The goal of the Brewster College Office is to provide each student with a highly individualized college search process that leads to finding the right school for them. We focus on the idea of fit, a place where each student can fulfill their potential. We achieve this goal through individual meetings with students in conjunction with purposeful group curriculum throughout their time here. By the end of their Brewster experience, each student will be on their path toward a future of meaning and success.
Road Map to College
WHAT TO EXPECT BY GRADE
9th and 10th Grade
We meet with our 9th graders and discuss the important factors in the admission process and how they can set themselves up for success in regards to grades, curriculum, involvement, testing, and more.
10th Grade:
- Continue the discussion related to the important factors in the admission process
- Full team presentation about course selection for 11th grade
- Individual meetings pertaining to course selection for 11th grade
- Consider visiting colleges in the summer after 10th grade
11th Grade
October
- PSAT testing
- Naviance (college planning portal) registration
Instruction seminar for 11th grade parents occurs during Family Weekend
December
- PSAT test results/review
- SAT/ACT testing (optional)
January
- College Kickoff Workshops
- Register for spring SAT/ACT dates
- Complete student questionnaire
- Set up first college meeting with college counselor
- Develop initial college list
February
- ACT Testing
- Continue meeting with college counselor
- Set up college visits for March break
- Register for spring SAT/ACT dates
March
- SAT testing
- College visits during March break
- Begin College Office Curriculum
- Continue meeting with college counselor
April
- ACT testing
- Continue meeting with college counselor and researching colleges
- Continue College Office Curriculum
- Attend Lakes Region Independent School College Counseling Association College Fair
May
- SAT testing
- Continue meetings with college counselor and researching colleges
- Continue College Office Curriculum
- Plan college visits for the summer
- Take AP exams (if applicable)
June
- SAT/ACT testing
- Continue visiting colleges
- Finish remaining pieces of the College Office Curriculum
Summer Months
- Visit Colleges
- Finish remaining pieces of the College Office Curriculum
- Register for fall SAT/ACT test dates (as needed)
College Office Curriculum
The College Office works with our Juniors during our Social and Emotional Learning blocks from March to May in order to fully prepare them for the college process heading into the summer. Throughout the curriculum, our juniors will accomplish the following:
- Fill out the Common Application
- Request Teacher Recommendations
- Complete a resume
- Discuss and begin the brainstorming process for their college essay
- Complete the Major Recommendation Questionnaire which assists their College Counselor and teachers in writing their recommendations
- Go over requirements for international students, athletics, art/music/theater school, or any specific programs students may be interested in.
12th Grade
September
- ACT testing
- Meet with College Counselor to discuss summer visits
- Finalize college application list
- Complete the Common App and any other supporting documents
- Register for fall SAT/ACT test dates
- Attend college meeting for Seniors and Postgraduates
- Touch base with teachers about recommendations
- Meet with College Admission Representatives visiting Brewster
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
October
- SAT/ACT testing
- Continue everything from September
November
- Submit applications by November deadlines
- SAT testing
- Register for December SAT/ACT test dates
- Continue meeting with College Counselor and College Admission Representatives
- Ensure Teacher Recommendations have been submitted
- Plan final college visits for Thanksgiving break
- Finalize your college application list
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
December
- SAT/ACT testing
- If accepted to a college Early Decision withdraw all other applications
- Submit applications for December deadlines
- Continue meeting with college counselor
- Submit final college list and all applications for early January deadlines prior to holiday break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
January
- Submit applications by January deadlines
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
- Begin scholarship research at local high school counseling office, state education offices, and online
February
- Submit applications by February deadlines (if applicable)
- Visit colleges during February break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
March
- Visit colleges during March break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
April
- Notify College Office of final decisions from all colleges
- Finalize your college decision and financial aid forms
May
- Submit college deposit by May 1
- Inform all other colleges of your decision
- Take AP exams (if applicable)
- Notify College Office of final decisions from all colleges
June
- The College Office will send your final transcripts to the college you plan to attend
