Viz US Counseling News
- November 22: late registration deadline to register for December ACT
- November 26: late registration deadline to register for December SAT
- December 7: National SAT Test Date
- December 10: SLU Virtual FAFSA Workshop @ 6pm
- December 14: National ACT Test Date
- January 3: regular registration deadline to register for February ACT
- January 22: 2025-2026 Program of Studies and Course Selection Parent Meeting 6:30pm
- February 8: National ACT Test Date
- March 12: Juniors SAT @ Viz
- March 25: Juniors ACT @ Viz
Every Junior will have the opportunity to take the ACT and SAT at Visitation this spring and participate in an ACT prep class through The ACT Academy. These events are optional and require an additional fee. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. Registration details, along with contact information for financial assistance, will be shared in early January.
SAT on Wednesday 3/12 (late start day) Juniors only
Digital exam
Includes English & Reading, and Math sections
Standard time testing: 8am to 10:30am
Special testing (extended time): 7:30am to 11am
Students are expected to attend class after the SAT exam
ACT on Tuesday 3/25 for Juniors only
Paper and pencil exam
Includes English, Math, Reading and Science sections
Standard time testing: 8am to 11:30am
Special testing (extended time): 8am to 1:30pm
Visitation Academy is pleased to offer an ACT prep class for juniors, provided by The ACT Academy-St. Louis, in preparation for the March 25 ACT at Viz. In this class, students will take a full-length practice test and learn effective test-taking strategies, time management techniques, and key content knowledge for the English, Math, Reading, and Science sections to help them prepare for the exam.
Dates: 2/18, 2/20, 2/25, 2/27, 3/4, 3/6, 3/11 (3/13 Snow day make up if needed)
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Cost: $325 per student
Registration will open after Christmas Break.
Note: A minimum of 10 students must register for the class in order for it to take place.
There are two types of financial aid to help pay for college: Need Based Aid and Merit Based Aid
1. Need Based Aid
- Determined by your family’s ability to contribute towards your education.
- Can be awarded by the federal government, state government (for students attending school in Missouri), and the colleges themselves.
- Need-based aid can include:
- Grants (do not have to be repaid)
- Need based scholarships
- Loans: Subsidized (interest-free while in school) or Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS Loans
- Work-Study Programs: part-time jobs on or near campus
Applying:
- Complete the FAFSA—NOW OPEN!
- Some schools also require submission of the CSS Profile
- Be sure to check each school’s website for their requirements and deadlines.
Merit Based Aid
- Awarded for a student's achievements and talents.
- Financial need is not considered.
- Many colleges will award scholarships using only a student’s application for admission.
- Some colleges have separate scholarship applications as well.
- Be sure to review all communication from your prospective schools with instructions for applying.
- See your Viz counselor if you need additional assistance.
While most scholarships are awarded by the colleges to which students apply, thousands of scholarships are also offered by external agencies and organizations. Below are a few websites to help guide your search. Deadlines vary, and new scholarships will be added throughout the year, so be sure to check back regularly!
St. Louis Area Scholarships:
https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/opportunities
https://stlgives.org/community-impact/scholarships/
National databases:
Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com/
College Board’s Big Future: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search Going Merry: https://goingmerry.com/
Peterson’s: https://www.petersons.com/scholarship-search.aspx
Sallie Mae: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/search/
Unigo: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships
The Visitation Academy Counseling website also has information about scholarship opportunities. This information is updated as we receive it. Viz Scholarship Information
Receiving Your Financial Aid Awards
Once a college has admitted a student and receives all their financial aid application materials, they will send the student’s financial aid award letter. In this letter you will find details including:
- Grants and scholarships (free money)
- Loans (borrowed money to be repaid with interest)
- Work-study opportunities
Need more information about the FAFSA and financial aid process? St. Louis University is hosting a free, virtual FAFSA presentation at 6pm on Tuesday, December 10. All students and parents (not just those applying to SLU) are welcome and encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
Exams are approaching, and studying a little each day is a more effective technique than cramming everything into one or two nights. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare:
- Schedule study time: Don’t wait until you feel like you have time—plan it into your day.
- Use a consistent study spot: Studying in the same place each time helps your brain build pathways and habits over time.
- Have your materials ready: Keep all the necessary supplies close by to avoid interruptions.
- Find a routine that works for you: You might prefer taking a 5-10 minute break every hour or studying in shorter bursts of 15-30 minutes followed by smaller breaks.
- Eliminate distractions: Place your phone in another room to stay focused.
- Take care of yourself: Stay comfortable, hydrated, and nourished while studying.
- Complete your study guide: If one is available, make filling it out a priority.
- Start with the toughest topics: Tackle the most challenging material first when your focus is at its peak.
By following these tips, you'll build better study habits and be well-prepared for your exams! Don’t forget Peer-2- Peer Tutoring is available on the portal or come in to the Counseling Office for help or questions on the tutoring program. Visitation peer-2-peer tutoring
