College Counseling

The College Counseling office at Mullen is committed to supporting students and families throughout a comprehensive and individualized college search and application process. We assist students in finding the right fit for college based on academics, affordability, and an atmosphere in which they can further develop their talents and interests.

Luke, Class of 2023

They gave me lots of options and really helped me narrow down my college decision and where I wanted to apply. The craziest thing is that I ended up going to a school that I had never even thought of applying to at the beginning of Senior year"

Rachel, Class of 2021

“The college counseling department is amazing. It helps prepare you for your future while making the most of your present.”

Amanda, Class of 2022

"I was beyond blessed to have the entire College Counseling team in my corner during my time at Mullen. They always made the process seem less overwhelming and made me feel like I could actually accomplish the high goals I had. I honestly don’t think I’d have the opportunities I do without them."

Parent, Class of 2024

"I was thinking these past years I wasn't going to know how to help [my student] deal with college apps, but I felt Mullen so thoroughly participated and guided her junior and senior year....the whole process has been smooth!"

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their college process through self-reflection, exploring interests, and considering college options where they can thrive and meet their future goals.

The College Counseling office provides a wide array of programs and meetings to educate students and their families about their opportunities after graduation from Mullen.

Students are at the center of what we do.

We look forward to working with you throughout this exciting time!

While every student's journey is unique, we have created a timeline of how each student should expect to work with their College Counselor during their time at Mullen.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Sophomore Year
- Drop-in appointments available with your College Counselor
- Introduction to the College Process class meeting
- Students take practice ACT (Pre-ACT) and practice SAT (PSAT)
- Mock admissions workshop and college fair hosted at Mullen by the Jesuit College Consortium
- Virtual Parent Q&As with the College Counselors
Junior Year
- Individual counseling meetings with your College Counselor
- College and Athletic Recruitment evening program for families and students
- Mock admissions workshop and college fair hosted at Mullen by the Jesuit College Consortium
- Meet with College Admissions Representatives visiting Mullen
- Students take the PSAT
- Develop standardized testing strategy with your College counselor
- Learn how to research colleges through Scoir and other online resources
- Develop a preliminary list of colleges to explore further
- Students write a college essay with guidance from their College Counselor and English faculty
- College Application letters of recommendation are arranged
- Virtual Parent Q&As with the College Counselors
Senior Year
- Individual meetings with your College Counselor
- Summer application and essay boot camps offered in June and August
- Senior College and Financial Aid night program for Families and Students
- Common Application workshop(s) offered
- Meet with College Admission Representatives visiting Mullen
- Finalize college list with your College Counselor and develop application strategy
- Essay support and revision with your College Counselor
- Support with financial aid and scholarship search
- Informational group sessions offered throughout the year on post-graduate planning
- Virtual Parent Q&As with the College Counselors

Meet Our Counselors

List of 4 items.

Stephanie Santillo, M.S. Ed.

Director of College Counseling
stephanie.santillo@mullenhigh.com
Supporting Students Last Names Q-Z
Bio
Stephanie Santillo joined the Mullen community in 2011, spending two years as the Director of Counseling prior to becoming the Director of College Counseling in 2013. Ms. Santillo began her career in higher education in 2000, working in admissions at both Ursinus College and The University of Pennsylvania, as well as in career development at St. Joseph's University. She transitioned to the high school side in 2005 in order to better assist students and families with the college process. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Ms. Santillo has been a Colorado resident since 2008. She holds degrees from The College of William and Mary and The University of Pennsylvania. When not proofreading college essays, she and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.
Conor O’Rourke, M.A.

College Counselor
conor.orourke@mullenhigh.com
Supporting Students Last Names A-G
Bio
Mr. O'Rourke has been with Mullen since 2018. In his previous career he was the senior assistant dean of admissions at his alma mater, Pomona College. In addition to admission responsibilities at the College, he taught college admission workshops through the Pomona Academy for Youth Success, a program dedicated to local area first generation to college youth. Mr. O’Rourke transitioned to the high school side in 2016, serving as the Associate Director of College Counseling at Chadwick School in Los Angeles. For fun, Mr. O’Rourke enjoys completing Sunday edition New York Times crossword puzzles, seeking out the perfect local coffee shop, handwriting letters to old friends, and reading Good Night Moon over and over again to his two year old twins. He is drawn to the Lasallian Core Principles at Mullen and how they may serve as a guide as he counsels students to approach the college process not as simply a destination but as a continued journey.
Katie Randa-MacCrea, M.S.

College Counselor
katie.randamaccrea@mullenhigh.com
Supporting Students Last Names H-P

Bio
Mrs. Randa-MacCrea earned her Bachelor's degree in English from Hope College and her Master's degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University. Before becoming a College Counselor, Mrs. Randa-MacCrea spent nine years working in college admission offices at Miami University, Hanover College, and Davidson College. Before Mullen, she also served served as a College Counselor for several years at the Bolles School. When she is not helping students navigate the college admission process, Mrs. Randa-MacCrea enjoys exploring coffee shops, spending time with her husband and their energetic dog at local dog parks, and reading.
Janna Petersen

College Counseling Assistant
janna.petersen@mullenhigh.com

Helpful Resources

Upcoming Events

List of 3 events.

Dec

3

Coalition for College Webinar: Completing the FAFSA
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Not sure where to begin with the FAFSA? Confused by the process or unfamiliar with certain terms? In this session, admissions and financial aid experts will share tips to better prepare you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Featuring: Berea College, Bowdoin College, and Northwestern University.

Register online
Dec

7

SAT

Register on the College Board website. Mullen High School is NOT an SAT testing site.

satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat
Dec

14

ACT

Register on the ACT website. Mullen High School is NOT an ACT testing site.

www.act.org

View All Events

- Class of 2024 during College Week. Each student is wearing apparel from their intended college.

College Acceptances

For College Reps

We look forward to hosting your visit to Mullen!

College admissions representatives and other post-secondary recruitment professionals are encouraged to use the Scoir system to schedule your visit to campus.

Having trouble scheduling your visit? Please contact Janna Petersen, Mullen’s College Counseling Assistant.

Your GPS directions will take you to the front entrance of campus. Please park in the “horseshoe” visitor lot and enter through the Main Office. After checking in and receiving your ID badge, a member of the College Counseling team will meet you and escort you to your visit location on campus.