The Office of College Counseling embraces the Augustinian core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas – truth, unity, and love – to guide Austin Prep students through the entire college process. Our team works closely with students to help them explore their unique intellectual abilities, passions, talents, and personal values and identify the colleges and universities that best suit their ambitions and aspirations.

**Seniors celebrate college decisions at Commencement.**

What to Expect

Grade 9

The focus of freshman year is on adjusting to the academic expectations of high school, exploring interests, and becoming engaged members of the Austin Prep community. In the winter, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for students and families to introduce the early stages of course planning, activities, and summer opportunities.

Transition to High School – Helps students acclimate to academic expectations and new responsibilities.
Course and Activity Guidance – Advises on selecting courses, clubs, and athletics aligned with student strengths.
College Planning Information Night – Introduces students and parents to early planning and decision-making.
Summer Exploration – Encourages meaningful summer activities that support growth and self-discovery.

Grade 10

Sophomore year emphasizes academic consistency, deeper involvement in extracurriculars, and beginning to define personal passions and values. In the winter, the Office of College Counseling hosts a College Planning Information Night for students and families to build on the foundation from ninth grade and outline next steps in the college search process.

Academic Progress – Guides students in sustaining strong performance across subjects.
Exploring Passions – Encourages students to identify interests and values through activities and service.
College Planning Information Night – Prepares families for what to expect in the college search process.
Campus Visits – Recommends students tour a variety of colleges during the summer to begin exploring fit.

Grade 11

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 students and parents to outline key steps in the application process, review the College Test Prep Course and testing timeline, and define student and parent responsibilities.

Each junior meets individually with their counselor in late fall or early winter and again in the spring. These sessions focus on generating an initial college list, brainstorming essay topics, ensuring a balanced list, and creating a summer to-do list to prepare for senior year. Students are also encouraged to meet with College Admissions Officers who visit campus during the fall.

College Counseling Highlights for Junior Year

College Test Prep Courses – Focused SAT and ACT preparation to build readiness.
Official SAT & ACT Practice Exams – Real testing experience to boost confidence.
Essay & Application Preparation – Guidance in drafting essays and starting applications.
School List Creation – Support in creating a thoughtful, balanced list of colleges.
One-on-One Counseling – Personalized sessions to shape a balanced college plan.

Grade 12

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. At this event, counselors review the application process timeline and clarify the responsibilities of both students and parents.

Counselors also meet individually with each senior to finalize their college list, review essays, prepare for teacher recommendations and interviews, and develop application strategies. Once admissions decisions are released, counselors continue working with students to help guide their final choice. Seniors are also encouraged to meet with College Admissions Officers who visit campus throughout the fall.

Senior Year Highlights

Final Exam Preparation – Supports students in completing required standardized testing.
Application Completion – Works with students to polish essays and finalize applications.
BISCAA College Fair – As one of 40 member schools in the Boston Independent School College Counselors Association (BISCAA), grants Austin Prep students exclusive access to this college fair to connect directly with admissions representatives.
College Connections – Introduces students to college admissions officers at the annual Catholic College Fair hosted on campus, and from school visits to campus held throughout the year.

How We Support Upper School Families

Family Counseling

Family Counseling

Families play a vital role in guiding students through the college journey. Austin Prep offers programming and resources to ensure parents and guardians feel informed, confident, and actively engaged every step of the way.

College Information Nights – Provides tailored guidance for each grade level.
College Admissions Panels – Shares insights from experts and representatives in the field.
Financial Aid Information Night – Helps families understand the financial aid process.
Admission Case Studies – Leads interactive sessions to show how applications are evaluated.

Meet the Staff

The College Counseling team brings deep experience in both school counseling and undergraduate admissions. To stay current with evolving trends, our counselors regularly visit colleges, attend professional workshops, and host admissions representatives on campus. All are active members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC), the Catholic School Counselors Association (CSCA), the Association of College Counselors of Independent Schools (ACCIS), and several other regional and local networks.