Counseling Services

The counselors at Bishop O'Connell work with students throughout the school year to provide academic counseling and academic advising. Beginning in their freshman year, all students will work with their counselor to create their 4-year academic plan. While this may change from year to year, it gives students a picture of what they can do to progressively build on their academics. As students progress through high school, they will need to make many academic decisions such as course selection, college-preparatory course selection, time management and study skills. These decisions should be consistent with the student's long-term goals.

The college admissions process presents many challenges and can, at times, seem confusing, frustrating and disappointing. It can be both an exciting and stressful time for students and their families as hopes and dreams meet the reality of the always increasing competitive landscape. The college admissions process is neither transparent nor predictable – yet it is able to be managed. Whether students hope to attend a four-year college immediately or are considering other options post-graduation, the goal of the Counseling Department is to help each student find the match which best suits their needs.

At Bishop O’Connell, the counseling department works as a team with students and their families in preparing for future goals. We work carefully with each student throughout the process, encouraging him or her to approach the process as young adults, to take advantage of resources and advice and to find the best college matching each student’s developing talents, passions and goals.Throughout their careers at O’Connell, students will be educated on how to assess their strengths, weaknesses, needs and values. Students will learn to take ownership of their academic experience and create a plan meeting their personal needs.

The counselors serve to help students in a number of ways in the college planning process:

• In understanding the admissions process
• In accurately evaluating their achievements and aspirations
• Assisting in the gathering information about colleges/universities and programs
• Assisting in making informed and not arbitrary choices in future plans
• Helping students in presenting themselves effectively, both in person and on paper, in the college admissions process

As our students begin to think about colleges, we ask that they keep in mind there is no one “perfect” college. A school does not have value simply because it has a “name” or appears on a magazine’s "Top Ten." Your college search is just that—yours. Students are encouraged to think about their goals, talents, accomplishments and interests before even beginning to evaluate a school to determine if it is right for them.

This is a very exciting time in the lives of young people and there have never been so many wonderful collegiate opportunities available. The college process should be a community effort with parents, teachers, advisors, counselors and friends all working together to support our young men and women as they begin to take control of their futures.

Today’s students are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse and mobile society, new technologies, and expanding opportunities. Adolescents face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that impact academic achievement. Throughout the school year, students may face various Social or Emotional issues that affect their ability to concentrate on academics. Counselors are available to assist students with concerns and with crisis situations. With the exception of crises, students need to make an appointment in advance with their counselor. Counselors confer with our Chaplain when spiritual direction is necessary. Below are examples of reasons students may seek a counselor for social or emotional reasons:

• Transitioning to high school and being happy
• Crisis situations
• Sorting out problems
• Making healthy decisions
• Concerns with family, friends, teachers
• Self-harm
• Harassment/bullying
• Education in understanding self or others
• Effective social skills
• Handling peer pressure

First Year Experience

The counseling department works with the faculty and administration to host orientation programs for new students and their families.

Parent Coffees

Parents are invited to monthly grade-level coffees on a variety of topics important to the school community.

Parent Information Nights

Parents attend dedicated evening sessions on topics such including college admissions, NCAA sports eligibility, military academies and ROTC, and financial aid at the college level.

Student Programs and Resources

Grade-specific in-school seminars include: study skills workshops, career focused guest speakers, on-site visits by college representatives, and senior seminars on preparing for college life.

Additional Resources

By logging in to MyDJO, parents and students can find copies of recent presentations, timely college updates, and other important links and resources.

CLICK HERE to access counseling resources.

Information Regarding Student Records

• Applicants to Bishop O’Connell - 8th grade and transfer students applying to Bishop O’Connell will submit their middle school records through the application process. For more information about how to apply, visit our Admissions page. In addition to a transcript at application time, newly enrolled freshman and transfer students will also submit a final transcript to Bishop O’Connell in June, upon successful completion of the academic year they are in at the time of application. This will happen automatically for students in diocesan schools. Non-diocesan school applicants and all transfer students will need to request a transcript from school to send to Bishop O’Connell. You may use this form to initiate the records transfer. 

Current Students - Current students often need their academic records for various reasons, such as athletic recruitment, scholarship applications, internships, or self-reported grades on college applications. If you need a transcript, please consult your counselor. Afterward, you can complete the current student transcript request. While records are typically available the same day, please allow 2-3 business days for processing during high-volume times of the year.

Alumni - Official or unofficial transcripts can be ordered through the Request a Transcript link. Official transcripts are usually sent school to school, are signed by the head of school, stamped, and sealed to be opened only by authorized administrators. There is an $8.00 fee for each official transcript request. Delivery methods include first class mail (USPS) or by pick up at the security desk. Official transcripts cannot be sent via electronic mail to the alumna/us.  A confirmation email will be sent when the transcript request has been processed. Transcripts delivered to the security desk are to be picked up via the front entrance (Door #1) between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and will be held there for five business days. Please allow 2-4 business days for processing. Record requests for international applications may take up to 10 business days, so please allow adequate lead time prior to starting in an international university.  Graduates from the classes of 1961 to 1987, please include a birthdate with your request. 

Special Circumstances - Students who received dual credit from Marymount University or Catholic University should visit those college registrars' webpages for information about how to request a transcript from those schools. Advanced Placement (AP) score reports are requested from the College Board. Please visit the College Board website for additional information and to request score reports. 

Duplicate Diplomas - Please note that the Counseling Office does not duplicate diplomas. Diplomas are handled through the Activities Office. Please contact Activities@bishopoconnell.org or call 703-538-3306 for more information.

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