College Counseling

9th Grade

• Academic planning
• Overview of college planning & admission

10th Grade

• Self awareness
• Exploration of college and career options

11th Grade

• Identification of interests & priorities
• Discovering colleges that match interests

12th Grade

• Effective interviews, essays, and applications
• Making informed college choices

Individual Meetings are scheduled with Juniors and their parents to discuss academic interests, their priorities for college selection, any special needs or circumstances, and the steps necessary to complete the admission process in a timely manner. A preliminary list of “matched” colleges is either generated or reviewed, as well as the steps for developing a comprehensive and effective college application. Meetings continue, as needed, to refine the college list and develop comprehensive and effective college applications.

College Day/Night Programs are held for students and parents to provide an overview of the college planning process and insight into how college admission decisions are made. The following programs and workshops are planned to address a variety of specialized topics such as: college search, testing, and financial aid for college.

College Advising Meetings are designed to address college planning issues such as testing, campus visits, college selection, college interviews, and the college application process. 

College Tour for Project Week is TBD. This popular program is open to students in 10th and 11th grades and provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of colleges. 



College Reps Visit Overlake each fall to inform students about their colleges and address student questions. These meetings provide a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with folks who are often members of the admission review committees at their colleges.  A list of scheduled visitors is posted on SCOIR under the “Events & Deadlines” section. If you are a college representative, contact Regina Quiban.



The Graduates Return Program provides Upper School students with an opportunity to hear from recent alumni about their experiences in college. It is one of a number of activities that is geared toward preparing for a smooth transition to college. 



Overlake’s College Link Network facilitates connection between Overlake students and alumni who are currently enrolled in college. Volunteer alumni serve as resources for students interested in knowing more about their college experiences. The list of alumni who have volunteered to participate in our College Link program is available in the SCOIR My Drive (please see below for information about SCOIR). If you are an alum, you can sign up to volunteer for College Link.



Seattle Area Independent School (SAIS) College Fair – this annual college fair, in which Overlake and other local independent schools participate, further facilitates college exploration by bringing top-notch colleges and independent school students together.  

PSAT exams are administered at school for Overlake sophomores and juniors. For testing dates please refer to the school calendar. 

SAT and ACT exams are not administered at school. Students are encouraged to schedule at least one SAT and/or ACT during the spring of the junior year (preferably the May or June test dates). These exams are offered at neighboring schools many times during the school year.  Check these testing websites for details: sat.collegeboard.org for the SAT; www.actstudent.org for the ACT. 

Extended Time testing – Students who want to pursue extended time testing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT should schedule a meeting with Overlake’s Learning Specialist regarding documentation deadlines, requirements, and scheduling.

Scoir is a comprehensive web-based service designed to facilitate college planning, research of colleges/scholarships/careers and manage student profile information. All Upper School students and families at Overlake have access to Scoir for information related to college and career planning, college scholarships, summer enrichment opportunities, and programs sponsored by Overlake’s College Counseling department.  

Log into Scoir

If you have not activated your Scoir account, or have any questions, please email Regina Quiban.

The College Resource Library is located in the College Counseling office which is in Overlake’s Library.  It provides many college guides, catalogues, and test preparation materials that are available for loan to students and parents.

Overlake’s College Counselors help students recognize their college options and the pathway towards achieving their educational goals.   Good communication among students, parents, counselors and teachers, coupled with orderly planning and management of the college search and application process will lead to the greatest success and smooth transition to college.