College Counseling

While the college preparation process formally begins in 10th Grade, 9th Grade students are encouraged to get acquainted with the academic and extracurricular offerings of the Upper School and to get to know their teachers as mentors. 9th Grade students work closely with their academic advisors to make sure their four year academic plan includes the most appropriate and robust classes for their four years in the Upper School. The college counselors typically host optional, casual "drop-in" sessions where 9th grade parents can learn more about the GFS College Counseling program. In the spring, 9th grade students and their parents/caregivers are welcome to attend a College Admissions Panel, hosted by the College Counseling Department, where college admissions representatives demystify common myths and share expert insights.

The journey to college begins in the second half of sophomore year with Career Explorations, an immersive five-week course led by the college counseling team. This program lays a strong foundation for future success, guiding students as they:

• Complete an online career interest inventory to uncover potential pathways;
• Build an activities résumé to showcase their accomplishments;
• Develop interviewing skills and put them to the test during a personalized mock interview.

In addition, sophomores take part in a six-week test prep mini-course, led by Capital Educators, designed to jump-start their preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. In the spring, the college counseling team hosts a College Admissions Panel, where representatives demystify common myths and share expert insights as well as a Mock ACT test for students to compare results with PSAT before creating a testing plan junior year.

Decision Making II, our college counseling class for juniors, is designed to better prepare our students for the important decisions they will be facing in the coming year and beyond, particularly decisions about college. The college search process is just that: a process that should be logical and timely. The first step is for the students to take a critical look at themselves and learn about their options. The mantra of the college counselors is that all students should seek colleges that are good fits for them, rather than seek to “fit into” a college. We hold two college counseling evening programs for juniors and parents. The first program is in December and lays out the college search and application process for students and parents. The second college night program is in the spring and includes a panel of college admissions representatives who discuss “fit factors” in college admission and work to demystify and humanize the college admissions process for our students.

In Decision Making II classes the college counselors speak to our students about topics such as campus visits, interviews, essays and letters of recommendation. In January of junior year, students begin individual meetings with the college counselors to create a preliminary list of colleges to investigate good fit schools more deeply.

In late May, the college counselors run a three-session "Camp College" program for juniors. During Camp College, juniors create their Common Application account and work on the actual application. On the third day of Camp College, we invite college admissions representatives to GFS to read and provide feedback on college essay drafts that the students crafted in their junior year English classes. We launch our students into the summer with completed applications, a college essay draft, and a more focused college list.

College Counselors teach the Decision Making II course and get to know the students as the students are getting to know themselves; thus, the counselors are better able to guide them through the college admissions journey toward right fit schools.

Transitions, our college counseling class for seniors, is designed to guide our students through the college application process in the fall and then guide them during the second semester towards their transition to college and beyond.  The course begins with the "nuts and bolts" of completing an application, stressing the importance of deadlines, well-written essays, ways to appropriately demonstrate interest, and guiding applicants to present themselves in the most authentic, comprehensive and compelling light. The focus of the second half of the year is more on the move away from Garrison Forest and making the transition to college. Topics may include  financial responsibility, making use of the resources (academic and personal) on a college campus, and dealing with homesickness and shifting friendships. Current GFS alumnae and Student Life professionals from local colleges are often asked to share their experiences in the transition.

During two weeks in May, Seniors participate in the Independent Senior Project (ISP) as a capstone experience. Click here to review the ISP Overview.