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Why 12th Grade?
If your child has been in our program, we move from preparing to get into college to preparing to succeed there. We take everything your child has built to its highest point of completion.
Common Questions
We often hear these types of questions from parents of 12th graders:
- When will applications be complete?
- How do we choose the right school from our list?
- What do we do if my child is deferred or waitlisted?
- How do we make sure my child is actually ready for college?
- What should my child be doing senior summer?
What Our 12th-Grade Students Are Doing:
Here is what to expect as a parent in your child's 12th grade year:
- Talent, Interests & Self-Discovery: We take the work your child is most excited about and push it further. For students who have been with us for several years, we also run a fresh assessment to understand how they have grown and changed. New values, priorities, and aptitudes emerge, and we want to make sure the path into college reflects who they are now.
- Skill Building & Academic Habits: Senior year is not a time to coast. We make sure your child maintains the habits and rigor that got them here and is fully prepared for the academic demands of college.
- Community Impact & Project Work: We look for opportunities to scale existing impact and add measurable results before your child leaves for college. The goal is to finish with something they are proud of and have plans to pass on leadership to younger students.
- Independent Study & Personal Projects: Senior year often brings new schedule flexibility. We use it. Whether that means a formal independent study, a continued project, or an internship during the school day, we make sure the time is spent on something meaningful.
- Course Selection & College Preparation: We help your child select their senior courses with an eye toward continued rigor and freshman year preparation. We also begin looking ahead to freshman course selection so your child arrives knowing what they want to take and why.
- Networking & Mentorship Development: We continue deepening mentor relationships and identify internship and work opportunities for senior year and beyond. We now shift our focus from college prep to career prep and building relationships that will open doors in the job market.
- College Applications, School Selection & Next Steps: This is the core work of 12th grade. We complete and submit all applications, manage any deferrals or waitlists, and play an active advisory role in helping your family select the right school. In the right circumstances, we will also discuss college transfer planning as a strategic option.
- Senior Summer & College Launch: Senior summer should feel different. After years of hard work, this is a chance for your child to breathe, explore, and have fun. For students who want to keep pushing, we identify new opportunities that take their work even further. We also plan ahead for freshman summer and make sure your child arrives at college prepared academically and mentally.
- Family Check-Ins & Support: This is an emotional year for most families. Join us at key check-ins as we navigate decisions together, celebrate what your child has built, and make sure everyone feels confident and clear-headed heading into this next chapter.
Deliverables and Results
By the end of 12th grade, we should have the following:
- All Applications Submitted
- School Selected with Confidence
- Deferrals and Waitlists Managed
- Senior Summer Plan Complete
- Freshman Summer and Course Selection Planned
- Student Prepared Academically and Mentally for College Launch
Our Coaching Approach
We follow a structured format to ensure kids get the highest value possible in school and out of school.
- Biweekly sessions with the student
- Quarterly parent reviews (additional check-ins as needed)
- Update emails tracking progress and action items after every session
- We play the role of consultant, coach, and teacher as needed
Who Is This For?
- Families who have been in our program and are ready to execute
- Students who want to finish high school with purpose and enter college with a clear plan
- Families navigating a complex college decision or waitlist situation
- Students who want a clear strategy for landing a great job when they graduate college
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a Consultation Call
Ready to take the next step, book a consultation call with our team
Fall Semester
Academics / In-School
Maintain strong grades (they matter for admission + merit aid)
Continue taking rigorous courses
Seek leadership positions in activities
Get tutoring for midterms and ongoing coursework
Community Impact
Continue high-impact, meaningful work in your initiative
Step into leadership roles
Demonstrate sustained commitment in your service areas
Plan how your project will function after graduation (handoff)
Building Stacks of Evidence
Continue special projects with measurable, outcomes-based evidence
Complete advanced independent studies
Participate in competitions/awards aligned with your academic profile
Finalize portfolio pieces to submit with applications
Networking
Meet with Board of Advisors
Strengthen relationships with recommenders
Conduct informational interviews when needed for essays
Keep mentors updated on your application timeline
College Admissions
Finalize ED/EA/RD strategy
Finalize personal statement + all supplemental essays
Prepare for interviews
Submit Early Action & Early Decision applications
Submit Dec 1 deadlines
Submit Dec 15 deadlines
Complete college visits (final or last-minute)
Demonstrate interest via events, calls, and emails
Finalize activities list + recommendation requests
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Winter Break
Academics / In-School
Stay consistent with schoolwork during break (light academic maintenance)
Prep for January academic ramp-up
Community Impact
Continue involvement, even if scaled back temporarily
Set up spring roles and post-graduation continuity
Building Stacks of Evidence
Light reading in your field
Add new winter achievements or ongoing work to application info
Networking
Send thank-you updates to mentors and recommenders
Light touchpoints with advisory board
College Admissions
Deferral Project if deferred by EA/ED
Submit Letters of Continued Interest
Finalize and submit all remaining Regular Decision applications
Strategically update colleges with any new accomplishments
Begin planning your senior summer & transition to college
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Spring Semester
Academics / In-School
Maintain grades (offers can be rescinded)
Continue rigorous courses
Take AP exams if enrolled
Finish with strong academic momentum
Community Impact
Continue impact work with reduced time intensity
Step into final leadership moments
Complete handoff of leadership to younger students
Line up internships for senior summer
Building Stacks of Evidence
Do light research on your future major or academic area
Read 2–3 books related to your intended field
Complete any final special project deliverables
Networking
Start connecting with people at your chosen school
Meet with alumni, current students, or faculty (if available)
Maintain regular communication with mentors
College Admissions
Decide on your school
Compare financial aid packages
Appeal aid if appropriate
Handle waitlists (LOCIs, updates, strategy)
Visit schools accepted to (if still deciding)
Complete housing forms + onboarding tasks
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
Summer Semester
Academics / In-School (Summer Learning)
Kate Stone College Success Online Summer Class
Optional reading on major-specific topics
Take placement tests if required by college
Community Impact
Do something meaningful with your senior summer
Wrap up or present any capstone/community work
Leave your project in good shape for younger students
Building Stacks of Evidence
Prepare final academic and extracurricular résumé for college
Reflect on major achievements from high school (for networking + internships)
Networking
Connect with future classmates
Contact potential professors or advisors
Begin joining freshman-year groups & communities
Thank your mentors and supporters
College Admissions
Finalize housing, roommate selection, and onboarding
Submit immunization forms and documents
Prepare for campus life: budgeting, transportation, supplies
Get mentally and organizationally prepared to launch strongly
What does this cost?
View Pricing
This program has up to 12 flexible sessions with Kate Stone Prep
See Pricing Options
Book a consultation call
Ready to take the next step book a consultation call with our team
Schedule Free Consultation
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