Guidance & College Counseling

MCP provides students with a curriculum, set within a distinctive school culture, designed to prepare each student for college and to shape the student as an engaged contributor to society. Our students have many opportunities to participate in a comprehensive college prep environment through coursework, student-driven and student-led activities, retreats, service projects, and rallies, as well as a broad range of athletic opportunities. The Academics team works to support students in being successful in rigorous college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement courses. As well, we work to create students who are scholars in that they understand the value of inquiry and knowledge and are fervent in their pursuit of both. Our record of academic accomplishment over the past 10 years is demonstrated by 99% of our graduates being accepted by colleges.

Comprehensive college counseling is provided for each student and includes; academic counseling and course selection advising, support in selecting and applying to college, information regarding summer opportunities and standardized test taking, help with applications and personal statements, and guidance in the financial aid and scholarship process.

College Application and Acceptance

Two important steps students can take to increase the likelihood of their acceptance to the college of their choice are:

1) participation in a rigorous curriculum according to their abilities

2) commitment to achieve optimal potential

 

Many colleges use a comprehensive review process when making admissions decisions. The various comprehensive review processes often include but are not limited to:

• Cumulative GPA and minimum subject requirements
• Rigor of high school courses and achievement through academic enrichment programs (college courses)
• Performance on standardized tests including the SAT or the ACT
• Participation in co-curricular activities and summer programs with leadership opportunities, service-based learning, and college credit opportunities
• Personal qualities of the student including leadership ability, character, motivation, initiative, originality, intellectual independence, responsibility, insight, maturity, and demonstrated concern for others and the community

Naviance Student

All MCP students have access to student services, tools, and resources provided through Naviance Student. Beginning with a single sign on freshman year, each student can access Naviance Student from their home page of the Mission College Prep Cloud account. Interactive access is provided through various resources and tools within Naviance Student.

 

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are generally required as a part of the college application process for many colleges and universities, as well as scholarship applications. Students will request letters of recommendation through their Naviance Student personal profile and by asking the teacher in person. The college counselors will outline the letter of recommendation request format with the senior students at workshops throughout the fall semesters. Requests for Letters of Recommendation need to be made with holiday and vacation schedules in mind therefore providing an appropriate timetable for completion and submission. Letters of recommendation must be requested at least 3 academic weeks before the deadline, which may not include holidays and other vacation periods.

 

Workshops

College Planning Interactive Workshops are offered every year for each grade level targeting specific needs and goals. Information, knowledge, and experience are the building blocks that create the foundation of the workshops. Information presented to both parents and students includes updated college protocol, minimum requirements for admission, and direction and guidance in preparing for eligibility and the application process. Individual meetings with the College Counselor are provided for each senior and for students at each grade level.