College Counseling

List of 4 items.

• Grade 9: Laying the groundwork for a successful high school experience

  • Select the most challenging courses appropriate for you.
  • Explore extracurricular activities such as sports teams, school activities, and volunteer opportunities outside campus.
  • With guidance and encouragement from faculty, develop a love of learning and self-discovery.
  • With guidance and encouragement from your grade-level advisor, focus on issues of wellness, study skills, and time management.
  • Begin introductory work with our Grade 9-10 college counselor to learn about summer programs, early college search advice, and specific pre-college programs.

• Grade 10: Beginning to think seriously about college

  • Continue to focus on appropriately rigorous academics and good study habits.
  • Take the PSAT in the spring for practice.
  • With support and encouragement from faculty, get involved in the life of the school and consider opportunities for leadership.
  • With your parent or guardian, attend the sophomore International Baccalaureate & College Counseling night.
  • With guidance from your Grade 9-10 college counselor, identify, explore, and nurture areas of interest; and create opportunities to share your knowledge with others.
  • If you are interested in playing a sport in college, meet with Annie Wright’s Athletic Director to map out a plan for outreach and recruitment.
  • With guidance and support from faculty and your Grade 9-10 college counselor, evaluate your interests, activities, and strengths to set ambitious goals for the next school year and plan for an enriching summer.

• Grade 11: Entering the heart of Annie Wright's college counseling

  • Continue to excel at appropriately rigorous academic coursework. In addition to earning the AWS Diploma, students can pursue the full IB Diploma or IB Course Candidacy.
  • Step into leadership roles in activities where you can make the most impact.
  • Take the PSAT in October (scores will be submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for consideration) followed by the SAT in the spring.
  • Work with your Grade 11-12 college counselor to create a customized plan for standardized testing in the spring and summer of junior year.
  • Meet with college admissions officers who visit Annie Wright. Over 75 local, national, and international colleges and universities come to campus to meet with our students and College Counseling team throughout the year.
  • Begin meeting with your Grade 11-12 college counselor to develop a strong relationship and get individual advice on how to build a well-rounded college list.
  • Together with your parents or guardians, meet with your Grade 11-12 college counselor to create a customized strategy for your college applications that meets your academic, financial, and career goals.
  • Visit colleges throughout the school year
  • Attend special programming to begin working on your college essays.
  • With the help of your Grade 11-12 college counselor, identify teachers for letters of recommendation, shape a tentative list of schools, and finalize summer enrichment opportunities.

• Grade 12: Choosing a college

  • Continue academically rigorous coursework throughout senior year, as colleges will receive your midyear transcript.
  • Register to take your final SAT and/or ACT exam.
  • Continue to meet with college admissions officers who visit Annie Wright.
  • Attend College Week to fine-tune your essays, activities list, resume, and applications. Meet with your Grade 11-12 college counselor for a final review. Many seniors finish their applications during College Week.
  • Your Grade 11-12 college counselor will make sure all recommendation letters and supporting materials are submitted on time.
  • Visit colleges you are considering attending.
  • Take any IB tests, as the vast majority of Annie Wright students score well enough on IB exams to earn course credits at colleges and universities.