College Guidance

While freshmen have relatively little direct contact with the college guidance office, we are always available for questions and advice.  The focus is setting the stage for freshmen to be the best Upper School students, volunteers, athletes, artists, and citizens that they can.

• January First Year Focus Program for students and parents
• College counselors assigned and SCOIR – a system connecting students, parents, counselors, and colleges for an improved admissions process – registration following First Year Focus
• Standardized Testing: PSAT in October

The college process begins to ramp up for sophomores.  Along with group programming, many students and families have their first optional meeting with their college guidance counselor to discuss scheduling and initial college interests.

• Sophomore College Field Trip in the fall 
• On-campus college representative visits in the fall
• Optional individual student or family meetings
• PrinciplesYou Career Interest Assessment in the spring
• Sophomore Case Studies Program in the spring
• Standardized Testing: PreACT in October (starting in 2025); AP Exams in May, if appropriate

The search starts in earnest this year.  Beginning with the “Junior College Kickoff” in November, juniors and their parents are in regular touch with the college guidance office, researching colleges, preparing for standardized testing, and planning for the applications themselves.

• On-campus college representative visits in the fall
• Junior College Kickoff for students and parents in November
• Young Alumni Forum in January
• Individual student and family meetings in winter/spring
• Group Junior College Meetings monthly in the second semester
• Standardized Testing: PSAT in October; both ACT and SAT from December onward; AP Exams in May, if appropriate

Time to put all those plans into action!  The fall is a busy time for seniors completing and submitting their applications, and the PD College Guidance Office is there to assist with every step along the way.  We also help students and families work through acceptances and financial considerations as the process wraps up in the spring.

• Application Bootcamp in August
• Senior College Night in August
• Individual student meetings throughout the fall for application and essay completion
• Bus Picture in May!
• Standardized Testing: final ACT and/or SAT; AP Exams in May, as appropriate
   

Whether serving parents or multiple grade levels, the College Guidance Office offers a host of other events throughout the school year to assist in the college process. 

• Grade level college coffees
• Paying for College parent program
• Understanding PSAT Scores and Standardized Testing parent program
• Athletic Recruiting and Pursuing the Arts in College programs (alternating years)
• Gap Year Fair for families in winter