College Advising

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Making strides and taking the next step toward success.

Our academies are a foundation for success, intentionally preparing our students for college and the world beyond. What starts on day one is reinforced and supported through our exceptional advisors, who prioritize getting to know students personally. Their care and attention to those personal details show in the college selection process.

Culver students are not only admitted to some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation, but they also choose the schools that best fit them – their professional goals, interests, and personalities.

9th and 10th Grades
11th and 12th Grades

9th and 10th Grades

9th and 10th graders take the PSAT in October of each year.
Students are encouraged to take the most challenging classes they can handle and earn the best grades possible each year since both grades and strength of schedule have the greatest influence in the college admissions process.
Students and parents are encouraged to meet and speak with college advisors in their first year if they have questions.
Students are encouraged to visit local colleges and universities to understand what schools are looking for in the college admissions process. This is best done over a school break.
Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to meet with college and university representatives who visit the Culver campus. A list of all visiting admissions representatives can be found on the calendar in the student and parent portals.
Students in appropriate courses should consider SAT Subject Tests after speaking with their teacher and meeting with a college advisor.
Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend College Advising Presentations, which are held during Parent’s Weekend. These sessions are extremely helpful in understanding the college admissions process.
Parents can make an appointment with a college advisor by contacting Chrystal Dyess at 574-842-7700 or via email.

11th and 12th Grades

Current families will find the most up to date Timelines for 11th and 12th Grades on the Parent Portal and/or in the College Advising Guide (Resource Guide) also available on the Parent Portal.

11th graders will take the PSAT in October to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program and a variety of National Achievement Programs.
Students are encouraged to take the most challenging classes they can handle and earn the best grades possible since grades and strength of schedule have the greatest influence in the college admissions process.
Parents and students are encouraged to visit colleges and universities during Spring Break and summer vacation of their junior year.
Students are encouraged to seek letters of recommendation from their teacher in the spring of their junior year.
Students will be enrolled in mandatory College Advising classes during the Term 3 of their junior year and Term 1 of their senior year.
Students in appropriate courses should consider SAT Subject Tests after speaking with their teacher and meeting with a college advisor.
Students will begin taking ACT and SAT beginning in January of the junior year. Students are encouraged to take the ACT twice, the SAT twice and one set of SAT Subject Tests before the end of the junior year.
International Students who are non-native English language speakers are advised to take the TOEFL prior to the end of Grade 11.
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to meet with college and university representatives who visit the Culver campus in the fall and spring of each school year. A list of all visiting admissions representatives can be found on the calendar in the student and parent portal.
Students and parents are encouraged to meet individually with their college advisors during college admissions process.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the financial aid and scholarship process with the college advising office.
For more information on the Junior and Senior Timeline, current families should visit EaglePath on the Parent Portal.
Parents can make an appointment by contacting their college advisor directly or via email.

Preparing for College Testing

At Culver Academies, there are several opportunities for students to take the tests they need to gain admission to college. Our College Advising staff assists students with understanding and scheduling the tests they need to be successful in the college admissions process.

Every Culver student is provided access to an adaptive on-line test preparation program. The PSAT is given to grades 9 - 11 in October. Advisors hold class level meetings to preview, and review the PSAT and its role in preparing for the SAT and in future course selection. In addition to an on-line adaptive program, Culver offers a SAT and ACT preparation class in Term 3 that is focused on the March SAT and April ACT.

Our advice on the SAT and ACT starts with planning to take two (2) SAT with Writing tests, and two (2) ACT with Writing tests in the junior year. Students should always review their plan(s) with a college advisor.

Culver is a Test Center for the SAT, Subject Tests, and the ACT.

Test Planning Timeline

What to Expect

Standardized testing includes PSAT, SAT, ACT, and TOEFL. Students enrolled at Culver will take the PSAT beginning in 9^th grade and will continue to take the test each October through 11^th grade. The PSAT provides students and advisors relevant information regarding academic progress and helps to determine AP potential.

Test Preparation

All Culver students are recommended to utilize Khan Academy, an interactive online learning platform that allows students to use their phones, tablets and laptops to prepare for PSAT and SAT programs. Students are encouraged to incorporate 10-15 minutes of test prep into their homework load each night. Student can connect their their Khan Academy account with their College Board account, to get directed study practice on the areas they need the most help.

Test Preparation Class

Culver offers a Term 3 SAT and ACT preparation class in partnership with Goldstein Test Prep. This course works within Culver's unique academic schedule and focuses on boosting preparation for the March SAT, and the April ACT.

This course is recommended for all Juniors and Second Classmen. While there is a fee associated with this class, financial support is available (students should speak with their college advisor).

PSAT

Students at Culver begin taking the PSAT in 9th grade and continue to take the test each October through 11th grade. The test gives students and academic advisors relevant information regarding progress in areas of the humanities and mathematics. The PSAT, when taken during the Junior year, places students for consideration for the National Merit scholarship Program, the National Achievement Program, and the National Hispanic Scholars Program.

Students at Culver take the PSAT in the 9th and 10th grades, and the PSAT/NMSQT in the 11th grade.

SAT & Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Reasoning Test is the oldest college examination in the United States. Registration meetings are held in October with the entire Junior class so they understand the exam registration process. we recommend students plan to take the SAT with Writing twice in their junior year.

The SAT Subject Tests were designed to evaluate academic knowledge and achievement in a particular subject or skill. Students may choose tests in areas such as literature, history, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Culver recommends that students take this test in May or June of their Junior year.

Test Day Requirements

Please make sure you meet all admission requirements for the SAT, ACT and TOEFL exams.

Students are not allowed to bring their phone or any device with wifi or bluetooth capabilities to the testing location. All phones must be kept in the dorm or unit.

ACT

The ACT, while not as old as the SAT, may be more relevant to students for its alignment with school curriculum. Culver encourages students to take the ACT with Writing twice during their Junior year and at least once during the fall of the Senior year.

Test Day Requirements

Please make sure you meet all admission requirements for the SAT, ACT and TOEFL exams.

Students are not allowed to bring their phone or any device with wifi or bluetooth capabilities to the testing location. All phones must be kept in the dorm or unit.

AP

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is given to all foreign students if English is not their native language. Most U.S. colleges require this test for admittance by foreign students.

Culver recommends students take the TOEFL in the final Term of grade 11, if not sooner. Students should make sure College Advising has a copy of their scores on hand. Students taking the TOEFL should review their TOEFL scores, and sub-scores, with their College Advisor.

Helpful Links

Questions?

For more information on College Advising, please contact us:

574-842-7700

CollegeAdvising@culver.org

Colleges Coming to Culver

Throughout the school year, representatives from colleges and universities visit Culver to meet students interested in attending their respective institutions.

The College Visitation Schedule is updated regularly and students have college visits noted on their calendar.

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In This Section

College Advising

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9th and 10th Grades

11th and 12th Grades

Preparing for College Testing

What to Expect

Test Preparation

Test Preparation Class

PSAT

SAT & Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests

Test Day Requirements

ACT

ACT

AP

AP Tests

TOEFL

TOEFL

Helpful Links

Questions?

Colleges Coming to Culver