Pacific Ridge School: Finding Your College Fit

Planning Your

FUTURE Finding Your College Fit

Our College Guidance team supports our students every step of the way, from the moment they begin to think about college, through the college application process, to the decision-making process after college acceptances are received. The process of preparing for and selecting a college should be a rewarding journey of self-discovery, and we are excited to help our students plan successfully for this important next step in their lives.

Service learning, clubs, and global travel programs weave an educational tapestry in which students stretch themselves in positive and revealing ways. Graduates are prepared and eager to go on to college, to consider careers, to engage in the world.

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Unlimited Destinations on the Roadmap for Success

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to great colleges and universities.

Pacific Ridge Students thrive at a multitude of schools across our nation and abroad.

For A Full List of Pacific Ridge School College Acceptances Visit: http://www.pacificridge.org/collegematriculations

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Your Story The best way students can prepare for the college process is to to be engaged and involved in their high school experience. Through exploring opportunities and discovering passions, students come to understand themselves and what makes them unique. This kind of introspection leads to personal growth and a variety of college applications, acceptances and decisions. We coach our students to take the lead in this process, and support them along the way.

TRAVIS COLLEGE: Southern Methodist University KEY FIT FACTORS: Size, Academic Programs, Reputation

Having three College Guidance counselors for a small school is amazing. There was never a time when I needed to see my counselor when she couldn’t meet with me.

Her availability was really helpful.�

JULIANA

ALEX

COLLEGE: Yale University KEY FIT FACTORS: Academic Programs, Campus Culture

COLLEGE: UC Santa Barbara KEY FIT FACTORS: Location, Art & Design Scene, Campus Culture

“I love College Guidance! My counselor was such a good person to talk to about anything. He even came to my club meetings to see what we were doing.

The office is a calm, happy place— my ‘go to’ spot for a break.”

“I chose UCSB because it is a hidden gem for film study and has a great technology management program. Pacific Ridge gave me the tools to try amazing new things— it’s what inspired me to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Your Guides Our approach allows us to really know each child. The College Guidance staff is introduced to students in the 9th-grade year, when counselors meet with small advisory groups to provide general information and respond to early questions. These conversations continue in 10th grade, when students are introduced to college search software tools. Beginning junior year, students are assigned primary counselors who work with them individually as they progress through the college search and application process. The counselors also work directly with grade-level deans and faculty advisors to ensure that each student receives comprehensive and cohesive support.

We have an open door policy—stop by any time.

“I’m interested in biomedical engineering, so I looked for schools with top programs. Visiting Hopkins, I knew it was my dream school.

College Guidance was so supportive and saw strengths in me I couldn’t see myself.”

SARAH COLLEGE: Johns Hopkins University KEY FIT FACTORS: Academic Programs, Extracurriculars

We Put You One Step Ahead.

Our families count on us to provide information before it’s needed. This proactive approach ensures that students and parents are well informed and have access to the knowledge and resources they need to navigate a complex process.

What You Can Expect 9TH GRADE

10TH GRADE

11TH GRADE

12TH GRADE

• College Guidance presents a t 9th-grade family nights

• PSAT preview

• PSAT/NMQT preview

• 2-Day Camp College

• Naviance class meeting & strengths survey

• College Night for Juniors

• Grade-level time devoted to college application work throughout the fall

(Fall / Spring)

• College Guidance presents a t class meeting (December)

• College Guidance meets w ith advisory groups (Spring)

(September)

(November)

(September) (November)

(August)

• ACT full practice test

• 4 small-group college guidance sessions throughout the year

• 10th-Grade College Night

• ACT practice test

• Senior parent coffees throughout the year

• Individual & family meetings with counselors

• College Guidance collaborates with 12th-grade advisors to support decision-making & transition to college

(December) (January)

• Individual student meetings (Spring)

(December)

(Winter & Spring)

Additional programming open to families in all grades: Standardized Testing Primer, NCAA Night, Arts Portfolio Preview, Financial Aid Facts & Formulas, College Admissions Officers Panel, Senior Student Panel, Key Conversations: a series covering a wide range of topics about the college

• Personal Statement writing in English Class (March)

• Coastline Case Studies (Spring)

• 2-Day Camp College

• Scholarship Search w orkshop

(Spring)

• Transition to College Tailgate for Seniors a nd Parents

(May)

process

Students are encouraged to drop in during school hours to ask questions or use our resources.

Students schedule individual and family appointments with the counselors as often as they need.

6269 El Fuerte Street Carlsbad, CA 92009 760.579.4901 www.pacificridge.org