Marymount’s College Counseling Program officially begins in Class XI. However, Class X students take the October Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT), and Pauline Brookfield, Director of College Counseling, meets informally with Class X parents and students to review PSAT results, discuss options for test preparations, and explain the college search process.
In Class XI, during the spring semester, Ms. Brookfield offers weekly small-group guidance seminars giving students the opportunity to learn about colleges and universities throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Each student learns to express herself openly in discussions about the college application process, and each is guided to assess her academic and personal needs, which in turn will help her in selecting an appropriate list of colleges to which to apply. Every junior meets individually with Ms. Brookfield, both with and without her family, to compile a preliminary list of college options. Class XI students may attend information sessions when college representatives visit Marymount during the fall. Students are encouraged to visit college campuses during holidays, spring break, and the summer before senior year. Juniors take the SAT Reasoning Test for the first t
ime in either January or March and SAT subject exams in May and June. Two college information sessions and one financial aid workshop are held in the evening for parents and students. Prior to the end of junior year, each student completes an activity grid, resume, and sample of the Common Application.
In Class XII, throughout the year, Ms. Brookfield again leads weekly seminars to help students through the application process. Each student prepares a final college list; meets with college representatives; writes and edits her personal statement; completes applications; re-takes standardized tests; and makes appointments for college interviews. In October, there are two official college visiting days and an essay/application workshop day. Two meetings are held for parents, an application procedures meeting and a financial aid workshop. In the spring semester, seniors learn about the multiple social and academic issues they may confront in college. In addition, they attend career seminars and a financial readiness workshop. In May, all Class XII students work at internships outside of the School. The internship program provides each student with tangible work experience that may help influence her future academic and career decisions.