Rising Senior College Planning Night – Monday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Dear Wootton Class of 2027 Parents/Guardians,

Senior year is approaching quickly, and with it comes the start of the college application process. We invite you and your student to join us for our Rising Senior College Planning Night on:

Monday, May 4 at 6:00 PM
Wootton High School Auditorium

This session is designed to walk families through the college application journey and help students understand what to focus on now, over the summer, and into the fall.

Topics we will discuss will include:

Understanding the College Application Process

  • The key components of a complete application:
    application, transcript, letters of recommendation, essay, and (if applicable) test scores
  • How platforms like the Common Application and Naviance work together
  • The idea that college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won

What Students Should Be Doing Now (Junior Year)

  • Prioritizing strong academic performance through the end of junior year
  • Continuing to research colleges and build an initial list
  • Meeting with counselors to begin planning and receive guidance
  • Building a resume/activity list that reflects involvement and impact
  • Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers before the end of the year

How to Use the Summer Effectively

  • Finalizing a balanced college list with a mix of reach, target, and safety schools
  • Visiting colleges (in person or virtually) and refining preferences
  • Drafting and revising your Common App personal statement
  • Participating in summer opportunities such as jobs, internships, or volunteer work
  • Attending Wootton and MCPS workshops and programs (schedule to be shared)

Getting Ready for Senior Year

  • The Common Application opens on August 1, and students can begin completing it
  • How students will stay organized and track applications and deadlines
  • A general overview of what to expect in the fall, including application timelines and financial aid

Throughout the presentation, we will emphasize how students can stay organized, reduce stress, and make thoughtful decisions about their future. Most importantly, we want families to leave with a clear sense of what matters most—and what does not.

There will be additional opportunities for more detailed guidance and individual meetings, but this session will provide a strong foundation to begin the process with confidence.

We hope you and your student can join us for this important and exciting step toward senior year.

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