At ISM, we offer a comprehensive college counseling program that starts in Grade 7 and continues through senior year. Our program is designed to empower our students to make informed choices, achieve their academic goals, and embark on a successful and fulfilling university experience.
Our college counselor is an expert in the admissions process. They will work with you and your child to develop a personalized college plan, identify the right schools for your child, and help you navigate the entire application process.
In addition to individual counseling, we offer a variety of group workshops and events throughout the year to help students prepare for college:
Director of
College Counseling
Office Hours
The DCC has open office hours throughout the school year for students to discuss college or academics. Hours are determined each term and shared with students and staff. Students can also schedule appointments.
ISM College Fair
The annual College Fair invites 7th-12th grade students and parents to meet with college representatives from 35-40 universities. The ISM Director of College Counseling will arrange the event, and the ISM administration team and SLO students will help with set-up and tours.
In-School College Info Sessions
The college counselor will coordinate with college reps to visit campus and hold info sessions during the school day. All students can sign up, but juniors and seniors get priority. The DCC will provide a one-pager to help students focus and reflect.
We also offer a variety of resources to help students research colleges, prepare for standardized tests, and write their college essays.
We are committed to helping every student succeed in college and beyond.
What to Except from Our College Counseling Program:
Grade 7: Own Your Learning
- Students will complete a learning style inventory and develop skills and strategies to leverage their learning style in and out of the classroom.
- Students will develop healthy time management and organization skills to help them succeed in middle school and beyond.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: Transition Night
Grade 8: The Road Ahead
- Students will start to learn about the college options available to them after high school and why people choose to attend college.
- Students will create a high school four-year plan and learn about the key differences between middle and high school.
- Students will complete a personality test to help them see how their personality and interests align with potential career pathways.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: Transition Night and What I Wish I Knew About High School Panel Discussion
Grade 9: Building a Strong Foundation
- Students will be supported through individual check-ins throughout the year to ensure they are starting high school strongly.
- Students will learn about key variables in the college admissions process and plan for how they can put themselves in the best position possible come senior year.
- Students will learn about the benefits of summer programs and be supported in applying to competitive summer opportunities throughout their high school careers.
- Students will update their high school four-year plan and ensure they are on staying on track.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: Who Gets In and Why, Summer Program Family Night
Grade 10: Depth versus Breadth
- Students will be supported as they identify leadership opportunities in and out of the classroom.
- Students develop a resume they can use for summer programs, college, internships, and jobs.
- Students will start to learn about the college process and what to expect in 11th and 12th grade.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: Depth vs. Breadth Individual Meetings
Grade 11: Making Every Day Count
- Students will participate in a yearlong college advising course learning about and preparing for the application process.
- Students will receive direct support from their college counselor as they develop a balanced college list, start to draft their personal statement, create a standardized testing plan, and identify the best teachers to write their letters of recommendation.
- Students and parents will meet with the Director of College Counseling in the spring to outline their process and start developing the best application strategy for the student.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: College Application Kick-Off Night, Individual Family Meetings, and What I Wish I Knew about Senior Year
Grade 12: Finishing Strong
- Students will meet weekly with their college counselor and receive one-on-one support to ensure every aspect of their applications is completed to the highest quality.
- Students will receive support as needed when completing any financial aid documentation.
- Students will receive individual support as they make their college decision.
- Students will learn about best practices when transitioning from high school to college.
- Students will attend weekly advising classes facilitated by the academic leadership team.
Family Presentation: Application Strategy Family Meeting and Desicion Day
