York’s Philosophy on Guidance: The Student is Our Client
York Prep offers a thorough, student-centered college counseling program that begins with a brief overview of the college process in the student’s 9th-grade year, introduces test planning sophomore year, moves on to the college search in the junior year and culminates in completing college applications senior year.
We begin meeting individually with students in the spring of their sophomore year. As juniors, students enroll in a weekly college seminar that continues, on a semi-weekly basis, into the fall of their senior year.
With a combined 70 years of experience, our College Guidance office offers thorough advice tailored to each student’s particular needs and interests.
While we firmly believe that the student is our client, families are welcome to reach out to our counselors with any questions.
Guidance from 9th to 12th Grades
College Guidance begins in September of the 9th grade at student orientation, where students are strongly encouraged to earn good grades and become involved in the York Prep community. Additionally, students are encouraged to complete 25 hours of local community service, as we believe the most meaningful service is done in one’s own backyard. We make sure that every student takes the time to foster their interests, flourish in areas they excel, and gain more confidence in the areas that challenge them. Students are welcome to stop by the College Guidance office at any time to ask questions.
College Guidance also hosts a 9th and 10th grade Parent Night in January to inform parents of the above expectations as well as to answer questions regarding standardized testing, when to visit colleges, the challenges of social media, testing accommodations, and suggestions for summer plans.
College Guidance checks in with the 10th grade at student orientation and re-emphasizes the same suggestions recommended in the ninth grade: good grades, community service and school involvement. In the spring, students meet individually with a counselor to review his/her transcript, introduce and discuss SAT vs. ACT, contemplate strategies to enhance academics and extra-curricular activities, and find productive summer plans.
In 11th grade, we help students identify their strengths and interests to produce a balanced list of colleges. Beginning in the spring of their junior year, students enroll in a weekly seminar where they work on the Common Application, personal essays, teacher recommendation requests, and pre-college program applications. Additionally, they research schools, set up visits and interviews, and register for standardized testing. In addition to the weekly class, we meet individually with students at least twice in order to customize our guidance and ensure a thorough college application experience.
In December, we hold our College Night designed solely for parents of juniors to answer questions and alleviate concerns at this critical juncture. We invite a financial aid expert to provide an overview of the financial aid process. While our focus is on the student during this process, we keep parents thoroughly informed of their children's progress.
Junior College Guidance Events:
Junior PSATs (October)
Junior Parent College Night (December)
Financial Aid Expert (December)
College Visits (March, April and May): Admissions Representatives visit York Prep to give an overview their schools and answer questions for interested applicants.
The objective for each senior is to submit any Early Decision and/or Early Action applications. All applications are due to our office before Thanksgiving Break. Prior to sending any applications, students submit them to us for edits and suggestions. In order to complete their applications in a timely manner, the seniors meet twice a week for our college guidance seminar where they have the opportunity to finalize and send their applications and to meet with admissions representatives.
Throughout the college application process, we teach our students to self-advocate which will serve them well beyond high school and into their college years.
Senior College Guidance Events:
College Visits (September, October and November): Admissions Representatives visit York Prep to give an overview of their schools and answer questions for interested applicants.
Senior Parent College Night (September)
Financial Aid Presentation (September)
Senior Farewell Meeting (April)
Our approach
The York Prep College Guidance program, designed and directed by Ms. Janet Rooney, assists students in finding and gaining acceptance to a college best suited to their needs, abilities, and preferences. To achieve this goal, the York Prep College Guidance office holds individual meetings with students and group meetings with parents on a regular basis.
One of our key missions is to prepare students for college. College preparation begins as early as sixth grade, when curriculum choices are reviewed to ensure that each student’s educational growth is maximized. For example, students who demonstrate the requisite skills can take honors Math in seventh grade, followed by Pre-Algebra and placement in the more advanced math classes to finally earn a place in honors Calculus in the 12th grade.
Guidance does not end with college acceptance
We encourage our graduates to continue to communicate with us once they arrive at college. Once again, the College Guidance Office will not hesitate to contact a college directly if a York Prep graduate needs assistance during the college years.
The College Guidance office is always open and willing to help York Prep students in their goal of getting into their best match college.
