HIGHLAND SCHOOL CEEB CODE: 472311

The purpose of the college counseling process is to help guide students and their parents through the college search and application process. The college admission process, while interesting and exciting, can also be quite unpredictable. This is a dynamic endeavor where the truths of one year are not necessarily the truths of the next. Thus it is imperative students begin the process of college planning early and that they conduct their research of prospective schools as thoroughly as possible. We realize that no two paths to college are the same, in either practical or emotional terms, and we treat all of our students as the unique individuals that they are. Discovering appropriate matches between students and post-secondary institutions is what the college admission process is all about. Time and experience have shown that a well-thought-out decision is most likely to be the best decision, namely one that leads to success in a college for which the student is well suited. Accordingly, our counseling office operates with an “open door” policy, working closely with parents as well as students and providing as much individual assistance as each applicant needs.

College counseling in the Upper School starts with course selection. Before each term, and with close attention to each student’s ability, past performance, and interests, faculty advisors along with the college counselor assist students in scheduling the most challenging and appropriate college preparatory courses.

The Sophomore year is one of exploration and learning about “self.” Students should use this time to assess their aptitudes, skills, personality, and possible careers. Talking more extensively with their parents about colleges along with informal visits with the college counselor are encouraged. The PSAT is administered for practice; however, the results are used to focus on areas needing more work, since in the Junior year the PSAT results are used to select prospective scholarship winners.

During the Junior year, college selection and admission requirements are more formally addressed. This is a year of choices and consideration of options. In February, students and parents are invited to an evening seminar for discussion of the entire college selection process. In the Spring, students meet with the counselor in order to refine their understanding of their interests, strengths and tastes, and to arrive at an ample list of colleges to investigate, and to visit during school holidays and summer vacation. The college counseling office provides a central location for all resources. Individual exploration is encouraged and catalogs, view books, videos, CD’s, an assortment of guidebooks, and other sources are available. In the fall of the Junior year, the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is taken, followed in the spring by the SAT Reasoning Test™. As a result, by the time students are in their Senior year, they can be confident in making thoughtful, well-researched decisions about where to apply.

The college application process receives most attention during the first term of the Senior year. At this time, students work with the counselor to focus their lists more sharply, visit colleges in session, and work on applications. In September, a meeting with students and parents is conducted to review the final steps in the college application process. In October and November, Seniors can retake the SAT Reasoning Test™, and they have the option of taking the ACT and/or SAT Subject Tests™ (specific subject area tests). Also during this time, college representatives visit Highland to meet with interested students.

In sum, the result of the college counseling process is to help students gain admittance to colleges where they will be happy, succeed academically, and have the opportunity to grow into productive adulthood.

College Counseling Events

Click on the Counseling Events link at the top of this page for a calendar of events.

Forms

Parent Questionnaire
Parents are encouraged to submit this form to Highland's college counseling office in March of the student's junior year. We welcome your insights, hopes, concerns, and questions regarding your child's college application process.

Senior Personal Fact Sheet
All juniors are required to submit this form to the college counseling office no later than March 31. The senior personal fact sheet helps the counselor know more about you and provides frequently asked information on college applications.

Transcript / Letters of Recommendation Release Form

(back to top)