Courage and Confidence since 1880

College Planning Timeline

    Grades 9-10
  • The best preparation for college admission is for students to work to the best of their abilities in their classes and build strong academic records in high school.
  • Students should explore and develop their interests both in and out of the classroom. They should take initiative and begin to understand their strengths and weaknesses, working to their strengths and passions while being open to taking on new challenges.
  • Students will take the PSAT in October on campus to familiarize themselves with the format. Students are encouraged to look at sample ACT questions as well to determine if that test may be a better fit.
  • The best prep for either standardized test is doing well in class. Students should read broadly to build vocabulary and comprehension skills and put in extra time to master math concepts.
  • Students are encouraged to attend college fairs or visit college campuses when the opportunity arises.
  • Students should keep track of their activities, service experiences, and any awards they receive, which will make it easier for them to build a comprehensive resume during the application process.
  • Students should use the summer to explore interests that may not be available or that they may not have time for during the school year.

    Grade 11
  • The college process kicks off in a more formal way when we meet with parents to provide an overview of the college process.
  • The College Guidance Team works more formally with students in January of junior year, after the seniors have finished their final applications.
  • The college counselors meet with students on an individual basis to discuss factors that can influence college choices, such as location, size, proximity to a city, relative degree of competitiveness and selectivity and the availability of special programs or facilities. Students will research colleges and reflect on what is important to them.
  • Junior class meetings are used to discuss strategies on essay writing, standardized testing options, interviews, recommendations, campus visits, the admissions decisions process and  other topics.
  • Spring Vacation is a good time to make preliminary college visits while college students are on campus. Tours and information sessions may be limited, but an informal visit will help you think about what type of college you might be interested in and why.

    Grade 12
  • The summer leading up to 12th grade, Seniors are asked to write drafts of their college essays, get a jump start on their applications, prepare for standardized tests, and begin solidifying their list of colleges to which they would like to apply. Students and families are encouraged to communicate with the college guidance team throughout the summer, as we are willing and eager to assist with all of these important tasks.
  • In the fall, “Senior Group” will be a part of every Senior’s academic schedule. During Senior Group, the college guidance team will meet with the senior class to discuss all aspects of the college process, answer questions, and guide students toward completing their applications.
  • College counselors meet individually with every student to help them solidify their college lists and aid them in all aspects of the application process. Students are not assigned to a particular college counselor; we work as a team to ensure that each student feels supported by every adult in our office, and we hope each student will take full advantage of the expertise and advice each of us can provide. Students are welcome to meet with us as many times as they would like, and parents are also encouraged to meet with us.
  • Throughout the fall, college admissions representatives will visit NCDS. These sessions are informational; they are not formal interviews. Students may attend these information sessions whenever they have a free period, and they can also be excused from classes a limited number of times to attend these sessions for schools they are particularly interested in. It is the student's responsibility to see those representatives when they are on campus, and to arrange with teachers to be excused from class when necessary.
  • As decisions from colleges arrive, the college counseling office helps students and their families in making their final choices.