WE LCOM E Upper School

T O T H E

U S J B R U I N S . O R G

Welcome from Ben Murphy, Upper School DirectorHello! On behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you and your families to the University School of Jackson’s Upper School. For our continuing students, welcome to a new part of the building. We are excited to be with you as you continue your journeys at USJ. For those of you new to USJ, welcome to a new school community; we are glad you are considering joining us. Thank you to everyone for allowing us to be a part of your family’s educational experiences.

Ninth grade is certainly a transitional year for students as report cards become transcripts and middle school sports become varsity sports. Students go from being the oldest in their division to the youngest, from knowing everything about how a middle school works to knowing rather little about how an upper school works. For students coming to the USJ Upper School from other high schools, there is a transition process as well. One of our tasks as an upper school faculty is helping all students new to the Upper School adapt to a new set of academic expectations and become more confident in their abilities. This process will take some time, and our teachers will be there to work with these students, to help with managing workloads, and to assist in developing the skills necessary to be successful undergraduates.

In the two years I have been at USJ, I have learned the Upper School faculty are among the most dedicated teachers one will find anywhere. They are committed to providing our students with a challenging yet supportive curriculum, and they approach each day with a focus on furthering their students’ learning. Your child will get to work with great teachers each and every day.

For our incoming students, graduation seems far away, and it will be here before they know it. During the years prior to their graduation, a lot will change for these students, and what will not change is USJ’s commitment to quality education. Our graduates are admitted into many of the finest institutions in the country, and we welcome the opportunity to help your children work toward their goals. Any journey begins with one step, and we thank you for the privilege of helping your children take their first Upper School steps at USJ. Thank you for choosing our school. Go Bruins!

From Kay Shearin, Admissions DirectorI also extend a warm welcome to you and your family. If you are a current family, we appreciate your continued support of the University School and its programs. If you are a prospective family, we appreciate your interest in our school and welcome you to our campus. I invite your child to spend a day with us and shadow one of our students in order to learn more about the University School and see for yourself the endless opportunities that await your child at USJ.

Upper School is an important time in your student’s life. The next four years are critical as your child prepares to meet the challenges of college and beyond. As stated in our mission statement, the University School is committed to guiding each student to reach his or her maximum potential and to developing a passion for academic excellence and lifelong learning.

Our faculty and staff are also committed to building relationships and to working in partnership with our students and their families to ensure success in every facet of school life: in the classroom, in athletic endeavors, in the area of fine arts, and in service within our community. At the University School of Jackson, students truly receive an education for a lifetime.

I have had a great time at USJ, and I

honestly don’t think I would have had

the same experience in any other school

in West Tennessee. The students and

faculty really make the school what it is. I

remember being a little nervous and even

afraid of entering ninth grade. I was used

to knowing all the faces that I saw in the

Middle School and felt very comfortable

there, so the idea that I would be in a new

building with new faces and more people

made me a little nervous at first. That

nervousness went away by my second

week in the Upper School as I adjusted to

my new surroundings.

After the first couple of weeks, I discovered

there is a significant difference between

being a ninth grader and being an eighth

grader. You have more choices and more

freedom, as well as less hand-holding, in

the Upper School, and those things have

really made my experience enjoyable. There

are many clubs to join, and while I have

only joined the Chemistry Club and the

Spanish Club, I have had a wonderful time

with both. Another great thing about USJ

is the teachers. There are so many teachers

who are not only invested in their class

but also in you. They genuinely want to

help you and are available to answer your

questions as best they can. I have come to

love many of my teachers during my time

in the Upper School, and several of them

have greatly influenced me. Some have

made me love the subject they teach, and

others have made me a better person in

general. I have really loved the time I have

spent at USJ, and I do not think I would

have this educational experience anywhere

else.

Michael Villarreal

Junior

Upper School CurriculumIt’s true. USJ’s Upper School curriculum is challenging as we prepare students for college. The strength of USJ, however, lies not only in our Advanced Placement and Honors courses but also in every course in our curriculum. Each student is given the opportunity to achieve and to learn, and those who rise to the challenge find themselves well prepared for life after USJ.

Our courses aren’t easy, and if students are willing to work and apply themselves, they can be successful in our curriculum. Ninth graders, for example, will learn how to use their time wisely and how to study. They will learn how to master the workload and still have time for sports, the arts, community service, or whatever interests them.

Freshman courses include Algebra I or Honors Algebra I, French or Spanish or Honors French or Spanish , Biology or Biology Honors, English or English Honors, World History, and electives. Factors considered when placing students in honors courses include previous honors courses and placement test results.

For a complete list of our courses, visit usjbruins.org/academics/upper-school.

Electives From Broadcast Journalism to Forensic Science, USJ’s curriculum is filled with a variety of elective courses.

They are Accounting, Band, Book Study Seminar, Broadcast Journalism, Choir/USJ Singers/Concert Choir, Computer Coding, Criminal Justice, Digital Tools, Forensic Science, Intro to Theater/Advanced Theater, Journalism, Library Research and Operations, AP Music Theory, Psychology, AP Psychology, Sculpture, Speech, Strength & Conditioning, Studio Art, AP Studio Art, Study Abroad, U.S. and World Issues, Wellness, and World Religions.

I love so many things about USJ, but what

really stands out to me is that since it’s

a smaller school, everyone really invests

in you: the students, the faculty, and the

administration. Though I take rigorous

AP classes, my teachers still push me to

immerse myself in things besides my

studies, like student government and

theater. The cheerleading coach will try

to work with my play rehearsal schedule,

and vice versa. It’s awesome to be a

part of an environment where everyone

works together to help you reach your

full potential. It’s a special environment

that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s so

encouraging to look out in the audience

from the stage and see the soccer players,

or to see Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hirstein at a

football game in Nashville. It’s obvious that

everyone cares, and everyone supports

you, whatever your passion is. We’re one

big Bruin family.

Caroline Miller, Senior

SGA Chaplain, co-captain of the

cheerleading squad, musical theatre,

Concert Choir, peer tutor, DSA Buddy

Club President, Key Club, SADD Club,

National Honor Society

Upper School Faculty

Debbie AntonGuidance Counselor,

PsychologyMTSU, B.S.

Univ. of Tenn., Knoxville, M.S.S.W.Univ. of Memphis, M.A.T.

Danielle BoydTechnology Coordinator,

St. Leo University, B.A.

Bridget ClarkEnglish Department ChairUniv. of Tenn., Martin, B.A.

Univ. of Memphis, M.A.

Paul ConwayWorld Issues, Speech,

Computer CodingLambuth University, B.A.Lambuth University, M.A.

Erica DavidsonTheater

Univ. of Tenn., Martin, B.A.

Teresa FlochFrench

Eastern Michigan University, B.A.Univ. of Oregon, M.A.

Marygrove College, M.A.T.

Allie EnglishFrench

Union University, B.A.

Dian EddlemanChoral Music,

USJ Singers, and USJ Concert Choir

Harding University, B.A.

Jimmy GlossonForeign Language Dept. Chair

Univ. of Memphis, B.A.Union University, M.A.Ed.

Christie GoldenMathematics, ScienceUnion University, B.S.

Univ. of Tenn., Memphis, B.S. Union University, M.A.Ed.

Dr. Tammy GrantMusic

Univ. of Southern Miss., B.M.Ed.NE Louisiana Univ., M.M.Ed.Univ. of Memphis, D.M.A.

Tom GrantMusic Dept. Chair

Jones Co. Jr. College, A.T.Univ. of Southern Miss., B.Ed.

Trevecca Nazarene University, M.Ed.

Linda HawksEnglish, Yearbook

MTSU, B.S. Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

John HerrimanScience

Union University, B.S.

Dr. Jennifer DanielChemistry

Univ. of Mississippi, B.A.Bethel University, M.A.Ed.Walden University, Ph.D.

Will my child be prepared for college?Yes! USJ seeks to prepare its students for college through a challenging college-

preparatory curriculum. USJ helps students pursue academic paths that work to their

strengths. Classes at USJ are designated as College Placement, Honors, or Advanced

Placement courses. A student can choose to pursue more challenging coursework in

areas where one feels strongest and in which the student has the most interest.

Teachers use capstone experiences and final exams to determine the breadth and depth

of student knowledge. In fact, learning how to study for final exams, how to write major

papers, and how to construct comprehensive projects are just some of the areas where

students feel they are most prepared for college.

Rob PlattEnglish

Univ. of Memphis, B.A.Univ. of Tenn., Martin, M.Ed.

Anna PowellSpanish, Criminal JusticeUniv. of Memphis, B.A.

Jane RamerScience Dept. Chair

Lambuth University, B.S.Union University, M.A.Ed.

Kim RaineyUpper School Assistant

Univ. of Tenn., Knoxville, B.S.

Katie RamerEnglish

Lambuth University, B.A.Union University, M.A.Ed.

Carla RoachMathematics

Univ. of Memphis, B.S.

Don RoeHistory Department Chair

Lambuth University, B.S.Univ. of Memphis, M.A.

Tommy RussellMathematics

Rhodes College, B.S.Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

Judy SandersonScience

West Carolina Univ., B.S. Univ. of South Carolina, M.Ed.

Oliver SimmonsAccounting, Economics,

WellnessFlorida State Univ., B.S.

Florida State Univ., M.S.A.

Nick StamperStrength and Conditioning

Lambuth University, B.S.

Scott TinkerBroadcast Journalism

Univ. of Tenn., Knoxville, B.S.

Mary Anne WardAlgebra I, II, and

Pre-Calculus HonorsUnion University, B.S.

Univ. of Memphis, M.Ed.

Kyle WilliamsWorld History,

AP European HistoryLambuth University, B.S.

John WilsonLibrarian

Freed Hardeman University, B.A., B.S.

Univ. of Alabama, M.L.I.S.

Libby LynchVisual Arts Dept. ChairUnion University, B.A.

Memphis College of Art, B.F.A.Univ. of Memphis, M.A.T.

Mickey MarleyGovernment,

Physical EducationUniv. of Tenn., Martin, B.S.

Anna McPeakeArt

Lambuth University, B.S.Union University, M.Ed.

Donald NewmanMathematics Dept. Chair

Bethel College, B.S.Univ. of Tenn., Knoxville, M.M.

Nice PanthoferSpanish

Union University, M.B.A.

Tales from CollegeAustin Orr’s biology teacher at Union University was setting up the first lab for the class. She asked, “Do I have

any USJ graduates in this class?” When Austin, a 2014 USJ graduate, raised his hand, the teacher said, “If you have

any questions when I’m gone, see him.” Austin helped his classmates manage their first lab, while they asked,

“How have you done this before?”

It’s all about Honor!The goal of the USJ Honor Code is that each student lives as a responsible person — one whose word is a bond, whose work is always his or her own, and around whom the property of others is safe. Lying, cheating, and stealing have no place at USJ.

In recognizing that honor can be learned, USJ uses an honor system to facilitate the Honor Code. The Honor Code is administered by the Honor Council, a body of class representatives elected by the students. Its duty is to present the concept of individual honor to all students and to uphold that concept through enforcement of the USJ Honor Code.

The USJ Honor Code is predicated on the assumption that all students are honorable young men and women and have the right to be trusted. University School of Jackson students desire to learn in an atmosphere where honesty and integrity endure and are an integral part of their lives. Each student will recite the USJ Oath of Honor, thereby accepting his or her responsibility for this Honor Code at the start of each year.

We believe that a culture of honor can only be created when students are held accountable to each other for the culture they create.

Oath of HonorAt the beginning of each year, this oath is recited by all students:

As a student at University School of Jackson, and on my honor, I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor condone the actions of those who do.

USJ and Advanced Placement The Advanced Placement® program offers students the opportunity to study college-level coursework during high school. The AP program curriculum is set by the College Board and is equivalent to introductory courses taken the first year of college. At the end of the year, students participating in AP classes take a national exam. Depending on a student’s performance on the exam, a university may give the student college credit or advanced placement in college courses.

However, even if a student does not achieve a score that qualifies for college credit, college admission offices look favorably on students who have selected this more challenging curriculum. Research also has shown that participation in AP coursework increases a student’s chances of doing well in college and the likelihood the student will complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

USJ offers 17 Advanced Placement courses, all certified by the College Board. Our strong AP program sets us apart from most other schools. By the end of their first semester of college, many USJ graduates are classified as sophomores because of the AP credits earned in high school.

The AP curriculum requires students to develop critical-thinking skills in order to be successful on the national test. According to a January 2011 New York Times article, the College Board continues to prioritize critical thinking skills, explaining that the expectations are “important because critical thinking skills are considered essential for advanced college courses and jobs in today’s information-based economy.”

According to the College Board, the key ingredients for success in an AP course are curiosity, creativity, and commitment. While USJ takes into account scores on placement tests for course scheduling, other criteria for placement in an AP class are a student’s desire to take the course and teacher recommendations. USJ teachers do not just want students who will make excellent scores on the AP exam; they also desire students who will add to the classroom environment and are willing to move out of their academic comfort zones. Much like college professors, USJ’s AP teachers use hands-on approaches to help students acquire the understanding needed to perform at an exceptional level and also expect students to take ownership of the course.

AP and College Admissions/College SuccessWhile intellectual curiosity should be a student’s main reason for taking an AP class, another consideration is the student’s college plans. If a student plans to apply to a selective admissions school or honors program, his or her coursework is strongly factored into admissions decisions.

In addition to helping a student get into college, research has also shown that participation in AP coursework is a proven factor in how well a student will do in a college setting. In fact, according to Rice University’s Center for College Readiness website, “Research demonstrating that AP courses increase students’ college readiness and completion is incontrovertible.”

Interestingly, this college success does not hinge on the student achieving a high score on the AP exam. The Center for College Readiness cites studies conducted by the College Board, the Educational Testing Service, the University of Texas, and the U.S. Department of Education that indicate the college readiness achieved is not dependent on a student’s score on the test but rather having been a part of the AP program. In addition, participating in an AP course—again, regardless of the score earned on the national exam—also increases the likelihood that the student will complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. This successful college outcome can be achieved by taking even one AP course. Referencing a 2007 Hargrove and Dodd study, the Center for College Readiness states, “Students who took one or more AP courses and exams had higher college GPAs, earned more credit hours and were more likely to graduate in 4 years or less. The findings indicate that even AP students who took the course and scored two out of a possible five points on an AP exam will still tend to do better in college than a student who did not take AP courses or who skipped the AP exam.”

Look at USJ’s AP course selections and decide if you want to make this a part of your college preparatory education—even one AP course can make a difference!

AP ComparisonUSJ scores of 3 or above: 87%State scores of 3 or above: 60%Global scores of 3 or above: 61%

Biology Calculus ABCalculus BCChemistryEnglish LanguageEnglish Literature Environmental ScienceEuropean HistoryFrench Language

Music TheoryPsychologyPhysics BSpanish LanguageStudio Art 2-DStudio Art 3-DStudio Art DrawingU.S. History

Did you know USJ offers 17 Advanced Placement courses for college credit?All of the AP courses offered at USJ have been audited and certified by the College Board.

A major strength of USJ’s AP curriculum is our teachers. Our 14 AP teachers have extensive experience in both the classroom and with the AP curriculum. Nearly all have been AP graders, meaning they have graded the free-response sections of AP tests for the College Board, and all have attended AP workshops and training courses.

All USJ students in AP courses are required to take the Advanced Placement test in order to receive AP credit on their transcripts. Advanced Placement tests are graded on a 0 to 5 grading scale with 5 being the top score and 3 being a passing score. In tests taken in Spring 2015, 87 percent of USJ students scored 3 or higher on their Advanced Placement exams. The state average for a score of 3 or higher was 60 percent.

Foreign LanguageUSJ’s Upper School offers four years of Spanish and four years of French. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are also offered in both languages. As much as possible, French and Spanish teachers immerse students in the language from the moment they enter the classroom. Because of this, many USJ graduates are fluent in a foreign language, preparing them for today’s global marketplace. In alternating summers, Spanish students are given the opportunity for an immersion experience in Costa Rica, and French students also study abroad. Students can earn credit after taking either trip.

“I enjoyed my classes because of the stimulating discussions and the captivating topics. One of the most important things I learned at USJ is learning for the intrinsic value, rather than completing work for the grade.

At USJ, students are truly invested in their learning, ask follow-up questions, and stay after school to better understand concepts. This level of academic maturity positively influenced me and helped me gain a better perspective.

My teachers were very demanding, but overall, I enjoyed meeting the challenges. I have been very grateful to have so many supportive teachers who have pushed me and given me the tools needed to be successful.

Coming to USJ from Seattle was very difficult, but I believe it has made me a more well-rounded person. Not only did I have to stand up to the academic rigor of USJ, but I was forced to be more outgoing socially. I found the USJ community to be very welcoming and supportive.

“USJ prepared me for college.”

— Amanda Holloway, Freshman at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

A Spanish Tale from CollegeMarisa Mariencheck, a member of the USJ Class of 2014, did so well on her Spanish placement test at Washington University in St. Louis that she was placed in a 300-level Spanish class. The head of the department asked to meet with Marisa and read some of her Spanish essays. Marisa took him a paper she wrote for Jimmy Glosson. The department chair was so impressed that he invited her on a spring break trip he is leading to his native country of Cuba.

AthleticsHome of state championships in nearly every sport, University School of Jackson’s athletic teams frequently advance to the postseason. Since spring 2012, we’ve won state championships in baseball, softball, and boys’ doubles in tennis. Football, boys’ cross country, boys’ tennis, girls’ soccer, and both boys’ and girls’ golf were state runners-up, the girls’ cross country team came in third place, and girls’ tennis reached the final four. The competition cheerleading squad earned a top-10 finish on the national level.

During the 2014-2015 school year alone, 21 USJ athletes earned All-State honors.

USJ’s Middle and Upper Schools field 36 teams in 13 different sports for students interested in athletics, and our athletic complexes are among the best in West Tennessee.

A Community Service StoryTyler Terry completed his community service requirement for graduation by helping a retiree with yard work and household projects.

Carol Matthews Lipscomb recently left her job to care for her bedridden mother. She said it has been a difficult time financially, mentally, and spiritually, but Tyler has been “an absolute lifesaver.”

Tyler helped her move into her mother’s house, cleaned the attic, and made the backyard presentable. “Tyler has gone above and beyond in helping my mother and me,” Lipscomb said. “This young man never left a job undone. Tyler’s manners were excellent, his work was close to perfect, and not one time did I hear him complain about anything asked of him.”

Lipscomb said he easily surpassed USJ’s graduation requirement of 50 community service hours just working at her home. “If Tyler is an example of the caliber of students you have at your school, then I commend you,” Lipscomb said in a letter to USJ.

Community Service and LeadershipWe offer our students many opportunities to become leaders, to learn how to make real decisions that have a real impact in others’ lives. We also instill in our graduates a mission to help others. Besides our student-led Honor Council, we have more than 20 clubs and interest groups. They range across all disciplines and provide students with opportunities to pursue their passions. All clubs and every grade are required to complete a community service project each year. Upper School students must also log 50 hours of community service hours to graduate.

Visual ArtsUSJ offers a comprehensive and sequential visual arts program. Students can pursue a four-year art curriculum that culminates in one or more Advanced Placement Art portfolios. These portfolios are often used by students to gain admittance to some of the most prestigious art and design colleges in the United States, including the Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology, both in New York City, and the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in numerous art competitions throughout the region. For example, four students had winning entries in the Briarcrest Regional Art Competition and 15 students had artwork accepted into the TAEA West TN Regional Student Art Competition, with USJ students winning two best in category awards.

Choral ProgramThe USJ Choral Program offers many opportunities. The program includes Freshmen Choir, USJ Singers, and the USJ Concert Choir. The USJ Combined Choirs perform many concerts throughout the year, including Veterans Day, Christmas, and the annual spring Pops Concert. USJ is proud to have a high number of students selected to the Regional Honor Choir and the Tennessee All-State Choir. Additional performance opportunities include Quad-State Honor Choir, National Honor’s Ensemble, ACDA Division and National Honor Choir, regional Solo/Ensemble Festival, and the UTM Honor Choir.

During this school year, seven students were named to the Tennessee All-State Choir, and 20 students were named to the Senior High All-Northwest Honor Choir. Dr. Tammy Grant directs the Freshmen Choir. Dian Eddleman, past president of the Tennessee Music Education Association, directs USJ Singers and the USJ Concert Choir.

I am so thankful that my parents have sent me to USJ. This school has already prepared me immensely for college and even for the rest of my life. I am very glad I have taken challenging classes and pushed myself, even though I might not have appreciated it at the time. The work ethic USJ has instilled in me will stay with me forever.

The Fine Arts at USJ are a huge blessing to me. I have gained confidence through music and theater and, under the direction of very talented teachers, I have been able to do what I love: perform for others and use my voice. The Fine Arts here are unmatched by any surrounding school; from choral festivals to musicals to plays, our school stands alone in its excellence.

I am fortunate to have had many incredible teachers during my time at USJ, and there are far too many to name. Mrs. Linda Hawks ingrained a love of reading in me, Mr. Don Newman and Mrs. Carla Roach inspired me to want to succeed in mathematics, Mr. Don Roe motivated me daily in his AP U.S. History class, and Mrs. Jane Ramer triggered a love of biology in me. Teachers at USJ truly do care about your success.

I am appreciative of the rigorous courses that USJ has to offer and that I took advantage of such courses. I will owe any of my future success to the foundational education that USJ has given me, and I am forever grateful for that.”

Molly Maroney, Senior

Band ProgramWith an emphasis on teamwork, the USJ Band program is all about making a difference in the lives of our students and community. USJ’s expanded program ranges from All-West Orchestra, Jazz, and Concert Band, to All-State (Solo & Ensemble), Honor Bands, musicals, and church ensembles in which students can participate. First-year students have their first concert at Christmas.

“The pieces are in line with what the students can do, but I do try to keep it a notch above what they think they can play to keep them challenged,” said Band Director Tom Grant. “For the group piece, we place the more experienced students by the younger ones to help them feel comfortable and good about themselves.”

Performing ArtsUSJ is the only school in West Tennessee that puts on two full-scale musicals and two dramatic productions per year. A live student orchestra/band accompanies our musicals. We also have the only Tri-M Music Honor society in the region, and we are the only school in the area to offer AP Music Theory.

This year’s fall musical, featuring students as young as first grade, was the Wizard of Oz, and the fall drama was A Christmas Story. The spring musical will be Cinderella (Enchanted Edition) while the spring drama will be Steel Magnolias. Ninth grade students can also participate in two junior musicals. This year, we will present Annie Jr. on April 2 and 3 and The Lion King, JR on May 1 and 2.

Dr. Tammy Grant attributes the success of USJ’s musical theater program to the coordinated effort among all the Fine Arts departments. “We have developed such a talent pool that we can hardly do enough plays to get all the talent showcased. Although I realize that many of my actors may not go on to a career in the theater, being on stage is a wonderful life lesson that teaches courage, confidence, and so many skills they will need later in life.”

In January 2015, Upper School students performed A Ripple in the Pond, a gripping play about domestic violence written by USJ students in collaboration with the Wo/Men’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program (WRAP). All proceeds from tickets sales and donations went to WRAP. The fall 2015 dramatic production was A Christmas Story, and the spring production will be Steel Magnolias on April 8-10.

Lori HowellCollege Advising Assistant

Auburn University, B.S.

Carol RyanDirector of College Advising

Union University, B.A.Rhodes College, Teacher Licensure

Union University, M.A.Ed.

Shannon WhisenantAssistant Director of College Advising

Univ. of Tenn., Chattanooga, B.S. Trevecca University, M.A.Ed.

College AdvisingThe mission of our College Advising team is to provide guidance throughout high school as students determine the best academic courses for their college interests and as they search for colleges that fit their personal and professional aspirations.

Freshman and sophomore students and their parents meet individually with Shannon Whisenant, Assistant Director of College Advising, to discuss course scheduling and colleges of interest, as well as to introduce a plan for college entrance testing. Mrs. Whisenant also introduces families to Naviance, USJ’s online college advising tool that allows students to track their GPAs, activities, and test scores.

Junior and senior students and their parents meet with Carol Ryan, Director of College Advising, to develop a college visit list, discuss individualized college entrance exam preparation, and explore students’ professional interests and aptitudes with the YouScience Profile. Mrs. Ryan guides seniors in refining their potential college list, developing their college essays, seeking references, and pursuing scholarship opportunities.

College Advising Assistant Lori Howell assists in planning college advising events, guides students on admissions and scholarship deadlines, and plans on-campus visits by college representatives.

The College Advising Office hosts events for students and their families throughout the school year. Evening programs are hosted for juniors and seniors and their parents in the fall. Each winter, we offer a junior seminar featuring sessions conducted by college admissions professionals. In January, senior parents have the opportunity to meet one-on-one on campus with a representative from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation for help with financial aid.

Did you know?The 72 students in USJ’s Class of 2015 were offered more than $7 million in scholarship money! They planned to attend 30 different colleges in the United States.

Members of the Class of 2015 chose to attend…University of AlabamaUniversity of ArkansasAuburn UniversityBethel UniversityChristian Brothers UniversityCumberland UniversityGeorgetown UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaHarding UniversityJackson State Community CollegeLee UniversityLouisiana State UniversityUniversity of MemphisMillsaps CollegeMississippi CollegeUniversity of MississippiMississippi State UniversityMontana State UniversityMurray State UniversityPellissippi StateRhodes CollegeSamford UniversitySavannah College of Art and DesignSouthern Methodist UniversityUniversity of Tennessee, ChattanoogaUniversity of Tennessee, KnoxvilleUniversity of Tennessee, MartinUnion UniversityVanderbilt UniversityViterbo University

ACT Composite Score Averages for 2015 Graduates …Tennessee: 19.8United States: 21.0USJ: 26.0