9th Grade
Welcome to high school. If you didn't start with a private college counselor last year, it's not too late! In ninth grade, we get a general orientation to the college admissions process, discuss what college admissions officers look for, and explore why college entrance counseling is so important.
Services Include:
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Begin the goal-setting process, assessment of strengths and weaknesses, interests, high school course selection, and its impact on the college admissions process.
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Confirm curriculum choices for the rest of this year and start thinking about classes for 10th grade and beyond
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Discuss summer scholar programs or internships, academic classes, or job opportunities
Most importantly, find something that piques your interest, makes you unique, and sets you apart from everybody else. A great college admissions counselor in San Diego can help you plan the perfect transcript to optimize each year of your high school experience!
8th Grade
Eighth grade is a pivotal year when each student needs to lay the groundwork for a winning high school career and build a results-oriented action plan. Yes, you should be thinking about college admissions help this early! When we work together, we'll address college counseling activities as a team to point your child in the proper direction to achieve long-term educational goals.
Services Include:
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Discuss higher education goals, the student’s aspirations, and eighth-grade course selection
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Determine each student’s strengths and needs
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Review CASSP testing and school grades for indicated areas of strengths and weakness.
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Advise on summer and extracurricular activities based on the student’s interests and expertise and incorporate programs that will enhance college application success such as internships and summer scholar programs
Keep up good grades, develop good friendships, enjoy school, and start preparing for the future.
10th Grade
The halfway mark. A deeper review of the college application process, including grades, rigor, testing, activities, recommendation letters, and essays is important. This is a great time to work with a college essay counselor to improve your writing skills.
Services Include:
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Begin a comprehensive activity list and resume
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Keep all your important awards and achievements safe in a dedicated college file
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Begin "major and career exploration" with the help of your college counselor
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Discuss summer activity options
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11th-grade curricular planning, organizational tips, standardized testing prep plans, college suggestions, and the college research process. This year includes information gathering through guidebooks, websites, college admissions help, and college visits
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And much more!
Start reviewing family finances to get an idea of what type of colleges are going to be affordable and what types of financial aid may be needed. Joelson College Consulting can help you understand what financial college admissions help different schools offer.
This is the year most families seek out college admissions counselors and college admissions help, but earlier is better!
11th Grade
The most important year. KEEP GRADES UP.
Services Include:
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Set academic and extracurricular goals for the year and continue to work on a standardized test strategy
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Discuss test-optional schools (the standardized testing calendar starts to heat up this year)
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Review spring schedule to ensure it maximizes rigor appropriate to your situation and includes electives tailored to your interests
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Plan extracurricular/ summer activities, complete pre-essay writing and self-assessment activities, start college essays, continue resumes, and select courses for 12th grade
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And much more!
We will do a lot of college research, determine likes and dislikes, establish a "hierarchy of importance," plan college visits, assess ACT/SAT scores, and start pursuing teacher letters of recommendation.
12th Grade
and summer before
The homestretch. KEEP GRADES UP. Don't get Senioritis!!
Services Include:
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Students need to finalize the individualized college selection list, review application deadlines and requirements, develop a strategic college admissions plan, complete all applications, and meet all the different deadlines. A college admissions counselor helps you stay organized and on time!
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It is application time in August! We will discuss which schools to apply to Early Action or Early Decision and how to meet those deadlines
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Finish the Personal Statement, review all the applications – and begin supplemental essays for individual schools. Expert college essay counseling is available
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Review of your activities, financial aid application, scholarship eligibility, and grant opportunities
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Submit applications and breathe!!! Once those acceptance letters start to land in your inbox, then you can celebrate the ball being in your court!
Time to make your choice and relax and look forward to the next chapter of your future.