Spence offers a personalized and comprehensive college counseling program that focuses on helping each student find a group of colleges that fit her interests and special talents.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
We believe that it is essential to give each student plenty of time during her freshman and sophomore years to develop her interests, take intellectual risks, and change her mind. Every course offered by Spence is appropriate for students planning to attend a rigorous and highly selective college. Indeed, we require all students to take a well-rounded curriculum that pursues each subject in depth.
Although the formal college counseling process begins in junior year, students are welcome to drop in any time to speak with the Director of College Counseling if they have a question. Parents are equally welcome to call at any time with questions.
Junior Year
Our formal college counseling program begins with Junior College Night in January of the junior year. At this time, each junior meets individually with the Director of College Counseling, followed by a meeting together with her parent(s) in preparation for visiting colleges over the March break. Juniors make regular appointments as well as drop in to talk with the Director of College Counseling at any time, especially when they return from visiting colleges in the spring.
January also marks the beginning of the weekly Junior College Seminar, in which each junior starts to identify her own interests and talents as well as begin her search for colleges that are a good fit. Topics covered in Junior Seminar include: self-assessment, types of colleges and curricula, majors and schools of study, interviews and campus tours, financial aid and scholarships, resumes and writing an essay.
Senior Year
While the goal of the junior year college counseling program is to gather information and expand a student's awareness of her college options, the goal of the senior year program is to narrow her choices to a list of approximately eight colleges and to write effective applications. The weekly Senior Seminar walks seniors through every aspect of the college application process. Topics include: filling out applications, interviewing, scholarships and financial aid, and meeting with college representatives visiting Spence's campus.
The Director of College Counseling continues to work closely with every senior on her essays, often reading many drafts. Each senior continues to have unlimited individual meetings with the Director of College Counseling all year long, as well as at least one meeting together with her parent(s) early in the fall.
In the winter and spring, Senior Seminar focuses on making the transition to college. Discussions include: health issues, changing relationships with friends and family, managing money, and philanthropy.