College Planning

students sitting at table in college counseling center

Our approach to college counseling very much aligns with our school’s mission to educate the whole person: spiritually, academically, and personally. Everything we do in College Counseling at Pres is intentional and done in a timely manner. As experienced professionals, we take pride in our student-centered approach and are committed to supporting our students throughout their journey of personal growth.

We begin working with our students during the spring semester of sophomore year - not because we don’t want to get to know you, but because you don’t need to take any active steps towards college until that point in time! When the time comes to research colleges, brainstorm essay topics, and actually apply, we will be there to help you stay on track and advise you each step of the way!

Planning Timeline

Our roadmap to help guide you from freshman year through senior year.

Freshman Year

Freshman year is all about Pres! Students begin the college process this year by building a strong academic foundation, learning to navigate their support system at Pres, and exploring new opportunities outside of the classroom.

Freshmen should

Explore extracurricular opportunities.
Attend college representative visits.
Meet with their academic mentor to create their four-year academic plan.
Participate in summer enrichment opportunities.

Helpful Resources for Freshmen

Sophomore Year

Sophomore year focuses on preparation. Students will take challenging coursework, begin college admissions test preparation, take the PSAT in the fall semester, and are introduced to the college process. Sophomores are assigned a college counselor and given access to the college planning platform, Scoir. At this time, Sophomores do not need to schedule any tests. Your college counselor will work with you to create a plan after you have completed the practice exams.

Sophomores should

Continue to explore new extracurricular opportunities.
Deepen involvement in areas of interest.
Attend college representative visits in the fall.
Visit college campuses (in-person or virtual tours).
Continue to earn C- or higher in all A-G courses.
Participate in summer enrichment opportunities.

Helpful Resources for Sophomores

Testing Information

Junior Year

Junior year focuses on finding college fit. Juniors will research college options and work with their college counselor to compose a thoughtful list. Students will continue to take challenging coursework, take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall semester, research college options, and review testing requirements to create a plan (if applicable).

Juniors should

Attend college representative visits.
Deepen involvement in extracurricular activities.
Attend virtual and on-campus college tours and fairs.
Meet individually with their college counselor.
If applicable, create a testing plan with their college counselor.
Request teacher recommendations.
Engage in college research in their Scoir Student account.
Brainstorm and draft college essays the summer before senior year.
Participate in summer enrichment and growth opportunities.

Helpful Resources for Juniors

College Research

Testing

Fairtest (List of Test-Optional and Test-Free Colleges)
College Board
ACT
SAT Practice
ACT Practice

Financial Aid

Senior Year

Senior year is all about the college application process! Seniors will work closely with their college counselor to finalize their college list, revise college essays, complete the financial aid process, and submit all required materials to colleges. In the spring, students will choose their attending college.

Seniors should

Attend college representative visits.
Attend virtual and on-campus college tours and fairs.
Meet individually with their college counselor.
Finalize their college list.
Register and take the SAT/ACT, if applicable.
Send test scores to colleges that require them.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream App.
Review college decisions and compare financial aid awards.
Complete the college enrollment process (spring).

Helpful Resources for Juniors

College Timeline and Checklist (lista para solicitud universitaria)

Application Process

Testing

Fairtest (List of Test-Optional and Test-Free Colleges)
College Board
ACT
SAT Practice
ACT Practice

Financial Aid

Resources

Helpful resources for Presentation Students and Families:

Checklist by Grade Level (lista para solicitud universitaria)
Friends Don't Let Friends Use US News
Colleges That Change Lives
How to Raise an Adult
Who Gets In and Why
Test Optional and Test Free Institutions
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be
Find Your College Fit
For Grades 10-12, we encourage you to look at the Schoology folder with your student.

Scoir

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