College Counseling

Goal:

Reach academic potential with an eye toward placement in advanced and accelerated coursework in future years

• Emphasis on making a smooth transition to Berkshire—academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Students work closely with their Form Dean and Advisor to ensure appropriate course placement—challenging yet supportive.
• Encouraged to utilize academic support resources such as:

• Office Hours
• Math Resource Center
• Writing Center

• Begin exploring personal interests through arts electives and afternoon programs (sports, theater, STEM, RKMP, etc).
• Introduction to the idea of building a unique story through sustained involvement and eventual leadership.

Goal:

Identify emerging interests and begin laying the groundwork for the college process

• Continue building on academic habits and success strategies established in freshman year.
• Students are encouraged to take rigorous and relevant coursework that reflects their evolving academic interests with the goal toward enrolling in future advanced and AP classes.
• Fall Family Weekend: College Counseling Office hosts an "Introduction to College Counseling" session for fourth and fifth form families featuring a visiting college admissions dean.
• All students will take a practice SAT and ACT on campus to determine if there is a natural preference between the two formats.
• Fourth Formers are invited to attend our annual spring college fair to begin interacting with college admissions representatives.
• Explore extracurricular passions and begin to take on leadership or meaningful involvement in key areas.
• Begin considering summer enrichment programs, internships, or other growth opportunities.
• The College Office remains available to students and families for guidance and questions particularly as it relates to course placement and standardized testing.

Goal:

Students take ownership of the college search process by developing a balanced and intentional college list, engaging in self-reflection, and developing strong relationships with classroom teachers 

• Over the summer, students receive access to Naviance Student to begin researching colleges.
• Many juniors take their first SAT or ACT in the fall or spring.
• Students are matched with an individual college counselor in November and are introduced to College Kickstart.
• Begin crafting an intentional college list based on: Academic strengths, Personal passions and values, Location, size, and culture preferences, Athletic recruiting.
• Attend Fifth Form Parent Program in February, which features insight and application reviews from four selective college admissions officers.
• Begin visiting colleges by March of junior year to shape the evolving college list.
• Fifth Formers are required to attend our annual spring college fair in April to demonstrate interest and meet with college admissions representatives.
• Participate in College Bootcamp, where students will:

• Complete student interest and self-assessment surveys
• Request teacher letters of recommendation
• Learn about the Common Application and begin drafting key materials

• Each junior English class includes a college essay writing requirement, with early feedback and drafting.
• Parents and guardians with receive a personalized plan summary for each student generated by College Kickstart with an updated college list and summary of key application requirements.

Goal:

Students find a college match that reflects academic interests, personal passions, and long-term goals

• Seniors are expected to attend college admissions rep visits when they come to campus in the fall for any school they are applying to. 
• Many seniors take one final SAT or ACT in the early fall.
• Open weekends (especially Fall Family Weekend) can be used for additional college visits to firm up college list.
• Application deadlines (especially Early Decision and Early Action) approach quickly; seniors are supported in staying on track.
• College Counselors provide individualized essay feedback and review each application before submission.
• Seniors have access to multiple resources for essay and application support:

• Writing Center
• English faculty
• College Counselors

• Counselors work closely with students and families on:

• Application strategy
• Final college list decisions
• Scholarships and merit aid
• Financial Aid process (including FAFSA and CSS Profile guidance)

• Personalized attention ensures each student and family feels supported and empowered throughout this complex and exciting process.