College planning begins in ninth grade, as students and parents meet with advisors to chart appropriate programs of study; practice and preparation for standardized testing begins in tenth grade. One-to-one counseling begins in eleventh-grade where we bring students and families in connection with the world of possibilities through evening seminars, events, and college fairs. From the spring of eleventh grade through the twelfth grade year, we closely work with students on practice interviews. standardized testing, essay-writing, supplemental materials development and meetings with admissions officers.
Freshman Year
Freshmen To-Dos
- Get off to a strong start in the Upper School by practicing good study skills, developing interests, and joining activities. High school experiences, both academic and extra-curricular, are valuable for your personal growth and not simply as stepping stones to college.
9th
Parent To-Dos
- Start exploring financing options for your child’s college education.
9th
Spring
- Hear from graduating seniors about their “Beaver story” and how they shared it on their college application.
9th
Sophomore Year
Fall
- Start thinking about what you would like from a college
10th
Winter
- Get a peek into the College Counseling department and see what’s in store for you in 11th and 12th grades
10th
Spring
- Learn what to expect junior year when it comes to standardized testing
10th
Junior Year
Fall
- Attend a welcome back session that explores the year ahead
- Take the practice PSAT/NMSQT
- Families attend fall evening to learn about standardized testing options
11th
January
- Attend College Night (juniors and junior parents/guardians)
- Fill out questionnaires and return them to your College Counselor
- Arrange a meeting with your College Counselor (after College Night)
- Review practice PSAT. Identify areas of weakness and work with your College
- Counselor to develop strategies to improve your success
- Begin a plan to do something productive over the summer
- Parents/Guardians: After your student has met with his or her College Counselor, make an appointment to talk with the counselor.
11th
February
- Arrange a meeting with your College Counselor if you have not done so already
- Map out a testing schedule for the SAT Critical Reasoning and Subject
- Tests and/or ACT testing
- Plan March visits to colleges and universities
11th
March
- Continue to work hard. Put your best effort into your classes
- Register for May SAT testing and/or April ACT
- Visit colleges during March break
- Think about which teachers you want to write your letters of recommendation
- Send away for catalogues and inquire about tours and arranging interviews
11th
April
- Attend the Beaver College Counseling classes
- Take the ACT
- Register for the June SAT testing or June ACT
- Attend the College Fair at Milton Academy
- Finalize your summer plans
- Ask two teachers to write recommendations for you
11th
May
- Take the SATs
- Take Advanced Placement examinations
- If you have not met with your College Counselor, you must do so!
11th
Over the summer
- Take the SATs and/or ACTs in June
- Create a list of preferred colleges and universities
- Continue college visits
- Sketch out preliminary essay ideas about a significant event, person, achievement, or academic experience in your life
11th
Senior Year
September
- Meet with your College Counselor to plot your college application strategy
- Continue to research and refine your list of colleges
- Attend sessions with college representatives visiting Beaver
- Note deadlines in your personal organizer
- Parents/Guardians: Attend College Night for senior families at Beaver
12th
October
- Attend sessions with college representatives visiting Beaver
- Visit college campuses
- Take the SAT tests and/or the ACT
12th
November
- Submit applications for Early Decision, Early Action, and the University of California system
- Take the SAT tests
- Narrow your list of choices by consulting with counselors and families
- Submit preliminary college list to the Registrar
12th
December
- Application Time!
- Take SAT tests and/or the ACT
- Submit final college application list to the Registrar
- Complete and mail applications by the deadlines
- Parents/Guardians: Attend Financial Aid Workshop at Beaver
12th
December/January
- Complete and mail financial aid forms by the deadlines
12th
February through mid-April
- Wait for notification
- Continue to work hard! Winter and spring terms grades do matter!
12th
May
- Take a final opportunity to visit colleges
- Respond to college acceptances by May 1
12th