College Counseling

During their first two years in the Upper School, your student will explore broad academic and extracurricular interests through our integrated learning experiences, helping them build the self-knowledge and confidence for a thoughtful college decision. Students also meet with college counselors each fall to discuss the college admission process and what to expect.

Fall: Your student will be paired with a college counselor who will support them through senior year.

Winter: In December, you and your student will participate in an introductory group meeting as well as begin receiving regular communication from the College Counseling Office. Formal college planning will begin in January; this includes your student starting the weekly College Planning Class with counselors and learning to use Scoir, a powerful planning and application tool that analyzes admission data, searches schools, and tracks applications.

Spring: You and your student will meet regularly with your counselor to identify right-fit colleges and prepare application materials. Through the spring and into the summer, your student will begin finalizing their college list, writing their main essay, and requesting teacher recommendations. College visits are also encouraged during this time.

Fall: As they finalize applications, your student will continue to attend the weekly College Planning Class and meet regularly with their counselor. They’ll also participate in workshops on key topics and meet with college and university representatives who visit Rowland Hall.

Winter: Your student will begin submitting applications between October (for early admission) and February (for regular admission).

Spring: Your student will receive admission and financial aid offers and make their final enrollment decision by the May 1 national deadline.

Rowland Hall recognizes that families of students navigating the college admission process also need guidance. In addition to regular communication, parents and caregivers of students in grades 9–12 are invited to an annual grade-level session that provides an overview of the college admission process. Families are also invited to our ongoing college counseling education series held throughout the year. Fifteen or more sessions address timely topics such as admission factors (extracurriculars, supplemental essays, interviews, and more), paying for college, understanding admissions data, athletic recruiting, and navigating the American college system (for families with international backgrounds).