College & Career Planning

College and career planning is an important part of high school, and you won’t do it alone. Students meet individually with counselors each year for guidance based on their grade level.

Lancaster Catholic uses Naviance, an online platform that helps with college searches, career exploration, goal setting, and planning for the future. All students in grades 9–12 will use Naviance through class activities, and you can also explore it on your own anytime.

How to log in:

Go to the LCHS Naviance Page

- - Username: last 2 digits of graduation year + first initial + last name
    Example: 18cwentzIn

College & Career Planning at LCHS

9th Grade

Fall

Log in to Naviance and complete the Learning Styles Inventory
Meet with your school counselor to discuss goals (after 1st quarter).
Join at least one extracurricular activity.

Winter

Create your 4-year high school plan.
Start thinking about life after high school and possible careers.
During February course selection, meet with your counselor to plan sophomore classes.

Spring

Use Naviance to explore careers, colleges, and future options.
Continue building skills through activities and academics.

Summer

Explore summer opportunities like camps, volunteering, or job shadowing.

10th Grade

Fall

Review academic progress and GPA; discuss tutoring, NHS eligibility, and goals with your school counselor.
Begin career exploration using Naviance
Attend local college and career fairs.

Winter

Continue meeting with your counselor to refine academic and career plans.

Spring

Meet with your school counselor before or after 4th quarter to review progress and future plans, including military academy interest if applicable.
Informally visit local colleges to become familiar with campuses and expectations.
Stay involved in activities and continue building your academic and extracurricular profile.

11th Grade

Fall

Make a list of possible college majors or areas of study.
Take the PSAT in October to prepare for the SAT and qualify for National Merit consideration.

Winter

Register for spring college entrance exams (SAT and/or ACT) and begin test prep.
Use free prep tools such as Khan Academy.
Start preparing for AP exams if enrolled in AP classes.

Spring

Visit colleges, especially those offering junior-focused visit days.
Regularly check Naviance for scholarship opportunities.
Meet with your school counselor to discuss college/career plans and summer goals.
Create a resume on Naviance for future letters of recommendation.

Summer

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if you plan to play college sports.
Work a job, attend camps, or volunteer to build experience.
Visit colleges and narrow your list to a top five.
Update your resume and ask teachers for letters of recommendation.

12th Grade

September

Create a list of college applications, test dates, and deadlines (including early action/decision).
Meet with your school counselor to plan your senior year.
Attend a Financial Aid workshop with your parents; FAFSA opens October 1.
Request letters of recommendation (allow at least two weeks).

October

Finalize college choices and begin applications.
Send SAT/ACT scores directly to colleges from the College Board or ACT.

November

Submit early decision/action applications (typically Nov. 1–15).
Register for AP exams and request transcripts through Naviance.
Submit financial aid forms.

December-January

Finish all college applications before Christmas break.

Notify your counselor if colleges require mid-year grades.

February–May

Stay focused on academics, scholarships, and AP exam preparation.
Review admission decisions and financial aid packages by mid-April; make final college visits if needed.

June

Request your final transcript by completing the senior survey before graduation.

College Application Procedures for Seniors

Teacher Recommendation Request Form