Summary of Junior Parents Meeting, Class of 2016
10/17/14
Introduction
Please read counselor bios here.
The College Office Model
We have two college counselors and two staff assistants for roughly 100 students.
The counselors split the class 50/50 but work collaboratively as a unified voice.
Both counselors have years of experience working in college admissions and college counseling.
Both counselors live in dorms and are committed to boarding school life.
Our office is committed to developing relationships with colleges. Over the spring and summer,
we connected with 58 different institutions via college visits and conferences. This fall, we had
approximately 90 colleges visit our office.
We represent MX through leadership and membership with National Association of College
Admissions Counselors (NACAC), Boston Independent Schools College Counseling Association
(BISCCA), Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), College Board,
SAT Committee, and the Fiske Guide Advisory Board.
Please visit and “like” our Facebook page: facebook.com/mxcollegecounseling
Four Basic Steps of the College Process in Junior Year
Assessment: Each student will go through a period of thorough self-evaluation to determine the
student’s academic standing and educational values, interests and aspirations.
College research: Middlesex has prepared our students well for researching colleges. Students
become “cultural anthropologists,” using scientific collection of data to learn about campus
cultures. Counselors will guide students on research tools including guidebooks, web sites,
campus visits, meetings with college reps, etc.
Fit: Determine what “fit” will mean for your child. This is an overused, and misunderstood term.
Our feeling is that “fit” is a word that must be defined by each student as it is a multidimensional
term. There are social, academic, and financial definitions of fit.
Communication with the colleges: Personalizing the college process by connecting with the
institution through campus visits, campus interviews, meeting college representatives, registering
on the web site are great ways to show demonstrated interest, which colleges most often track.
Student-centered Management
Students should register themselves for college visits, write to admissions representatives,
organize their process, and ultimately decide where they want to go.
Students do need parent help, but the process is much more manageable if they are in charge.
We want the student in the driver’s seat, and we serve as their guides along the way.
Standardized Testing
SAT Reasoning Test in December and January
SAT Subject Tests in May and June
ACT in June: Middlesex is not an ACT testing site. Not all students take the ACT, but it can be a
good alternative to the SAT. June test dates is our recommended first time.
Advantage Testing offers a tutoring class aligned with the December SAT as a benchmark and
the January SAT as the target point.
Practice SATs are offered once a month on Sundays on campus.
PSAT results will be mailed to parents in December
1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742-9122
t. 978.371.6534 f. 978.402.1401
Score Choice allows students to select the specific SATs and Subject Tests they want a college to
see. Most colleges allow Score Choice.
Spring Break College Visits
Spring Break is a perfect time for a college trip. Please discuss with your child.
We do not recommend that juniors interview until the summer, and most colleges do not offer
campus interviews until June.
We cannot give juniors college visit days, but they do get two during senior year.
We offer an optional “brainstorming” meeting for students prior to Spring Break.
Summer Plans
There is no one “magic” summer experience that will benefit students in the college process. The
key is being authentic to the student’s interests.
Athletic Camps: MX coaches can recommend showcase and skill camps.
Summer Jobs: always a good choice, respected by college admissions offices.
Academic Programs: college courses, music camps, writing workshops, etc. are wonderful
opportunities, but should align with student interests.
MX faculty can make suggestions for summer programs in their fields.
Link to summer program opportunities here.
Ultimate goal from the summer:
A list of 15 to 20 colleges balanced between Far Reach, Reach, Possible and Likely schools that
have been researched and visited
Interviews where appropriate
A completed Common Application draft
A completed Common Application essay
Completed supplements where appropriate
Registered for fall standardized tests.
Key Takeaway: Don’t put everything off to senior fall.
Please review the yellow calendar here.
Junior Parents’ Day is February 14th from 9:00 a.m. until lunch. Our guest speaker is Chris
Gruber, Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Davidson College.
BISCCA College Fair is at Milton Academy on Sunday, April 26th. We will transport a van of
students to and from Milton.
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