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Thoughts for Tenth Graders and Parents
As a tenth grader you have the opportunity to continue to write the script for your experience in the Upper School that you began as a ninth grader. Our advice to students is to use this time wisely, to make the most of the opportunities available here at Friends and outside of school. Seek out courses that will stimulate and challenge you. Get involved in activities which interest you. You don’t need to think too much about the details of the college admission process just yet. Instead work hard, get involved, continue to discover your passions, and have some fun.
The best preparation for college “readiness” cannot be reduced to a single formula or an “earlier is better” philosophy. Our recommendation is to both live and study intensely. To read, to find a passionate interest, to practice a sport or an instrument, to help others, to draw and to photograph--all of these are accomplishments Friends Seminary students have long undertaken and are of inestimable value.
College Related Activities Include:
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Financing a College Education webinar in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Coffee for ninth and tenth grade parents about standardized testing in December.
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Grade 10 Optional College night in January.
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Practice ACT in February and digital Practice SAT in March.
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Financing a College Education with SmartTrack webinar in April: open to all Upper School families.
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In late spring, tenth graders will meet individually with their assigned counselor to review practice test results and other college-related items.
Looking Ahead
In eleventh grade, students need to begin the college process in earnest. As your College Counselors, we are here to help you and excited to start our work together!
Beginning in the winter of eleventh grade, students meet with the College Counselors once a cycle in small groups. This is the Seminar class and it will continue through the first semester of the senior year. This small group format allows us to break the college process into bite-size pieces… each class focusing on different topics such as Admissions 101, Developing Interview Skills, or Do's and Dont's of the College Essay.
In addition, students will meet again with their assigned College Counselor individually in the late fall/early winter. These one-on-one meetings allow us to focus on each student’s particular interests, issues, and choices. These meetings are also an important way for us to get to know the students for whom we will be writing letters of recommendation and serving as their advocate to admission committees in other ways. In the spring, every student is required to have one family meeting with their college counselor during which an initial list of colleges is provided.
Other College Related Activities Include:
Eleventh Grade
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College Admission Representative visits at Friends throughout the fall: open to eleventh and twelfth graders.
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The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is administered to eleventh graders in October (optional).
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Financing a College Education night in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Grade 11 College Night for students & parents in November.
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SAT/ACT tests are taken in the spring of eleventh grade and the fall of twelfth grade.
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College Coffees for parents are hosted in February and May.
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Financing a College Education with SmartTrack webinar in April: open to all Upper School families.
Twelfth Grade
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College Admission Representative visits at Friends throughout the fall: open to eleventh and twelfth graders.
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Case Studies Event for twelfth graders and their parents in September.
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Grade 12 College Night for parents in September.
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Financing a College Education night in November: open to all Upper School families.
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Transition to College Talks in May (twelfth graders & parents).
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College Coffees for parents are hosted multiple times during the year.