your scores. Please be mindful of deadlines.
Requesting Teacher Recommendations
Spring of Junior Year
- Politely ask your teacher (in-person) if he or she would be willing to write a college recommendation letter for you.
- Fill out a teacher recommendation request form available on SJCP’s website under the Student Support tab/College and Career Counseling/Important Forms.
- Save completed request form as a pdf.
- Email your teacher the completed request form and your resume.
Fall of Senior Year
- Fill out the Follow up form for Teacher Recommendations and give it to the teachers who are writing your letters.
- Go to the My Colleges page in Scoir
- Click the Application Documents button to open the Application Documents window and then click the Request a Recommendation button.
- Search for the teacher at your high school you are requesting to provide a recommendation by typing their last name in the 'Teacher' box.
- If the person you are requesting to write a recommendation for you is not in your high school as staff, they will not show up as an option and you will need to contact Mrs. Seymour. The recommender will need to send your recommendation to Mrs. Seymour who will send to your college via email.
- Specify whether you’d like the recommendation to be for a specific college. If you do want the recommendation request to be college specific, select the college to which you would like the recommendation to be sent.
- Compose the request by editing the Subject and the Message. Once you’re finished, click Send.
FERPA Release
- The FERPA release needs to be signed in your account in SCOIR.
- Review and Sign links beneath each form from the My Profile page.
- The status of each form will be represented beside the form name after they have been completed.
- Be sure to double check your responses and signature before you sign! You must contact your counselor if you wish to make changes to your FERPA Release Authorization or Waiver of Rights after you complete and sign.
Scholarships
- Scholarship information that the Student Support Center receives can be found on the SJCP website under Academics/College and Career Counseling/look for the scholarship tab.
- Search the web for additional scholarships.
























































