College Counseling

List of 4 items.

• 9th Grade

  This is a year to transition effectively to upper school and start reflecting on the question “Who am I?” Using Naviance, our college search and application platform, students will complete several self-assessments including Personality, Learning Styles, Multiple Intelligences, and Strengths in order to better understand effective strategies for achieving success, set personal and academic goals, and begin to record activities in a resume template. Students will also learn about academic records and planning, transcripts, and GPA’s.

  
  Key goals for Grade 9 students:
  

  • A successful transition to high school 
  • Establishing effective study habits 
  • Academic planning for Grades 10, 11 and 12
  • Initiating the development of a permanent upper school academic record 
  • Exploring extra-curricular and summer activities
  • Developing self-advocacy tools 
  • Considering strengths and goals in terms of future planning

• 10th Grade

  In Grade 10, students will build on what they have learned about themselves, including their academic and personal strengths and challenges to ask themselves “Where do I want to go?”  Thinking about academic subjects/disciplines that they enjoy or find especially engaging, 10th graders will continue using Naviance assessments and tools to explore career pathways and the undergraduate courses of study leading to specific careers. Students are also encouraged to contribute in meaningful ways to the community through involvement in clubs, sports, activities and service work. 

  
  Key Goals for Grade 10 students: 

  • Explore academic interests in more depth and/or challenge
  • Understand the relationship between academic performance/record and future options
  • Choose an appropriately rigorous academic program for the final two years of high school
  • Establish/deepen commitment to a few engaging extra-curricular activities
  • Consider career and post high study options in terms of academic strengths/interests and personal attributes
  • Explore summer options including job shadowing and internships, enrichment, and/or work
  • Consider the role of testing and test prep via the option of a Pre-ACT test

• 11th Grade

  In Grade 11, students will build on what they have learned about themselves including their goals for the future, and ask “How will I get there?” The first part of the year is dedicated to a strong academic start, and the option of a practice SAT, the PSAT. Students will understand that their junior year grades are the last ones they will earn before applying to college, and that a strong start will help them achieve their post-secondary goals. Formal college counseling begins after winter break with individual student and family meetings. Students will learn how to conduct thorough and useful research in order to build appropriately aspirational college lists. Whole class workshops on all aspects of the college search and application process ensure that students are well prepared to submit their applications early in the senior year. 

  
  Key Goals and Tasks for Grade 11 Students:

  • Do best work academically in appropriately challenging classes
  • Deepen commitment to a few important activities; consider leadership/service opportunities
  • College visits - reps at PCD, breaks and summer
  • Consider PSAT in October. Discuss testing plan with college counselor.
  • Apply for summer programs/opportunities
  • Schedule individual and family meetings with the college counselor
  • Conduct thorough research to build a list of “best fit” colleges
  • Choose appropriately challenging Grade 12 classes
  • DI and DII athletic recruits should register with the NCAA
  • Artists and performers should begin building portfolios/audition pieces
  • Create Common App accounts and write first CA essay draft
  • Learn about supplemental college essays
  • Complete teacher, counselor and parent “brag sheets”
  • Request letters of recommendation*
  • Complete summer “To Do” tasks before Grade 12

• 12th Grade

  Senior year is an exciting time. Students will make final decisions about where to apply, complete their applications, anticipate the results, and choose where to matriculate. A thoughtful, well-balanced list is crucial to positive outcomes. Although the beginning of senior year is intense, students who have completed all of their summer tasks will find it manageable. It is important for Grade 12 students to continue to do their best academically and as members of the PCD community. The year will go quickly!
  
  

  Key Goals and Tasks for Grade 12:
  

  • Finish strong - no “senior slide”
  • Contribute to your school community as role models 
  • Complete all summer College Counseling “To Do” tasks before school starts
  • Continue attending college rep visits at PCD
  • Meet early and often with college counselor
  • Finalize list and decide on ED/EA applications
  • Retest ACT or SAT if necessary; submit scores if recommended
  • Complete and submit applications and financial aid forms
  • Respond to all post-application college communications and instructions
  • Withdraw any outstanding apps if admitted to your ED school
  • Read housing offers carefully
  • Choose a college and deposit by May 1
  • Graduation!