Introduction

When it comes to making the college decision, including where to go and how to afford, Calvert Hall’s college counseling team is well-versed in placement, admission, and financial aid. As college counselors, we provide guidance and advice, ask probing questions, make recommendations and suggestions, and above all, inform our students of the many opportunities available to them. We value the relationships we establish with our students in the course of our counseling efforts. As counselors with many years of combined experience, we know this process can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. We hope you will find this reference guide as a helpful resource on your college journey.

College Counseling Team

Brooks Kerr Director of Counseling; College Counselor kerrb@calverthall.com Adam Moore College Counselor moorea@calverthall.com Beth Green College Counselor greene@calverthall.com Christie Grant Administrative Assistant grantc@calverthall.com

www.calverthall.com/collegecounseling Instagram and Twitter: @CHCcounseling On-Campus: College Prep Resources tile

The role of the student

 Attend junior and senior college advisory courses and complete assignments in a timely fashion;  Arrange and attend meetings with college counselor to review and to send materials;  Use research materials to discover more about colleges while considering fit –academic, social, and financial;  Register and take SAT and/or ACT. Scores must be sent by the student and need to be sent directly from testing agency (may take up to four weeks);  Work with college counselors and English teachers on essays;  Plan (with parents) college visits/interviews;  Request teacher recommendation letter(s);  Keep SCOIR updated and accurate during all stages of college process, including the accurate application type (Common Application, etc.) and application deadline, and updating the college list with admissions decisions once received;  Research application requirements and complete applications (on his own) and follow timeline to complete and submit applications;  Submit an enrollment deposit at one (and only one) institution;  Research and apply for scholarships.

The role of the parent

 Play a significant supportive role (logistics and emotional) while the student leads and owns the process;  Discuss parameters of college search from the beginning (distance, affordability, special interests, etc.);  Encourage and help coordinate college visits (virtual or in-person);  Complete the parent questionnaire (available in OnCampus in the “College Prep

Resources” tile, in SCOIR, and in paper form).  Attend college counseling parent events;  Apply for financial aid (FAFSA, CSS Profile if applicable).

The role of the college counselor

 Advise on college action, college list discernment, college visits, demonstrated interest, mock interviews, financial aid strategies, athletics, visual and performing arts, and special needs admission process;  Structure a process that allows students to develop a sense of responsibility and personal empowerment in this important decision-making endeavor, all while offering support and care to the needs of the individuals involved;  Stay informed of college admission policies and practices;  Educate college admission officers about our Calvert Hall community and the opportunities our students are engaged in, as a precursor to their next educational stage;  Provide the information and support necessary to students and their parents as they prepare for a smooth transition to life after Calvert Hall.

The college admissions timeline

Fall of junior year

Students take the PSAT/NMSQT at Calvert Hall and begin taking the Junior College Advisory class, which will help them navigate the college application process throughout their senior year and beyond. In December, college counselors meet with parents of the junior class for the Junior Parent College Night, to introduce them to the college admissions process.

Spring of junior year

In addition to the course, college counselors meet individually with students to create a plan of action for applying to college. This will involve building a college list, SAT/ACT recommendations, and essay support. Students should begin making visits to college campuses.

Summer before senior year

Students should continue visiting schools on their list. There is an optional Summer College Application Bootcamp for students who want to get a head start on their college application process.

Senior year

Students are expected to stretch and to reach for colleges and universities that are the best fit academically, socially, and financially. As the school year begins with Senior College Advisory Classes, students regularly meet with their college counselor to discuss any questions that may arise as they are preparing and submitting applications to colleges. Parents are welcome to reach out to counselors on the college planning process including financial aid and money matters.

Our college advising curriculum:

“Why College?” • Admissions terminology • Standardized testing: SAT and ACT • Résumé writing • Brainstorming and writing the college essay • Researching colleges and finding the best fit • Building a college list • College visits, college fairs, and colleges visiting Calvert Hall • Financial aid • Net price calculators • Scholarships • Selecting and requesting a teacher recommendation • Course selection • Using SCOIR • Application mechanics, process and timeline • Responsibilities for students and counselors in the college process • The Common Application and Coalition Application • Exploring career opportunities • Transitioning to college