College Counseling

Our students lay the foundation for a strong college application from their very first moments on campus. 9th graders begin to prepare for their future college courses through MMA's rigorous, writing-intensive curriculum across content areas. In the fall, they take PSAT for the first time as an introduction to college entrance exams.

In Freshman Seminar, students are introduced to the college admissions process and take a career interest assessment to learn more about professional pursuits that match their interests and strengths. 9th graders and their families also gain access to the College Counseling resources on MyMMA, including recommended summer programs and athletic recruiting timelines. As they choose their sophomore year courses, students may meet with a college counselor to discuss academic plans for future years.

As sophomores, Merion Mercy students have the opportunity to challenge themselves in expanded Honors-level and Advanced Placement courses. They can also explore and apply for leadership positions in their extracurricular activities, honing their skills and adding strength to their resume.

10th graders take the PSAT for a second time to prepare themselves for standardized testing while allowing them to qualify for CollegeBoard recognition awards. In the spring, sophomores may apply for our Diploma with Distinction program, which supports and recognizes transformative, personalized learning. Through this program, students uncover their passion, intentionally integrating specific courses, co-curricular activities, community service, and a capstone project or internship with participation in our Mercy in Action symposium in their senior year.

At the end of the year, sophomores will meet one-on-one with college counselors to select their courses for junior year. College counselors are also available to meet with sophomores throughout the year through requested meetings. Sophomores will continue to participate in community service, with the option to participate in a Summer Immersion program entering their Junior year.

As juniors, Merion Mercy students regularly meet with their college counselors, both individually and in dedicated College Seminar classes, to take important steps in preparing for college applications. In the fall, students have the opportunity to meet with 50+ college representatives who visit MMA to learn more about these diverse and prestigious college options and demonstrate interest in them. College counselors also regularly meet with parents/guardians of juniors at events such as the Junior College Admissions Night and in personalized family meetings to provide support and resources for the college decision process.

Academically, Merion Mercy juniors continue to challenge themselves with honors, AP, and dual enrollment classes. They take the PSAT for the final time, potentially for National Merit scholarship consideration, and prepare for the SAT and ACT. In their English classes, juniors write the first draft of their college essays and receive individualized feedback from their college counselors. Students who elect to earn a Diploma with Distinction begin work on capstone projects, engaging in research or an external learning experience with a professional mentor. They assume the leadership positions in athletics, clubs, and performance groups that will appear on their resumes. 

Juniors and their families are encouraged to visit college campuses during the year to assist in developing their college list. Over the summer, they may attend a College Application Workshop hosted by the college counseling office, during which they can receive small-group assistance with college applications.

All MMA seniors meet one-on-one with their college counselor, with the option to meet with parents and caregivers. They receive tailored guidance on their college list, applications, college essay, supplemental essays, scholarships, and financial aid applications. Seniors will continue their College Seminar class, where they will have time built into the school day to focus on important aspects of applications and scholarships, while reviewing recommended next steps with college decisions.

In 12th grade, students will continue to have the opportunity to meet with 50+ college representatives who visit MMA in the fall. Seniors will receive guidance from their college counselors throughout their college decision process, with a celebration in May to recognize their hard work and incredibly bright futures.