College Counseling

College ambitions and choices are as unique as students themselves. That's why Commonwealth students and their families receive close, individualized guidance through the college search, mitigating its stressors and ensuring students have college options that will allow them to thrive.

Request More Information

Prepared for College and Beyond

Colleges frequently report that our graduates distinguish themselves in the depth of their preparation and interest in their studies. Most are ambitious in what they seek from college: demanding work and intellectual excitement as they've known at Commonwealth. Many move directly into advanced undergraduate courses.

In choosing among a variety of institutions large and small, near and far, our students go through an exercise in patience, thoughtful self-assessment, and organization. They also benefit from the steady support of a school that knows them well. Starting junior year, students meet regularly with our full-time college counselor to discuss their aspirations, plan applications, and meet deadlines.

We work hard to help students prepare strong applications, but we also encourage them to regard college placement not as the reason for but as a consequence of their achievement here. We are proudest of our success in preparing students for their lives beyond Commonwealth, and of how often they prioritize work that can make a difference in the world.

College Counseling at Commonwealth

In the middle of junior year, each student starts working with their college counselor. As they begin to plan for the coming year, students and parents/guardians receive individual accounts on Commonwealth's Naviance system.

During senior year, many other elements come into play:

• College visits: Representatives from some fifty colleges and universities visit Commonwealth each fall, and seniors can take a few days in the fall to visit colleges.
• Essay advisor: In addition to a faculty advisor and college counselor, each senior also has an advisor who helps them present their experiences so college admissions officers can more fully appreciate the student’s interests and strengths. This advisor partners with the student from the end of junior year to winter break of senior year, supporting all of the written elements of the college application.
• Recommendation letters: Because teachers, administrators, advisors, and the college counselor know each student well, their recommendation letters are at once comprehensive and specific—and sparkling with vivid detail. 
• Academic recognition: By senior year most students have taken several Advanced Placement exams. A senior class of thirty-six typically includes two dozen students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.