Each winter, typically in February, we host an evening on campus to kick-off the college admissions process in earnest. All junior students and parents are invited to hear from admissions professionals about what they look for in college applicants and their applications. This event is highlighted by a question and answer period that helps take the mystery out of what to expect when your application is reviewed by a college or university. Past admissions professionals have visited Garden from the likes of Fordham University, CUNY, Union College and Syracuse University.

Beginning in the spring semester, Mr. Battaglia holds a weekly seminar class, typically in the computer lab, to work with students on the various elements that go into completing a college application. Students are also introduced to the Naviance system, which is a robust program that allows students to research schools and request transcripts. It also allows the counseling office to submit recommendation letters, transcripts and school profiles to colleges and universities electronically. 

I like to meet with each junior and their parents during the spring semester to discuss the family’s goals for the college process. The meeting lasts roughly an hour and we will use that time to discuss schools of interest, essay writing, financial aid, athletic recruitment, senior course selection and anything else a family may wish to explore. I like to hold a second such meeting with families at the beginning of the student’s senior year in order to finalize the plans associated with applying. 

Colleges require a school letter of recommendation and we have found the best letters come from knowing each student well. Meeting with rising seniors for a one-on-one interview is something I have been doing for 15 years. The goal of each interview is to learn more about the person applying to college so as to craft a highly personal letter that gives each college a true sense of just how spectacular that senior is beyond their resume and grades. We believe this interview helps make the counseling process at Garden unique.

Most seniors complete applications for the Early Action or Early Decision Deadlines that arrive in early November. As a result, it is important to meet with seniors each week of the first semester to assist them in completion of their applications. We typically utilize the computer lab for this course, which meets once per week, and time is used during class to tackle anything a senior might be completing at the moment such as essay writing, completing financial aid paperwork, finalizing college research or filling out the Common Application.

Unlike the College Night program that occurs during the winter of a student’s junior year, 12th Grade College Night focuses specifically on the events of the Fall and what students and families should be doing and expecting leading up to the submission of college applications. We discuss the procedures needed to request transcripts, teacher recommendations, financial aid and the like. As a small school, we use nights such as these to answer any and all questions anyone might have. 

Each fall, roughly 50 college admissions professionals visit Garden School either in person, or since the onset of Covid 19, virtually. The counseling office schedules these visits and alerts students to the schedule of visitors throughout the Fall. Students who are interested in a college that visits Garden School should ABSOLUTELY attend such meetings, which are held either in the library or in Mr. Battaglia’s counseling office. 

Since 2019, we have offered an SAT/ACT prep course on Garden School’s campus. The course is team taught by members of the Garden Faculty and prepares students for an upcoming SAT or ACT exam. A single course includes 12 two-hour classes and helps students understand the nuances of various question types, pacing, content acquisition and the like. While these courses are not free, they are often less expensive than can be found outside Garden and are more personalized in focus. If you are interested in signing your child up for our next course, simply call the main office.