College Counseling Throughout the Years
9th & 10th Grade
Review of high school schedule and activities
Create testing plan
Establish multi-year goals
Create a resume template
Introduce tools for an informed college search
Discuss college visits
Explore summer program opportunities
Advice for special populations: first-generation, low-income, theatre, athletics, and others
Strengths assessment and discussion
11th Grade
Establish regular meetings for college research and planning
Confirm testing plan (or test-optional approach)
Discuss senior year schedule
Guidance on asking teachers for recommendation letters
Create a preliminary college list and discuss strategies for Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision admission deadlines
12th Grade
Regular meetings and check-ins
Continue to research and refine college list
Assist with organization of all applications, deadlines, and essays
Assistance with scholarship search
Essay brainstorming, writing, and completion
Common Application and/or Coalition Application set-up and support
Interview preparation for scholarships and admissions
Waitlist or deferral advice and guidance
Compare scholarship and financial aid offers to help discover the best financial fit