Finding the best fit institution is a process that relies on student reflection, individual criteria, and future goals. One student's best fit college may be another's worst fit. The counseling program at Walden helps students and families move beyond name recognition, rankings, and sports programs to ensure that whichever school is ultimately selected will have all the necessary qualities in place to help students succeed. Students should be excited to attend their selected school and feel like their experience will be worth the investment.

Walden's college counseling program tailors each college search to the individual student. At the start, our goal is to select 5 to 10 institutions to which the Senior will apply.

The college application process is different for every student. Students, Families, and Counselors will work hand-in-hand to prepare applications materials and apply to schools by the necessary deadlines. The right fit school is out there for every student and together, we will make sure you get there.

STUDENT APPLICATIONS WILL INCLUDE:

• Basic application submitted through SCOIR, Common App, or School Portal

• Official Transcript submitted by Counselor

• Self-reported test scores (if applicable)

• College essay

• Teacher letter of recommendation

• Counselor letter of recommendation

• School Profile
  
  

Additional documents might be included:

• Student resume

• School-specific essays (more selective schools usually have 2-5 extra essays to complete)

• Additional letters of recommendation (faculty, administrator, coach, or community member outside of Walden)

• Program specific requirements (Art porfolio, audition video, etc.)

A comprehensive guide to understanding college pricing, financial aid, and scholarships. LEARN MORE

9TH GRADE

• Meet with the College Counselor at least once per semester.

• Challenge yourself to earn the highest grades you can.

• Get involved in at least two extracurricular activities.

• Participate in the Fall and Spring service days to earn 10 hours of service.

• Perform 10 additional hours of service by volunteering for a local organization.

• Set up your SCOIR account and log all service, clubs/activities, and honors

• Take the PSAT 9 during the Spring semester.

• Reflect on which classes, subjects, assignments you enjoyed.

• Think about future goals (potential careers, interests, etc.).

• Finalize plans for summer jobs, camps, and educational opportunities.
  
  

10TH GRADE

• Meet with the College Counselor at least once per semester.

• Challenge yourself to earn the highest grades you can.

• Continue involvement in extracurricular activities, ideally the same ones from 9th grade year.

• Explore regional extracurricular opportunities.

• Participate in the Fall and Spring Service Days to earn 10 hours of service.

• Perform 10 additional hours of service by volunteering for a local organization.

• On your SCOIR account, log all service, clubs/activities, and honors

• Take the PSAT 10 during the Spring semester.

• Reflect on which classes, subjects, assignments you enjoyed.

• Think about future goals (potential careers, interests, etc.).

• Finalize plans for summer jobs, camps, and educational opportunities.
  
  

11TH GRADE

• Meet with the College Counselor at least once fall semester, and at least once a month Spring semester.

• Challenge yourself to earn the highest grades you can.

• Continue involvement in extracurricular activities, ideally the same ones from 9th and 10th grade year.

• Explore a leadership position if feasible.

• Explore regional extracurricular opportunities.

• Participate in the Fall and Spring Service Days to earn 10 hours of service.

• Perform 10 additional hours of service by volunteering for a local organization.

• On your SCOIR account, log all service, clubs/activities, and honors

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT during the Fall semester.

• Develop a plan for ACT/SAT testing with the College Counselor

  • First ACT/SAT in December

  • Plan out winter test prep (on your own or with a private tutor)

  • Second ACT/SAT in February, March, or April

  • Consult with College Counselor if additional test prep/testing is necessary

• Reflect on which classes, subjects, assignments you enjoyed.

• Take the YouScience assessment and explore potential careers, programs, and majors.

• Start visiting College and make break/summer plans for extended trips.

• Begin working on your College essay.

• Start gathering financial documents needed to complete FAFSA in October.

• Finalize plans for summer jobs, camps, and educational opportunities.

• By the end of the summer, finalize your College preferences.
  
  

12TH GRADE

• Meet with the College Counselor at least once a month.

• Challenge yourself to earn the highest grades you can. In midyear reports, colleges will see first semester grades.

• Request Letters of Recommendation from teachers by Sept. 1st.

• Consider requesting Letters of Recommendation from a community member outside of Walden.

• Continue involvement in extracurricular activities, especially ones you have been involved with throughout High School.

• Explore a leadership position if feasible.

• Explore regional extracurricular opportunities.

• Participate in the Fall and Spring Service Days.

• Complete Capstone Service Project.

• On your SCOIR account, log all service, clubs/activities, and honors. Add descriptions max. 150 characters and create your resume.

• Potentially take last ACT/SAT in the fall.

• Continue College visits if necessary.

• Finalize career, program, or major exploration.

• Finalize your College essay.

• Finalize your College application list.

• Complete FAFSA in early October.

• Confirm if CSS profile is needed.

• Create a list of College Application deadlines and plan to finalize applications at least a week before deadlines.

• Continually check email and application portals.

• Search and apply for scholarships.

• Attend admitted-student-days when possible.

• Notify your college you are attending by May 1st and pay the initial deposit.

• Complete housing application.

• Attend summer orientation.

• Stay in contact with Walden after graduation!