The emphasis of the college process is on finding the right fit for each student. The process begins with a sampling of college campuses during the traditional Junior Trip in September.
At Oak Knoll . . . It’s Personal
The college counselors meet individually with each junior and her family, beginning in January. There are three scheduled meetings, two during a student’s junior year (January and May) and a third at the start of her senior year (September). While the first and third meetings involve both the student and her parents, the second meeting (May) takes place with the student and the counselor and helps to empower the student in her college search.
Personal support continues through the application process. Counselors help students build interview skills through mock interviews. They remain a constant sounding board for seniors during application preparation in the fall to the decision making process in the spring.
Parents Are Involved
Each winter, parents meet with the Upper School Administrative Team in grade level meetings. The college counselors attend each Upper School Parent Night (for grades 9-12) to review Oak Knoll’s college process and timeline, provide updates on recent trends, and answer questions parents may have regarding college admission.
Our Students Are Ready for the SATs
Oak Knoll offers a free verbal and math course to help interested juniors prepare for the PSAT in October. The course meets on campus five Sunday afternoons in the fall. It increases student confidence, exposes students to various test-taking strategies, and serves as an introduction to the SAT that they will take in the spring.
Colleges Visit Our Campus
Each fall, Oak Knoll hosts a College Night and invites an admissions director or panel of admissions officers to talk to students and parents about the college process. The evening is open to all Upper School families and attendance is required for all seniors and juniors. Past speakers have included deans of admissions at prestigious universities such as: Princeton, Stanford, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, Davidson College, and Colgate University.
Unique College Day
During a school day in October while the sophomores and juniors sit for the PSAT exam, the seniors spend their school day working with the English department and the college counselors on their applications and essays. More importantly, this one-on-one attention continues throughout the fall, and students are encouraged to meet regularly with the English department and college counselors to review their application essays.
We Advocate for Each and Every One of Our Students
The college counselors write a student recommendation for each senior and coordinate the student’s additional two faculty letters of recommendation. They prepare recommendations to send to colleges, regarding their various strengths and passions, such as their commitment to academics, service, the arts, or athletics. Oak Knoll’s faculty prides itself on its accessibility and willingness to advocate for its students.