Guiding every student from freshman year to future success.

College & Career Counseling

St Vincent St Mary High School student completing classwork on a laptop.

Our Comprehensive Services A Four-Year Journey Events & Opportunities Meet Our Counselor

At St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, college and career preparation is not just a senior-year task - it’s a four-year journey.

Our College & Career Counseling Team works closely with students and families throughout all four years, providing personalized guidance, resources, and support as students explore their interests, discover their strengths, and prepare for life after graduation. Whether a student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, pursue a technical career, enlist in the military, or compete in collegiate athletics, STVM provides a clear pathway to success.

School Profile

Our Comprehensive Services

Throughout the four-year journey, STVM students and families have access to:

Dedicated College & Career Counseling support
Grade-level planning meetings
Annual College Fair
Career Connections networking event
FAFSA information sessions
NCAA eligibility guidance
Common App and college application workshops
Naviance college and career planning tools
Scholarship and financial aid resources

STVM students writing an answer on the whiteboard, smiling and laughing.

A Four-Year Journey

Our structured approach ensures that each grade
level has age-appropriate goals and resources

STVM student learning about a career path from an alum.

Freshman Year

Explore & Get Involved

Freshman year is focused on building strong academic habits, exploring interests, and establishing a foundation for future success. Students are encouraged to become involved in extracurricular activities, service opportunities, and leadership experiences while beginning to explore career and college interests through Naviance and other planning resources.

Highlights

Career interest assessments through Naviance
Fall College Fair
Introduction to College Credit Plus opportunities
Academic and extracurricular planning

STVM students sitting together in the library.

Sophomore Year

Build & Focus

During sophomore year, students begin to identify potential career pathways and deepen their involvement in activities that align with their interests and goals. Families receive additional guidance as students prepare for future academic and post-secondary opportunities.

Highlights

Career and college exploration
PSAT preparation and testing opportunities
College Credit Plus information and planning
Sophomore College Planning Meeting

St Vincent St Mary High School students listening to their classmate speaking in a lesson.

Junior Year

Plan & Prepare

Junior year is a pivotal time in the college and career planning process. Students work closely with the College & Career Counseling Team to develop a personalized post-graduation plan while preparing for college admissions, workforce opportunities, military service, or other future pathways.

Highlights

Individual college and career planning meetings
SAT, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQT testing
College and career research
Campus visits and experiential learning opportunities
Scholarship and financial aid planning

St Vincent St Mary High School students selecting their college.

Senior Year

Apply & Decide

Senior year is focused on turning plans into reality. Students receive individualized support throughout the application process while navigating scholarships, financial aid, admissions decisions, and career opportunities.

Highlights

College application and essay support
Common App workshops
FAFSA and financial aid guidance
Scholarship assistance
Finalizing post-secondary plans and transition support

Events & Opportunities

Students and families are encouraged to take advantage of the following annual events and activities, which are designed to provide direct connections with colleges, employers, and resources:

College Fair – Meet with 90+ college representatives at our fall private school college fair, typically held in October.
Career Connections – Explore real-world career opportunities and network with professionals representing dozens of industries in greater Akron and beyond at our Career Fair held each year in November.
Athletic Recruiting Night – Learn the steps to becoming a college athlete from our on-staff NCAA representative.
Workshops – Access valuable resources and hands-on assistance at various on-site activities including FAFSA completion nights, CCP information sessions, academic track sessions, essay-writing labs, and scholarship sessions.
Counselors Corner – Stay informed with our weekly newsletter containing valuable resources for scholarships, college/trade/extended learning opportunities, and networking.

STVM student talking to representatives at a careers fair event.

Meet Our Counselor

With more than 21 years of experience in higher education admissions, enrollment management, and student success, Dr. Michael Hollenbaugh brings invaluable insight into the opportunities available to students after graduation.

Having served in senior admissions and enrollment leadership roles at institutions such as Cleveland State University, Kent State University, Ashland University, and Hiram College, Dr. Hollenbaugh provides an insider’s perspective on college admissions, financial aid, academic pathways, and career exploration.

At STVM, Dr. Hollenbaugh partners with students to help them identify their strengths and explore their interests. Whether a student is preparing for college or university studies, pursuing military service, or entering an apprenticeship training program, he is committed to helping them discover opportunities that align with their goals and aspirations.