Academics
College Counseling
The Process
Begin the Exploration
Episcopal's residential community provides opportunities for the college counselors to work closely with students. As a result, the counselors know the students well, and can advocate strongly and work diligently to convey each student's strengths.
Students are encouraged to consider a wide range of possible college choices, exploring everything from what fields of study interest them to what type of campus community appeals to them, ultimately leading towards discovering the best match between student and college.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the College Counseling Office resources at any time. Our formal college planning process takes place in the following stages:
Students are encouraged to consider a wide range of possible college choices, exploring everything from what fields of study interest them to what type of campus community appeals to them, ultimately leading towards discovering the best match between student and college.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the College Counseling Office resources at any time. Our formal college planning process takes place in the following stages:
List of 4 items.
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Freshman Year
The top priority freshman year is for students to concentrate on academics and a smooth transition to boarding school life. In the spring, 9th grade students will work with their advisor to develop a 10th grade course plan and explore personal interests and activities at EHS. -
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester- Take the PSAT.
- Consider taking the practice ACT offered at Episcopal (optional).
- Attend 10th grade class meeting to introduce students to Scoir - a comprehensive website designed to help students and parents explore colleges and careers. College counselors also use this system to track and analyze college admission data. Sophomore students and parents receive an invitation to create their personal Scoir accounts.
- Work with advisor to develop junior year course plan.
- Meet with a college counselor.
- Explore summer opportunities that complement your interests and passions.
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Junior Year
January- Attend the college counseling class meetings. Topics include researching colleges, visiting campuses, and planning your standardized testing timeline. There is also a tutorial on Scoir and its web-based college research and test prep resources.
- Juniors receive individual college counselor assignments.
- Students complete the College Counseling 20 Question Survey and schedule their first meeting with their college counselor.
- Develop a plan for when to take standardized tests (SAT, and/or the ACT).
- If interested, sign up for the optional on-campus SAT/ACT prep class.
FebruaryMarch/April- Students schedule the first meeting with their college counselor if they have not already done so.
- Attend the optional on-campus SAT/ACT prep class.
- Consider visiting colleges over spring break. In addition, juniors may take one college leave in the spring semester.
Attend college counseling programs and presentations offered throughout the spring semester. - Attend college counseling programs during Spring Family Weekend (students and parents).
- Episcopal will offer the SAT and ACT on campus.
May- Participate in college essay writing classes led by the college counselors and English faculty.
- Discuss with your college counselor which teachers are best suited to write your letters of recommendation. Request recommendations and complete class reflections for the teachers who agree to write on your behalf.
- Attend the Senior Panel led by members of the senior class. Hear firsthand the inside scoop on the college process from our seniors' perspectives.
- Visit colleges and, when possible, schedule interviews with admission offices.
- Continue to explore your interests through a summer job, volunteering, and reading for pleasure.
- Carve out time to work on your applications. The Common Application is available August 1 and other college applications are typically available between July 1 and September 1.
- Write a polished draft of your Common Application essay.
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Senior Year
Fall of Senior Year- Episcopal will offer the SAT and ACT on campus.
- Continue to work on the Common Application
- Complete your final draft of the Common Application essay and required supplemental essays.
- Work to make the best grades possible as you begin your senior year.
- Meet with your college counselor early and often.
- Attend required senior class college counseling meetings and workshops.
- Meet with college representatives visiting EHS.
- Visit colleges throughout the fall. Students may be excused from two days of classes to visit colleges. Fall Break in October is a good time to visit a college.
- Review colleges' application deadlines and other requirements (scholarship deadlines, art supplements, etc.)
- Attend college counseling programs and meet with college counselors during Fall Family Weekend (students and parents).
Spring of Senior Year- College Counselors will submit mid-year grades to colleges on behalf of seniors.
- Students are encouraged to work with counselors to express demonstrated interest where important and valued.
- All colleges will release admission decisions on or before April 1.
- If you have been placed on a waitlist, meet with your college counselor to frame an individualized waitlist strategy. Your counselor will be contacting colleges and advocating on your behalf.
- Inform the college in which you will enroll by May 1, the National Candidate's Reply Date.
In This Section
As a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), Episcopal High School adheres to the policies governing communication between school and colleges endorsed by the Association.
