College Counseling: Getting Into College Time Line

Third Form
Our Director of Studies helps each student select six courses which place the student in the context of college standards and expectations, and begin fulfilling St. Mark's diploma requirements. Occasionally, the college counselors participate in this process. The college counseling library of books and pamphlets is available at all times to the students.

Fourth Form
There is close coordination of course selection between the student and family, the faculty advisor and teachers where appropriate. Advisors and families consult with college counselors when their advice is needed. College literature and financial aid information is available outside the College Counseling office.

Fifth Form
September: The college counselors meet with the class to review the office philosophy, the national test schedule, and to underscore the importance of full investment of energy in the junior courses.
October: the entire class takes the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) at St. Mark's.
December: PSAT results are published; the class takes their first SAT-Reasoning test at St. Mark's.
January: The College Counselors meet with the class to detail the specific steps ahead for the next six months and the reasons for our particular approach.
February : An introductory 2-day weekend program is hosted by the College Counseling office in February, including students, parents, and five Directors of Admission, to formally launch the college counseling process.
February – May : During that spring each student meets 3-5 times with the assigned college counselor to become familiar with each other, to establish priorities, to develop a specific prospective college list tailored to the student's needs, and to determine the student's relative probability for acceptance to each college. There will be a couple meetings in May for the entire form.
May: Most students retake the SAT-reasoning test at St. Mark's in May.
June: Two SAT-Subject test are usually taken in June at St. Mark's.

Sixth Form
September: - The entire class meets with the college counselors in early September to map strategy, to establish a time line for application submission, and to review procedures.
October: Students meet with their essay mentor to go over their drafts of their college essays. Students may elect to take the SAT Reasoning Test or Subject Tests.
September – November: 70-80 college admissions representatives visit St. Mark's to meet with interested seniors during the fall. Students have appointments with their college counselor as frequently as is necessary to assist in the college process.
December : A special financial aid information evening is held at the Cambridge School of Weston.
April – May : The College Counselors are available to help students manage their college decisions, including financial aid concerns and wait-lists.

From beginning to end the intent is for the College Counseling office to respond to and to support individual student and family needs.