List of 4 items.

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  9th Grade

  Freshman Year College Guidance Support
  Freshman year is the foundation for academic success and future college planning. Our counselors provide early guidance to help students stay on track. Key recommendations for 9th graders include:
  
  

  • Focusing on academic success, as GPA calculations begin in ninth grade and play a key role in future college admissions.
  • Getting involved in WFS activities that align with their interests while continuing to develop hobbies outside of school.
  • Exploring colleges by attending a local college fair, if interested. The College Office shares information on area college fairs with parents of 9th–12th graders each fall.
  • Taking free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, available in the fall, new year, and spring for students who are interested.
  • Attending the First Steps for Freshmen and Sophomores program, an annual fall event introducing the college process.
  • Engaging in early college planning discussions, as College Guidance meets with freshman and sophomore homerooms, advisories, and English classes to cover topics like GPA, course selection, and IB options.
• 

  10th Grade

  Sophomore Year College Guidance Support

   
  Sophomore year is an important time for academic growth and early college awareness. Our counselors provide support and resources to help students stay on track. Key recommendations for 10th graders include:
  
  

  • Prioritizing academic success, as GPA calculations begin in ninth grade and play a key role in college admissions.
  • Getting involved in WFS activities that match their interests while continuing to explore hobbies outside of school.
  • Taking the PLAN (pre-ACT) in mid-October, which is automatically scheduled at WFS and helps students get familiar with standardized testing while offering career insights.
  • Exploring colleges by attending a local college fair, if interested. The College Office shares information on area college fairs with parents of 9th–12th graders each fall.
  • Visiting college campuses by driving through or scheduling tours during vacations, if interested.
  • Taking advantage of free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, available in the fall, new year, and spring.
  • Attending the First Steps for Freshmen and Sophomores program, an informative session each fall to introduce the college process.
  • Engaging in college planning discussions, as College Guidance meets with freshman and sophomore homerooms, advisories, and English classes to cover topics such as GPA, course selection, and IB options. Counselors are also available for parent questions.

  By staying engaged academically and exploring early college opportunities, sophomores can build a strong foundation for the years ahead.
• 

  11th Grade

  Junior Year College Guidance Support
  Junior year plays a crucial role in the college process, and our counselors provide guidance every step of the way. Key recommendations for juniors include:
  
  

  • Focusing on academics, as junior-year courses and grades are vital in college admissions.
  • Getting involved in WFS activities that align with their interests and continuing to nurture hobbies outside of school.
  • Taking the PSAT in mid-October, which is automatically scheduled at WFS and serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship.
  • Meeting with college representatives during their visits to WFS in the fall—over 130 colleges visited last year!
  • Attending a college fair to explore schools, programs, activities, and admissions requirements.
  • Joining the optional Jump Start for Juniors program, which provides an early introduction to the college process.
  • Exploring college campuses by driving through or scheduling visits, especially during vacations or March break.
  • Taking free, diagnostic SAT and ACT practice exams, available in the fall, new year, and spring.
  • Attending the required Kick Off for College program with parents/guardians in late fall.
  • Scheduling an individual college guidance meeting with parents/guardians beginning in January.
  • Participating in the College Panel in May, featuring admissions experts.
  • Planning standardized testing, with most juniors taking:
    • The SAT in March
    • The ACT in May or June
    • SAT II subject tests (if necessary) in June
  • Drafting their primary college essay and completing practice interviews in English class during the spring.
  • Requesting letters of recommendation from faculty before the end of junior year.
• 

  12th Grade

  Senior Year College Guidance Support
  Our counselors provide guidance and individual meetings throughout senior year to help students navigate the college application process. Key steps include:
  
  

  • Attending Application 101 Program in August to prepare college applications and finalize college essays before beginning senior year with the advice and support of our team
  • Scheduling campus visits as students refine their college lists.
  • Arranging interviews with colleges, either on-campus or with alumni interviewers.
  • Writing college essays and preparing applications, with College Guidance available for essay review.
  • Meeting with college representatives at WFS during the fall.
  • Registering for additional SAT, ACT, or SAT II exams if needed.
  • Reviewing college lists with College Guidance to ensure a balanced range of options.
  • Awaiting college decisions—hope springs eternal!
  • Making a final decision by May 1 (National Candidate Reply Date) and selecting a college to attend.

  Financial Aid 
  If families plan to apply for financial aid, parent(s)/guardian(s) should file the CSS Profile (if required) in the fall of the senior year and the FAFSA beginning January 1 of the senior year.
  
  Families can attend the Financial Aid Night in the fall to learn more about financial aid forms, deadlines, and processes.