Onward, Eagles!
BC High students receive exceptional guidance and support in gaining acceptance to top institutions worldwide, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the school's college counselors. These counselors work closely with each student and their families to find the best fit, ensuring they thrive and excel at the next level of their academic journey.
BC High students matriculate to top colleges nationwide
A Foundation to Soar
Throughout junior and senior years, you’ll work with your counselors to identify what matters going forward, with a commitment to finding the best possible college or university match.
By the end of your sessions, you can expect to have a well-balanced list in hand. And once those admission letters start coming in, your counselors will help you weigh your options right up until you make your final choice.
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The School and College Counseling Department offers an expansive college counseling program.
The strong relationships BC High counselors have with admissions staff at top colleges are vital, as they ensure a deep understanding of the school's academic rigor and the exceptional character of our students. This connection helps BC High applicants stand out, elevating them above other candidates in the competitive admissions process.
The department also hosts informative events for parents and students to help families navigate the intricacies of the college search and financial aid processes.
Post-Secondary Seminar
BC High's Post-Secondary Seminar, a year long class that runs from second semester of junior year through first semester of senior year, helps guide students through the college process and beyond. Soft skills, self-advocacy, and every piece of the application process are discussed in small group sessions with classmates and multiple School & College counselors. The curriculum correlates with the 1-1 appointment work each student completes with their counselor.
Junior Year – Second Semester
- Building of the original college application list
- Introduction to the personal college essay & supplemental essays
- Discussions surrounding summer college visit strategies
- Introduction to the Common Application & Other application portals
- College admissions case study exercise
- Overview of the importance of letters of recommendation
- Introduction of the SAT & ACT
Senior Year – First Semester
- Construction of the personal college essay
- Strategies surrounding the supplemental essay process
- Strategies surrounding the test optional process
- Overview of the College Interview
- Completion of the Common Application
- Overview of the Financial Aid & scholarship strategy process
Parent Curriculum
The Boston College High School Parent Curriculum is a comprehensive set of morning, evening and virtual events designed to inform parents about the college admissions process and academic success. The events allow parents to feel confident in their ability to not only assist their students, but allow their students to be the “driver” of their process. Parents begin the process feeling excited, and leave feeling as an expert.
A Monthly event series where an external expert is invited on campus and interviewed in front of the parent community, who also have the opportunity to to ask questions. Past guests have included Vice Presidents of Enrollment, Directors of Admission, Founders of Nationally recognized financial aid firms, and executive functioning and study habit experts.
An interactive experience which allows parents to see the college admissions process from “the other side of the desk”. Parents work in committees to make decisions on applicants in the same way college admissions offices do it today.
Information nights are held each year for the Senior class, Junior class, and Freshman & Sophomore class to provide an overview of how the year will operate surrounding the college admissions process.
College admissions officers from selective universities come to speak with families surrounding the college admissions process. Past guest speakers have come from Boston College, Tufts University, and Bowdoin College.
Each year, over 150 schools visit campus each year for our semi-annual college fairs in the fall and spring.
Examples of Webinars Held each Year:
- The College Essay and Its Importance
- Strategies for the FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Overview of the Financial Aid Process
- The SAT & ACT and How Best to Prepare