At Hargrave, we believe that the college process is a partnership between the Academy, parents, and the cadet. Together, we work to help your son discover the college or university that best fits his strengths, goals, and character. The following guide outlines how this shared effort unfolds each year — ensuring your cadet is well-prepared and confident throughout his college journey.
10th Grade — Building a Strong Foundation
Academic Planning:
Together, Hargrave, you as parents, and your son will ensure that he is enrolled in courses that challenge him appropriately and allow him to perform at his highest potential. Honors and AP classes can be valuable if they support both achievement and balance.
PSAT (While at Hargrave):
During his sophomore year, your cadet will take the PSAT at Hargrave. This assessment establishes a baseline for college readiness and helps identify areas for academic growth.
Involvement and Engagement:
Together, we will encourage participation in athletics, clubs, and leadership opportunities that help your son develop confidence, teamwork, and character.
Summer Opportunities:
When home for the summer, your cadet should remain active through community service, church involvement, or work experiences that build leadership and responsibility.
Family College Conversations:
Begin discussing as a family what type of college experience your son may be interested in — such as school size, location, programs, and campus environment.
Early Research:
Together, we will encourage your cadet to begin researching colleges and careers that align with his interests and goals.
Hargrave’s Commitment:
Hargrave will provide academic guidance, mentoring, and early exposure to college readiness concepts to help your cadet start strong.
11th Grade — Exploring Options and Setting Goals
PSAT & SAT (While at Hargrave):
Your cadet will take the PSAT and SAT on campus during his junior year. These tests help identify academic strengths, scholarship opportunities, and college readiness benchmarks.
Junior Seminar:
Your cadet (depending on his schedule) will be able to take the Junior Seminar during the spring semester, where Hargrave introduces key components of the college search and application process.
College Interest List:
Through collaboration between your family and us here at Hargrave, your cadet will begin building a list of colleges that match his goals and strengths.
College Visits:
Hargrave will organize college visits throughout the year. Families are also encouraged to schedule additional visits during school breaks to explore options firsthand.
Exploring Majors and Careers:
Together, we will help your son identify potential fields of study and career paths that align with his strengths and interests.
Early Application Preparation:
By the end of junior year, your cadet should have:
- A first draft of his college essay
- A Common App account
- A working resume or "brag sheet" summarizing his accomplishments
Hargrave’s Commitment:
Hargrave will guide your cadet through testing, academic planning, essay preparation, and college exploration to ensure steady progress toward his goals.
Summer Between 11th & 12th Grade — Preparing to Apply
Letters of Recommendation:
Your cadet should reach out to teachers before returning to school to request letters of recommendation.
College Visits and Refinement:
Families are encouraged to continue visiting colleges during the summer to help narrow the list of schools. Together, Hargrave, parents, and cadets will identify colleges that best fit academic, financial, and personal goals.
Application Organization:
With Hargrave’s support, your cadet should organize all application materials, essays, and deadlines to be fully prepared for senior year.
12th Grade — Applying and Finalizing the Journey
Senior Seminar:
Hargrave will guide your cadet through each step of the college application process during Senior Seminar (if his schedule permits), finalizing applications, and scholarships.
SAT (While at Hargrave):
Your cadet will have the opportunity to take or retake the SAT on campus during his senior year to strengthen his college applications.
Application Completion:
Together, we will ensure all college and scholarship applications are completed accurately and submitted on time.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Families, with Hargrave’s support, will research and apply for scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Decision and Commitment:
As college acceptances arrive, we will work together to review each option carefully — considering academic programs, financial considerations, and overall fit.
Key Contacts for Parents Regarding College Counseling
College Counselor: Josh Cothran – josh.cothran@hargrave.edu
Academic Dean: Jim Tung – tungj@hargrave.edu
Registrar: Kim Barbour – kim.barbour@hargrave.edu