Process

In addition to the grade specific programs listed below, additional events are offered each year for students and parents covering topics such as financial aid and scholarships, college athletics, honors programs, and career options; and students meet individually with the Upper School Head to plan their GPS academic path.

Freshman Year: Counselors meet with ninth graders in small groups to discuss their interests and introduce them to the myriad college and career opportunities that exist. Students are also registered on Naviance, our web-based college guidance system.

Sophomore Year: Through small group, lunch-time programs, counselors work with sophomores to identify their strengths and preferences, while encouraging them to continue exploring the many options available. In an evening program, students and parents have the opportunity to discuss the myths and realities of college admissions and the importance of their curriculum and extra-curricular choices. Sophomores also take the PSAT and PLAN tests and may attend the Coast to Coast College Fair in the spring.

Junior Year: The college search process begins in earnest, starting with the Countdown to College luncheon for juniors in September and the PSAT in October. Juniors are encouraged to visit the College Guidance office, attend the fall series of mini-college fairs at GPS and McCallie, participate in Winterim college tours, and attend the Coast to Coast College Fair in late spring. After the holidays, juniors meet individually with their college counselors and attend a college class that meets once a week during the third quarter. Topics range from self-assessment, researching and comparing schools, and writing effective resumes and essays, but perhaps the most important aspect of the small class size is the opportunity to build personal relationships between the counselors and the students.

Senior Year: GPS seniors continue to meet with their college counselors in large group meetings devoted to topics such as time management, college essays, student life in college, interviewing skills, and personal financial management. Individually, students meet with their counselor to develop a personal plan/strategy for their college application process. Students have the opportunity to meet with college admissions representatives during day visits and the fall evening programs with McCallie. Seniors are also allowed three excused absences to visit college campuses. They use Naviance to track the status of their college applications, request transcripts, and investigate scholarship opportunities.

Students attend many College Night events to visit with an array of college admissions representatives.