December Issue

A Note from the Counseling Office

As we approach the winter holiday, we want to pause and wish our students and families a season filled with rest, joy, and restoration. The first semester has been exhausting academically, emotionally, and logistically.  Our students have shown tremendous perseverance and maturity. We hope the coming break offers time to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and return refreshed for the semester ahead.

University Deadlines & Winter Break Planning

As a reminder, many U.S. universities have application deadlines during the first week of January. Students planning to apply to schools with January deadlines should have already submitted transcript request forms, as counselors will process all requests prior to departing for the holiday and will be largely unavailable during the break.

This advance planning ensures that all documents reach their intended destinations on time and allows students to enjoy the holiday without unnecessary stress.

The next major deadline is January 14/15 for the United Kingdom applications through the UCAS Platform and the a large number of Canadian Universities.

Early Decisions, Deferrals, and Perspective

Admission decisions have begun to arrive, and with them, a wide range of emotions. We want to be very clear: one admission decision—early or otherwise—does not define a student, their worth, or their future success. Students still hold power in this process, and sometimes it's a long one. To those admitted - a massive Alf Mabrouk!!!! For those denied or deferred, we beat on!  I’m reminded of a quote from W.E.B. Du Bois, the first African American to graduate from Harvard. When asked, “How does it feel to be the first Black man to graduate from Harvard?” he replied, “I assure you, the pleasure was Harvard’s.”

For students who have been deferred, please know that this is not a final decision. When mid-year grades become available, counselors will automatically send updated transcripts to universities where deferrals have occurred. In some cases, schools may invite or require a Letter of Continued Interest; we will guide students through this process only when appropriate or requested by the institution.

MAIA Learning: Keeping Records Current

We ask all students to update MAIA Learning with every admission outcome—the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. Accurate records allow counselors to support students effectively, track trends, and advocate appropriately throughout the remainder of the admissions cycle. This step is essential and appreciated.

Enrichment & Summer Opportunities

Many families have asked about enrichment opportunities beyond the school year. We invite you to explore the Additional Resources section on the Counseling webpage, where we are beginning to compile a list of online and in-person summer pre-college programs.

These programs can offer students the chance to explore an academic interest, experience university-level coursework, build skills, and in some cases, earn university credit. We encourage families to review these options together and consider how summer learning might align with students’ longer-term goals.

Semester Two Drop/Add Reminder

Semester Two Drop/Add will open on the first day of the second semester. Students may request changes only to elective courses and only when the change does not require movement within a year-long course. Counselors will support students through this process and ensure that any adjustments align with graduation requirements and academic plans.

🎁 We are grateful for your continued partnership and trust. Wishing our entire community a peaceful, restorative winter holiday—and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year.