Below are several highlights of Prep’s exceptional College Counseling program.
We Know Our Students!
The assigned college counselor writes a detailed recommendation that is a fully researched biography, telling the unique story of each senior. We begin formal meetings with juniors and their parents in January and continue to meet individually with students and parents on different aspects of the process: visiting colleges, determining what is a good fit, creating a list of schools to apply to, guidance on testing, editing and advice on applications, and much more.
We Work With Our Students To Get It Done!
Juniors and seniors have scheduled class time with college counselors to do college research and work on applications.
Team Approach
Prep has two college counselors for approximately 50 seniors. We work very closely together to discuss students and their college processes.
Test Prep
While many colleges and universities are now test-optional or test-free, practice tests for the ACT and SAT are offered starting sophomore year. We also provide resources for individual tutoring.
SCOIR
We train students and parents in how to use this cutting-edge program to research colleges, assess the selectivity of a college within the context of each individual student, and manage their applications.
Admission Rep Visits
Over 100 college admissions representatives visit Prep every fall to meet our students. It is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the schools they are considering. It is also a time for students to establish a relationship with the representative who will most likely be the first reader of their application.
Financial Aid Guidance
We hold a financial aid information night every year with the Director of Financial Aid from a college or university to provide an overview of the process and answer questions. We also guide parents in asking the right questions about aid and then give them resources for filling out complicated forms, getting advice on financial planning, and finding merit scholarships. We host a FAFSA completion night (the free financial aid application required to be eligible for need-based aid).
Annual Case Studies Event with College Reps
We invite up to twenty college admissions reps to visit Santa Fe Prep in April to read real applications with students and parents. Participants will be split into 5-6 admissions committees with 2-3 college reps per committee, guiding them through the process of evaluating “the fit” of the sample applications. Accepting, Denying, and Waitlisting applicants introduce students and parents to the different parts of an application, how each is weighed, and how those priorities differ among colleges and universities.