College Counseling at Latin begins formally at the end of the first semester of junior year but is an informal process that builds upon strong academic and personal advising that takes place throughout students’ high school career. In the freshman and sophomore years, students are encouraged to get involved in school activities, athletics and clubs to hone their own academic interests and artistic talents. The best foundation for a successful college process is the same foundation 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 and to join organizations that test them as citizens, competitors and leaders.

In the fall of sophomore year, students will take a practice ACT, and in the fall of junior year, they will take a practice SAT (PSAT). This ensures that by the time the counseling process formally begins, a student will have been exposed to both testing formats.

Beginning in the spring semester, all students will meet in group seminar classes with a college counselor to discuss a variety of issues related to the college search process. These classes will continue in the fall of senior year, when the tone will switch from informative and exploratory to one that is more administrative where we collectively tackle the actual business of applying to students’ schools.

Throughout the spring these seminars address a variety of topics that include but are not limited to:

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

At the beginning of spring semester students and families will be assigned to a college counselor and will begin their individual meetings. Students and counselors build close relationships that will serve as an essential support throughout the process. Latin’s college process is personal and individual, and counselors get to know each and every student. The staff is then prepared to offer tailored suggestions to students regarding their college choices, and professional and personal advocacy throughout the college application process.

College seminars return in the fall of senior year, and each student and their counselor work closely to shape 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 such issues as:

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

Latin counselors are the students’ advocates in the college process – they represent their interests to colleges, write lengthy letters of recommendation and ultimately offer wisdom and careful counsel to each member of the junior and senior classes. College counselors are available as advisers, editors, interview coaches and ambassadors to representatives from over one hundred colleges and universities. Latin’s college office provides information and guidance until each senior has made a decision to enroll in the school of their choice. It is our first priority to address the needs of each student, so the primary relationship is forged between each Latin student and the college counselors; however, we are also a resource for parents and guardians. Parents and guardians should feel free to seek Latin’s counsel to help navigate the stressful and often confusing transition to college.