College Information

At Holy Cross, we utilize SCOIR as our primary college and career readiness platform, helping students and families navigate the college search and application process with clarity, organization, and confidence. SCOIR is a comprehensive, cloud-based network that connects students, families, counselors, and colleges in one streamlined system. Through this platform, our counseling team is able to guide students more effectively while keeping families informed and engaged throughout the process.

 

How Holy Cross Uses SCOIR

At Holy Cross, SCOIR allows us to:

• Track Student Engagement with Colleges
  Counselors can monitor which colleges students are researching, following, visiting, and applying to, providing real-time insight to better guide each student’s college journey.
• Share College Information with Families
  Families are connected directly to their student’s SCOIR account, enabling them to view college lists, receive updates, and collaborate on decision-making.
• Centralize Communication
  SCOIR serves as a hub for communication between students, families, and the counseling office, ensuring everyone stays informed about important deadlines, opportunities, and milestones.
• Manage Applications and Documents
  The platform allows Holy Cross counselors to send transcripts, recommendations, and required documents while tracking application progress and deadlines in one place. 

Key Features of SCOIR

SCOIR provides a wide range of tools that support students from early high school planning through graduation:

• College Search & Matching
  Students can explore thousands of colleges, filter options based on preferences, and receive personalized college recommendations. 
• College List Management
  Students build and maintain a list of prospective schools, track application status, and organize their college planning in one place.
• Self-Discovery & Career Exploration
  Built-in assessments help students identify their interests, strengths, and possible career pathways, connecting these insights to college options.
• Application Tracking & Integration
  SCOIR integrates with major application systems and allows students and counselors to monitor application submissions, requirements, and decisions.
• Collaboration Tools
  Students can receive college suggestions and feedback from counselors and parents/guardians, making the process highly collaborative. 
• Event & Visit Registration
  Students can sign up for college visits, virtual sessions, and campus events directly through the platform. 

Purpose

Through SCOIR, Holy Cross provides a transparent, organized, and collaborative college counseling experience. The platform empowers students to take ownership of their future while ensuring that counselors and families remain active partners every step of the way.

August – May

The senior year college process requires organization, communication, and timely action from both students and families. Below is a month-by-month guide to help Holy Cross parents support their sons throughout the process.

 

AUGUST

• Review your student’s college list (reach, target, safety schools)
• Begin or finalize college applications
• Attend college counseling meetings and review SCOIR account
• Register for fall SAT/ACT (if needed)
• Begin drafting college essays and personal statements
• Review upcoming application deadlines

 

SEPTEMBER

• Attend college fairs, visits, and information sessions
• Finalize college list in SCOIR
• Request letters of recommendation
• Begin completing applications (Common App / Scoir / school-specific)
• Review financial aid timeline and requirements

 

OCTOBER

• Complete and submit the FAFSA (as soon as it opens)
• Submit Early Action / Early Decision applications (many due Nov 1)
• Continue working on remaining applications
• Ensure transcripts and documents are being sent through SCOIR
• Take or retake SAT/ACT if necessary

 

NOVEMBER

• Finalize and submit early deadlines (Nov 1–15)
• Continue submitting regular decision applications
• Confirm colleges have received required materials
• Begin applying for scholarships

 

DECEMBER

• Monitor Early Decision / Early Action results
• Complete and submit any remaining applications (many Jan 1 deadlines)
• Keep track of login portals for each college
• Continue scholarship applications
• Discuss financial aid expectations as a family

 

JANUARY

• Submit any final Regular Decision applications
• Ensure FAFSA and financial aid forms are completed
• Monitor application portals for missing items
• Begin comparing colleges and programs

 

FEBRUARY

• Continue applying for local and institutional scholarships
• Review financial aid requests for additional documentation
• Stay engaged academically—senior grades still matter

 

MARCH

• Admission decisions begin to arrive
• Review financial aid packages
• Visit or revisit campuses (in person or virtual)
• Compare academic programs, cost, and fit

 

APRIL

• Attend accepted student events
• Make final college comparison decisions
• Confirm housing and enrollment steps for top choices
• Notify schools of your decision

 

MAY

• May 1: National College Decision Day
• Submit enrollment deposit to chosen college
• Decline other offers
• Complete housing, orientation, and registration steps
• Request final transcript be sent (through counseling office/SCOIR)