College Counseling
The intent of the college counseling program at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School is to provide comprehensive college counseling and assist students with the college search, application, selection, and matriculation process.
Saint Thomas Aquinas values, promotes and maintains relationships with colleges and universities, within the United States and globally. Throughout the academic year we welcome over 100 college and university representatives to our campus, to meet with our students. Each fall, Saint Thomas Aquinas participates in the annual Private High Schools College Fair, allowing students direct access to representatives from 130+ colleges and universities.
Students and Families
Please use the calendar here to schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Majors. Dates with a blue circle have available times. If there is not a time available when you can meet, please contact Mrs. Majors - lmajors@stasaints.net to schedule a meeting. Prior to all meetings, students should have access to their NAVIANCE account and know their username and password information.
Additional Resources
- Naviance Log-in & Toolbox
- Career Finder
- Financing Your College Education
- ACT Information
- Summer College Application Workshop
- Test Optional Colleges & Universities
- PreCollege Programs for High School Students
Naviance Log-in & Toolbox
Naviance Student is designed to help all parents and students with the college application process. Students and parents can track and analyze data about college and career decisions, research colleges and scholarships and even sign up for college visits here at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. All transcripts for college applications are requested through this site by students and are transmitted electronically. This program provides a great enhancement to the College Counseling office.
Each parent and student initially receives a unique registration code for Naviance Student to establish a username and password for all future log ins to the site. Parents typically receive this code at the beginning of their student's junior year. Students generally receive their code in their first computer class at Aquinas.
If you have any questions please contact Liz Majors at 913-319-2477 lmajors@stasaints.net
Career Finder
General Tools
Naviance is our primary college resource, and it has several surveys to help you pick a college, a major, or a career.
The Holland Code Quiz to help determine career paths is provided by Rogue Community College.
Choosing a Major
What can I do with my major?
What can I do with this major?
"What can I do with this major?" is from the University of Tennessee.
"What can I do with my degree?" is from Prospects, a UK graduate career website.
What can I do with my degree in?
"What can I do with a degree in?" is from Portland State University.
Work Values Inventories
From the US Dept. of Labor, the Work Values Matcher asks you to rank statements to define your ideal job.
The Humanists at Work at the University of California Humanities Research Institute created a Work Values Inventory.
Other Useful Tools
The Occupational Outlook Handbook shows promising careers and trends from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
O*Net Online is a tool for job exploration and analysis based on goals and needs, from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Financing Your College Education
Need Based Financial Aid
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- Completed during a students senior year (Available Oct. 1)
- Determines federal loan, pell grant and work study programs
- Questions, call 1-800-4-FED-AID
- There is no fee for completing the FAFSA
- CSS Profile - https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
- Required by some, not all colleges. Only submit and complete if required by your college
- There is a fee to complete the CSS Profile
- Questions? Financial Aid is individual and unique to each institution. All questions should be directed to the College/University Financial Aid office where you have applied.
TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, Students MUST Complete the Scholarship and Special Program Request Form. Click Here for form.
- All forms must be completed a minimum of three weeks prior to the programs deadline. A failure to adhere to these deadlines prohibits Saint Thomas Aquinas Faculty and staff from being able to guarantee that your documents will arrive by program deadline.
Scholarships
- The majority of your scholarships will come directly from the institutions you are applying to. Visit the Institutions Scholarship & Financial Aid Page for scholarship details.
- Click Here for the Kansas Post Secondary Institutions Admission & Financial Aid Guide.
- NAVIANCE Scholarship List: All Johnson County, KC Metro, Kansas & National Scholarships that are sent to the College Counseling office are posted under the Scholarship List in NAVIANCE
- The majority of scholarships are now linked to scholarship agencies or scholarship search engines - See table below for some of the most popular scholarship agencies.
Scholarship Links & Search Engines
- www.finaid.org
- www.fastweb.com
- www.goingmerry.com
- Fastweb – Community Service
- Greater KC Community Foundation
- Kansas Board of Regents
- www.scholarshipexperts.com
- www.cappex.com
- https://www.catholiccollegesonline.org/students-parents/financial-aid/scholarships.html
- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search#
- www.scholarshipamerica.org
- https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/scholarships/scholarships-by-major/
- https://gkccf.academicworks.com/
- https://swe.org/scholarships/
Corporate Scholarships (These are just a few examples, there are many more)
- Target – www.target.com
- Toyota – tfsinthecommunity.com/mle-scholarships/
- Tylenol – www.tylenol.com/news/scholarship
- Walmart – giving.walmart.com/foundation
- Coca-Cola – www.coca-colascholars.org
- Papa Johns – thepef.academicworks.com/opportunities/3690
- Prudential – spirit.prudential.com
- HyVee - https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/our-company/community/scholarships/
Other Places to Research for Scholarship
- Parent Employer/Professional Organizations
- Civic Organizations
- Community Foundations
- Associations/Foundations related to any special circumstances
- Church & Religious Organizations
- Associations related to intended area of study
- Competitions related to your interests
- Demographic Scholarships
ACT Information
The Next Available ACT is April 13, 2024
Register for the ACT
Please visit www.actstudent.org to create an account or log back in to register for an ACT national test date.
CLICK HERE to register for the ACT. Find STA test site option by using test center code: 157580
Registration Deadline: March 8
Late Registration Deadline:
March 22, 2024
Registration & Test Dates 2023-2024
*Indicates that Saint Thomas Aquinas HS is a test center for the date.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline (Additional Fee) |
| Oct 28, 2023* | Sept 22, 2023 | Oct 6, 2023 |
| Dec 9, 2023* | Nov 3, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Feb 10, 2024* | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 19, 2024 |
| Apr 13, 2024* | Mar 8, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 |
| June 8, 2024* | May 3, 2024 | May 17, 2024 |
| July 13, 2024 | June 7, 2024 | June 21, 2024 |
ACT Fee Waivers
ACT fee waivers are available if you qualify. Inquire with Mrs. Castinado, dcastinado@stasaints.net
Summer College Application Workshop
COMPASS WRITING: COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP
TWO AVAILABLE SESSIONS (Limited to twelve students per session.)
- Session One: July 8-11, 9:30 A.M to 12:00 P.M.
- Session Two: July 15-18, 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: In this four-day course, students will work under the guidance of an experienced English teacher to create, revise, and polish two essays (application and/or scholarship). The instructor will help students narrow their topics, teach them how to craft effective introductions, and offer several sample essays for review. Time will also be devoted to building a résumé; students will use their résumé when requesting letters of recommendation or applying for either internships or jobs. In the final session, students will conduct mock interviews and formulate ways to be prepared to address topics and present themselves. Regardless of the focus, all our essays, etc. will be the students’ original work. It is important for attendees to develop their own voice and genuine material.
COST: $250
Payments should be made out to Andrew Lee and sent to Andrew Lee C/O Saint Thomas Aquinas.
TO ENROLL: Contact Andrew Lee at alee@stasaints.net. Please include the student’s name and e-mail address as well as contact information for a parent/guardian.
Those who enroll should be prepared to write, both in class and out of class, to revise extensively at home, and to share their writings with others in class. One week before the course begins, the instructor will e-mail information to enrolled students about the following: finding potential essay topics; instructions about what to do before our first class; and what to bring to the first day of class.
More information may be found HERE.
These events are for Saint Thomas Aquinas High School seniors, only.
Test Optional Colleges & Universities
Test Optional Admissions policies are not new to College Admission. Many colleges and universities have offered a test optional admission option for decades. Due to COVID-19 and the closing of many test sites, throughout the US, Colleges and Universities have revisited their college entrance exam requirements, implementing test optional policies, either temporarily (for Fall 2021 admissions) or permanently.
FairTest.org has a comprehensive list of Test Optional Colleges and Universities. It is important that you review the test optional policy for the Colleges and Universities that you are planning to apply to. Every institutions requirements vary.
READ THE FINE PRINT: Some colleges are test optional for admission, but require testing for special programs and scholarships.
CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THESE POLICIES
PreCollege Programs for High School Students
Summer programs developed for high school students vary in content, length, deadlines, cost, hosts and dates. If there is a particular college of interest to you, visit the colleges website and search for, "College Programs for High School students." Summer programs are a great opportunity to explore areas of interest, academic majors, and see college campuses.
TO APPLY FOR A SUMMER PROGRAM, Students MUST Complete the Scholarship and Special Program Request Form. Click Here for Form.
- All forms must be completed a minimum of three weeks prior to the programs deadline. A failure to adhere to these deadlines prohibits Saint Thomas Aquinas Faculty and staff from being able to guarantee that your documents will arrive by program deadline.
PROGRAMS IN THE US
- ACLU National Advocacy Institute
- American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) High School Summer Conservatory
- ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy
- Ave Maria University Summer Leadership Program
- Black College Institute
- Boston University Pre-College Summer Programs
- Boys' State of Kansas 2024
- Bucknell University Summer Academy
- Carnegie Mellon University Pre College Programs
- Catholic University of America
- Case Western Reserve University
- Colorado College Summer Session
- Columbia University Pre College Programs
- Cornell College Mock Trial Summer Camp
- Cornell University CURIE Academy & CATALYST Academy
- Denison Young Writers Workshop
- DePaul University- The Theater School
- Emporia State University-Kansas Future Teacher Academy
- Fairfield University Summer High School Programs
- Fort Hays State University Academy of Math and Science
- Garmin Engineering Day Camp
- Georgetown University Pre College Online Program
- Gettysburg College Summer Camps
- Great Books Summer Program (Domestic & International Options)
- Harvard Future Doctors' Level 1 Program
- Hendrix College Life Launch @Hendrix
- Hillsdale College High School Summer Study & Travel Programs
- iD Tech Camps
- INVESTIN Medical Career Experiences
- Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars Program (multiple domestic locations)
- Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs: 15 summer programs on 4 college campuses
- K-State Health Professions Summer Program
- KState College of Architecture, Planning & Design Summer Design Experience
- K-State Project Impact Summer Bridge Programs
- Ladder Internships
- Landmark College
- Lewis and Clark Fir Acres Writing Workshop
- Lawrence Technical University
- Loyola Marymount University Pre-College Summer Programs
- Marist College Summer Pre-College Program
- Miami University (Ohio) Summer Scholars Program
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Pre-College Summer Programs
- Missouri Southern State University Early Acceptance Program
- Missouri State University CSI Camp
- New York Times Summer Program
- New York University High School Summer Programs
- Northeastern Accelerate: Pre-College Programs
- Oklahoma State University Sports Media Camp
- Overland Park Police Dept. Cadet Program
- Putney Student Travel
- Rensselear Summer Engineering and Design Program
- Research College of Nursing
- Ringling College of Art & Design Pre-College Summer Program
- Rhode Island School of Design Pre College
- Rhodes College Summer Writing Institute
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
- Salve Regina University Summer Institute for Politics
- Samford University Pharmacy Camp
- SCAD Summer Seminars for creative disciplines
- Saint Mary's College (Indiana) Embody Summer Theology Institute
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago Early College Program Summer Institute
- Seattle University Pre College Summer Program
- Smithsonian Student Travel
- Summer Discovery PreCollege Programs
- St. John's College Summer Academy
- St. Louis University Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS)
- Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Summer Programs
- Stanford Summer Humanities
- Stevens Institute of Technology Summer Pre-College Programs
- Summer at Johnson and Wales University
- Sunflower Girls State
- Syracuse University
- TCU Business and Tech Summer Camp
- Tufts University Pre College Programs
- UMKC Honors College Roo Honors Academy
- UMKC Summer Pharmacy Camp
- United States Coast Guard Academy: Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) Summer Program
- United States Military Academy (West Point) Summer Leaders Experience
- United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar
- University of Alabama Early College Programs
- University of California Urvine Research and Innovation
- University of Chicago
- University of Dayton: Summer Engineering Experiences at the University of Dayton (SEE-UD)
- University of Illinois
- University of Kansas Engineering Camps
- University of Kansas: Summer Venture in Business
- University of Kansas Summer Nurse Academy
- University of Missouri Mini Medical School
- University of Missouri-Kansas City Pharmacy Camp
- University of Missouri-Kansas City Design Discovery
- University of Nebraska College of Architecture High School Workshop
- University of Notre Dame School of Architecture: Career Discovery for High Schoolers
- University of Notre Dame Summer Scholars & Leadership Seminars
- University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross summer Seminary
- University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Summer High School Programs
- University of Southern California Summer Programs
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Pre College
- US Department of Treasury Internships
- Washington University in St. Louis Architecture, Art & Design Pre-College Programs
- Washington University in St. Louis High School Summer Scholars Program
- Webster University Explorations in Nursing and Health Care
- Wellesley College Pre-College Immersive Program
- Westpoint Summer Leaders Experience
- WorldStrides Veternary Academy
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
- Broadreach Summer Programs
- Oxbridge Academic Programs by WorldStrides: Summer Study 2023
- University of Melbourne Young Leaders Program
- University of St. Andrews Summer Academic Experience Courses
Winter Break/Spring Break Programs
College Representatives
We welcome college representatives to Saint Thomas Aquinas high school during both the fall and spring semesters, with the exception of the months of December and May. To schedule a visit to our campus, please log in to RepVisits or contact Liz Majors - lmajors@stasaints.net.
We will be holding both in-person and virtual visits. Visits will be held as follows:
- In-Person Visits (All Students on Campus): Students and representatives will meet in College Counseling Conference Room or learning commons.
- Virtual Visits (All Students on Campus): Students will come to the College Counseling Conference room to meet with representatives, virtually. Your presentation will be displayed via a TV Monitor.
****All students are required to register to attend college visits through NAVIANCE.
Our Academic Profile
Our Graduates
Graduate Statistics - Class of 2019 to 2022
- 100% of the classes of Graduated
- 98% are attending a two-year or four-year college/university
- 10 students have chosen to attend a Military Academy and/or join the Armed Forces
- The classes were accepted to 142 different colleges and universities
- They are attending 109 different colleges and universities in 33 states and the District of Columbia
- 59% are attending a college/university in the State of Kansas
- 41% are attending a college/university outside of Kansas
- 92% of the class attend a four-year college/university
- 79% attend a public college/university
- 21% attend a private college/university
- 13% attend a Catholic or Jesuit college/university
- 8% attend a two-year institution
- 10 students were named National Merit Finalists
- 24 students were named National Merit Commended Scholars
2019 to 2022 Colleges Attending Map
Upcoming Events
October
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Counseling Office
Current Student Transcript Request
Senior Class
- Unofficial Transcripts: An unofficial 6th and 7th semester transcript will be added to the Portfolio section of Skyward, following the completion of your junior year and first semester of senior year. You can save this transcript and use it to apply to colleges/universities and upload into your application portal, as a PDF when allowed by institutions.
- Official Transcripts: You are required to request an official transcript for all colleges/universities that you apply to. All official transcripts must be requested in NAVIANCE and will be sent directly from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School to the college/university/organization you indicated you would like your transcript sent in NAVIANCE. Click Here for instructions on requesting your transcripts in NAVIANCE.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors
- Both official and unofficial transcripts must be requested via NAVIANCE.
Alumni Transcript Request
Alumni transcript requests are available only through written request. Transcripts can be requested by either filling out the online form or printing the document below and either mailing, faxing or emailing the form back to the school.
Send form and payment to the following address:
Saint Thomas Aquinas Attn: Patty Jordan
11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215
Questions? 913-319-2456 or pjordan@stasaints.net Fax: 913-319-2447
PLEASE NOTE: Official transcripts are only sent from school to school or employer. Transcripts are not sent to current or former students.
Saint Thomas Aquinas consistently holds nearly a 100% College Placement rate and recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Our college counselor, Liz Majors, holds active membership in the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The Great Plains Association for Admission Counseling and the Missouri Association for Admission Counseling.
She supports and endorses the NACAC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.
Annually she attends conferences and workshops in the field, that represent NACAC, GPACAC, MOACAC, College Board, ACT, NAVIANCE, FASFA and more.
Contact Information:
Liz Majors
Director of College Placement
913-319-2477
lmajors@stasaints.net
Students/Families
click here to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Majors
College Representatives
Click Here to schedule a college visit to Saint Thomas Aquinas