The College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) exists for the purpose of preparing our students for life after Mater Dei. We want to help all of our students prepare for the world after commencement.
The College and Career Resource Center (CCRC) offers great resources and programs aimed to help you prepare for life after Mater Dei. They include the following:
College and Career Resource Library Our Resource Library features hundreds of books and DVDs on all aspects of College and Career Planning. Topics include college planning, applying for financial aid and scholarships, choosing a career, visiting college campuses, preparing for the SAT and ACT tests, and many different college guidebooks. In addition, we often receive college-related magazines, brochures and publications that are free to students.
College Catalogs, Videos, and Admissions Materials We have course catalogs, videos, applications, and view books in the CCRC from over 300 colleges and universities throughout the world. Course catalogs and videos can be checked out for up to a week and all application materials are free for anyone to take. If you don't see information on a college you are interested in, ask and it can be ordered.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources We maintain a Scholarship File Cabinet in the CCRC with applications and instructions for both school-specific and general scholarships throughout the country. You can also check our Scholarship and Financial Aid website for extensive information on how to pay for college. Although this list is in no way inclusive of the over 20,000 scholarships in the United States, it is a good place to start your scholarship search.
CCRCComputerCenter The CCRC features seven computers that can be used anytime. Students are welcome to explore colleges, careers and scholarships or fill out their college applications on the computers. All of them also have internet access, so you can come in and work on your on-line applications or check out college and career web sites.
College Night and Admissions Rep Visits We work very hard to develop and maintain relationships with admissions counselors from all over the world. In October, we host our annual College Night with over 125 colleges and universities attending. Informative workshops covering topics such as financial aid and how to write an effective college essay are offered to students and parents that evening. College representatives also come during lunch throughout the school year. These visits are a great way for students to learn about schools and make a positive impression on the admissions counselors.
College Admissions Workshops for Juniors and Seniors
During the second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year, Ms. Castro puts on College Admissions workshops to get all students started on their college search and application process. Parents, especially those who are going through the admissions process for the first time, are also encouraged to attend the workshops.
Topics covered include:
-Choosing a major or career
-How to find a college that's the "right" fit
-Testing Timelines for SATs and ACT
-Financial Aid & Scholarships
-Playing Sports in College
-Essay Writing
-Tips on filling out your college admissions applications
Once students attend these workshops (beginning in the second semester of junior year), they are welcome to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Ms. Castro and their parents to get help choosing colleges to explore. She will also answer any specific questions the family may have regarding their student and the college admissions process.
Career Day for Juniors
The College and Career Center, in conjunction with the Advancement Office, holds a Career Day for juniors usually at the end of February. Students will have the opportunity to speak to Mater Dei alumni about their chosen careers and the path they took to get there. They attend two sessions in careers of their choice and then are welcome to speak to the presenters at our Career Fair during lunch.
Walk-in times for college assistance
Walk-in times are available to any student who needs help before school or during lunch. Ms. Castro is also available after school when she isn't meeting with families. Students of all grade levels are encouraged to come into the College and Career Resource Center.
