Moravian Academy | College Counseling

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College Counseling

PLACEMENT AT RIGHT-FIT COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

The Moravian Academy College Counseling team sees the college search and application process as a natural extension of each student’s journey of self-discovery. With personalized guidance, students are empowered to take ownership of their path, exploring the questions: Who am I, and who can I become? The goal is to help students find a college or university that aligns with their identity, where they can continue to grow as scholars and inclusive global citizens.

At Moravian Academy, we approach the evolving college admissions landscape with optimism and proactive support. As the process has become more competitive over the past 20 years, we remain dedicated to guiding our community with clarity and confidence.

Our College Counseling Team offers developmentally appropriate seminars, parent information nights, guest speakers, panel discussions, and personalized meetings. We keep families informed about the latest trends in college admissions, working to reduce anxiety and demystify the process.

Through our comprehensive program, students receive personalized support at every stage of their college search, selection, and application journey. Using the latest technology, they explore colleges and universities that align with their talents, interests, and career aspirations. We see this journey as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, empowering students to make informed decisions and confidently embrace new academic challenges.

Junior Seminar Program

During the second semester of eleventh grade, the Junior Seminar program engages students in a small-group setting. Weekly sessions foster personal introspection, meaningful conversations, and introduce key aspects of the college search and selection process. Additionally, each family will have an individual meeting to receive a preliminary college list and guidance on next steps in their college admissions journey.

Senior Seminar

Starting just before the school year begins, the Senior Seminar continues with small-group meetings, similar to the Junior Seminar. These sessions cover universal elements of the college application process. As much of the application journey is personal and unique, students are encouraged to proactively schedule individual appointments with a college counselor for tailored support.

College Counseling Resource Guide 2024-2025

"My college application process would not have been the same without the unwavering and deeply personal support from the College Counseling staff. Their patience, understanding, attentiveness, and honesty was evident throughout every conversation we had. They went above and beyond to meet with me outside of school hours and stayed involved and aware at every point along the way. Neither Mrs. Dubreuil nor Mrs. Shaughnessy will not stop helping a student until they are completely satisfied with their work. Their guidance made my application experience organized, stress-free, and efficient, and I am forever grateful for their counseling."

-Rayna Malhotra
Class of 2024, Moravian Academy
Class of 2028, Stanford University

Upper School Profile

Roles for Senior Year

Understanding who does what is essential in making the college search process run smoothly for students, parents, and college counselors. This bulleted list describes each individual's role throughout this process.

List of 3 items.

College Counselors
- Provide access to information on colleges, tests, and other aspects of admissions process through parent information nights, guest speaker programs, senior seminars, and additional programs as warranted
- Hold Senior Seminars to inform students of their responsibilities
- Advise students on which tests to take and when to take them, and assist with the registration process
- Through regular individual, group, and family meetings, help students to assess themselves and to create an appropriate list of colleges
- Gather information on students to present to colleges; write comprehensive letters of support
- Submit school supporting documents (recommendations, transcripts, school profile) to colleges in a timely fashion
- Read and comment upon rough drafts of essays and supplements
- Attend local and national conferences to stay current on admissions policies and trends
- Visit colleges to broaden knowledge of appropriate schools for Moravian Academy students
- Establish and maintain relationships with college admissions offices; update colleges on students’ progress throughout the year; serve as advocate
- Host college representatives' visits to our campus; facilitate representatives' meetings with interested students
- Answer questions and provide support to help lessen the anxiety and demystify the college admissions process.
Parents
- Be involved in the process; encourage and facilitate visits, read articles, and reference books;
- Frankly discuss your agenda with your son or daughter (what you can afford, location, special interests, etc.)
- If applying for need-based financial aid, determine the forms needed for each college, fill them out, and file financial aid forms by the deadline
- Complete the Parent Questionnaire provided by the College Counseling team
- If needed, meet with your son or daughter's college counselor or maintain phone contact; let us know of special circumstances early
- Attend Parent Information Nights
- Provide access to credit card #'s for application and standardized testing fees
- Allow your son or daughter to do his/her own work on applications or essays
- Decide with your child how often you will discuss how the process is going;
- Watch for and read communications from the College Counseling Team
Students
- Attend all assigned senior seminars
- Follow the timeline given by college counselors to complete applications/essays/supplements; work with college counselors on essays - submit rough drafts well before deadlines
- Arrange and attend regular meetings with college counselor to review and send materials
- Provide College Counseling Office information on accomplishments/activities in and out of school; ensure activity sheet is complete
- Plan (with parents) college visits/interviews
- Learn which colleges require which tests (SAT, ACT, AP); register for and take them; work with college counselors to determine if/where to send scores
- Ask teachers to write letters of recommendations
- Do your applications on your own. Advice and proofreading is fine, but student should do all the work.