College Counseling

Sophomore year is a time of pursuing new interests and developing pre-existing ones, and in late spring, students begin planning ahead to Junior year testing.

• College Info Night
  Introduction to HB’s philosophy and college admissions.
• Standardized Test Prep
  Sophomores take practice PSAT and ACT, and meet with a counselor to build a testing plan for Junior year. In the spring of Sophomore year, students gain access to Methodize Online Test Prep (at no cost to families).
• Scoir Accounts
  Students can begin researching schools on this college readiness platform.
• CCIS Events
  College fair, plus optional admissions case study and financial aid workshop.
• Athletic Advising
  Specialized guidance for prospective recruited athletes.
• Summer Programs
  Curated list of pre-college opportunities shared in winter and spring.

Junior year is when the college journey begins in earnest. HB provides structured, personalized support to guide students and families through each step. 

• College Info Nights
  September (students & parents) and January (parents only) sessions outline key milestones and how families can best support the process.
• College Admission Visits
  Over 110 college reps visit HB in the fall — juniors can attend sessions during free periods to learn about a wide range of schools.
• Counselor Assignments & Meetings
  Each student is paired with a dedicated college counselor in December. Regular one-on-one meetings begin in January and include course planning, college list building, and exploration of student goals.
• Family Meeting
  A personalized family meeting helps align goals, create a working college list that is balanced in selectivity, and discuss academic, social, and financial considerations.
• Junior Forum
  This year-long class, taught by HB’s college counselors, covers everything from admissions interviews to conducting effective college research to essay writing.
• Essay Support
  Students begin work on their Common App essay in the spring, with workshops, feedback, and a completed draft ready by summer.
• Support for Student-Athletes
  Counselors guide prospective athletes through the unique timeline and communication process with college coaches.

Senior year is about putting it all together. HB counselors provide continued, hands-on support as students apply to colleges and make big decisions about their futures.

• Common App Bootcamp
  Fun, focused summer sessions help seniors complete the Common App with guidance from their counselors.
• Parent Info Night
  Held in August to walk parents through what to expect during application season.
• Financial Aid Night
  Hosted by CCIS in September, this event offers expert insight on financial aid, scholarships, FAFSA, and CSS Profile.
• College Admission Visits
  From September to November, seniors can meet with 110 visiting college reps — often the same people reviewing their applications.
• Senior Forum
  This class continues from junior year, covering deadlines, applications, essays, and next steps.
• Counselor Meetings
  Regular one-on-one meetings offer personalized support for refining college lists, completing applications, and making decisions.
• Essay & Supplement Support
  Counselor help students craft standout personal and supplemental essays.
• Scholarship Opportunities
  Students are regularly notified of major scholarships like the Coolidge, Jefferson, Morehead-Cain, and others.
• Advocacy
  Counselors champion each student through recommendation letters and conversations with admissions reps.
• Financial Aid Guidance
  As award letters arrive, counselors help families understand and compare financial aid packages.