College Counseling

A Student-Centered Partnership
We view college counseling as a four-year, student-focused journey—one that supports personal growth in self-awareness, leadership, and academic independence. Our ultimate goal is for students to feel confident, capable, and prepared for the challenges and opportunities of college life.

Deep, Evolving Expertise
Our counselors maintain strong connections with college admissions professionals by visiting campuses, hosting admissions officers on-site each fall and spring, partnering with area independent schools, and attending national conferences. This ensures that our guidance reflects the latest trends, insights, and expectations in higher education.

Comprehensive, Grade-Level Engagement
We offer families a thoughtful, structured approach that includes grade-specific programming—such as informational events with guest speakers, standardized test preparation support, case study programs, application and essay workshops, college fairs, and personalized visits by college admission counselors to Country Day.

Individualized, Values-Based Guidance
Through personalized meetings with their counselors, students clarify their goals, reflect on their values and strengths, and build a balanced college list that reflects both ambition and fit. Along the way, they develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to make informed decisions—life skills that extend far beyond the application process.

9th Grade — Settle In, Discover, and Grow

Freshman year is all about settling in, building confidence, and exploring who you are—both in and out of the classroom. College may feel far away right now, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to focus on doing high school well: develop good habits, try new things, and start imagining what excites you about the future.

• Build a strong foundation: practice good study habits and time management.
• Start forming relationships with your teachers—they’re here to support you.
• Explore new clubs, sports, or interests—follow your curiosity!
• Take the PSAT in March (administered at school).
• Engage with Freshman Seminar to get a gentle introduction to the college process.
• Plan a tentative four-year course path with your advisor—flexible, but thoughtful – that includes classes that excite you!
• Drive through a few college campuses on family trips—just to see what’s out there. They don’t even have to be colleges that you will apply to. It’s a chance to explore and start to identify what you like and don’t like about different types of colleges.
• Think about summer: volunteering, camp, creative projects, or a job can all help you grow. It’s a great time to dive deeper into current interests or discover new ones.
• In spring, you’ll be introduced to your college counselor and Scoir, our digital college counseling platform for organizing all things related to your college journey.
• Focus on becoming your best self. Freshman year is about exploring your strengths, discovering what matters to you, and building a high school experience you’ll be proud of—college planning will come in time.

10th Grade — Think Strategically

Sophomore year encourages students to make thoughtful choices in academics and extracurriculars while taking the first formal steps in the college process.

• Take increasingly challenging courses in your areas of strength.
• Learn about our IB Program, AP options, and long-term course planning.
• Take the PreACT in October (school administered).
• Attend the Charlotte Area Case Studies program in April—an opportunity to understand how applications are reviewed.
• Meet with your college counselor beginning in winter (and as needed).
• Visit a few colleges locally or during travel to begin developing an understanding of fit and culture.
• Deepen your involvement in clubs or teams, and consider introducing new initiatives or taking on leadership roles.
• Begin thinking intentionally about how summer can enhance your interests. This is a time that if well used, can augment your application and help you engage more deeply and authentically. 
• Explore and expand. This is the time to challenge yourself academically, show initiative, and learn more about the broader landscape of college admissions.

11th Grade — Engage with Purpose and Begin Your College Search

Junior year marks the beginning of more personalized, strategic work with your college counselor.

• Stay fully engaged in your classes—find your academic voice and participate actively.
• Continue developing strong relationships with your teachers.
• Attend the College Night for Juniors in November and college rep visits throughout the fall and spring.
•  Meet one-on-one with your counselor at the start of second semester to discuss interests, strengths, and goals.
• Use Scoir to complete your student questionnaire and begin crafting a thoughtful college list.
• Visit a range of colleges—large and small, near and far—to explore what feels like a good fit.
• Take the PSAT in October (National Merit Qualifying Test).
• Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT; consider a second test in spring or early fall of senior year.
• Ask 1–2 teachers for recommendation letters by the end of junior year.
• Start drafting college essays and begin the Common Application over the summer.
• In the junior year, the College Guidance Counselors:
  • Introduce students to the logistics of the college process, including standardized testing, Scoir (our college planning software), application timelines, and the basics of selective admissions.
  • Begin one-on-one counseling meetings in the winter to get to know students on a deeper level and start building individualized college lists.
  • Help students reflect on their academic and personal goals and explore how different types of colleges can support their ambitions and interests.
  • Encourage students to keep an open mind, stay engaged in the learning process, and view college planning as a meaningful opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
• Own your process. The choices you make now—academically, personally, and interpersonally—help shape your future options. It’s your time to lead with intention.

12th Grade — Find colleges that are right for you

Senior year is a culmination of thoughtful preparation and personal insight. The focus is on refining choices and presenting your best self in the college application process.

• Attend College Application and Essay Workshop in August to finalize essays and receive guidance.
• Take advantage of college rep visits at school throughout the fall.
• Complete testing (if needed) and self-report or submit scores as required.
• Keep your Scoir account updated to manage deadlines and documents.
• Finalize your college list in collaboration with your counselor.
• Stay organized and proactive—give yourself time to write, revise, and reflect.
• Keep making a positive impact in your extracurriculars—this is your chance to leave a legacy
• Navigate interviews, financial aid forms, SRAR (if required), and waitlist decisions with your counselor’s support.
• Trust the process. You’ve done the work—now you’re ready to find the college that aligns with your strengths, goals, and values.

Optional Path — Consider a Gap Year

For students seeking time to travel, volunteer, or explore before beginning college, a Gap Year can be a transformative experience. Our counselors are happy to discuss accredited programs and how to structure a meaningful year between high school and college.

Standardized testing remains a valuable tool in college admissions, but the landscape has evolved: most colleges are now test-optional, meaning students choose whether their SAT or ACT scores are included in their application.

Colleges still value strong scores when submitted, but the optional policy reduces pressure and allows students to focus on the parts of their application that best reflect their strengths—not just test results.

The SAT has transitioned to a shorter, adaptive digital format that may boost test-taker confidence and efficiency, while the ACT has been streamlined with optional sections (like science and writing) and a choice between paper and digital formats. 

Students often benefit from taking at least one diagnostic for both tests to determine which format suits them best—and even test-optional applicants often choose to submit scores, especially when they are strong, to complement a holistic profile. For more guidance on testing timelines, score policies, and diagnostic tools, explore the Compass Prep Resource Guide.

PreACT and PSAT

PreACT and PSAT practice tests are an important part of early college planning—not for their scores, but for the experience and insight they provide.

• PreACT (taken in 10th grade) offers an introduction to ACT-style questions, pacing, and scoring. It helps students begin to understand how standardized testing works and where they might want to focus if they continue on the ACT path.
• PSAT/NMSQT (taken in 11th grade) is a practice version of the SAT and serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. While the score itself is not shared with colleges, it gives students and families a helpful checkpoint to evaluate strengths and potential.

Neither test should be a source of stress—they’re tools for growth, reflection, and preparation.

SAT & ACT Timing & Strategy

We recommend that students take a full-length SAT and ACT diagnostic in their junior year to determine which test suits their strengths. From there, students can focus their preparation on one test format. We suggest students take at least one official test by the end of the school year.

• Most students test in winter of junior year, with a second attempt (if desired) in late summer or fall of senior year.
• There is no preference between the SAT and ACT among colleges—they are treated equally.
• Both tests are superscored by most colleges, meaning the highest section scores across multiple test dates may be combined for a stronger overall score.
• We suggest students work with their college counselor to create a testing timeline that considers academic load, activities, and emotional readiness. 

Helpful Checklists for seniors and their families:

College Counseling Checklist: for seniors and their families about the application process, deadlines, testing, college visitors, and more, including College Counseling support and student responsibilities.

Rising Senior Year Summer To-Do List: A helpful list of items to do as you prepare for senior year.

Summer programs can shape your high school experience, build your resume, and help you discover your path. Whether you're a freshman just starting to explore or a junior preparing for college, there’s a meaningful opportunity out there for you.

These programs offer more than a productive way to spend your time—they can help you:

• Explore interests and test potential college majors or career paths.
• Gain hands-on experience through research, internships, or leadership roles.
• Build academic and personal skills that stand out on college applications.
• Network with mentors, professors, and peers who can offer guidance.
• Demonstrate initiative and a genuine love of learning—qualities colleges value.

Summer programs are available to students at all levels of high school. Early exposure can guide academic choices and boost confidence.

What to Consider When Choosing a Program

Criteria: Why It Matters
Academic/Career Fit: Align with your interests—STEM, humanities, business, arts, or music.
Format: Choose between in-person, virtual, or hybrid depending on your learning style.
Selectivity: Some are highly competitive; others are more accessible but still valuable.
Cost & Funding: Many are free, low-cost, or fully funded. Some offer stipends.
Time Commitment: Programs range from one week to a full summer. Choose what fits your schedule.

Search Tools & Planning Resources

Appily – Find free/low-cost pre-college programs
Matriculate – Helps students discover and apply to free academic programs
TeenLife – Browse programs by location, subject, and cost
Pathways to Science – STEM-focused opportunities for high school students
ClassPop! – Curated lists of top summer programs for high schoolers

Next Steps for Students & Families

1. Start Early
Begin researching programs by October–December.
Many competitive programs have deadlines in January through March.

2. Talk with Your College Counselor
Schedule a meeting in early winter to discuss your interests and get help identifying programs.
Counselors may also assist with applications or nominations.

3. Plan for Recommendations
Selective programs (like RSI, Simons, BU RISE) often require teacher recommendations.
Ask teachers by December or early January and give them time to write thoughtful letters.

4. Organize Deadlines
Use a spreadsheet or calendar to track application dates, requirements, and links.
Review eligibility, essays, transcripts, and any required forms early.

5. Apply Strategically
Apply to a mix of competitive and more accessible programs.
Be honest in your applications about your passions, goals, and what you hope to gain.

6. Consider Virtual Options
If travel or cost is a barrier, explore virtual or hybrid programs—they offer flexibility and similar value.

There are research opportunities in nearly every subject—not just STEM.

Examples of Different Types of Programs

Research & STEM (Highly Selective)

• MIT Research Science Institute (RSI) – Fully funded research at MIT with world-class mentorship (~5% acceptance).
• Simons Summer Research Program (Stony Brook University) – STEM research with faculty mentors; school nomination required.
• Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech) – Intensive, multidisciplinary research experience for top juniors/seniors.
• Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program – Life sciences/genetics research with mentorship.
• Stanford SIMR (Institute for Medical Research) – Research opportunities with university faculty and researchers.

Accessible & High-Impact Programs

• NASA Internships – Real-world experience in space, engineering, and computer science.
• Boston University RISE – Research internships or academic practicum in STEM.
• Project SEED (American Chemical Society) – Paid chemistry research for underrepresented students.
• Polygence – Flexible, virtual one-on-one mentored research across a wide range of topics.
• Pre-College/University-Based Programs – Many colleges (e.g., NYU, UC Davis, UVA) offer summer research, classes, or enrichment. Check science and engineering department website listings.

Writing Programs

• Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (Online)
• Kenyon Review Young Writers Online Workshop
• Sarah Lawrence College Writers Week for Teens
• TASS (Telluride Association Summer Seminar)

Leadership & Internship Programs

• Bank of America Student Leaders – Paid internships at nonprofits with a leadership focus.
• Search for local internships that match your interests in community engagement, service, or business.

Books

Admissions from the Inside
Insightful books by journalists and insiders about how admissions decisions are made:

• The Gatekeepers: Inside the Admissions Process of a Premier College (by Jacques Steinberg)
• Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions (by Jeffrey Selingo)

Finding the Right Fit
Guides to help families identify schools that align with students’ goals, learning styles, and values:

• The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation about Education, Parenting, and Race (by Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown)
• The College Finder: Choose the School That's Right for You! (by Steven R. Antonoff)
• College Guide for Performing Arts Majors: The Real-World Admission Guide for Dance,  Music, and Theater Majors (by Carole Everett)
• College Match: A Blueprint for Choosing the Best School for You (by Steven R. Antonoff)
• Colleges that Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges (by Loren Pope)
• Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You (by Jeff Selingo)
• Find Your College Fit: How to Choose, Apply to, and Afford the Right College for You (by Duane Cottrell)
• The Fiske Guide to Colleges (by Edward Fiske)
• The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives (by Jeff Selingo)
• Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania (by Frank Bruni)

Understanding the Process and Reducing Anxiety
Books that help parents reframe the admissions experience, reduce stress, and focus on student well-being:

• The College Conversation: A Practical Companion for Parents to Guide Their Children Along the Path to Higher Education (by Eric J. Furda and Jacques Steinberg)
• Crazy U: One Dad's Crash Course in Getting His Kid Into College (by Andrew Ferguson)
• Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission (by Ana Homayoun)
• How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success (by Julie Lythcott-Haims)
• Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It (by Jennifer Wallace)
• So, You Are Going to College?! (by San Bolkan)
• The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying  Together (by Brennan Bernard and Rick Clark)

Articles

• "5 Tips to Help Parents Manage College Search Anxiety"
• "12 Ways to Reduce Stress During the College Admissions Process"
• "Applying to colleges can lead to emotional burnout. As a psychologist, I suggest parents do 8 things to support their kids."
• "Are You Putting Too Much Pressure on Your Child During the College Admission Process?" 
• "College Athletic Recruiting From a Parent's Seat on the Anxiety Express"
• "Conversation Starters for Creating a Sane, Healthy College Admissions Process with Your Teen" 
• "How Parents Can Overcome Common Recruiting Stressors"
• "How To Be an Ethical Parent in the College Admissions Process"
• "How to Cope with Anxiety in the Admission Process"
• "When Kids Go to College: A Parent's Guide to Changing Relationships"

Podcasts

• "An Ivy Dean Demystifies the College Search" (Admissions Beat with Lee Coffin)
• "The Truth About College Admission" (with Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark)
• The College Guidance Network
• Flusterclux by Lynn Lyons – Anxiety expert with many episodes related to parenting through the college process.
• Challenge Success Podcast – A Healthier Approach to College Admissions: Supporting the Mental Health of Student Athletes

Blogs to Follow

• Brennan Barnard – Thoughtful guidance on college admissions and managing stress.
• Rick Clark (Georgia Tech) – Parent-focused admissions blog with archives dating back to 2015.