A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a comprehensive workshop for juniors, designed to guide students through the college planning and application process. The session was framed as a follow-up to an earlier workshop and detailed the steps students need to take leading up to the start of the school year. Key components included the registration for SATs or ACTs, participation in the course selection process, and ensuring a challenging senior year schedule. Students received advice on initiating their college search using platforms like SCORE and College Board’s Big Future, along with the critical importance of visiting college admissions offices and scheduling tours. The facilitator underscored that touring is a vital part of the college planning process, allowing students to gain insights into potential schools.

A college fair specifically for juniors was announced, scheduled for the Tuesday following April break at the Boston Convention Center. This fair will provide students with opportunities to meet admissions officers from numerous colleges. Students were encouraged to refine their college lists using advanced tools beyond basic online searches and to prepare letters of recommendation. Google Classroom resources were highlighted as valuable assets for juniors as they start their application and scholarship processes.

The workshop emphasized the importance of understanding financial aid types, including need-based and merit-based options. Students were advised to balance these types of aid, as families with higher incomes might incur higher costs if they only apply to need-based aid institutions. The facilitator also discussed the significance of grade point averages and course rigor in applications, noting that these are critical factors in acceptance decisions. Students were advised to explore colleges through social media platforms while remaining cautious about the authenticity of content, as colleges often present themselves favorably for marketing purposes.

Social media awareness was another focal point, with students warned about the potential impact of their online presence on college admissions. They were encouraged to review their profiles and remove any content that could harm their chances of acceptance. The discussion also touched on the importance of understanding the support systems available at colleges for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. It was noted that while all colleges offer supports, the nature of these can differ between institutions.

The meeting also explored the issue of students transferring due to a lack of belonging, recommending that students research first-year experience programs at potential schools. The committee emphasized the importance of gathering comprehensive information during college tours and immersing oneself in the college experience to avoid high transfer rates.

Details regarding the application process were outlined, with a focus on managing the components required for a complete application, such as personal essays, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and test scores. A survey was referenced that revealed a mismatch between what students and parents perceived as important—test scores and extracurricular activities—and what colleges actually prioritized, which included GPA and the quality of personal essays. Letters of recommendation were described as essential, with students encouraged to select teachers who can provide specific anecdotes about their character and academic capabilities.

Interviews were discussed as a part of the application process, offering students a chance to demonstrate their interest in a college and ask questions about the school’s programs and culture. Students were advised to treat these interviews professionally, including dressing appropriately, and to save their top-choice college for the end to gain experience from earlier interviews.

The optional nature of standardized test scores in many applications was also addressed. While test scores might not be required, students who feel their academic records lack rigor might consider submitting them to bolster their applications.

Lastly, the meeting introduced a college boot camp organized by the English and counseling departments to assist students in completing their applications. This boot camp aims to reduce the stress of application season by helping students gather necessary information, with a participation cost of approximately $75 and fee waivers available for qualifying students. The committee emphasized the importance of financial aid processes, including FAFSA and CSS profiles, and encouraged students to explore external scholarships while avoiding potential scams.