College Counseling

At CSN, College Counseling begins early with programs designed to inform and inspire both students and families. Freshmen and sophomores take part in grade-level programming and college related tasks throughout each year. Parents/guardians are also invited to various programs introducing the college counseling process, academic planning, standardized testing, and events connected to the greater college admission landscape.

These early years focus on self-discovery, self-advocacy, academic growth, and engagement beyond the classroom—through athletics, clubs, service, and the arts. Colleges seek students who are not only academically accomplished but who contribute meaningfully to their communities. At CSN, we emphasize depth and authenticity over quantity, encouraging students to pursue passions that genuinely reflect who they are. Counselors are available to answer questions about course selection, college readiness, summer enrichment, and long-term goals, helping every student begin the college readiness journey with clarity and confidence.

College-related tasks in ninth and tenth grades include, but are not limited to:

• Introduction to Scoir, the college research and application management network students and parents/guardians will use throughout the upper school experience at CSN
• Take PSAT and PreACT tests to help students gain exposure to standardized testing and develop an individualized testing plan
• Engage in academic planning and course selection
• Assignment to one of four College Counselors in the sophomore year
• Complete learning style inventories
• Engage in exploration related to major, minors, and careers

The junior year is a pivotal stage in the college readiness and college counseling journey at Community School of Naples.

Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with appropriate rigor, including Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and/or Advances options. Juniors work closely with their college counselor throughout the year to conduct college research, explore majors and minors, build confidence, balance coursework and testing, and continue shaping a strong academic profile that reflects both achievement and potential. At the same time, students are advised to assess how they spend time beyond the classroom in their co-curricular endeavors in addition to volunteerism, employment, responsibilities at home, and much more. This combination of quantitative and qualitative factors will help to shape each student’s story as they prepare to present it to colleges and universities in the application process.

College-related tasks in elevent grade include, but are not limited to:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT administration in October which serves as the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Qualifying Exam
• Conduct college research with the college counseling team to build or expand an initial college list
• Connect with admission representatives at CSN through college visits on campus and programming
• Complete an overview of the Common Application platform
• Sit for official SAT and/or ACT administrations
• Request letters of recommendation
• Engage in a college essay workshop in coordination with CSN’s English department

The senior year at Community School of Naples focuses on balance as students manage challenging coursework, college applications, standardized tests, extracurricular commitments, and the demands of daily life. Academic performance during this period remains vital. Colleges often review first-quarter and/or first-semester grades closely, and all admission offers are contingent upon maintaining consistent achievement. Even after acceptance, institutions may withdraw an offer if a student’s performance declines significantly. Second-semester grades also carry weight, particularly for students on waitlists or those who may consider transferring in the future.

Organization and early preparation are essential. Students who begin applications well before deadlines allow themselves time to refine and polish their work. Utilizing online platforms that streamline multiple applications, staying current with coursework, and finalizing a well-researched list of colleges by mid-summer all contribute to a smoother, less stressful process. Likewise, those who enter senior year with thoughtfully crafted essays are positioned to navigate the application season with greater confidence and ease.

College-related tasks in twelfth grade include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the college application timeline in coordination with the college counseling team
• Finalize the personal statement (college essay) and supplemental writing as required by each institution
• Submit college applications in advance of posted deadlines
• Complete STARS for institutions that require self-reported records
• Apply for financial aid using FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by posted deadlines
• Send SAT and/or ACT scores from the testing agency to institutions where required
• Request transcripts and recommendations from the college counseling team through the official Transcript Request Form
• Monitor applicant portals at each institution once applications have been submitted
• Check email daily!
• Communication with the college counseling team often in support of application materials and outcomes
• Celebrate your success!