College Ready at ISI

With less than two months of the school year completed, ISI students have already participated in multiple college representative visits, application and essay workshops, and parent information nights. College preparation begins early at ISI with grade-specific programming, group tours, and individual meetings. Small class sizes allow counselors to get to know students and help them connect with universities that are the best fit for them. On average, ISI hosts representatives from 60-100 universities each year. 

In Middle School, the Grade 8 students meet with College Counseling to start getting into the right frame of mind to be successful throughout the next four years. Students receive guidance on setting goals and how to take the first steps of the college search. Once students are in high school, they meet much more frequently with more individualized assistance.

Grade 9

Activities in Grade 9 focus on starting to think long term about goals, and setting students up for success through the next four years. Early on in the school year, students visit Notre Dame University. This visit gets students thinking about the effort that goes into being admitted to such a competitive program.College counselors also work with students to create resumes, and help them search for and apply to summer opportunities.

Grade 10

In Grade 10 students are encouraged to start thinking more in depth about schools, and to take college visits. As a class, they visit a small, private university to make sure they are seeing a variety of campuses. They receive all the same assistance as Grade 9, but also begin receiving help preparing for the PSAT and other standardized tests, should they choose to take them. Students also attend meetings with college representatives and the National College Fair. 

Grade 11

As students get closer to applying to universities, Grade 11 focuses on SAT/ACT testing as well as application and essay workshops. Students visit a large public institution to experience yet another type of university. Students have more one-on-one time with the counselors, as well as parent meetings where students start to narrow down their application lists and take college visits. 

Grade 12

During Grade 12, College Counseling becomes much more individualized.  Students receive assistance on how to apply for colleges (individually and using the Common Application) and how to write college application essays. Students are supported through their search for scholarships and receive additional coaching on how to interview for colleges and scholarships. Students and families also are invited to participate in Financial Aid Workshops. 
 
ISI students have a 100% college acceptance rate, and attend some of the world’s best, most selective colleges and universities throughout the world. Our small class sizes allow ISI College Counseling to get to know each student personally and assist them in finding the university that best suits their skills and interests. As a result, students leave high school with the skills to remain successful throughout their college careers and beyond. To learn more about college counseling at ISI, click here. 

** While some events have been adjusted for community safety during the pandemic, ISI College Counseling remains committed to personally assisting students through an ever-changing application process.