Guidance FAQs

1.  What is the mission of the College Guidance Office?

Our mission is to guide students and families through the process of applying to colleges and universities.  We help them make informed decisions and help find “matchs” for students with several colleges.

2.  When should we start thinking about applying to colleges?

Start during your Junior year with an emphasis is on choosing colleges. Use the time early in your Senior year to apply to colleges.  See timetable.

3.  When is College Application Night?

First week of school every year, we have a College Application Night for Senior year students and parents. We explains procedures for Senior year and answer any questions you might have.

4.  How do we stay on top of all of the deadlines?

Barrack Hebrew Academy publishes a weekly newsletter, College Counseling Comments, which is distributed in grade meeting every Monday throughout the fall e-mailed to all Seniors and their parents. Reminders of deadlines, college representative visits, open house invitations and scholarship opportunities are included.

5. When are you available to help?

During Junior year, each family schedules an hour-long appointment to discuss students' preferences for college.  Six college selection presentations are given for all Juniors in the classrooms to discuss researching colleges, visiting, interviewing, writing essays, etc...A college selection night is offered for students and parents during Junior year.

During senior year, we have individual meetings and also group “open hours” for review of applications and essays, choosing teachers for recommendations and of course any questions. Students can set up meetings during the day or evening.

6.  Do colleges visit Barrack Hebrew Academy for recruiting?

Students can attend presentations given by admissions representatives from over 40 colleges and universities.

7.  Once we've applied, what's next?

We meet with students to review the final list of colleges where they are applying.  In April, students often seek advice on their final college decision.

8.  Can you help us with financial aid applications?

Barrack Hebrew Academy offers a program given by a financial aid officer every November and parents of juniors and seniors are invited to attend.  Books, forms, and other material is available in the College Guidance office for assistance in identifying and applying for aid.