College Counseling
Newsletter
January 14, 2021

Dear Upper School Families,

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas break!

The new year is an exciting time in College Counseling. Unlike most of the school, our office really starts anew in January. Our Seniors will finish their few remaining applications by the end of this month and move on from their college applications to their senior thesis. I will continue to meet with seniors if needed, often to help with their final decisions.

Juniors will shortly begin working on their application documents. Be on the look out for an email about starting the Letters of Recommendation process in the next few weeks! We will also begin brainstorming for the Common App Essay. This year is all about preparation: compiling application materials and documents, preparing and taking standardized tests, so that come August the application packet is ready to send.

Sophomores and Freshmen should continue their focus on their academics. College Counseling will partner with Academic Advising to begin setting up meetings with Sophomores this spring, and Freshman group meetings begin this week.

I am often asked what a student, particularly those in 9 & 10th grade, can be doing in terms of College Counseling. The most important thing any student can do for their college application is to focus on their academics. A strong high school transcript, that shows growth and rigor, is key to a strong college application. Junior year is particularly important, as it is the last full year of academics the colleges will see.

I am always available to meet if you would like to discuss individual strategies for your college preparation!

All the best,

Miranda Johnson
Director of College Counseling
Virtual College Fairs
Who: Juniors
Where: Virtual
What: The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is hosting a series of virtual college fairs this spring. This is a good way to learn more about a large variety of schools. Registration is required!
College Visit Days
Who: Juniors & Seniors
What: Students have 5 days to visit colleges over the second semester of their junior year and all of senior year. These excused absences are for visiting a college campus in-person. Students must speak to Mrs. Johnson about the visit before they leave, in order to get the absence excused.
Reminder: Scholarships & Summer Opportunities on OakcrestConnect
Who: Juniors & Seniors
Where: OakcrestConnect College Counseling Group
What: Any scholarships opportunities or external summer programs that are sent to me will be posted on OakcrestConnect. Please check it weekly for any new opportunities!
College Counseling Summer Programs: Coming Soon!
College Essays Workshop
Who: Rising 11th & 12th grades
What: Work with Mrs. Johnson on college application essay writing

SAT Prep Course
Who: Rising 10th, 11th, & 12th grades
What: Prep course conducted over 2 weeks with a tutor from Educational Connections

Registration information for Summer Programs coming soon!
Upcoming Deadlines and Dates
1/22: Juniors - Final list of teachers for letters of recommendations sent to Mrs. Johnson
1/14 - 1/28: Group meetings with Freshman
2/12: Juniors: Deadline to ask your 2 teachers for letters of recommendation
2/12: Registration deadline for the March 13 SAT.