Action Items, News & Events

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Seniors:

2021 Scholarship and Financial Aid information has just been posted. Click here for details.Dear Seniors and Families,

posted 4/13/21

You’re almost there!  As many of you are in the process of making decisions about what life will look like in the fall, we wanted to reach out and let you know that we are still here to support you.  If your plans include college in the fall and you need to talk through your admission options, financial aid packages, or what to do about a waitlist, please reach out. This was an unpredictable and unprecedented year in college admissions. Here are some things to keep in mind as you think about your next steps and reflect on this process.

• The number of students applying to some of the more competitive colleges and universities hit record breaking levels this year – many applicant pools were up 20-40%, but at Colgate University the number increased by a whopping 104%!!

• Because of all the unknowns this year due to the pandemic and many schools adopting test optional policies, many colleges relied heavily on their Early Decision applicant pools making it extremely difficult for students to be admitted in the regular round. Many colleges have filled more than 50% of their freshmen class from ED. At Tufts University, for example, the acceptance rate for applicants in the regular pool shrunk to 3.5%. This is on par with Harvard’s record low rate of 3.4% in the regular round.

• If you’re on a waitlist, check your portal or the college’s admissions page to see whether you need to indicate your intention to stay on the waitlist and what, if anything, the college will accept as additional information when they are making decisions. If a college will accept Q3 grades, we are happy to send an updated transcript. Keep in mind that you are on the waitlist because the college knows you can be successful on their campus. At this point, though, it is very much a numbers game as colleges will be prioritizing institutional needs. If you don’t fulfil what they happen to be looking for to round out their entering class, chances are you won’t be offered a spot.

• If you are trying to decide between two schools, attend accepted student events (virtual or not – up to your comfort level), and seek out any opportunities to learn more. Try to find a student forum. If you know your chosen major, research the offerings of that department, research opportunities, and job placement rates. The more you know, the more informed decision you can make.

• If you are hoping for more financial aid, reach out to the financial aid office of the desired institution and make an appointment. Sometimes it helps to submit copies of financial aid offers from other schools to help your case.

It’s important to remember that the college you attend does not determine who you are or what you will do. If you didn’t get accepted at your top choice it doesn’t mean you won’t have an amazing experience in the next chapter of your life. You bring your unique interests, talents, curiosity, and passions wherever you go and will take advantage of the ample opportunities available to you wherever you end up. (Frank Bruni’s book Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be provides a great perspective!)

Please know that we are here to help you as you finalize your plans after high school. Never hesitate to reach out. If you’ve made a decision, let us know!

Best,

WHS Guidance

Videos for Seniors on the College process

SAT Offered to Seniors Only

Information for Seniors From the Guidance Department

Juniors:

Sign up for CollegeBoard’s Virtual College Fair . And, get excited for guidance seminar! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, your counselors’ job is to help you succeed. Feel free to send them an email or schedule a time through youcanbook.me

Sophomores: All Sophomores are encouraged to attend CollegeBoard’s Virtual College Fair.Continue to participate in activities in and outside of Weston! Stay connected with your peers and the community!

Freshmen:  If you want to make the most out of your high school experience, now is the time to start thinking about what you are doing outside of the classroom. Trying a variety of extracurricular activities, such as jobs, sports, clubs and volunteer work, will give you a better sense of who you are and what you are interested in.