It is a joy and privilege to walk alongside our students as they navigate one of the most exciting and formative chapters of their academic journey. At VCHS, we embrace a holistic and student-centered approach that honors authenticity, exploration, and growth.

College planning is about discovering what matters most to you, and finding schools where you will thrive. From 9th through 12th grade, students receive structured, personalized support:

Individualized, annual course selection meetings
Parent information nights
YouScience aptitude and interest surveys
A spring semester Junior College Counseling course

As students begin to plan their futures, we help them identify their strengths and connect them to best-fit real-world opportunities. We support students exploring military or career training options. Additionally, we serve as a liaison We connect students with local community organizations that offer access to scholarships, mentorship, and other valuable resources.

This journey is not just about gaining college admission; it’s about self-discovery, goal setting, and building confidence for what comes next. The more engaged students are in their planning, the better prepared they will be for their future. My door is always open, and I look forward to partnering with you in this important and exciting chapter.

Warmly,

AVerratti@vchsweb.org | 970-926-3015

B.A. English - Loyola Marymount University

M.A. English - Temple University

M.A., Special Education/ESL - University of Colorado, Boulder

College + Career Prep - What to Expect

FRESHMAN

Attend Freshman Parent Night in fall
Build 4-year plan balancing academic rigor, extra curriculars and success
All freshman take PSAT and PreACT on campus (no need for other testing prep)

Attend Sophomore Parent Night in fall
Review 4 year plan
All sophomores take PSAT and PreACT on campus (no need for other testing prep)
You Science assessments for career interests

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

Attend Junior Parent Night in late September
College Board SAT and AP Course management
College Search exploration and building lists
Colorado college and universities junior class tours
Juniors take College and Career Prep Class with counselor
Personal Statement and Essay brainstorming, outlines, and drafts

SENIORS

Attend Senior Parent Night in early September
Polish essays with English Teacher
Prepare for college application process- Common App and Institution-Specific
Counselor facilitates relationships with students and Admission Representatives
Support in financial aid and scholarships application process

Oh, The Places They'll Go.

Academic Profile

College counseling begins on day one. With a full-time, college counselor and customized plan for each student, our students are positioned for acceptances to their top choice schools, and earn merit scholarships that significantly reduce costs.

For the Class of 2025, the

Average ACT score was 26 (national average is 19.4)
Average SAT score 1239 (national average is 1043)

AP Exams 2025 - 248 exams taken by 112 students, 78% passing rate (73% nationally)

Our comprehensive academic profile may be found here.

Meeting Requests

CLICK HERE

to schedule an appointment with
Mrs. Verratti.

Private counselor meetings with students and parents are available anytime.

Helpful Links

FAFSA - free application for federal student aid
FAFSA ID - required to fill out FAFSA forms
CSS Profile - financial aid for private colleges
CollegeBoard - SAT, PSAT, and AP Courses and Testing website
Big Futures - College Searching, majors, location, size, type, admission, affordability
ACT - ACT Testing registration.
Common App - Link to the website for the Common Application
NCAA - NCAA Eligibility Center
You Science – Career strengths and interests

Goals

The goal of the College Counseling Office is to support, inform, and encourage students and their families as they navigate the exciting, complex, and ever-changing process of college admissions. The perfect blend of specialized care for each student and effective strategies for admissions sets our college counseling program
apart. Preparing SAINTS to lead and succeed is in our DNA.

By the time our students graduate, they're ready. As they prepare for excellence in the classroom, we equally value the development of faith and character therefore we know they're prepared to succeed in whatever paths they choose.