An Individualized Approach
The Greene School’s overall commitment to holistic development equips our students upon graduation with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. College counseling at The Greene School builds on this foundation through an individualized approach centered on the idea that the college search should be educational and developmental.
The Greene School’s dedicated and experienced college counseling team establishes close relationships with students and their families to provide personalized direction and robust support during each phase and in all aspects of the college search while also promoting accountability and individual agency. This enables each student and family to make well-informed decisions regarding colleges and universities, testing, financial aid and scholarships, and programs based on their distinctive interests and goals.
The ultimate aim is to ensure that each student successfully navigates the exciting, but sometimes complex, college search and application process while fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Guided by The Greene School’s Core Values, students are empowered to participate in the process responsibly, ethically, and intentionally.
“The college placement process offers an important opportunity for reflection on a student’s strongest attributes, vision of their future, and opportunities for growth. As our students navigate a crucial transition in life, we will support their decision-making by working hard to identify which learning communities offer the best prospects for their happiness and for the long-range attainment of their goals. Furthermore, we will help align their educational goals and accomplishments with a seamless transition to the college process. At The Greene School, we want to empower each student to see around corners, anticipate challenges, and thrive as they step confidently into their adult lives.” - Dr. JD Lopez, Director of College Counseling
FAQs
When should I start my college search?
It is best to think about the college search and application process as just that–a process. The Greene School’s approach to college counseling is highly personalized, but it is also process-driven, which enables students and families to navigate the complexities of the college search and application process in a guided and systematic way. College counseling at TGS begins in ninth grade and includes grade-level group sessions, individual student and family meetings, college testing, panel discussions and workshops, and regional college tours among a great deal of other programming. TGS also utilizes SCOIR as its main college search and application management tool. Although it is not necessary to know in ninth grade exactly where you want to attend college or what profession(s) you want to pursue, it is never too early to begin exploring your passions and interests, honing your strengths, working on your weaknesses, sharpening your study and time management skills, and developing a global mindset–all of which will help to maximize your chances for college admission. Discuss your interests and ideas with TGS’s college counselor who will direct you in finding several options, opportunities, and tools that might be useful. A grade-by-grade overview of the college search and application process is available on the website.
Which test should I take, the SAT or ACT?
Colleges and universities, scholarship competitions, and/or pre-college programs do not prefer one test over the other. In general, both tests cover the same topics (although the ACT includes a section on scientific reasoning) and both tests are equally challenging. The main differences between the two tests are the timing and style of questions. Typically, different types of students perform better on one test over the other. The Greene School offers both the PSAT and a diagnostic ACT in the sophomore year so that students gain exposure to both tests and can subsequently assess which is the test that suits them best. (It is highly recommended that students commit to either the SAT or ACT–not both once they have decided which works best for them.)
When should I take the SAT or ACT?
The SAT and ACT are designed to test a student’s knowledge and reasoning skills based on what they have learned up to and including the junior year of high school. Therefore, it is recommended that students sit for their first official test administration in the second semester of the junior year. (Of course, it is advisable for students to take several unofficial practice tests at home or through a test prep company beforehand.)
How many times should I take the SAT or ACT?
Students may take the SAT or ACT as many times as they wish. However, The Greene School recommends taking the test twice, then assessing with the help of your college counselor whether it would be beneficial to take it a third time. Typically, after the second attempt, a student will know whether they have plateaued or if there is room for improvement.
How do I register for the SAT or ACT?
Students may register for the SAT by visiting collegeboard.org, and for the ACT by visiting act.org.
What does it mean when a college indicates it is “test optional”?
Colleges that have a test-optional policy do not require the submission of SAT or ACT scores, but will review them as a component of an application if the student decides to submit them. Note: A few test-optional colleges may require the submission of additional items (a graded paper, for example) in lieu of testing.
Should I submit test scores if a college indicates it is “test optional”?
Generally, if you earned SAT or ACT scores within the college’s reported middle 50% range or higher, you should consider submitting your test scores.
What does it mean when a college indicates it is “test free” or “test blind”?
A college with a test-free or test-blind policy does not consider testing in the evaluation of an applicant.
What does it mean when a college indicates it is “test flexible”?
There are a small handful of colleges with a test-flexible policy, which allows students to choose the type of testing to submit. For example, NYU accepts scores from an SAT or an ACT or three AP exams.
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding and contractual admission plan utilized by many colleges and universities. It provides an opportunity for a student to submit an application earlier than the regular deadline to a first-choice institution. If admitted, the student must withdraw all other applications and enroll in that institution. Most ED application deadlines are November 1 or 15, and most colleges respond with a decision by mid to late December, but some colleges have multiple rounds of ED admission. (Click here for more information on early application programs.)
What is Early Action?
Early Action is a non-binding admission plan utilized by many colleges and universities. It provides an opportunity for a student to submit an application earlier than the regular deadline. Like ED applicants, an EA applicant receives an early response from the college, but is not required to commit to the college nor withdraw all other applications. In most cases, students may apply to multiple colleges that have an EA plan. (Click here for more information on early application programs.)
What is Single-choice Early Action (SCEA) and Restrictive Early Action (REA)?
Some highly selective colleges and universities offer an early application option that can best be described as a hybrid of binding ED and non-binding EA. Although a student applying as a SCEA/REA candidate may not apply to any other college as an ED or EA applicant, they are not bound to commit to the SCEA/REA college if ultimately admitted.
What is merit-based financial aid?
Merit-based aid is awarded typically in the form of a scholarship or grant on the basis of a student’s achievement, particular skills, or specific talent. Merit scholarships may require a student to submit an application, transcript, and essay to the sponsoring agency or organization. For a talent-based scholarship, a student may additionally be required to present a portfolio or attend a scheduled audition. Fastweb is a great resource for students to use to search for scholarships.
What is need-based financial aid?
Need-based financial aid is awarded typically on the basis of demonstrated need. Need-based aid requires the student and the student’s family to complete and submit official forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile, and other supplemental materials which may be requested by the federal government, state government, or a college’s financial aid office. A financial aid award package typically includes a combination of grants, loans, and work-study.
As a parent/guardian, how involved should I be in the college search and application process?
Parents/guardians should most definitely consider themselves key players in the college search and application process, but they should also realize that the process is designed to be student-driven. Although a parent/guardian can (and should) serve as a source of support and comfort, the expectation among colleges is that it is the student who needs to take ownership and agency over this process, not the parent/guardian. This blog post from Harvard Summer School’s website provides great insight into the means by which parents/guardians can become appropriately involved while ensuring that their child maintains control.
What summer programs look good for college?
High school students should use their summers for personal growth and enrichment in whatever way(s) they define it. There is no one summer program that “looks better” than another. Every summer experience “looks good” for college so long as it is an activity that aligns with a student’s academic or personal interests. Students typically choose to engage in myriad opportunities such as college-level course work, volunteer service, employment, travel, athletics, personal passion projects, and internships–all of which colleges consider to be meaningful and valuable experiences.
How many colleges should I apply to?
According to the most recent data collected by the Common Application, the average number of first-year college applications submitted per capita in 2022 was seven. Typically, five to eight applications are enough to ensure that a student is accepted into a suitable institution. Of course, individual goals, abilities, and family circumstances might affect this number one way or another. The final list of colleges should comprise a balanced combination of “safety,” “target,” and “reach” colleges.
What is SCOIR?
SCOIR is a comprehensive web-based college search engine and application management tool used by The Greene School. Students and parents/guardians are given access to a personal account beginning in the sophomore year. Through SCOIR, families are able to research colleges, keep track of submission deadlines, and organize their application progress. The School also uses SCOIR for document submission and to aggregate admission data to generate reports.
Resources
College Athletics
College Campus Tours
College Interviews
College Search Engines
Film Schools
Florida Colleges and Universities
Gap Year
Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Performing Arts Schools
NOTE: The following are institutions specifically devoted to performing arts offering specialized degrees. Please note that most liberal arts colleges and universities also have visual arts schools and programs. In addition to consulting with your college counselor, families may also wish to explore Teen Life’s Guide to Performing & Visual Arts Colleges as an additional source of information.
Pre-College Summer Programs
NOTE: The following are popular pre-college summer programs for high school students, most of which are headquartered on college campuses. However, there are thousands of summer programs to satisfy every interest. In addition to consulting with your college counselor, families may also wish to explore Teen Life’s Guide to Summer Programs for Teens as an additional resource for uncovering many other opportunities.
Fashion Institute of Technology Precollege Programs
Georgetown Hoya Summer High School Sessions
National Student Leadership Conference
New York Film Academy Teen Summer Camps and Workshops
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
UCF Summer Institute on Competitive Programming
University of Miami Pre-College
USC Summer Pre-College Programs
Wake Forest University Summer Immersion
Wharton Global Youth Program: Leadership in the Business World
Religious Life
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Schools
NOTE: The following are some of the most popular institutions specifically devoted to STEM. Most liberal arts colleges and universities have extensive STEM programs and many also have engineering schools. In addition to consulting with your college counselor, families may also wish to explore College Admissions Collaborative Highlighting Engineering and Technology (CACHET) as an additional source of information.
California Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
SCOIR
Services for Students with Disabilities and Learning Differences
Test Preparation Services
Please note, the following list of test preparation services should not be considered endorsements by The Greene School. However, these are services that have credible reputations with which students have had success.
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
Visual Arts Schools
NOTE: The following are institutions specifically devoted to visual arts offering specialized degrees. Please note that most liberal arts colleges and universities also have visual arts schools and programs. In addition to consulting with your college counselor, families may also wish to explore Teen Life’s Guide to Performing & Visual Arts Colleges as an additional source of information.
California Institute of the Arts
GWU - Corcoran School of the Arts & Design
The New School - Parsons School of Design
Ringling College of Art + Design
Savannah College of Art and Design
College Counseling Events
Grade-by-Grade Overview
9th Grade
Ninth grade is your year to successfully transition to high school and explore options.
College Funding
The Greene School knows that college is a substantial financial investment and that parents/guardians need to prepare for college, too. The Greene School has partnered with the SMARTTRACK® College Funding High School Initiative to provide free access to expert College Funding Advisors, valuable online resources, and discounted, affordable service options for those who need advanced funding planning.
Click here to create your complimentary account.
