College Placement | The Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA

• Start your high school career strong (things you do now will impact your opportunities in your senior year). 
• Begin to explore extracurricular interests and get involved
• Meet with college reps when they visit the campus
• Stay on top of your school work. Do the best that you can do.
• If you are traeling over the breaks, look for colleges along the way to visit.
• Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for your sophomore year (challenge yourself).
• Finish the school year strong and knock your exams out of the park.
• Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses or programs, get a job, and look for volunteer opportunities (these types of experiences look good on your college application and help with essay ideas).
• Visit college campuses during your summer vacation.
• Relax a little and be proud of what you have accomplished this year!

• Start the year strong (things you do now will impact your opportunities in your senior year).
• Stay involved and look for leadership positions in your extracurricular activities.
• Meet with college reps when they visit campus.
• Stay on top of your school work. Do the best that you can do.
• Take the PSAT for practice at Dunham in October.
• If you are traveling over the breaks, look for colleges along the way to visit.
• Take the ACT at Dunham in March.
• Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for your junior year (challenge yourself!).
• Take AP examps if appropriate.
• Finish the year strong and knock your exams out of the park.
• Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses or programs, get a job, and look for volunteer opportunities (these types of experiences look good on your college application and help with essay ideas).
• Visit college campuses during your summer vacation.
• Enjoy a little downtime and get ready for your Junior Year!

• Start the year strong (things you do now will impact your opportunities in your senior year).
• Select one or two extracurriculars you can pursue in depth and engage in leadership opportunities.
• Meet with college reps when they visit campus.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT at Dunham in October for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying.
• Utilize the career and college search tools in Naviance, and being to create your "Colleges I'm Thinking About" list.
• Finish the first semester strong!
• If you are traveling over the breaks, look for colleges along the way to visit.
• Review your PSAT scores with the College Placement Team.
• Work with your advisor to select a challenging but appropriate academic schedule for your senior year (challenge yourself!).
• Take the ACT at Dunham in March.
• Review your ACT scores with the College Placement Team and consider retaking the test if neccesary, or take the SAT.
• Take AP exams if appropriate.
• Finisht the year strong and knock your exams out of the park (when you apply in the fall, the initial transcripts colleges will see will be through your junior year).
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (if you want to play collegiate athletics).
• Spend your summer productively - enroll in summer enrichment courses or programs, get a job, and look for volunteer opportunities (these types of experiences look good on your college application and help with essay ideas).
• Retake the ACT or SAT.
• Visit college campuses during the summer vacation.
• Relax a little and get ready for your Senior Year!

• Start the year strong (your fall grades will be sent to colleges).
• Consider taking or retaking the ACT or SAT if needed.
• Create your "Colleges I'm Applying To" list in Naviance.
• One-on-one meetings with the College Placement Team.
• Request Teacher Recommendations if needed.
• Meet with the college reps when they visit campus.
• Create your Common Application account if needed.
• Submit admissions applications based on your college's deadlines.
• Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile if applying for need-based aid.
• Complete the TOPS application if you are NOT submitting the FAFSA.
• Finish the first semester strong! Your fall grades will be sent to the colleges to which you have applied or will apply to.
• If you are traveling over the breaks, look for colleges along the way to visit.
• Follow up with colleges regarding status/outstanding documents.
• Retake the ACT offered at Dunham in March if needed.
• Notify the College Placement Team of acceptances and scholarship awards.
• If you have no received an admisions decision by mid-April, contact the college for an update.
• Take AP exams if appropriate.
• Select the school you will be attending by May 1.
• Celebrate with your class on College Announcement Day.
• Finish the year strong (all college acceptances are contingent on a successful senior year).
• Notify the College Placement Team of your final choice and all scholarship awards.
• Enjoy your family and friends, and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life! It's going to be great!

While the bulk of applications happen in senior year, preparation truly begins freshman year with strong academics, extracurricular involvement, and exploring interests. Junior year is critical for standardized testing and initial college research.

Grades and challenging coursework are generally the most important factors. Standardized test scores still play a significant role for many colleges, though a number are test-optional or test-blind. It's crucial to research each college's specific policy.

Most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT, and they do not have a preference for one over the other. It's generally recommended that students take a practice test for both exams to see which format and content better suits their strengths. Once a student determines which test they perform better on, they should focus their preparation on that single test. Most students benefit from taking their chosen test 2-3 times. Many colleges "superscore," meaning they'll combine a student's best section scores from different test dates to create a higher overall score.

It's recommended to apply to a balanced list of schools: typically 1-2 "safety" schools (where admission is highly likely), 2-3 "target" schools (good fit academically), and 1-2 "reach" schools (challenging but possible). The selection process should consider academic fit, social environment, financial considerations, and student interests.

Early Action (EA) is non-binding and allows students to apply early and receive an early decision. Early Decision (ED) is binding, meaning if accepted, the student is committed to attending that college. Regular Decision (RD) is the standard application round with later deadlines and notification dates.

College costs vary widely. Families should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and often the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for need-based aid. Students should also actively seek out merit-based scholarships from colleges and external organizations. Open and honest conversations about finances are essential.

A parent's/guardian's role is primarily supportive and advisory. Parents or guardians should encourage the student to take ownership of the process, but be available to help with research, organization, proofreading essays, and discussing financial realities. Avoid contacting admissions offices on their behalf, as colleges prefer to interact directly with applicants.

It's perfectly normal! Many students enter college undecided. Each student is encouraged to explore various subjects in high school, and look for colleges with strong general education programs or opportunities to explore different fields before declaring a major.

Extracurriculars demonstrate a student's passions, commitment, and leadership skills beyond academics. Essays are crucial for showcasing personality, writing ability, and unique perspectives, allowing admissions committees to see beyond the numbers.

Summers are valuable for college preparation. Activities can include standardized test prep, visiting college campuses, researching schools, working on college essays, pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities, or engaging in summer academic programs.