A four-year journey of support, strategy, and standout results.
At Staten Island Academy, college preparation is never a last-minute scramble. It is a thoughtfully designed, four-year process that begins the moment students enter the Upper School. From Grades 9 through 12, students and families receive personalized guidance, expert resources, and strategic planning that lead to impressive results and lifelong confidence.
With a track record of acceptances to top colleges and universities including Harvard, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Parsons, Villanova, and the University of Notre Dame, our approach goes far beyond applications. Strong preparation for life starts in the Lower School and builds steadily through the Upper School years, helping students discover who they are, what they love, and where they want to go.
Our Signature Staten Island Academy College Prep Process
Grades 9 and 10: Building Awareness and Setting Goals
The personalized process begins at the door. At Staten Island Academy, college preparation should start early and not be reserved just for juniors and seniors. Students and families attend the Grades 9–10 College Nights, where they are introduced to the Academy’s long-range guidance program.
Students learn how each decision, from class selection to extracurricular involvement, can shape their future options. Families receive an overview of major standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Subject Tests), guidance on summer enrichment, and insights into the importance of leadership and sustained volunteer opportunities.
Each year, a guest speaker from a respected college provides a real-world perspective. Past guests have included admissions professionals from Columbia University, Bucknell University, Union College, and Drew University, giving students and parents a direct window into the evolving college admissions landscape.
Grade 11: Strategy, Search, and Selection
Junior year is when strategy meets action. Grade 11 College Night, held each January, offers a detailed overview of the entire admissions process. Students and parents learn about application types, acceptance rates, financial aid basics, and how to build a balanced college list based on academic fit and personal goals. Students are also taught how to lead their own college search with confidence. They are encouraged to explore liberal arts colleges, research universities, women’s colleges, and even international options.
The Academy provides curated resources, recommended reading, and comparison tools that help students match institutions to their learning styles, strengths, and aspirations. Each student receives a comprehensive college handbook that includes timelines, deadlines, test dates, NCAA eligibility information, test-optional advice, and resources for students with special talents in athletics or the arts. This structured yet individualized approach ensures that by the end of Grade 11, students feel informed, focused, and supported as they begin their applications.
Grade 12: Application Execution and Next Steps
Senior year is when the vision becomes reality. In October, the Grade 12 College Night guides students step by step through the application process. Students work on narrowing their college lists, preparing essays, gathering recommendations, and scheduling interviews and campus visits.
The session also includes a detailed overview of the financial aid process. Students and families learn about the FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit-based aid, and scholarship opportunities. A clear, month-by-month calendar outlines all deliverables and deadlines to keep students organized and on track.
Throughout the year, counselors meet individually with students to manage stress, fine-tune applications, and ensure each student presents their best self. From Common App support to mock interviews, the College Guidance team provides consistent, expert support through every phase of the process—as well as offering anxious students and parents a place to vent and find reassurance.
A Partnership That Lasts
College admissions can feel overwhelming. But when students are backed by a school that treats it as a shared journey, the experience becomes manageable and empowering. From Grade 9 onward, Staten Island Academy students are encouraged to think ahead, reflect on their goals, and build the habits of independence and leadership that colleges look for.
If you are interested in learning more about how Staten Island Academy supports students’ long-term success, we invite you to visit our campus, attend a College Night, or explore our Upper School programs in more detail.
At Staten Island Academy, college counseling isn’t a task, it’s a philosophy. It reflects our belief that students thrive when they’re known, guided, and encouraged to take ownership of their growth. With the right tools, mentorship, and mindset, our graduates don’t just get into great colleges, they become leaders ready to thrive there.
