While the college counseling process doesn’t officially begin until junior year, it is important for all of our students to think about their college future. That is not to say that college should be the sole motivating factor in all their decisions, but they should realize that everything they accomplish in high school is factored into their college applications.

The primary challenge for ninth and tenth graders is discovering how they will connect to their educational goals. The connections they make will have a direct influence on their college process, whether it is through an influential teacher, an activity they are passionate about, or their academic interests. The grades earned in ninth grade are considered at most colleges and universities, so it is important that students are challenging themselves at an appropriate level while learning how to organize their work.

Individual and group college counseling sessions begin. The college counselor will meet with each student regularly and optional parent meetings are also available. The college counselor will discuss with each student their college and career preferences, standardized testing plans, senior class schedule, and additional college related topics. Juniors will also be asked to complete a variety of questionnaires to help the college counselor get to know them as well as prepare their letters of recommendation. Parents will also be encouraged to complete a parent questionnaire regarding their student(s).

Individualized college counseling continues. In addition to individual appointments and optional parent meetings, Seniors are expected to have a final college list by summer prior to Senior year.