College Counseling – Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Episcopal’s College Counseling program stands out for its comprehensive and deeply personal approach. Through numerous individual meetings and a series of informative group seminars, each student receives personalized guidance and counseling throughout the four years of Upper School and the entire college search and application process. Students are paired with a College Counselor beginning in 9th grade to allow for meaningful interactions and foster rapport, empowering students with the tools and insights for a fulfilling and successful college process.

Comprehensive College Planning

Our Five Year Program

Episcopal’s college counseling team seeks to advance the school’s mission by acting as advisors and advocates, empowering students to embrace opportunity and expand their horizons throughout their years in the Upper School, to increase their sense of self, identify areas of interest and impact, and a desire to serve others. Through personalized support, we foster self-reflection and resilience, helping students develop their unique potential through authentic engagement, self-discovery, goal-setting, and decision-making.

With a student-to-counselor ratio of 40:1 and a college counseling relationship that begins in ninth grade, Episcopal students have the advantage of personal attention and expert guidance through every step of high school and the college admissions process, including:

Guidance for Upper school academic planning
Guest speakers, College Knowledge information sessions, and parent coffees
Advice on extracurricular involvement and activities resume
College visit planning and list shaping
Hosting visits with college admissions representatives on campus
Creating individualized and balanced college lists, with a focus on academic, personal, social, and financial fit
College financial aid and scholarship program resources
Essay brainstorming, review, and editing
Developing individual timelines for standardized testing
Review and feedback for all application components
Final college selection advice

Timeline

8th Grade

9th Grade

College Counseling begins in ninth grade as part of the Freshman Seminar curriculum and counselor assignment paired with Advisory
- Exploration: Students are encouraged to explore courses, clubs, and activities that challenge and engage them
- Support: Students are introduced to various support resources Episcopal provides, and to improve academic habits and skills
- Introduction to College Admissions: Students are introduced to a broad range of post-secondary institutions and beginning conversations about the admissions process
Parents attend grade-level coffees and information sessions each semester for timely updates and guidance to help their children seek continued growth and establish a strong foundation for their Upper School experience.
Freshmen and their parents are encouraged to meet with their College Counselor in Semester 2 to advise and discuss whole-student progress, plans, and goals.
Freshmen take the PSAT 8/9 in October.

10th Grade

College Counselors partner with Advisors to support each student's growth and development
- Students are encouraged to build on their success and progress from night grade, focusing on life as an Upper School students rather than concentrating on the college process itself
- College Counselors and Advisors provide ongoing information and guidance, helping students develop meaningful, authentic engagement in academic and extracurricular activities
Parents attend grade-level coffees and information sessions each semester for relevant and data-driven guidance on a variety of college admissions topics
Sophomores meet with representatives during school-day visits at Episcopal
Sophomores and parents attend our esteemed College Admission Panel to learn from college admissions experts
Sophomores attend the Jacksonville Preparatory Schools Fair in February to explore college options and interact with college representatives from a broad range of institutions.
Sophomores and their parents are encouraged to meet with their College Counselor in Semester 2 to examine progress, plans, and goals.
Sophomores take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Counselors work with students and families to craft a personalized testing timeline.

11th Grade

Juniors meet individually with their College Counselor to discuss their interests and goals, teacher recommendation letters, standardized testing timelines, college lists, and application plans
Using tools and resources provided by Episcopal college counselors, students explore a range of colleges, crafting an initial list of institutions that align with their interests, goals, and values.
Juniors attend College Counseling Classes to gain a deeper understanding of the college admission landscape and application process and begin working on application components.
Parents attend grade-level coffees and information sessions each semester for important updates and timely support as their children approach the application process.
Juniors meet with representatives during school-day visits at Episcopal to learn more about individual institutions and demonstrate interest.
Juniors and parents attend our esteemed College Admission Panel to gain valuable insights and perspectives from seasoned college admissions experts.
Juniors attend the Jacksonville Preparatory Schools Fair in February to explore college options and interact with college representatives from a broad range of institutions.
Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT (used to identify National Merit status). Counselors work with students and families to craft a personalized testing timeline.
Juniors are advised to complete at least one administration of the SAT and/or ACT by the end of the year.

12th Grade

College counselors provide in-depth, comprehensive assistance with all aspects of the application process, including the completion of college applications, essays, teacher recommendation letters, and crafting substantive counselor recommendation letters.
Seniors attend application and essay workshops throughout the year, beginning with Application Kick-off in August where they receive essential information and guidance.
Parents attend grade-level session for timely advice and data-driven support during the application and decision-making process.
Seniors meet with college representatives visiting Episcopal, focusing on institutions to which they plan to apply.

Athletics

College Counselors work hand in hand with Episcopal coaches to identify university programs that are a good fit from competition, academic, and cultural standpoints. Each year, approximately 20% of our senior athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level across many sports at a variety of colleges.

Fine Arts

Episcopal College Counseling and Fine Arts Departments work in partnership to offer collective support and guidance to aspiring student-artists who are interested in continuing their craft at the college level. Teachers and college counselors advise and assist students and parents as they consider their artistic options and prepare for applications, auditions, and portfolios. Each year, approximately 25% of our seniors continue their art education in college.