College counseling

Personalized support for your journey

Our expert college counseling team works closely with each student to help them discover and navigate their unique paths after graduation.

For college-bound student athletes, our dedicated college counselors provide specialized support as they navigate the NCAA eligibility and recruitment process. Additionally, we offer tailored guidance for aspiring artists looking to apply to conservatory programs.

Path to college

Explore the college counseling process 

Middle School

It's never too early to start thinking about your future, and our middle school families also have full access to our expert college counselors. We also introduce the college admissions process through engaging webinars and parent information sessions appropriate for families of middle school students on topics like:

  • Transitioning to high school
  • Saving for college
  • Understanding the college application process

Grade 9

During our students' Freshman year, we work with our families to develop four-year plans of coursework and extracurricular activities. These plans are highly personalized and evolve with our students throughout their journey at USPA Live, and we revisit them each year not only to revise based on student interests and continue building the transcripts and portfolios that colleges seek. We work with our students on topics including:

  • Early career and college exploration
  • Academic and extracurricular planning
  • The ABCs of the NCAA

Grade 10

In sophomore year, students and families at USPA Live continue to work with our expert counseling team to refine their academic and extracurricular plans and ensure they're taking the right courses. Our college counselors offer more focused guidance on the college admissions process, supporting with:

  • Preparing for standardized tests
  • Understanding financial aid
  • Visiting colleges virtually and in person

We will also host college tours across the US for our families to join in person.

Grade 11

In January of their junior year in high school, our students begin the college admissions process in earnest. Each student meets one-on-one with their dedicated college counselor, and these individual meetings continue through the spring. During this time, students:

  • Build their college lists
  • Begin working on their applications
  • Prepare for auditions and the NCAA recruitment process

Grade 12

In their senior year of high school, USPA Live students receive comprehensive support from our college admissions counselors throughout the entire application and admissions process. Our dedicated counselors assist with:

  • Managing application deadlines
  • Reviewing essay drafts
  • Applying for financial aid
  • Conducting mock interviews
  • Managing waitlists
  • Designing gap year plans

Every senior has a dedicated advocate to guide them every step of the way through graduation and beyond.

Specialized team

Experts that decode the admissions process

Our college counseling team consists of experts who have worked as admissions officers at colleges and universities across the United States, and counselors who have successfully guided thousands of high school students through their college journeys.

We have a low counselor-to-student ratio, and the relationships our counselors build with our families ensure that each student has all the support they need to chart their post-graduate path.

Advice

Essential questions to ask a college counselor

  • When should I start planning for college?
  • How do I know what college or university is best for me?
  • What do college admissions officers look for in applications?
  • Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
  • What should I expect during a college interview?
  • What is the financial aid application process?
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What's next?

Ready to get started?

At USPA Live, our dedicated college counselors offer personalized guidance to help our students navigate every step of the admissions process with confidence. Join us today and let’s work together to help your student achieve their goals.