Students take the PSAT in both 10th and 11th grades to become comfortable with the process of standardized testing. This test also serves as a benchmark for those planning to take the SAT or ACT during Junior Spring or Senior Fall.

Recently, a number of colleges have become test-optional in the admissions process. Many college admissions counselors consider factors such as GPA, strength of schedule, teacher recommendations, essays, transcripts, and community service much more strongly than the SAT/ACT. However, we want to be sure that students experience a standardized test if they do choose to take either the SAT or ACT during their Junior or Senior year.

Students take the PSAT again in 11th grade to serve as a further benchmark for those considering the SAT or ACT. Students who opt to take either test should plan their studies accordingly during Junior year. Ideally, students should aim to take the test in the Spring of 11th grade or Fall of 12th grade at the latest. Many schools have become test-optional, so we strongly encourage students and families to consider this as a great option in the college admissions process.

 

During the College and Career Readiness unit in 11th grade seminar, we speak about the different paths one might take in their post-Purnell lives, including attending college, entering the workforce, volunteering, or completing a gap year program. Students are guided in how to search for internships and volunteer opportunities, how to write a cover letter, and tips on how to interview. They research potential career opportunities based on career inventory assessments in addition to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator questionnaire to help hone in on possible career paths. From there, they look into various college majors and research programs based on their interests.

By the end of Junior year, each student has a strong understanding of the college admissions process and the college application timeline. Junior year is the ideal time to begin touring college campuses either in person or online via virtual tours and information sessions. However, it is never too soon to start looking into colleges, so we even encourage 9th and 10th graders who show an earlier interest to begin a preliminary search. Students and families come to understand that this is a very personal process, and they work together with the College and Career Counselor in one-on-one consultations to discuss potential next steps.

An important component of the 11th grade English curriculum is working on the personal statement essay for the Common Application. Students work to craft an essay based on the Common App essay prompts over the course of the Spring semester. Purnell students are able to use this essay to submit in their Common App if they choose to work on college applications during the summer. During the Fall of Senior year, the English teachers and the College and Career Counselor meet with students who would like to edit and fine-tune their personal statement and supplemental essays.

The College and Career Counselor joins the 12th grade seminar during the fall semester to focus on the college application process and discuss college financial planning, like explaining the FAFSA and scholarships. The process becomes much more individualized during senior year when students and the counselor meet one-on-one to finalize their college list. The focus of the list is to narrow students to approximately nine to twelve schools total to apply to. We suggest that students apply to three or four colleges in each of the categories of likely schools, match schools, and reach schools.

 

Each student is given access to Naviance, which is an online college and career readiness platform. Naviance is especially helpful for students and families during the college search process. Naviance links directly to college and university websites as well as resources for scholarships, financial aid, and more. Users can also compare statistics of past Purnell applicants to colleges that they are interested in. Login information is provided to students and parents/guardians. Please contact the College and Career Counselor if you need to reset your password or if you have any questions about the platform.

 

Our College and Career Counselor works with students and families throughout the year, each step of the way. We understand the multitude of emotions that seniors go through as they grapple with thinking about high school coming to an end and starting a brand new chapter of their lives. We maintain our highly individualized approach to working with each girl and her family throughout her journey.

 

Here to help,

 

Lindsey Skerker, M.S.Ed.

College and Career Counselor