College Counseling

Grades 9 and 10 are a time when students should primarily focus on:

• developing intellectual interests through their exploration of the GCDS Upper School curriculum, 
• sharpening study habits through independent initiative, and 
• strengthening their involvement in extracurricular pursuits 

Grade 9 students and their families will be invited to two group college counseling meetings, one in each semester, to discuss big picture topics such as the state of standardized testing in the world of college admissions, course selection in the underclassmen years, and the importance of meaningful extracurricular involvement. In other words, Grade 9 is the perfect time for students to begin envisioning what it means to become the best version of themselves as GCDS students. The College Counseling Office will host programming to help facilitate these discussions. 

In addition to continuing to focus on the areas outlined under “Grade 9,” Grade 10 students begin their year with the PSAT in October, followed by a school-wide evening program dedicated to the state of standardized testing in the college application process. This program will also preview suggested junior year standardized testing timelines. The College Counseling Office will also host a Grade 10 meeting in the fall for students and families to reflect on the GCDS experience to date. Additional topics will include:

• The “big picture” dimensions of the college search process. 
• A preliminary understanding of what many selective and highly selective colleges look for in their applicants.

The College Counseling Office will offer practice SAT and ACT exams for each Grade 10 student at the end of the academic year followed by individual student and family consultations to help formulate individualized standardized testing plans.

GCDS’s College Counseling Program formally begins in the winter of Grade 11. As juniors move into their second semesters, they are given full access to the GCDS College Counseling Program, highlighted by scheduled individual and family meetings and the weekly College Seminar course. College Seminar consists of 3 class meetings per week, beginning in January and continuing through May. In Seminar, students are guided by the College Counseling Office through a wide range of college process-related topics, including but not limited to:  

• How to create appropriate, balanced college lists 
• How to make the most of a college visit during Spring Break and beyond 
• Standardized testing planning and preparation
• Discussions around college options - curriculum/major offerings, size and setting, student life opportunities, and more 
• Previewing the student and parent/guardian college counseling questionnaires distributed by our office 
• College admission interview preparation 
• Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers 
• College essay preparation 
• Becoming familiar with the Common App, MaiaLearning, and other tools that will aid students as they apply to college

Clearly, there is a considerable amount of college counseling information on the horizon for each GCDS student as they move through Grade 11. Relatedly, we strongly feel that the junior year is the most developmentally appropriate time for students to begin fully engaging in the process. Soon after our kickoff event in December, assigned college counselors will meet individually with all students and families regularly throughout the rest of the year.

Students continue to attend Seminar Class during which they will finalize their college lists and work on completing and submitting their applications. Family and student meetings are scheduled on a regular and as-needed basis. Additionally, students will be encouraged to complete the following tasks throughout their senior year.

Fall

• Meeting with college representatives who visit GCDS and attending fall college open houses
• Continuing with standardized testing plans and determining, with our guidance, if Early Action (EA) and/or Early Decision 1 (ED1) deadlines are appropriate. It is our expectation that students will submit applications in advance of these respective deadlines
• Completing financial aid applications and attending financial aid information sessions, if appropriate
• Checking email often and staying on top of application requirements

Winter

• If admitted to an ED1 school, accepting enrollment and paying the deposit
• Before winter break, completing and submitting any Regular Decision (RD) and/or Early Decision 2 (ED2) applications by their appropriate deadlines.
• Sharing decisions with the College Counseling team.

Spring

• Continuing to focus on course work and maintaining a positive academic and disciplinary record
• Revisiting accepting schools and gathering information to make an informed decision

Making a decision and submitting a deposit to only one college by May 1