Impact Insights

Celebrating Students’ Achievement: SAT and College Admissions

Our Program Manager, Matt, is celebrating students’ achievement along with our partners at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School.

I was thrilled to be invited to Don Bosco Cristo Rey (DBCR) High School’s College Signing Day this year. I couldn’t wait to see all my students from the spring 2025 cohort be recognized for their successes. Little did I know that there was a certificate waiting for me as well (pictured above)! While I am honored by the certificate of appreciation, I want to highlight the successes of the students and the College Success Team at DBCR.

Student College Acceptances

I had the privilege of working with all 108 students in the DBCR class of 2026. This group of students achieved over 800 college acceptances collectively. Students broke several records for college admissions this year, with a student earning admission to an ivy-league university for the first time in many years. Here are just a few of the amazing colleges and universities that students gained acceptance to:

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Georgetown University
  • Bucknell University
  • University of Maryland College Park

And many, many more!

This impressive list of colleges demonstrates the hard work, drive, and commitment to excellence that DBCR students embody. The work ethic that DBCR students bring to their academics every single day amazes me. Their work ethic and drive are greatly inspired, no doubt, by the College Success Team.

College Success Team Sets the Standard

I have had the pleasure of working with the College Success Team at DBCR for the past 2 years now. Each member of the team demonstrates a commitment to their shared mission of student success. Andrea Leonard holds the Director of College Success position at DBCR, leading the charge for the team and setting a high bar. I can attest to Andrea’s determination, passion, and incredible EQ for both her team and her students. Samantha Jouthe, a College Success Counselor with DBCR, delivers the same level of professionalism. Meeting with families, holding students accountable, and making education fun are all part of Ms. Jouthe’s standard of excellence. Additionally, Jocelyn Lopez, a DBCR alum, provides essential translation services to student families and holds strong relationships with all DBCR students.

With a team as strong as DBCR’s College Success Team, it is easy to see why students at DBCR chart an amazing course for academia.

The Impact of the SAT

With several colleges and universities maintaining a test-optional policy for admissions, many wonder why the SAT is still important. For the students in DBCR’s class of 2026, they set record-high scores and score improvements. But the SAT represents more than just a score for these students. It is a demonstration of their hard work. The SAT provides a reflection of one’s level of commitment, drive, and determination to succeed. DBCR students proved through their SAT that they can tackle any challenge and persevere to be better than they were yesterday.

I am immensely proud of the DBCR class of 2026. It has been an honor and pleasure working with each student. Getting to know each of you, as well as your amazing teachers, is a privilege. Thank you for the opportunity to work together, and congratulations, grads!