While college counseling at Latin formally begins at the end of the first semester of junior year, the process actually builds upon the strong academic and personal advising that takes place throughout a student's high school career.

During freshman and sophomore years, students are encouraged to get involved in school activities, athletics and clubs to hone their academic interests and artistic talents. The best foundation for a successful college process is the same as the one for a successful high school experience. Students are encouraged to enroll in a variety of appropriate courses that expand their minds and challenge their sensibilities. They are also encouraged to join organizations that test them as citizens, competitors and leaders.

Students have access to an in-house test prep course that meets during the school day, and take a practice SAT (PSAT) in the fall of junior year. This ensures that students have some exposure to the tests and their formats by the time the formal counseling process begins.

Beginning in the spring semester of their junior year, all students meet in group seminar classes with a college counselor to discuss a variety of issues related to the college search process. These classes address a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to:

• Taking a personal inventory/assessment of strengths and achievements
• Researching colleges
• Test planning and learning how tests are used by colleges
• Mock admissions committee exercises
• Coping with the public nature of the college process
• Essay writing and interview skills

Students and families are also assigned to and begin individual meetings with a college counselor at the start of the spring semester. Since Latin’s college process is personalized, it is important to our counselors that they get to know each and every student. This helps ensure that they are able to provide students with tailored suggestions about their college choices, and professional and personal advocacy throughout the process.

College seminar classes return in the fall of senior year, with each student and their counselor working together to develop a list of colleges that are appropriate, competitively diverse, and appealing to the student’s interests and needs. These classes take place in the first half of the semester and include topics such as:

• Details and deadlines
• How to submit applications
• Self-advocacy, preparation and interviews
• Essay writing
• Timelines

Latin counselors serve as advocates for students throughout the college process. They represent the student's interests to colleges, write letters of recommendation, and offer wisdom and careful counsel to each member of the junior and senior classes. College counselors act as advisers, editors, interview coaches and ambassadors to representatives from over 100 colleges and universities.

Latin’s College Counseling Office provides information and guidance until each senior has made a decision to enroll in the school of their choice. While our counselors' first priority is to address the needs of each student, they also serve as resource for parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are encouraged to seek their counsel while navigating the transition to college.