College Advising - Key School

Personalized College Advising is Key

Key’s college advising program is a defining strength of the School’s academic experience. Through a highly personalized and thoughtfully structured process, students are supported as individuals—developing an understanding of their strengths, exploring their interests, and identifying the environments in which they will thrive. The goal is to help each student find colleges where they will be challenged, successful, and able to grow with confidence and purpose.

Key provides:

A truly student-centered process that helps each student identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
A collaborative, transparent approach with families, ensuring clear guidance and thoughtful decision-making at every stage.
Strong faculty relationships that translate into meaningful advocacy, with teachers who know students well and write personalized, compelling recommendations.
A focus on “fit,” helping students find colleges where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Preparation that goes beyond admission, equipping students to arrive at college confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

For Students & Families

College Advising Timeline

Grade 9

Plan for academic goals
Students begin exploring subjects that spark their curiosity and interests while working with a faculty advisor to develop a thoughtful four-year academic plan.

Build strong habits from the start
Ninth grade is a time to develop strong study skills and time management. Students learn to balance academics with activities and understand Key’s grading system to track their progress.

Get involved and make their mark
Students are encouraged to explore activities—athletics, theater, arts, music, clubs, and service—and to try new things, remaining open to evolving interests.

Begin self-discovery
Through the Community Seminar “Future” course, students reflect on their strengths, interests, and learning style, while gaining an introduction to the college search and potential career paths.

Grade 10

Continue building strong habits and interests
Students deepen their academic skills while gaining a clearer understanding of their strengths as learners and individuals. They are encouraged to stay involved while maintaining balance.

Take the first PSAT
Students are introduced to standardized testing, learning how tests are structured, and receiving feedback on strengths and areas for growth.

Start exploring colleges with an open mind
Families can begin with small steps—virtual tours, conversations with older students, or visits to nearby campuses—to explore different types of colleges and what might be a good fit.

Engage in the process together
The 10th Grade College Evening provides families with an overview of the college search process and insights from current seniors.

Grade 11

Students collaborate with their college advisor to identify best-fit schools, refine interests, and prepare for applications.

Fall

Students register on Scoir and key communication platforms
PSAT and practice ACT are administered at school
Students continue building their academic and extracurricular profiles
Families attend College Fair, campus visits, and financial planning sessions

Winter

Families meet with College Advisor to identify college criteria
Students explore testing options and preparation strategies
A working list of 15–20 colleges begins to take shape
Ongoing college meetings at Key provide continued guidance

Spring

Students meet one-on-one with their college advisor
Preparation for and completion of the SAT or ACT
College visits and regional fairs help refine preferences
Students request teacher recommendations
AP exams are taken, if applicable

Summer

Students refine their list to 7–10 colleges where they can see themselves thriving
Activities resumes are drafted
Students attend the College Application Workshop at Key
Essay writing begins, with a focus on developing a strong personal narrative

Grade 12

Students work closely with the college advising team to complete applications, evaluate options, and prepare for the transition to college.

August

Students attend the College Application Workshop at Key
Essays are drafted, revised, and refined
Students begin shaping and sharing their personal story
Senior year begins

September & October

Final SAT and/or ACT testing, if needed
College Admission Counselors come to Key to meet interested seniors
Campus visits and connections with Key alumni continue
College lists are finalized in Scoir
Students meet with their college advisor to review and finalize applications

November

College applications are submitted
Students determine application options
First semester focus remains important
Students set up college portals and track application progress

December

Early decisions are released, and students begin evaluating options
Students begin considering where they will thrive academically and personally

January & February

Students adjust college lists if needed
Deferral follow-up is completed, where appropriate
Financial aid packages are reviewed and compared
Outside scholarships are pursued
Mid-year grades are submitted to colleges

March & April

Admission decisions are released
Students evaluate options and attend admitted student programs
Families support students in making a final, thoughtful decision

May

May 1 marks the national deposit deadline
Students celebrate their accomplishments and finalize their choice
Time is set aside to reflect on their journey and prepare for what comes next

Ongoing

Financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS Profile, if required) are completed
Families attend financial planning workshops

College Advising Resources

Transcript
Request

College
Profile

Senior
Insights

Matriculations
& Acceptances

Student Outcomes

(2023-2025)

1420

25% scored 1420 or higher on the SAT

87%

Of Students Earned Merit Scholarships
(not including financial aid)

39%

Matriculated to STEM-Focused Programs

38%

Matriculated to Research I Universities

College Advising at Key

9th Grade Community Seminar Class
9th Graders research types of colleges during their Community Seminar Class.

Black Student Union & College Advising Visits HBCUs
The Black Student Union and College Advising Visit Howard University, along with other HBCUs, during the College Advising process.

College Application Workshop
Admission Counselors advise students on applications during the College Application Workshop.

College Application Essay Writing
Essay brainstorming is another component of the College Application Workshop.

College Timeline
Students learn about when elements of the application happen.

Junior Class College Visit
During these on-site college visits, Juniors get a glimpse of what life on campus is like for students.

The Alum Connection
Key Alums share advice with current Key Students during college visits.

Giving Back
Key Alums return to share insights with juniors and seniors about the college search process and what life is like after Key.

Practice Makes Perfect
Seniors practice soft skills for the college process during an Outdoor Education trip.

Decision Day
Seniors Celebrate May 1, which is Decision Day!

College Reveal Day
Key students attend colleges across the country.

Meet the College Advising Team

Laura Burrell Baxter

Director of College Advising
Upper School

Christy Serinis

College Advising Coordinator
Upper School

For College Admission Counselors

School Profile

College admission representatives can schedule an appointment via SCOIR with our Director of College Advising and interested seniors.

We approach our visits from college counselors to allow all parties to learn from one another: admission counselors can get to know our school's curriculum and culture, the student(s) can make a connection with counselors and discover what is happening on the campus, and the college advisor can form relationships with counselors.

Explore More

Beyond the Classroom

Upper School Academics

About Key