College Counseling

List of 4 items.

• Ninth Grade

  During the student’s first year in high school, their main priority is to acclimate to curriculum and community, put forth the proper effort towards coursework, and engage in various extracurricular activities. The College Counseling department’s role during this year is to help foster this development and serve as a resource for parents and students as questions arise regarding standardized testing, course selection, and summer opportunities. College Counseling meets with 9th graders in the spring semester to discuss course selection for sophomore year.

• Tenth Grade

  During sophomore year, the student’s timeline is comparable to their first year with an emphasis on continuing to choose appropriately rigorous courses and further involve themselves in extracurricular activities, perhaps even opting for leadership roles when available. The College Counseling department continues to serve as a resource for parents and students with some programming that may be available for students and parents in tenth grade. College Counseling meets with sophomores in the spring semester to discuss course selection and provide context for Advanced courses as there are more available in the upcoming junior year.

• Eleventh Grade

  During junior year, students will continue with coursework and extra-curricular activities and should seek leadership opportunities when available. The College Counseling department takes on a more active role by providing programming and opportunities for both students and parents to explore colleges as well as provide direct guidance for students and parents as they begin to explore their college opportunities. In the fall, students will have the opportunity to meet with college representatives to learn about schools of interest, and they are encouraged to attend college programming sponsored by the College Counseling department. In the fall, the College Counseling department will meet with students by grade level to provide instruction on Naviance and other materials that they will be expected to use. Toward the end of the fall semester, college counselors will meet with families to discuss college application, college research, and standardized testing. 

  
  

  In the spring semester, students will continue researching colleges, and they will begin constructing their resume and drafting their college essay. College Counseling will provide both whole-grade instruction and individual guidance on all of these items. Students are encouraged to take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring semester of their junior year. Additionally, college counselors will offer guidance to students and families on course selection, choosing teacher recommendations, college visits, continued research on colleges, and planning for the summer.

• Twelfth Grade

  In the fall of senior year, students are encouraged to visit with college representatives and attend college programming, just as they did junior year. At this stage, the student should have a college list and will complete college application materials. College counselors will assist students and families with any questions they have regarding application materials including the application itself (Common Application, Apply Texas, school-specific applications and/or The Coalition Application). During this time, college counselors will also offer guidance and feedback on any supplemental essays and provide final reviews of the college essay, resume, and supplemental essays. If needed, students may choose to take the ACT or SAT (again) in the fall semester. After admissions decisions are released, college counselors are available to help students consider their options and next steps. Students and families are encouraged to seek out their college counselor with any questions they have during this time. The student is responsible for meeting application deadlines, submitting standardized test scores (if applicable), and filing for financial aid (if needed).