Counseling Corner
Below you will find a newsletter, ACT information and college representative visit information. Please scroll through the tab block to better assist your needs.
Parents – The Missouri Department of Health has created a “Disaster Distress Helpline” (LINEA DE AYUDA) for residents who may be adversely impacted by COVID-19. It is a free, confidential crisis counseling program (SOPORTE GRATUITO Y CONFIDENCIAL) available to help Missourians cope with a disaster. Call 1-800-984-5990, access MOSHOWMEHOPE.ORG or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Post-High School Planning
As part of educating the whole student, Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) aims to ensure its students are prepared for life after high school. Students’ post-high school options and plans vary and may include the following: a college and university education, technical and trade school training, or military service. Some students may even decide transitioning directly into the workforce as the appropriate route. Whichever path students pursue, their McAuley Catholic High School academic, social, and spiritual experiences and preparation will serve them well.
ACT Prep and Dates
It’s never too early for a high school student to start preparing for the ACT. You can order ACT’s free publication, “Preparing for the ACT,” online under “Order Support Materials.”
Upcoming ACT dates for the school year are listed below. Visit the ACT website to register for an upcoming test.
When are the test dates in 2021-2022:
There are 7 tests offered each year (September through June). There are two registration deadlines. The first is the “regular” registration deadline and costs $60.00 (no writing) and $85.00 (with writing). If you miss that deadline, you can register for under the LATE FEE deadline by adding $36.00 to the original registration fees.
TEST DATE |
REGISTRATION DEADLINE |
LATE FEE Registration deadline |
September 11, 2021 |
N/A |
N/A |
October 23, 2021 |
September 17, 2021 |
October 1st, 2021 |
December 11, 2021 |
November 5, 2021 |
November 19, 2021 |
February 12, 2022 |
January 7, 2022 |
January 21, 2022 |
April 2, 2022 |
February 25, 2022 |
March 11, 2022 |
June 11, 2022 |
May 6, 2022 |
May 20, 2022 |
July 16, 2022 |
June 17, 2022 |
June 24, 2022 |
If you are eligible for free and reduced lunches, you can get a fee waiver or fee deduction. Please see me for forms if you meet this criteria.
ACT Information
When should I take the ACT?
According to the website ontocollege.com, it is important to know how many times you should take the ACT. Very rarely does anyone get their best score the first time. They recommend that you take the ACT at least four times: twice junior year and twice senior year. But deciding which test dates are best can vary.
Another website. Higherscorestestprep.com, says that another factor in making the decision when to take the test is what math class students have taken. They report that the math section covers concepts from arithmetic up to Algebra 2 with a few PreCalculus concepts woven in for “good measure”.
The most important thing, according to them, is that students take 2 exams by June of his/her junior year. So if a student won’t be enrolled or completely through Algebra 2 before June of his/her junior year, he/she should still take the ACT before the end or the school year.
- If you’ve taken Algebra 2 as a freshman or sophomore, you can entertain any test dates that occur once your course is fully complete.
- If you’ll take Algebra 2 in junior year or later, take your first ACT in February or April of your junior year.
College Rep Visits
During the pandemic, colleges and universities were unable to travel to schools to visit with prospective students. This is such an awesome opportunity for our students to hear about what these institutions can offer them for post secondary education and it was a shame that we had to go almost two years without this opportunity. We are once again hosting college visits!!
In the Fall, visits are limited to juniors and seniors only. In the Spring, we will open it up for all students in grades 9-12.
During the months of October through February, college representatives do not typically travel to high schools for on campus visits. However, if someone does reach out to schedule a visit, I will notify parents and juniors/seniors through email dates and times.

JACS Business Office
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5003
St. Mary's Elementary School
3025 South Central City Road
Joplin, MO 64804
417-623-1465

St. Peter's Middle School
931 South Byers Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5605
McAuley Catholic High School
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-9320