College Guidance

Do your best as you adjust to the routine and demands of Upper School life. Don't hesitate to ask your teachers and advisors for help or advice. That is why they are there. They want to help you succeed.

As you adjust to the Upper School, think about what courses and activities that you enjoy most.

Consider a summer internship, job or project in an area that you might be interested in pursuing or learning more about.

Fall:
Keep working. Take the PSAT in October. See our college calendar for specific dates. Continue participating in the activities, sports and outside interests that are important to you.

Winter:
Receive your PSAT results in December.

Spring:
Think about your volunteering opportunities, internships and summer jobs.

Summer before your Junior year: 
If you have the time, visit some college campuses or explore college websites online. Start to think about what kind of school might be best for you.

The college application process starts to heat up in the fall of your junior year.

October:
Take the PSATs at GFS on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 from 8:00-11:00 AM in the Yarnall Auditorium.

October-December:
We recommend that you take the SAT for the first time in October OR December.

January:
Junior Projects off campus. SAT prep sessions will be held at Germantown Friends throughout the month of January from 6:45- 8:30 PM in M-201.

January-June:
SATs may be taken in January, March, May and June. Check our standardized test page on this site for registration dates for both the SATs and the SAT subject test dates.

February:
After you return from you junior projects, you will be assigned your college faculty advisor prior to the11th Grade College Night on February 6, 2012 in Poley at 7:30 PM for you and your parents.

After College Night, please complete Form 1(at left) and schedule a meeting during February with your College Advisor. Try to give your advisor a really good picture of who you are as a person and a student so that they can be as helpful as possible in narrowing your college search. Think of the questions you may have for your advisor before the your first meeting.

March:
Schedule a meeting with your advisor and your parents particularly if you plan on college visiting before spring break.

March 22-April 2: (Spring Break)
Spring Break is a great time to schedule some college visits and to start making your potential college list if you haven't already done so.

Spring 2012:
Make sure to touch base with your advisor before you sign up for senior courses for next year. Think about leadership roles in various organizations during your Senior Year. 

May:
AP Exams will be held at GFS from Monday, May 14th thru Friday, May 18th, 2012.

June:
Ask teachers (usually two) from 11th and/or 12th grade if they will write a recommendation for you.

If you are considering applying for early decision or early action, be sure you have taken the ACT or the SAT reasoning test and any necessary SAT subject tests (one or two by June 2 (SAT); June 9 (ACT).

Save your graded papers. Many schools are now requiring a sample of graded writing.

July - August:
Do some more college visiting and interviewing, if possible, particularly at colleges that are especially far away and colleges that are popular. Talk with admissions officers, coaches, students, professors, and recent alumni whenever possible.  If you are seeking financial aid, be sure to visit the Financial Aid Office.

Many schools are back in session as early as mid-August, so end of year summer visiting is also possible.

Last week of November and the first two weeks of December:
Off-campus permission starts Nov. 15^th for seniors that have turned in their off-campus permission forms and who are in good academic standing. A period of intense activity related to college applications.  Students need to give Susie Choitz all relevant application materials (not the essay or their part of the application) due in to colleges by January 1st through January 15th deadlines by Monday, November 29^th.    

It is also a time during which faculty and college advisors are writing letters of recommendation.Students need to give those faculty writing on their behalf ample time to do so by asking for letters well in advance of due dates.They also need to budget their time to keep up with their school work while completing their applications at a time of year when family obligations require their participation.

On November 9, 2011 there will be a College Financial Aid Evening at Germantown Academy from 7:30-9:30 PM.

January:
First semester final exams offer what many seniors perceive as their last and most important opportunity to improve their academic profiles. Some college application deadlines may coincide with final exam week so,some students will face a double whammy. We are eager to help.

February:
The college application process is completed and first semester grades finalized.

March to mid April:
Senior privilege begins after spring break with the start of Essentially English.This means attendance to homeroom is not mandatory and more free time for students during the day (if they elect an evening Essentially English class). Students will be hearing from colleges.Acceptances and denials lead to ecstasy for some, disappointment for others, and a combination of the two for many. The support of all of us during this crucial time is vital.

The Merry Months of May and June:
Emotions run high as seniors celebrate their achievements while dealing with the inevitable anxiety that comes with separation from friends and family.

Balancing academic life and social life becomes more challenging. The prom, transition day, senior programs, senior community involvement days, graduation and other manifestations of their GFS careers winding down bring to a climax the intense feelings building during senior spring. In closing please keep in mind that GFS is a community.Teachers and administrators alike take a deep interest in the well being of your children. We care. Never hesitate to call on us.