College Counseling

Transition to the Upper School

Concentrate on your classes and create a solid academic foundation

Learn to manage your time

Build relationships with teachers, advisors, classmates

Get involved! Explore all that Pingry has to offer; sports, arts, clubs, affinity groups, etc.

Think ahead regarding your 4 year curriculum

Make your summer meaningful with a job, sports, academic programs, or volunteering

Maintain your academic focus and continue to forge relationships within the community

Continue to explore opportunities at Pingry and look for leadership roles

Take the PSAT and or Practice ACT

Prepare for the SAT and or ACT, utilize Methodize Test Prep 

Take advantage of college counseling programs for specialized admissions programs in athletics, the arts, and the military/service academies if interested

Visit colleges around school breaks; these visits can be formal or informal

Discuss financial aid with your parents/guardians if needed

Reflect on your role in the communities you are involved with, think about how you spend your time and how you can have a greater impact

Make your summer meaningful with a job, sports, academic programs, or volunteering

Maintain your academic focus and connect with your teachers

Continue to explore leadership opportunities in your extracurricular activities

Continue to prepare for standardized testing,  take the PSAT if needed and take either the SAT and or ACT

Visit colleges on school breaks

Participate in the College Counseling Office (CCO) curriculum in the spring semester (this will be built into your schedule during collaboration mornings!)

Meet with your counselor to complete tasks and follow your plan

Spring tasks include asking 2 teachers to write letters of recommendation, writing senior autobiography and parent/guardian letter, attending the Jumpstart program in June

Begin researching merit and/or need-based aid via websites or College Aid Pro webinars offered through Pingry

Use your summer to solidify your college list and visit schools as needed

Summer is a great time to get involved in programs that are meaningful to you 

By August, you will be working on your application and essay draft(s)

Be aware of additional application materials required: portfolios, auditions, etc.

Maintain your academic focus in the classroom and be the best version of yourself

Work to narrow down your college list and think about Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA) programs

Finalize your college essay and work on your supplemental essays 

Meet with your counselor regularly to discuss your application, essays, and list

Participate in the CCO curriculum in the fall semester

Pay close attention to application deadlines.  Most ED and EA deadlines are November 1 or 15 though some are earlier/later.  

Regular Decision deadlines are usually in January and February though deadlines may vary from school to school

Some colleges offer merit scholarships that have deadlines prior to January

Trust that you have created an intentional and balanced college list and that you have represented the best version of yourself on your application 

Support your classmates! The process can be overwhelming at times; it is important to remain positive and encourage your peers throughout their journey.