The Brewster College Office guides each student through a highly personalized college search process, helping you discover the school where you'll thrive. Focused on finding the right fit, our approach combines one-on-one advising with a purposeful group curriculum. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a clear sense of direction and a strong foundation for a meaningful, successful future.
Road Map to College
WHAT TO EXPECT BY GRADE
9th and 10th Grade
We meet with our 9th graders and discuss the important factors in the admission process and how they can set themselves up for success in regards to grades, curriculum, involvement, testing, and more.
10th Grade:
- Continue the discussion related to the important factors in the admission process
- Full team presentation about course selection for 11th grade
- Individual meetings pertaining to course selection for 11th grade
- Consider visiting colleges in the summer after 10th grade
11th Grade
College Office Curriculum
The College Office works with you throughout your junior year using a structured framework to fully prepare you for the college process before summer begins. As part of the curriculum, you will:
- Fill out the Common Application
- Request Teacher Recommendations
- Complete a resume
- Discuss and begin the brainstorming process for their college essay
- Complete the Major Recommendation Questionnaire which assists their College Counselor and teachers in writing their recommendations
- Go over requirements for international students, athletics, art/music/theater school, or any specific programs students may be interested in.
October
- PSAT testing
- Naviance (college planning portal) registration
Instruction seminar for 11th grade parents occurs during Family Weekend
December
- PSAT test results/review
- SAT/ACT testing (optional)
January
- College Kickoff Workshops
- Register for spring SAT/ACT dates
- Complete student questionnaire
- Set up first college meeting with college counselor
- Develop initial college list
February
- ACT Testing
- Continue meeting with college counselor
- Set up college visits for March break
- Register for spring SAT/ACT dates
March
- SAT testing
- College visits during March break
- Begin College Office Curriculum
- Continue meeting with college counselor
April
- ACT testing
- Continue meeting with college counselor and researching colleges
- Continue College Office Curriculum
- Attend Lakes Region Independent School College Counseling Association College Fair
May
- SAT testing
- Continue meetings with college counselor and researching colleges
- Continue College Office Curriculum
- Plan college visits for the summer
- Take AP exams (if applicable)
June
- SAT/ACT testing
- Continue visiting colleges
- Finish remaining pieces of the College Office Curriculum
Summer Months
- Visit Colleges
- Finish remaining pieces of the College Office Curriculum
- Register for fall SAT/ACT test dates (as needed)
12th Grade/Postgraduate
College Office Curriculum
The College Office supports you throughout your senior year as you move through the final stages of the college application process. From finalizing your list and completing applications to making your final decision, you'll receive guidance every step of the way. By the end of the year, you will have submitted all required materials, explored financial aid and scholarships, and made an informed college choice. You’ll also stay connected through regular meetings with your college counselor, visits from admission representatives, and opportunities to visit campuses during school breaks. Once you commit, the College Office will ensure your final transcript is sent to your chosen school.
September
- ACT testing
- Meet with College Counselor to discuss summer visits
- Finalize college application list
- Complete the Common App and any other supporting documents
- Register for fall SAT/ACT test dates
- Attend college meeting for Seniors and Postgraduates
- Touch base with teachers about recommendations
- Meet with College Admission Representatives visiting Brewster
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
October
- SAT/ACT testing
- Continue everything from September
November
- Submit applications by November deadlines
- SAT testing
- Register for December SAT/ACT test dates
- Continue meeting with College Counselor and College Admission Representatives
- Ensure Teacher Recommendations have been submitted
- Plan final college visits for Thanksgiving break
- Finalize your college application list
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
December
- SAT/ACT testing
- If accepted to a college Early Decision withdraw all other applications
- Submit applications for December deadlines
- Continue meeting with college counselor
- Submit final college list and all applications for early January deadlines prior to holiday break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
January
- Submit applications by January deadlines
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
- Begin scholarship research at local high school counseling office, state education offices, and online
February
- Submit applications by February deadlines (if applicable)
- Visit colleges during February break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
March
- Visit colleges during March break
- Work with family to complete Financial Aid Forms (FAFSA/CSS Profile)
April
- Notify College Office of final decisions from all colleges
- Finalize your college decision and financial aid forms
May
- Submit college deposit by May 1
- Inform all other colleges of your decision
- Take AP exams (if applicable)
- Notify College Office of final decisions from all colleges
June
- The College Office will send your final transcripts to the college you plan to attend
QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to reach out to us in the College Office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
