College Counseling

Parents first meet in March, during which we discuss our program, the college admissions climate, provide advice, and answer questions. We do not yet involve students during their Grade 9 year. It is important that they learn to become good high school students first—scholars who are also learning to develop a passion, talent, skill, or interest outside of the classroom.

Students are encouraged to do their best in school and explore their interests by participating in extracurricular activities. They should start thinking about their future academic and career goals, particularly as they move forward in the decision-making process for their 11th grade curriculum. Counselors also meet with 10th grade families in the spring to discuss our program and the college admissions climate, provide advice, and answer questions.

September:

Counselors distribute the PSAT practice guide at the beginning of the school year and advise Grade 11 students to review it and to take a practice SAT.

October:

We offer the PSAT during the third week of October for Grade 11.

December:

Students receive their PSAT results and meet with their college counselor to review and interpret their scores.

January:

Early in January, counselors begin their intensive process of working with Grade 11 students on college research and finding their best fit. Counselors meet with all Grade 11 families as a group to discuss the ins and outs of applying to college. We give all families a comprehensive College Application Guide. This document answers many questions and contains information on topics ranging from college essays and research to financial aid and scholarships. Of course, we will be there to guide you every step of the way!

During an advisory meeting, counselors give all Grade 11 students login information for Scoir, our online program for college research and application organization help. We provide training on the best ways to maximize the benefits of using Scoir.

January - April:

Counselors meet one-on-one with students. We provide each student with a preliminary list of colleges as a springboard for further research. We give detailed, individualized advice on all standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT. After we meet with the student one-on-one, we invite family members to join the exciting conversations about their student’s future! Counselors have these meetings with students and families as many times as the student and/or family deems necessary or helpful. We also discuss college financial aid at these meetings.

March:
Counselors have a meeting with all Grade 11 students during an advisory period where they go over essay writing and advise students to draft essays.

Grade 11 students typically register for one of the standardized tests (SAT or ACT) offered between March and June. Students may take the test more than once. A new digital version of the SAT will be released in 2024.

April:

Counselors host a college fair with other independent schools in San Francisco. The NACAC college fair, a large city-wide college fair, also takes place in April. Attending a college fair is a great opportunity to learn about different colleges and receive the most up-to-date information on the application review process.

May:

Counselors meet with students during an advisory period to give advice about college application tasks that should be done over the summer, including writing essays, visiting colleges (virtually or in-person), and completing our college counseling office questionnaire (this questionnaire helps the counselors write compelling recommendation letters).

June:
Counselors communicate with  parents to share a list of activities, action-items, and resources to support the students’ work on college selection and essay writing. Students should review testing requirements of each college of interest and aim to complete those requirements before returning in the fall.  We encourage students (and parents) to also take a deep breath and practice self-care during this time.

August 1:

The Common Application and UC applications become live on this day. Please open accounts and begin completing applications. Do not submit applications until you have met with your college counselor.

Early September:

This is an exciting time for our students! Counselors meet with all Grade 12 students to discuss college application deadlines, provide instructions on asking teachers for recommendations, work with them on finalizing a college list to which students will ultimately apply, discuss early application activity, and so much more. We ask for the return of our college counseling questionnaire, and begin working with students on different pieces of the application process. 

September–October:

We have nearly 80 college representatives visit our Grade 12 students on our campus during the day. We also host many evening and weekend programs.

October:

Students use the October SAT date to take the test again (if necessary). Counselors review all application materials for those students applying early with November 1 or November 15 deadlines, and are available during Fall Break for additional help.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) becomes available on October 1st.

October 15:

This is the deadline to apply to Oxford, Cambridge, medical and veterinary schools in the UK, as well as to apply with an arts supplement to Stanford.

October–December:

Counselors write detailed and powerful letters of recommendation for each Grade 12 student and review all teacher letters of recommendation. We coordinate every part of the application process, and send documents, including letters, required forms, and transcripts in support of the student applications. Counselors continue to review essays and other parts of the application for each Grade 12 student, and also help with specialized applications, including art portfolios, and music audition pieces.

November 1 or 15:

If a student is applying to a university early, the student will typically have a November 1 or 15 application deadline. Student financial aid documents must also be submitted by this deadline. Students will sometimes use the November SAT testing date (if applicable).

November 1–30:

Counselors provide one-on-one help with the UC application. We review every page of each student’s UC application. The UC application must be submitted before the end of November. We continue to advise students, review essays, and answer financial aid questions throughout the application process.

December:

The last SAT testing date available for Grade 12 students.

January 1:

This is the major college application deadline for students applying to private colleges and universities in the United States.

January 15:

This is the major deadline for applications to universities in the UK, Canada, and some private colleges and universities in the US.

March 2:

The Cal Grant GPA verification form must be submitted by March 2.

March–April:

Students receive decisions from colleges and universities. Counselors gather information and celebrate the incredible options in front of every single student! 

April 15:

All students will receive decisions from all colleges and universities by this date.

May 1:

National deposit deadline. Students must choose which university to attend by this date. Congratulations!

Note: Our timeline of activities is similar to the timelines at other independent schools in the United States, including our peer schools in the Bay Area. January of Grade 11 is the perfect time developmentally for the student to understand and to participate in the college application process. Since the student is the heart of the process, it is important that they are ready to participate in and take ownership of their personal journey of growth!