Over the next few weeks, I will be meeting with all upper school students in groups and/or individually. Depending on their form, students will learn what they need to be thinking about in terms of preparing for the college application process, even if college seems a long way off. What is VERY clear from my travels to a wide variety of colleges this summer and in the past- grades and strength of course selection are vital. But remember - these two elements are relative to the specific student and college. A student needs to strive to do the best he/she can in the strongest courses that are appropriate to that student.
My focus for the next few months is on some very anxious sixth formers. They have a lot of work to do, and will demand much of my time, but I will not lose sight that all of our students are in the college process the second they begin third form. In the coming months, look for announcements about college fairs and the college forum offered to our fourth and fifth form students. Many college representatives have already scheduled visits to Saint James this fall, and these meetings are open to fifth and sixth formers.
College campus visits are very important, so hopefully students have had a chance to begin seeing some of the amazing institutions out there. As a reminder, though, now that school is in session, fifth and sixth formers should plan college visits around the upcoming breaks. Of course, there are times when conflicts between classes and college visits arise, so please review the School's policy about college visits. This policy is outlined on page sixteen of the Student Handbook.
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