College Counseling

List of 4 items.

• 9th Grade

  This is a time to focus on the transition to Upper School while keeping in mind that transcripts do begin in 9th grade.
  
  While formal college counseling has not yet begun, all parents are welcome to attend "getting ready for college" presentations where college and university representatives explain the selective admissions process. These presentations help families figure out which school characteristics best suit their children. Conversations are frank and informative. Parents get to ask an admission officer all the questions on their minds. Past speakers include representatives from Bates College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Richmond.

• 10th Grade

  The official start of the college counseling process begins the spring of the 10th grade year. Parents attend a workshop introducing standardized testing and the differences between the ACT and the SAT. Students are encouraged to take practice SAT and ACT tests offered at St. Luke's to determine which test works best for them. Tenth graders have one-on-one meetings with college counselors to discuss the upcoming fall college trip for the 11th grade class.

• 11th Grade

  The 11th grade starts the year visiting three colleges with classmates, teachers, and college counselors. This introduces juniors to the college process and gives them a common set of experiences to draw from throughout their college exploration.
  
  Early in the fall of this year, parents attend a practical "nuts and bolts" college admissions workshop prior to the college orientation in January (for all 11th graders and their parents). Eleventh-grade students meet individually with their college counselor beginning in November and individualized family conferences begin in January. The ongoing conferences help students develop search criteria and create a long list of colleges that match their needs and desires. The counselor helps families decide which colleges to visit during Spring Break.
  
  Students in 11th grade attend college counseling class one day during each eight-day rotation beginning in the spring semester. The course exposes students to Naviance and other tools for college searches and offers time to work on applications and essays. Students learn to avoid common application mistakes, write an effective essay, and make a positive impression during interviews. Students also begin thinking about their accomplishments, interests, outlooks on life, and personal qualities—thinking that prepares them for decisions and challenges ahead.
  
  Post 11th Grade Year Summer:
  Families travel to a range of colleges on the long list to gather initial impressions. Summer conferences are easily arranged with the counselors for further conversation about colleges. The College Counseling Office also holds several essay writing workshops during the summer.

• 12th Grade

  In the first conference of the fall, counselors help students trim their long list to a short list of strong options—largely based on campus visit reactions. We help students create a plan to remain organized and focused during the fall as they move through the application process. Twelfth grade students meet with their counselors whenever they have questions or need advice. After students submit applications, counselors submit school documents, including teacher recommendations, and follow up with phone calls to the admissions office.