School Counselor
At Bishop Neumann, our School Counselor, Mrs. Blair Svec, is dedicated to helping students thrive academically, personally, and as they prepare for life beyond Bishop Neumann.
The counseling office works closely with students and families to assist with course selection and class placement, ensuring each student is on a path that aligns with their academic goals, interests, and future plans.
For upperclassmen, the School Counselor provides valuable guidance throughout the college and career planning process. Services include assistance with ACT preparation and registration, college exploration, admissions planning, scholarship opportunities, career readiness, and graduation planning. Whether a student plans to attend college, enter the workforce, or pursue another path after graduation, our School Counselor is committed to helping each student make informed decisions and confidently prepare for the future.
You can reach her at (402)443-4151 or blair-svec@cdolinc.net
ACT
ACT Preparation
Bishop Neumann is committed to helping students prepare for success on college entrance exams. Students in grades 9–12 are encouraged to participate in ACT preparation opportunities offered through the school. Preparation courses are typically available prior to the December ACT test dates.
For more information about upcoming prep courses, registration, or testing, please contact the School Counselor.
Helpful Resources
Career Planning
Exploring careers before you select a college will help you find the school that best fits your career interests and goals. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1 – Learn more about your interests and skills.
Complete at least two interest and skill assessments to learn about careers that might be a good match.
Use free online tools, including:
– MyNextMove.org
– BigFuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers
Step 2 – Do some research.
Research potential careers based on your assessment results.
Step 3 – Develop a career plan.
Map out the education and training you’ll need for your future career.
– Use EducationQuest to determine if your potential career choices will provide the lifestyle you desire.
– Talk to your school counselor about college majors that will help you reach your career goal.
– Use College Profiles at EducationQuest to find schools that offer your potential major(s).
– Participate in activities that match your career interests such as school clubs, community service, job shadowing, internships, and part-time jobs.
College Selection
Each Spring, Mrs. Svec will be visiting with all junior students to discuss their post-secondary plans. Some students may already have a clear direction for life after graduation from Bishop Neumann while others may still be contemplating what they will be doing. This discussion will help guide students in both categories as well as those between!
Making a college or career choice can be difficult. Begin by identifying what your reasons are for going to college.
– What do you hope to gain?
– What learning opportunities do you need?
– What are your goals?
– What are your career ambitions?
– How will college help you achieve these goals and ambitions?
The next step is to relate these goals to factors you can use as you search for colleges that meet your needs. Factors to consider:
– Type of college
– Location
– Admissions selectivity
– Costs
– Majors and study programs available
– Social life
The University of Nebraska On Course Program
Some students choose to attend a community college as a way to complete prerequisite courses before attending a 4 year college or university. Students who complete On Course requirements are guaranteed admission to UNL, UNO, or UNK. On Course advisors work with students to help ensure that credits transfer toward a bachelor’s degree in the University of Nebraska system. Contact the On Course advisor at the campus you plan to attend:
UNL – Cindy Cammock ccammack@unlnotes.unl.edu or
www.admissions.unl.edu
UNK – LeeAnn Amm amml@unk.edu or www.unk.edu/admissions
UNO – Lina Traslavina ltraslavina@mail.unomaha.edu or
https://www.unomaha.edu/admissions/index.php
College Visits
Seniors are encouraged to visit prospective colleges. Seniors are allowed two college visits that must be completed by March 31st. It is recommended that you contact the admissions department of each college two weeks prior to the visit. If you need assistance setting these visits up please visit with Mrs. Svec. All students must indicate on their sign-out sheet that you are going on a college visit. Although it is not necessary to fill out a special sign-out sheet with Mrs. Svec, it would be great if you stopped by to visit before and after your visit. Often, your tour guide on these visits will be a student, so be prepared to ask questions! After your tour, write down several impressions you had of the school. These reminders will help you compare colleges later.
College Scholarships
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Each year, information on numerous scholarships are sent to Bishop Neumann. Scholarships, including local scholarships are posted on Appcentri, our online scholarship portal. Mrs. Svec will help seniors create a profile for Appcrentri. Mrs. Svec will also send scholarship reminders via students’ emails. In addition, students should also use EducationQuest to search for scholarships. Visit their site to use the ScholarshipQuest tool and to find other scholarship search engines. Scholarships offered by colleges can be found on the college’s website.
Appcentri Sign Up
Financial Aid
There are a variety of ways to help pay for college. Students earn free money for a variety of reasons – academics, leadership, athletics, talents, or military involvement to name a few. Grants, work-study, and loans are types of aid given based on financial need. Students need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal, state, or college-based financial aid. You can find more information about the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA should be completed each year that you are in college.
The following programs offer additional opportunities for Nebraska students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program:
Collegebound Nebraska You will pay no tuition at the University of Nebraska if you:
– are a Nebraska resident undergraduate student
– meet the university’s admission requirements
– qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program
– for more information visit Nebraska Promise
NSCS Advantage Program
The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Advantage serves students, area communities, and the State of Nebraska by guaranteeing that first-time freshmen who receive federal Pell Grants pay no tuition at Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State Colleges. This award is renewable. To qualify a student must be:
– a Nebraska resident
– a Federal Pell Grant recipient
– a first-time freshman
– enrolled in at least 12 on-campus credit hours each semester
– for more information visit www.nscs.edu