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Junior to Senior Year Comprehensive Package
Parents Guide to the College Admissions Process
The journey through the college admissions process is a transformative and often overwhelming experience, not just for our children but for us as parents. Navigating the maze of applications, standardized testing and multiple college essays requires a strategic approach and a supportive guide.
The college counseling process is a collaborative effort between parents, students, and dedicated professionals who specialize in guiding young minds toward higher education. From the early stages of high school, college counselors become invaluable allies, helping students chart their academic and extracurricular paths.
Parents seek reassurance in the expertise and insights that a professional advisor can provide during the college admissions time frame. Witnessing your high school student gain cavity and purpose under the mentorship of a college counselor is a gratifying experience knowing they are on the path to self discovery and personal growth.
Why Hire Greenhaus College Consulting
One of the primary benefits of college counseling is the structured approach it brings to what can be a chaotic process. Our college counselors assist in creating a timeline for extracurricular development, standardized testing, application submissions, and preparing the essays and other required documents. This organization not only eases the burden for a high school student but also provides a clear roadmap for parents to understand and support their child’s journey.
At Greenhaus College Consulting our college counselors play a pivotal role in helping your student discover their passions and strengths. Through in-depth conversations, personality assessments, and thoughtful guidance, counselors aid students in identifying not only where they want to go but who they want to become.
How Can Greenhaus College Consulting help my high school student in their junior year?
The expertise of the team at Greenhaus College Consulting extends beyond the selection of universities. They are well-versed in the intricacies of the application process, offering valuable advice on crafting compelling personal statements and essays. Parents truly appreciate the meticulous attention that our professional counselors provide in helping their student to present the best versions of themselves to admissions committees. The last two years of high school are often stress ridden times for families and it can be a huge relief to know that your child is not navigating this crucial process alone but supported by someone with a wealth of experience who is dedicated to their success.
Our Approach
We partner your student with an educational consultant who will provide expert guidance on highlighting their strengths and writing the most compelling stories. Each mini assignment will bring about new learning, and students will gain confidence with each milestone they reach. Our team of educational consultants include experts in the field of teaching, counseling, academic advising, and essay coaches. Each mini assignment will bring about new learning, and students will gain confidence with each milestone they reach. While each student will go through the process at various times in the junior year we find the best approach is to start early.
Junior Year Advisement
Exploration: When we first begin working with students, we like to spend some time helping them learn about themselves and how that will translate to their educational choices about college. The initial self-discovery phase is crucial for building a strong foundation for their future. Work with students to set both short-term and long-term goals is key.
Career Testing: Greenhaus College Consulting utilizes The Strong Interest Inventory® which is an assessment that helps students to match their interests with educational, and career goals by using an individual’s preferences in a variety of areas to aid them in discovering potential career options.
Academic planning: Getting a jumpstart on this process is imperative so that we have time to make changes in the students curriculum prior to the junior year. We will identity the UC requirements as well as how to prepare best for STEM programs and selective college admissions. Each students academic plan will be tailored towards their interests and goals.
Testing Strategies and Timeline: Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT and view both equally. We recommend that students take a practice test early in the junior year to help them decide on which test best suits them. Students will be advised of test dates in advanced and this will be part of the overall college checklist for junior year.
Student Activities: Students will report their extracurriculars and volunteer work on their college applications in their senior year. Giving back to the community demonstrates passion, maturity commitment and character. We provide worksheets for student to track their activities and help them begin writing descriptions for college applications early in the process.
Junior Year Curriculum
Developing a customized list of 15-25 colleges: Students will create a customized list of colleges to research and explore. Considering academic programs, location, campus size and culture and selectivity.
Refining the Student Activity Resume: Refining your student activity resume is essential to present a clear and compelling picture of your achievements, skills, and involvement.
College Applications for private and out of state schools: Students can begin working on their activities descriptions early in the junior year. Official college applications will open in August. Many schools are on the common application but some are on their own portal so we encourage students to prepare in advance.
UC Application: The UC application opens in August but we advise students to prepare their materials over the summer so they can get a jumpstart on the process. We will provide guidance on various application sections and utilize practice worksheets with the UC essay prompts.
Developing essay topics for the UC Application: The University of California (UC) application requires students to respond to four out of eight personal insight questions. These prompts are designed to help you share your personal experiences, perspectives, and achievements. We get started on these prompts during the late spring and early summer of junior year.
Essay topics for the Common Application: Getting prepared for the essay topics on the Common Application involves thoughtful reflection, brainstorming, planning, and effective writing. The Common Application provides seven essay prompts for the students to choose from.
Developing topics for supplemental essays: When developing topics for supplementary college essays, it’s important to choose subjects that allow you to showcase aspects of yourself not covered in the main application. These essays provide an opportunity for admissions officers to learn more about your personality, experiences, and values. We work very closely with our students when choosing their essay topics and developing their ideas.
Campus Visit Planning and Preparation: Planning a campus visit is a crucial step in the college selection process, as it provides you with first hand experience of the campus environment and helps you determine if it’s the right fit. For students who cannot do in person visits we encourage virtual information sessions and campus tours.
Developing an Action Timeline: Creating an action timeline for the college application process is crucial to ensure that you meet all deadlines and have ample time to prepare. Staying organized, meeting deadlines, and seeking guidance from your college advisor will set you up for success.
Targeted Guidance for Selective College Admissions
It’s important to focus on showcasing the students unique qualities, experiences and aspirations to the admissions office. The goal is to present a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants. Our curriculum will be customized based on the students goals. Greenhaus College Consulting offers a Silver, Gold and Platinum packages that aligns with the students overall admissions goals.
Junior Year Curriculum for Selective Colleges
Application Strategies: Early Decision, Early Action and Restrictive Early Action – By applying early students will give themselves an opportunity to demonstrate their interest in a particular college and increase their admissions chances.
Summer Programs that align with intended major: Assistance in applying to programs that will help students learn skills they can apply to their college application.
Exploring ideas for Passion Projects that show character, creativity and leadership: Colleges are interested in personal interests and the impact that students can have on a campus community. Passion projects provide a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and initiative.
Identifying Research Opportunities: Engaging in research projects showcases your initiative and curiosity. It signals to colleges that you are willing to go beyond standard coursework to explore and delve deeper into subjects that interest you.
Demonstrating Interest to your top choice colleges: Admissions officers want to admit students who are genuinely excited about attending their institution. Expressing interest through emails, interviews, or other communications helps convey your enthusiasm and passion for becoming a part of their academic community.
Interview Preparation: The interview allows you to explain your motivations for applying to the college, your chosen major, and your career aspirations. Providing thoughtful and well-articulated responses helps the admissions committee understand your goals and how they align with the college’s offerings.
Developing an application theme or spike and demonstrating this to colleges: Highlight key experiences, projects and achievements that best represent your abilities and character. These could include leadership roles, community service, internship, or other unique hobbies or talents.
Students will excel through our step-by-step process:
Tools and Resources for Student Success
How do I get started?
Interested the Junior to Senior Year Comprehensive Package? It all starts with the Greenhaus Consultation.
Contact us today at 1-858-204-0659 / 858-481-6045 or send us an email at collegeprepbygina@gmail.com
Fill out the form on our Contact page and send us your intake including a current transcript. We will get back to you with the next steps.