Academics

College Counseling

The Indian Creek Advantage

Our intentional, balanced education brings powerful results. Not only are Indian Creek School (ICS) graduates well-prepared for college by our rigorous curriculum, but they also demonstrate qualities of character that contribute to success throughout college and beyond.
Our teachers help students build non-cognitive qualities - from self-management to social intelligence to curiosity – by providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop and practice them. The goal of the Indian Creek College Counseling program is to not only help students and their families discover the college or university that is the best fit for the student’s academic, extracurricular, and social desires and needs, but also to ensure that our graduates will thrive in college.

Our College Counseling Office guides each student and family through the college search and application process. Beginning freshman year on Parent Night, when our College Counselors describe the college planning resources and types of assistance we provide, through our Junior Class College tour, and continuing through standardized testing, college fairs and visits, and application preparation and submission, Indian Creek School works with families to find the best college fit for each child.

College Counselors Maggie Margiotta Melson and Ruthie Shrum enjoy working closely with each student to provide helpful guidance and support. They review essays and resumes, and provide detailed recommendations to help college admission officers get to know each applicant.

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  • Freshman Year

    • October: Parents attend Freshman Parent Night and receive outline of four-year college search and application process
    • Students begin documenting Community Service hours with Mrs. Montgomery
    • Students maximize academic, artistic, athletic, and leadership opportunities at Indian Creek and create a list of noteworthy activities.
    • Fall: Parents may attend an AIMS information session on a specific college topic
    • Fall: Parents make sure that their children who receive accommodations or would like to receive accommodations in school or on standardized testing please see Ms. Dunigan to start the paperwork.

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  • Sophomore Year

    • October: Students take PSATs in school.
    • Fall: Parents attend an AIMS information session on a specific college topic.
    • December (early): Students receive PSAT scores in school; families sign up with College Board to review strategies for improved testing results.
    • March: Sophomore Parent Night includes an overview of standardized testing (PSAT, SAT reasoning and subject tests, ACT and AP).
    • May: Specialty students (athletes, visual arts, or performing arts) should contact ICS coaches, teachers, and the College Counseling office for guidance.

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  • Junior Year

    • September: Students attend three-day class trips to colleges in Virginia or Pennsylvania
    • October: Students take PSAT’s;
    • October: Families may attend local High School College Fair
    • Fall: Parents attend an AIMS information session on a specific college topic;
    • Fall: Students attend meetings with College admissions representatives on ICS campus
    • December (early): Students receive PSAT scores in school;
    • December: Athletes interested in playing sports in college register with the NCAA clearing house, www.eligibilitycenter.org
    • Mid-January through April: Junior Parent College Counseling meetings: This is an opportunity for parents of juniors to schedule a personalized session to help navigate the college search and application process, including information about the SAT and ACT tests. Each family will work with either Mrs. Melson or Mrs. Shrum.
    • January 1: Junior Parent Night includes an in-depth discussion about the college application process, financial aid, and scholarships.
    • February – April: Parents and students make individual meeting with College Counselor, Mrs. Shrum. Families sign up on the Naviance website with code received from Mrs. Shrum. Families sign up through the College Board website to take SAT’s in January, March, May or June. Families should visit colleges while they are in session. (If a student already has interest in a certain school, be sure to sign up for their “Junior Day” visit.) Sign up for SAT Subject tests (optional).
    • May: Students ask teachers for recommendations.
    • May: Families attend AIMS College Fair in Baltimore.
    • June: Students fill out summer contact sheet for the College Counseling office.

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  • Summer between Junior and Senior Years

    • Students spend their summer doing something worthwhile such as: working, taking classes, or volunteering.
    • Families should work on their college list, and contact Mrs. Melson or Mrs. Shrum by e-mail with questions. 
    • Students have the option of taking the “Writing Your College Essay” BLinc Enrichment Course.
    • Families should plan visits to the colleges of their choice during the three days off in September, including time for interviews and tours.
    • Specialty students should hone their craft, going to camps, or working on portfolios.

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  • Senior Year

    • September: Senior Parent Night includes specific information about what seniors need to do to finish college applicatoins.
    • September: Sign up for October SAT/ACT;
    • September: Use three free Class Trip days for college process in any way seniors choose (visit schools, get paperwork together, finish essays). Students attend meetings with college representatives on ICS campus; decide if the November 1 early action/early decision or priority application deadlines are relevant.
    • September – December: Families continue to update Naviance website with up to date college choices; students work with College Counselors to coordinate application process; students continue to turn in applications well before deadlines. All dates and deadlines are on Naviance;
    • Parents FILL OUT THE FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, www.fafsa.ed.gov.
    • November – April: Students update the College Counseling Office with acceptance, waitlist, and deny outcomes from colleges;
    • November – April: Students update College Counseling office with any scholarship information.
    • May: Students make final decisions for college matriculation.

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Indian Creek School CEEB Code: 210424

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