Comprehensive College Counseling Timeline | Carrollwood Day School

The CDS College Counseling Department meets with parents and students in the second semester of 8th grade. This is a soft entrance into the next journey step for students…college preparation. Giving families a preview of what’s to come in Upper School makes the path a little less daunting. 

Programming for 8th-grade Parents and Students:

• Parent access to all College Counseling coffee programs, including the introduction of the 8th to 9th grade college counseling.
• College Counseling representation at the move-up day program for 8th-grade students.
• Encouraged attendance from students/families at the 8th/9th-grade college information night.
• Optional drop-in hours for students/families in abbreviated individual meetings.
   

In 9th grade, each student is assigned a college counselor. During the school year, each student and at least one parent/guardian will attend a mandatory College Counseling individual meeting to discuss the following:

• grades
• standardized testing
• course selection
• extracurricular participation
• college aspirations

9th graders will also take their PSAT/Pre-ACT testing and be invited to join the annual college financial aid night.

During 10th grade, the College Counseling Department will continue their individualized meetings with parents and students and students will take the PSAT/Pre-ACT again. As 10th grade progresses, students are encouraged to visit suggested colleges/universities and to begin to prepare for standardized testing (SAT or ACT) so they are ready in their junior year. 

Sophomores and their parents will have access to:

• Tampa Bay Area Independent Schools (BAIS) college fair
• College representative visits to CDS
• College Counseling Coffee’s
• Financial Aid Night
• Test Prep at CDS
• Course Selection night
   

In 11th grade, Carrollwood Day School's College Counseling focuses on preparing students for the application process. Counselors guide students through college research, standardized test planning, resume building, and identifying best-fit colleges. Students also begin drafting essays, exploring extracurricular opportunities, and attending college visits and fairs, setting the foundation for a successful senior year.

Juniors will:

• Attend college counseling advisory classes to work on their college applications
• Begin taking SAT/ACT exams
• Attend a college essay workshop with college admission representatives to learn tips and strategies
• Continue with college visits

In 12th grade, Carrollwood Day School's College Counseling focuses on finalizing and submitting college applications. Counselors provide personalized support with essays, interviews, financial aid, and scholarships, ensuring students meet deadlines with confidence. As decisions roll in, counselors help families navigate the next steps, guiding students toward their best-fit college choice.

Seniors will:

• Attend one of two college application parties to reactivate each student’s Common Application, add colleges/universities that will be on each student’s list, and search for supplemental essays
• Attend a college supplemental essay workshop during orientation week
• Attend 12th-grade college night
• Submit all of their college applications with their college counselor.
• Continue college counseling advisory during the fall semester to ensure applications are distinguished, apply for merit-based scholarships, and create their Florida Bright Futures scholarship application.
• Hear from CDS alumni about their transition to college.