College Counseling

Our First-Year Program guides you through the transition to high school, helping you build strong study habits and lasting wellness routines from day one. We'll give you the tools and support to become the strongest student you can be.

• Start making lifelong friends.
• Build your study habits.
• Learn to balance your academics with your other interests.
• Understand how your transcript will look to colleges, and what matters most.
• Know that most colleges look at your GPA from 9th through 12th grade.
• Step out of your comfort zone to pursue your interests and start building your Gunn story.
• Work with your advisor to build the right sophomore schedule for you and your goals.
• End the year with a vision for making the most of your time at Gunn.
• Make a plan for a productive summer.

10th grade is when you start laying the foundation for your Gunn story, the roots of the narrative that will set your college application apart. Our CJD curriculum works hand in hand with College Counseling to make this process purposeful, and your academic advisor and the College Counseling team are with you every step. Start developing your strategy now, and you'll walk into 11th and 12th grade with far less stress.

• Start the year by reviewing your courses to make sure they support your college goals.
• Identify the co-curriculars that mean the most to you.
• Discover opportunities for leadership on campus.
• Take the PSAT and explore test prep strategies to help you raise your scores.
• Attend College Counseling workshops to start understanding the application process.
• Encourage your family to attend Family Weekend events hosted by College Counseling.
• Start exploring what type of colleges might be the right fit for you.
• Explore summer internship opportunities.

11th grade is when you start bringing your story together, the one that will set you apart in the college process. It's when you reflect on your "Gunn Moments:" the ones that helped you grow, find your voice, and act on your convictions. This work builds on our four-year citizenship program, which colleges consistently tell us produces some of the most authentic applicants they see. Own your journey, put in the work, and trust that our program will set you apart.

• Begin working one-on-one with your College Counselor on a regular basis.
• Build a college list that aims high and plans for multiple scenarios.
• Meet with college representatives visiting our campus.
• Take the PSAT again to refine your testing strategy and lift your scores.
• Take the SAT or ACT on campus during winter and spring terms.
• Join your family at Family Weekend to hear from our College Counseling team.
• Commit to your favorite co-curriculars and pursue leadership opportunities.
• Receive a list of colleges to consider in winter, and again in June.
• Check in with our Essay Specialist before heading home for summer.
• Select two teachers to write your recommendations.