Students are encouraged to take the most challenging classes they can successfully manage and earn the best grades possible each year since both grades and strength of curriculum have the greatest influence on the college admissions process. Everything counts, including summer programs, jobs, community service, etc.

ACADEMIC COUNSELING

Each student is assigned a counselor who they will work with throughout their Interlochen experience. Counselor assignments can be found within the Education Community.

Students will attend a course planning meeting with their Academic and College Counselor in the spring of each year. Each student will develop a course planning worksheet which will outline their curriculum during their four years at IAA.

Counselors will advise students on how best to meet both graduation requirements and post-secondary expectations based on individual goals.

TESTING

Ninth graders will take the PSAT 8/9 during second semester following spring break.

Tenth graders take the PSAT 10 during second semester following spring break.

Ninth and Tenth graders may request to sit for PSAT with the junior class on October 17th.

Students are encouraged to begin taking the official SAT and ACT in their junior year.

COLLEGE ADVISEMENT

Visit colleges to take a private lesson and/or campus tour, in order to better understand what schools are looking for in the college admissions process.

Students will be introduced to Naviance and provided login credentials.

Meet with college and university representatives who visit campus. The Provost News will announce the "College Rep Visit" schedule.

• Tips on how to interact with College Admissions Representatives

Attend the Virtual Visual and Performing Arts College Fair.

Gather Information: US News - Apply to College

Many families begin planning ahead for the upcoming expenses, time, and travel that will accompany the college application and audition process in the student’s senior year.

Explore Interests and ask a lot of questions! Check out: Road Trip Nation!

Responsibilities

Student:

• Work hard in your courses - update Course Planning Worksheet with ACC*

• Talk with arts faculty about college/career choices

• Attend Spring grade level meeting and discuss plans with your ACC

Parent:

• Discuss future plans with student so all are on the same page (financially, geographically, academically, artistically)

• Support student with academic, artistic & summer plans

*Academic and College Counselor (ACC):

• Register students for PSAT

• Help student schedule classes and navigate high school journey

• Ensure all graduation and college requirements will be met - using Course Planning Worksheet