Freshman year is a time of transition, where students build on foundational knowledge and begin to think and write more critically and independently. Our 9th grade college counseling program is tailored specifically for MYP (Middle Years Programme) students, providing a strong foundation for their future academic and career success. We focus on helping students transition smoothly into high school while introducing them to key aspects of the IB curriculum and college preparation.

The program includes:

• Personalized academic planning: Students create a four-year plan that aligns with their strengths, interests, and the MYP framework, setting the stage for the Diploma or Certificate Programme.

• Course selection guidance: Counselors advise on appropriate MYP course selections that support students' academic growth and prepare them for future IB courses.

• Introduction to the Personal Project: We help students understand the significance of the 10th grade Personal Project and encourage them to start exploring potential topics that align with their passions and career interests.

• Extracurricular engagement: We assist students in identifying and pursuing activities that complement their MYP studies, such as joining clubs, participating in sports, and engaging in community service, which help develop their IB learner profile attributes.

• Early college awareness: Through tailored lessons, students begin to explore potential careers and college options, using tools like MaiaLearning to support their research.

• Skill development: We focus on cultivating essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and effective communication, which are crucial for success in both MYP and future IB studies.

• Self-assessment and reflection: Students utilize career and personality profiles to better understand their strengths and potential career paths, fostering self-awareness.

• Summer program exploration: Guidance is provided for students interested in attending pre-college academic programs or interest-based summer activities hosted on college campuses.

• Parent engagement: We offer informational sessions for parents to understand the MYP, its connection to the Diploma Programme, and how it relates to college preparation.

• Individual support: Counselors are available for one-on-one meetings with students and families to address specific concerns and goals within the MYP context.

By providing this comprehensive support, we ensure that 9th grade MYP students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead, setting a strong foundation for their IB Diploma Programme years and beyond.

In 10th grade, our college counseling program builds on the foundation established in 9th grade, providing more targeted support as students progress through their high school journey:

• Counselor assignment: Each student is paired with one of our four dedicated college counselors, ensuring personalized guidance throughout their high school career.

• Course selection strategy: We help students design course selections that align with their academic strengths, interests, and college goals, with a focus on maintaining a challenging yet balanced curriculum.

• Introduction to the Personal Project: Students are guided through the process of selecting and developing their Personal Project, emphasizing its importance in the IB curriculum and its role in showcasing their skills and interests

• Extracurricular development: Students are encouraged to deepen their involvement in clubs and honor societies, seeking leadership roles that showcase their talents and passions.

• Assessment introduction: We provide comprehensive information about the IB, ACT and SAT, including mock tests to familiarize students with the format and content.

• Small group meetings: These sessions allow for more focused discussions on college-related topics to develop a deeper understanding of the process.

• Time management skills: We guide students in balancing their increasing academic workload with extracurricular commitments.

• Skill refinement: Students continue to develop their top skills and interests, with an eye towards how these may shape their college and career paths.

• Parent engagement: We offer ongoing programs to keep parents informed and involved in the college preparation process.

• Individual support: Our counselors remain available for one-on-one meetings to address specific concerns and goals.

This comprehensive approach ensures that 10th grade students are well-prepared for the more intensive college application process that begins in 11th grade, while also fostering their personal and academic growth.

In 11th grade, the college counseling program intensifies, offering comprehensive support as students approach the critical college application phase:

• Pathway selection: We guide students in choosing between the full IB Diploma Programme and the IB Certificates Programme, ensuring their decision aligns with their academic strengths and college aspirations. We also offer the Laker Learner Concentration Program, a unique concentration program designed to prepare students for success in various fields, including: STEM, Social Impact and Leadership, and Fine Arts. 

• In-depth college exploration: Beginning in spring, we initiate a structured curriculum that includes reflection, research, exploration, and list building. We use MaiaLearning, a comprehensive platform that allows students to explore potential careers, majors, and colleges that align with their interests and goals.

• Individual and family meetings: Counselors meet with students and their families to discuss college goals, academic progress, and application strategies.

• Campus visits: We encourage and assist students in planning college campus visits to help them make informed decisions. Students are encouraged to research and track these visits.

• Application preparation: Students begin drafting their college essays and personal statements, with guidance from counselors and teachers. 

• College representative visits: We host over 150 college representatives on campus, providing students with direct access to admissions officers.

• Assessment advice: Counselors continue to guide students on SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Test strategies and timelines.

• College nights: We organize informational events for students and parents to learn about various aspects of the college application process.

• Resume development: Students refine their resumes, highlighting their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.

• Summer planning: We assist students in identifying meaningful summer activities, internships, or programs that align with their interests and strengthen their applications.

Our 12th grade college counseling program provides intensive, personalized support to students as they navigate the final stages of the college application process and prepare for their transition to higher education:

• List finalization: Counselors help students refine their balanced list of colleges, ensuring a mix of reach, target, and 'right fit' schools.

• Application completion: We provide guidance for completing college applications, including Common App and individual institutional applications.

• Essay writing support: Counselors and teachers offer feedback on college essays, helping students craft compelling narratives.

• Interview preparation: We conduct mock interviews and provide tips to help students feel confident for admissions interviews.

• IB exam guidance: We offer advice on managing IB exams alongside college applications and reporting predicted scores.

• Decision processing: As college decisions arrive, counselors help students and families understand their options and make informed decisions.

• Waitlist and deferral strategies: We provide support for students who are waitlisted or deferred, including guidance on letters of continued interest.

• Transition planning: We help students prepare for the transition to college, including guidance on housing applications and course selection.

• Final transcript submission: We ensure that final transcripts and all scores are sent to the students' chosen colleges.

• CAS completion support: We assist students in finalizing their Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements, ensuring they meet IB standards and effectively showcase these experiences in college applications.

Throughout this process, our counselors maintain open communication with students and families, offering support as needed. Our goal is to ensure each student finds the best-fit college where they can thrive academically and personally, while developing the skills and confidence needed for post-secondary success.