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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 gives context to a BC High student's application, helping an admissions officer to understand the rigorous experience of our students, both academically and in the realm of character development.
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
- 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
Support for College Visits and On-Campus Interviews
Exploring colleges in person is one of the best ways for students to discover where they can see themselves in the future. At BC High, we encourage students to take time to visit campuses, talk with admissions reps, and get a real sense of what each school has to offer.
Each year, we welcome college representatives right here on campus. These visits give students the chance to learn about different schools, ask questions, and connect directly with the people who may be reading their applications. It’s a relaxed, comfortable setting that helps students build confidence and gather valuable insights.
We also help students plan visits to colleges they’re interested in, whether it’s during a school break or over a long weekend. Counselors offer advice on what to look for during a tour, how to prepare for an interview, and what kinds of questions can really help a student figure out if a school is the right fit.
If a student has an interview lined up, we’re here to help them feel ready and prepared. We offer support and practice so they can share their story clearly and confidently.
Family Engagement and Resources
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 for parents with topics related to admissions, financial aid, and college life, at which parents are invited to ask questions. Past guests have included Vice Presidents of Enrollment, Directors of Admissions, founders of financial aid firms, executive functioning and study habit experts, and experts from our own BC High community.
Information nights are held each year for the Senior class, Junior class, and Freshman & Sophomore classes 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 about 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