Each spring, eighth grade students take their first steps toward Upper School through a structured program facilitated by the Office of Student Life. This includes an overview of the Upper School’s daily schedule and academic curriculum, as well as an orientation to the College Counseling Office and the resources it offers. The experience equips students with a stronger understanding of expectations and the support available to them as they transition into high school.

Freshman year represents a pivotal stage in students’ college search journey. Each ninth grader is  paired with a dedicated college counselor who will continue to support them through graduation. This important partnership allows for strategic academic planning from the outset, including guidance on sophomore year course selection and extracurricular pursuits.

Conversations with Webb’s college counselors are tailored to each student’s individual interests and aspirations, whether they’re exploring academic passions, artistic talents, leadership development, and/or athletic goals. For students aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, counselors offer support in navigating the recruitment process, meeting eligibility requirements, and preparing for standardized testing.

Sophomore year represents an important transitional period in students’ college preparation, where self-discovery and strategic planning begin to take shape in tandem. During their spring-term class meeting with the College Counseling Office, sophomores are encouraged to deepen their engagement in activities and causes they find both meaningful and fun. They’re also prompted to reflect on the academic subjects that spark their curiosity and align with their emerging interests. 

At the same time, students are introduced to the practical elements of the college search process, getting a glimpse into what many colleges look for in their applicants. They also learn the value of authentically articulating their passions, strengths, and achievements to help shape their ideal college admissions candidacy.

Sophomores also preview a suggested standardized testing timeline, including the PSAT and a full practice ACT, giving them an early sense of their standardized testing abilities and challenges. 

Juniors formally launch their college search process with a class-wide “College Search Kick-Off” meeting. This comprehensive session, held each November, introduces students to essential college search concepts and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of independent research and providing an overview of the digital platforms and tools they will use to stay organized and on track throughout their journey.

In close collaboration with their college counselor, juniors create a preliminary college list, highlight their extracurricular involvement and achievements, and craft an initial draft of their college essay. They also start the process of securing teacher recommendations and begin building out their Common Application account.

Senior year marks the final stage of a comprehensive college search process that prepares students to navigate the complexities of admissions decisions and embark confidently on their next academic chapter. During the fall term, seniors work closely with their college counselor to shape a compelling and personalized college admissions profile. Through individualized guidance, they develop a well-balanced college list tailored to their goals, maximizing both fit and opportunity.

Throughout this period, seniors also benefit from on-campus visits by admissions representatives from leading colleges and universities. These sessions offer more than information; they allow students to develop meaningful connections, ask informed questions, and gain deeper insight into each institution’s campus culture and admissions review process.