College Counseling

The goal for every ninth grader is to adjust to the demands of high school, to begin cultivating a strong sense of self, and to become involved in the life of the school and the world around them.  In the winter of the ninth grade year, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for 9th grade students and parents. Families learn about making educated decisions on course selection, activities, and summer plans as they consider a student's development and college goals. 

For sophomore year, students should continue to perform well academically, stay involved with extracurricular activities, and begin to identify passions and personal values.  In the winter of the tenth grade year, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for 10th grade students and parents.  The focus is building upon what students began in 9th grade and learning more about what to expect during the college search process.

We recommend that each 10th grader visit at least two colleges during the summer between 10th and 11th grade. We encourage students to see a range of large and small schools in urban versus suburban settings to begin to determine fit.

The college process begins in earnest during junior year.  In the late fall, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for 11th grade students and parents.  In this meeting, we outline key points in the application process, review the College Test Prep Course and standardized testing timeline, and outline student and parent responsibilities regarding the college process.

Each junior will also meet individually with his/her counselor in late fall/early winter as well as in the spring. The focus of these meetings will be to generate an initial college list, brainstorm college essay topics, ensure a balanced college list, and create a college application summer to-do list for students to work on the summer between junior and senior years.

A number of College Admissions Officers visit campus in the fall and students are encouraged to meet with them during these visits.

Senior year is the time for students to complete the college application process and make their final college decision. In the early fall, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for 12th grade students and parents.  In this meeting, we review the college application process timeline and ensure students and parents are aware of their responsibilities regarding the college application process.

Counselors also meet individually with each senior to discuss his/her final college list, essay progress, the teacher recommendation process, interview preparation, and application strategy.  Once college decisions have been released, counselors are available to meet with students to help them make their final decision. 

A number of College Admissions Officers visit campus in the fall and students are welcome to meet with them during their visits.